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'''Ge Hong''' ([[Chinese character|Chinese]]: 葛洪; [[Pinyin]]: Gě Hóng; also known as '''Zhichuan''', [[284]]-[[364]]) was a minor southern official during the [[Jìn Dynasty]] ([[263]]-[[420]]), best known for writings on [[Daoism]], [[alchemy]], and techniques of longevity. Yet these religious and [[esoteric]] writings represent only a portion of Ge's considerable literary output, which, as a whole, spans a broad range of content and genres.  
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'''Ge Hong''' (Wade-Giles: '''Ko Hung'''; 284 – 364 C.E.), also known as '''Zhichuan''', was a prolific [[China|Chinese]] writer and political official during the [[Jìn Dynasty]] (263–420 C.E.), best known for his writings on [[Daoism]], [[alchemy]], and techniques of longevity. These religious and [[esoteric]] writings represent only a portion of his considerable literary output, which, as a whole, spans a broad range of content and genres. Although most of Ge Hong's early works are lost, modern scholars have recognized his influence on later writers, such as the [[Tang Dynasty]] (618–906 C.E.) poet [[Li Bai]] (701–762), who was inspired by his predecessor's images of transcendence and reclusion. Despite the thematic and artistic significance of his work, it was never enshrined in one of the famous collections of essays and poetry, such as the ''Wenxuan'' (Selections of Refined Literature).  
  
Although a prolific writer in many literary styles, most of Ge's early work, which included rhapsodies (''fu''), verse (''shi''), historical commentary, and biographies, are now lost. His surviving works consist of:
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Ge Hong’s writing reflects the complex intellectual landscape of the Jin period, and should be considered essential reading for anyone seeking to understand early medieval Chinese religion, culture, and society. Recent scholarly and popular translations of Ge Hong’s writing into English have ensured his inclusion in the swelling tide of enthusiasm for esoteric and religious [[Daoism]] in the West.
* one volume of [[hagiography|hagiographies]], entitled ''Shenxian zhuan'' (Traditions of Divine Transcendents);
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* two volumes of essays and alchemical writing totaling seventy chapters, collectively entitled ''Baopuzi'' or "The Master Who Embraces Simplicity" (Ge’s sobriquet).
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Ge Hong’s efforts to understand Daoism and [[Confucianism]] are relevant to thinking today about how to establish a just and stable social order. Although he considered following the ''[[Daoism|dao]]'' superior to the rules of social conduct ''([[Li|li]])'' associated with the Confucian tradition, he viewed each as appropriate within its proper sphere. According to his paradigm, which he drew from earlier sources, when the sage kings followed the dao, society was well ordered, and the natural world proceeded without calamities. As the dao declined, the ethical prescriptions of the ru (Confucianism) arose to remedy the resulting social ills and natural disasters. Thus, in his view, Daoism and Confucianism both possess an ethical and political dimension by bringing order to the human and natural world. However, because most people have difficulty following or understanding the dao, Confucianism (along with a healthy dose of legalism) is necessary to enact social order.
In the ''Neipian'' (Inner Chapters) volume of the ''Baopuzi'', Ge vigorously defends the attainability of divine transcendence or "[[immortality]]" through [[Daoist alchemy|alchemy]]; the ''Waipian'' (Outer Chapters) volume is almost entirely given to social and literary criticism.
 
 
 
Most of Ge's surviving work demonstrates the influence of notable essayists and thinkers from the [[Han dynasty|Han]] period ([[206 B.C.E.]]- [[220]] AD) such as [[Sima Qian]] (c. [[145 B.C.E.|145]]-[[90 B.C.E.]]) and [[Wang Chong]] (c. [[27]]-[[97]]), as well as [[poet]]s and literati from the post-Han era, such as [[Ji Kang]] ([[223]]-[[262]]) and [[Zuo Si]] (c. [[253]]-[[309]]). Modern scholars have recognized Hong’s influence on later writers, such as the [[Tang dynasty]] ([[618]]-[[906]]) poet [[Li Bai]] ([[701]]-[[762]]), who was inspired by his predecessor's images of [[transcendence (philosophy)|transcendence]] and reclusion. However, despite its thematic and artistic significance, Ge's work was never enshrined in one of the famous collections of essays and poetry, such as the ''Wenxuan'' (Selections of Refined Literature).  
 
