The Space-time Transcendence in Chinese Classical Literature

Abstract

Mr. Zong Baihua has ever discussed about ancient Chinese people’s consciousness about time and space is "four seasons parallel the four corners of the world". The rhythm of time leads the orientation of space to form our universe. This consciousness about time and space has already been presented in literature and art early from Qin and Han dynasties. As then, the Chinese cosmology "Enjoyment in Moments, Meditation in Universe" is filled with the realm of poetry, forming a poetic space-time transcendence. The "space-time transcendence" in Chinese classical literature is a broader realm constructed by "mental state". This paper further analyzes the two "transcendence" paths of "inward eye" and "create fantasy" to justify the three phase which full of romanticism: "escape", "ideal" and "death" in classical literature. Through these analysis, to explore roots, existential forms and value significance of "space-time transcendence" and enrich the "culture-psychological structure" of the Chinese nation.