 
 
Ge Hong’s writing reflects the complex intellectual landscape of the Jin period, and should be considered essential reading for anyone seeking to understand early medieval Chinese religion, culture, and society. Recent scholarly and popular translations of Ge’s writing into English have ensured his inclusion in the swelling tide of enthusiasm for esoteric and religious Daoism in the West.
 
  
 
==Biographical Sketch==
 
==Biographical Sketch==
 
=== Ancestry ===
 
=== Ancestry ===
Biographical sources for Ge Hong are varied, but almost all of them are based either in whole or in part upon his autobiographical ''Postface to the Outer Chapters.'' Though this postface makes some dubious statements about his lineage's emergence from a long-defunct royal family (in keeping with Chinese autobiographical convention), there is no reason to dismiss Ge's depiction of his family's more recent history.
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Biographical sources for Ge Hong are varied, but almost all of them are based either in whole or in part upon his autobiographical ''Postface to the Outer Chapters.'' Though this postface makes some dubious statements about his lineage's emergence from a long-defunct royal family (in keeping with Chinese autobiographical convention), there is no reason to dismiss Ge Hong's depiction of his family's more recent history.
  
According to this source, Ge’s family resided in the south for generations, and occupied official positions in the kingdom of Wu (220-280), which ruled southeastern China after the final dissolution of the Han dynasty in the early 3rd century. Ge Hong's grandfather, Ge Xi, was an erudite scholar who governed several counties in modern Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. He eventually rose to the rank of Junior Mentor to the crown prince of Wu, and occupied numerous posts within the central administration.  
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According to this source, Ge Hong’s family resided in the south for generations, and occupied official positions in the kingdom of Wu (220–280 C.E.), which ruled southeastern China after the final dissolution of the [[Han Dynasty]] in the early third century. Ge Hong's grandfather, Ge Xi, was an erudite scholar who governed several counties in modern Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. He eventually rose to the rank of junior mentor to the crown prince of Wu, and occupied numerous posts within the central administration.  
  
Ge Hong describes his father, Ge Ti (d. 295 CE), in similarly laudatory terms. Ge Ti served in various civil and military positions, and was eventually appointed Governor of Kuaiji prefecture. Around the time of this appointment, the Jin dynasty, which had already succeeded in unifying northern China around 265, successfully invaded the state of Wu in 280 CE.  
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Ge Hong describes his father, Ge Ti (d. 295 C.E.), in similarly laudatory terms. Ge Ti served in various civil and military positions, and was eventually appointed governor of Kuaiji prefecture. Around the time of this appointment, the Jin dynasty, which had already succeeded in unifying northern China around 265 C.E., successfully invaded the state of Wu in 280 C.E.  
  
The Ge family's fortunes changed with the Jin victory. Because the Jin administration attempted to check the power of the southern gentry by giving them positions of little authority, Ge Ti initially lost both prestige and power under the new government, who appointed him to various minor posts. However, Ge Ti’s administrative skills were eventually rewarded with a promotion, and he died while in office, serving as the Governor of Shaoling (modern Hunan) province.
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The Ge family's fortunes changed with the Jin victory. Because the Jin administration attempted to check the power of the southern gentry by giving them positions of little authority, Ge Ti initially lost both prestige and power under the new government, which appointed him to various minor posts. However, Ge Ti’s administrative skills were eventually rewarded with a promotion, and he died while in office, serving as the governor of Shaoling (modern Hunan) province.
  
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
  
Ge was born in [[283]] in Jurong, just three years after the Jin conquest of Wu. He was the youngest of three sons, but no information exists concerning his older brothers. By his own account, Ge possessed a serious demeanor as a child, declining to play with other children or to participate in activities such as [[Chinese chess|chess]], gambling, or cock fighting. He was equally uninterested in serious study, and states that his indulgent parents never compelled him to pursue the kind of academic training that was probably expected for the offspring of an influential gentry family.
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Ge Hong, the youngest of Ge Ti's three sons, was born in 283 C.E. in Jurong, just three years after the Jin conquest of Wu. He was only 12 years old when his father died, an incident that inflicted social and financial hardship on his family. In his ''Postface'', Ge Hong describes how he had paid for his education through a meager income earned chopping firewood. However, modern scholars now assume that his claims of extreme poverty are exaggerated. They compellingly observe that such a distinguished family, with their long and prestigious record of government service, would not have declined so quickly into economic ruin.  
Ge was only twelve years old when his father died in [[295]], an incident that seems to have inflicted some hardship on his family. He states that he personally engaged in plowing and planting, suffering from cold and hunger. The destruction of his father’s library by soldiers due to civil strife worsened Ge’s plight and, in one colorful passage from his postface, he describes how he used his meager income earned from chopping firewood to underwrite his education. Ge’s claim of extreme poverty is generally regarded as an exaggeration. It has been rightly observed that so distinguished a family, with such a long and prestigious record of government office, would not have declined so quickly into economic ruin.  
 
  
It is probably true that the death of his father was a blow to Ge’s public aspirations, for it may have meant losing his father’s network of friends and allies that might have helped him find an official position. However, the idea that Ge was reduced to such a state of poverty that he sold firewood to buy books is a [[hyperbole]] that few critical readers take seriously. Several modern scholars have correctly pointed out that ordinary farmers could ill-afford such luxuries as books or the leisure time to read them. The possibility that Hong subsidized a broad education with manual labor is remote at best. Regardless, it is not hard to imagine that, upon his father’s death, Ge’s family underwent a period of relative hardship, during which he may have personally supervised the family estate, an activity that took time away from his studies.  
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Regardless, this period of Ge Hong's life, as described in his biography in the ''Jin shu'' (History of the Jin Dynasty), also saw the beginning of commitment to scholarship. It was at this time that he began to study the canon of texts generally associated with the ''ru jia'' ([[Confucianism]]). Ge Hong states that he began to read classics such as the ''[[Shi jing]]'' (Book of Odes) at 15 without the benefit of a tutor, and could recite from memory those books he studied and grasp their essential meaning. His extensive reading is described as approaching "ten thousand chapters," a number evidently meant to suggest the dizzying scope of his education.  
  
The impressive range of Ge Hong’s early education and his youthful literary endeavors also cast doubt on claims of extreme poverty. According to his biography in the ''Jin shu'' (History of the Jin Dynasty), it was during this early period that Ge began his study of the canon of texts, generally associated with ''ru jia'', often translated simply as "Confucianism". Ge states that he began to read classics such as the "Shi jing" (Book of Odes) at fifteen, without the benefit of a tutor, and could recite from memory those books he studied and grasp their essential meaning. His extensive reading approached "ten thousand chapters", a number meant to suggest the dizzying scope of his education.
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In reality, his formal education probably began much earlier, as elsewhere in his autobiographical postface, Ge Hong states that he had already begun to write poetry, rhapsodies, and other miscellaneous writings by the age of 14 or 15 (c. 298), all of which he later destroyed. His statements regarding early poverty and belated studies convey the sense that his education was largely the product of his own acumen and determination rather than his privileged social status. Claims that he started his education as late as fifteen may also be an oblique literary reference to Confucius’ own statement in the ''Lunyu'' ([[Analects]]) 2.4 that, "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning."
  
In reality, his formal education probably began much earlier, as elsewhere in his autobiographical postface, Ge states that he had already begun to write poetry, rhapsodies, and other miscellaneous writings by the age of fourteen or fifteen (c. [[298]]), all of which he later destroyed. Ge’s statements regarding early poverty and belated studies convey the sense that his education was largely the product of his own acumen and determination rather than his privileged social status. Such exaggerations may be regarded as literary conventions, intended to show the unique nature of his education in the face of financial difficulties brought on by his father’s death. Claims that he started his education as late as fifteen may also be an oblique literary reference to Confucius’ own statement in ''Lunyu'' ([[Analects]]) 2.4 that, "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning."
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Around this time, Ge Hong entered into the tutelage of Zheng Yin, an accomplished classical scholar who had turned to esoteric studies later in life. According to his lengthy and colorful description of his teacher, Zheng Yin was over 80 years old but still remarkably healthy. He was a master of the so-called "[[Five Classics]]" who continued to teach the ''Li ji'' ([[Book of Rites]]) and the ''Shu'' (Documents). Zheng Yin was also a teacher of the esoteric arts of longevity, [[divination]], and [[astrology]], and was also an accomplished musician. Zheng Yin’s instruction in the esoteric arts emphasized the manufacture of the "golden elixir" or ''jin dan'', which he considered the only truly achievable means of achieving transcendence. His influence is reflected in portions of Ge Hong’s writings that endorse alchemy, but are critical of dietary regimens, herbs, and other popular methods of longevity.  
  
Around this time, or perhaps a little before (c. [[297]]) Ge, then fourteen years old, entered into the tutelage of [[Zheng Yin]], an accomplished classical scholar who had turned to esoteric studies later in life. According to Ge’s lengthy and colorful description of his teacher, Zheng was over eighty years old but still remarkably hale. He was a master of the so-called "[[Five Classics]]" who continued to teach the ''Li ji'' ([[Book of Rites]]) and the ''Shu'' (Documents), was a teacher of the esoteric arts of longevity, [[divination]], and [[astrology]], and was even an accomplished musician! Zheng Yin’s instruction in the esoteric arts emphasized the manufacture of the "gold elixir" or ''jin dan'', which he considered the only truly significant means to achieve transcendence. His influence is reflected in portions of Hong’s writings that endorse alchemy, but are critical of dietary regimens, herbs, and other popular methods of longevity.
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Regardless of this esoteric focus, it is notable that Ge Hong's ''Baopuzi'' abounds in references to canonical texts, implying that he likely received a well rounded, if untraditional, education from Zheng Yin.
 
 
The process of learning alchemical recipes and receiving scriptures combined rituals, oral instruction, and textual transmission. Ge states that his master carefully limited access to these texts among his more than fifty disciples. He was only permitted to copy out a few, but lists the titles of many more in his own writings. Indeed, Ge’s "Inner Chapters" is remarkable for its extensive [[bibliography]] of alchemical scriptures, most of which exist only in fragments today. Only to Ge did Zheng Yin transmit texts such as the ''Sanhuang neiwen'' (Esoteric Writings of the Three Sovereigns), which Zheng considered to be among the most important alchemical scriptures. Ge also received three scriptures from the Grand Purity tradition that originated in northern China, along with their accompanying esoteric, oral instructions. These texts were relatively unknown south of the [[Yangtze River]], and their transmission to Ge may be regarded as a rare event that owed something to Zheng Yin’s close relationship to Ge’s family. Zheng Yin was the pupil of Ge’s granduncle Ge Xuan, who was in turn the pupil of the well-known Han [[occultist]] (''fangshi''), Zuo Ci. Ge claims that these three texts were revealed through divine revelation to Zuo Ci, who later fled south to escape the chaos that followed the collapse of the [[Han dynasty]].
 
 
 
References to canonical texts throughout Baopuzi raise the possibility that Ge received a well-rounded, if untraditional education, from Zheng Yin, who was a teacher of both the orthodox Han literary canon, as well as a master of esoteric studies. Ge’s description of his tenure as one of Zheng Yin’s students recalls a private school, complete with students doing work, such as sweeping the floors and chopping firewood, in addition to their studies. Traditional education in the so-called Confucian canon was out of fashion in Ge’s era. It may be the case that Ge, deprived of his father’s instruction and furthermore suffering the loss of his father’s library, attended a private school that emphasized the non-canonical education, popular after the dissolution of the Han. Zheng Yin’s close relationship to Ge’s family, through Ge Xuan, might have naturally led to Ge Hong’s privileged instruction in important esoteric texts.
 
  
 
=== Early official career ===
 
=== Early official career ===
  
Around [[302]], Zheng Yin, perhaps catching wind of the growing political turmoil, moved to Mount Huo in modern [[Fujian]] province to live in seclusion with a few select disciples. Ge did not accompany him, and reported that Zheng Yin’s exact whereabouts were unknown. In the following year, at the age of twenty, Ge began his official career with the military service, swept up in a tide of rebellion and warfare. He was appointed to the position of Defender Commandant, and ordered to raise a militia of several hundred to fight Shi Bing, an ally of the rebel, Zhang Chang, who sought to overthrow the Western Jin. Hong, who served under the command of Gu Mi, is not mentioned in official accounts of this conflict, but in his autobiographical postface, he is unusually forthcoming about his battlefield heroics and abilities as a commander. Such accounts of Ge’s bravery is made all the more startling by his insistence elsewhere that in his youth, he was so weak that he could not even draw a [[bow (weapon)|bow]]. Such self-deprecating physical descriptions are probably best seen in the same light as his claims of early poverty. Based on his service record, it is more likely that Ge received military training in his youth, and was skilled in both the use of arms and strategy.  
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Around 302 C.E., Ge Hong's mentor Zheng Yin moved to Mount Huo in modern Fujian province to live in seclusion with a few select disciples. Ge Hong did not accompany him, and, in the following year, at the age of 20, Ge Hong began his official career by serving in the military, swept up in a tide of rebellion and warfare. He was appointed to the position of defender commandant and raised a militia of several hundred to fight Shi Bing, who sought to overthrow the Western Jin. Ge Hong’s autobiographical postface is unusually forthcoming in its depictions of his battlefield heroics and abilities as a commander. Such accounts of his bravery are made all the more startling by his insistence elsewhere that, in his youth, he was so weak that he could not even draw a bow. Such self-deprecating physical descriptions are probably best seen in the same light as his claims of early poverty. Based on his service record, it is more likely that Ge Hong received military training in his youth, and was skilled in both the use of arms and strategy.  
  
After Shi Bing’s force was destroyed, he was discharged and recognized for his service with the honorary title of "General Who Makes the Waves Submit". According to Ge’s account, soon after he left for the Jin capital of Luoyang to search for "unusual books". In reality, Ge’s journey may have been inspired by the more mundane desire to parlay his military honors into an official position at the capital. During this time, the so-called "War of Eight Princes" consumed the area around Luoyang, a civil conflict that would eventually result in almost sixteen years of political chaos, prior to the collapse of the Western Jin in [[317]]. To the southeast of Luoyang, the rebel, Chen Min, occupied a large swath of territory east of the Yangzi River, and declared himself the Duke of Chu. Owing to such a staggering degree of social upheaval, Ge found the way north impassible, and wandered in the south.
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After Shi Bing’s force was destroyed, Ge Hong was discharged with the honorary title "General Who Makes the Waves Submit." Around 306, he entered into the service of Ji Han (c. 262–306), a relative of the poet and essayist, Ji Kang. At the time, Ji Han was fighting several rebel groups in the south, and had just been appointed regional inspector of Guangzhou. Ge Hong states that he saw employment with Ji Han as a means to move south, and escape political and social chaos. It may also be that the two shared a bond of friendship, based on mutual interests and literary aspirations. Like Ge Hong, Ji Han was a military official that also excelled in literature and dabbled in esoteric studies, having written at least two treatises on alchemical subjects ("The Rhapsody on Cold Victual Powder" and the "Description of Herbs and Plants of the Southern Region").
  
Around [[306]], Ge entered into the service of Ji Han (c. [[262]]-[[306]]), a relative of the poet and essayist, Ji Kang. At the time, Ji Han was fighting several rebel groups in the south, and had just been appointed Regional Inspector of Guangzhou. Ge states that he saw employment with Ji Han as a means to move south, and escape political and social chaos. It may also be that Ge and Ji Han shared a bond of friendship, based on mutual interests and literary aspirations. Like Ge, Ji Han was a military official who also excelled in literature and dabbled in esoteric studies. Ji Han wrote the "Rhapsody on Cold Victual Powder", which lauds the effectiveness of a drug, popular with the literati during the [[Six Dynasties]] era, as well as a tract, entitled "Description of Herbs and Plants of the Southern Region" that is no longer extant. The period of Hong’s employment with Ji Han was extremely brief, for Ji Han was killed while en route to assuming his new position in Guangzhou. Ge, who had traveled ahead of his new employer, was left in the south with neither job nor political patron. Thus Ge’s early official career came to an abrupt and unexpected end.
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Unfortunately, Hong’s term of employment with Ji Han was extremely brief, for his new superior was killed while en route to his new position in Guangzhou. Ge Hong, who had traveled ahead of his new employer, was left in the south with neither job nor political patron, precipitating an abrupt and unexpected end to his early official career.
  
 
=== Early reclusion and writing ===
 
=== Early reclusion and writing ===
  
Rather than return north, Ge refused other honors and remained in the south, living as a recluse on Mount Luofu for the next eight years before returning to his native Jurong around [[314]]. The decision meant that Ge avoided much of the political upheaval that ravaged the Jin state, as various contenders for the throne pillaged Luoyang over the next several years. It was probably during this time on Mt. Luofu that Ge began his relationship with [[Bao Jing]] ([[260]]-[[327]]). According to the biographies of both Bao Jing and Ge, Bao was an adept in a wide variety of esoteric studies, including medicine, and transmitted his techniques and knowledge to Hong. Conversely, Bao Jing "valued Ge very much, and married a daughter to him". Evidence for the precise timing of their initial meeting is largely circumstantial. Around [[312]], Bao was appointed Governor of Nanhai prefecture, not far from Mt. Luofu. Some sources suggest that Bao Jing often traveled to Mt. Luofu to study esoteric arts, during which time he would have certainly met Ge. While such accounts may be apocryphal, timing and proximity raise the possibility that the two men began their relationship while Ge lived in the far south.  
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Rather than return north, Ge Hong refused other honors and remained in the south, living as a recluse on Mount Luofu for the next eight years before returning to his native Jurong around 314. The decision meant that he avoided much of the political upheaval that ravaged the Jin state, as various contenders for the throne pillaged Luoyang over the next several years.
  
This period of reclusion appears to have been a time of great literary productivity for Ge. In addition to a remarkable body of writing that is now sadly lost, he also composed those extant works for which he is known today, the ''Baopuzi'', and the ''Shenxian zhuan''. It is nearly impossible to narrow down precisely the dates of composition for Ge’s surviving work. Autobiographical statements within the ''Baopuzi'' seem to indicate quite clearly that by the end of his residence on Mt. Luofu, or soon thereafter, Ge had written the ''Baopuzi'' as it exists today, arranged into "Inner" and "Outer" sections of twenty and fifty chapters, respectively, and had moreover composed a work called ''Shenxian zhuan''.  
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It was probably during this time on Mt. Luofu that Ge Hong began his friendship with Bao Jing (260–327 C.E.). According to the biographies of both Bao Jing and Ge Hong, Bao Jing was an adept in a wide variety of esoteric studies, including medicine, and transmitted his techniques and knowledge to Hong. Likewise, Bao Jing "valued Ge [Hong] very much, and married a daughter to him." Evidence for the precise timing of their initial meeting is largely circumstantial. Around 312, Bao Jing was appointed governor of Nanhai prefecture, not far from Mt. Luofu. Some sources suggest that Bao Jing often traveled to Mt. Luofu to study esoteric arts, during which time he would have met Ge Hong. While such accounts may be apocryphal, timing and proximity raise the possibility that the two men began their friendship while Ge Hong lived in the far south.  
  
Several modern scholars (notably Chen Feilong) have speculated based on close textual study that Ge revised or rewrote these twenty chapters after his final retirement in [[331]], and that the "Inner Chapters" mentioned here might be an altogether different edition of the work that exists today by that title. This notion, whether or not it is correct, points more generally to the difficulties of working in a textual tradition, rich in editorial revision and forgery. Robert Campany’s ([[2002]]) painstaking attempt to reconstruct the ''Shenxian zhuan'' illustrates many of the problems confronting modern scholars of Ge and early Chinese texts. According to Campany, the ''Shenxian zhuan'' as it now exists, is riddled with amendments, errors, and later additions. None of the current editions, collected within various [[encyclopedia]] of early texts, can be said to be the ''Shenxian zhuan'', written by Ge. Campany’s study suggests that many problems of authorship and editorial corruption in Ge’s surviving work remain to be solved.
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This bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbperiod appears to have been a time of great literary productivity for Ge Hong. In addition to a remarkable body of writing that is now sadly lost, he also composed those extant works for which he is known today, the ''Baopuzi'' and the ''Shenxian zhuan.''
  
 
=== Later official career ===
 
=== Later official career ===
  
Shortly after emerging from reclusion and returning to his family home of Jurong around [[314]], Ge received an appointment as Clerk to the Prince of Langya, [[Sima Rui]] ([[276]]-[[322]]), who served as Prime Minister from [[313]] until [[316]]. The exact date of the appointment is unclear, but it certainly occurred after Ge’s return to Jurong, and was probably early in Sima Rui’s tenure as Prime Minister. Sima Rui used the position of Clerk, which was for the most part an honorary appointment, to woo talented officials, and bring them into the fold of his administration. He appointed over one hundred people (some sources say 106) in this way, and the appointments were probably an indication of his growing political power. In [[317]], the Western Jin collapsed after years of civil conflict, and an invasion from non-Chinese people to the north. Sima Rui stepped into this power-vacuum, moving the Jin court south to Jiankang (near present day [[Nanjing]]), and taking the title of "King of Jin" as a preliminary step towards claiming the mantle of emperor.  
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In 314, shortly after emerging from reclusion and returning to his family home in Jurong, Ge Hong received an appointment as clerk to the Prince of Langya (Sima Rui, 276–322), who served as prime minister from 313 until 316. Sima Rui used this position, which was for the most part an honorary appointment, to woo talented officials and bring them into the fold of his administration. He appointed over one hundred people in this way, with these appointments a likely indication of his growing political power. In 317, after the collapse of the Western Jin, Sima Rui stepped into the resultant power vacuum, moving the Jin court south to Jiankang (near present day Nanjing) and taking the title "King of Jin" as a preliminary step towards claiming the mantle of emperor.  
  
The refugee court in Jiankang was eager to solidify its position among the southern gentry families upon whom it now depended for its survival and granted numerous official appointments and honorary titles. Ge was recognized for his previous military service with the honorary title of "Marquis of the Region Within the Pass", and awarded an income of two hundred households in Jurong. Finally, in [[318]], Sima Rui proclaimed himself Emperor Yuan (reigned [[318]]-[[323]]), becoming the first ruler of the [[Eastern Jin Dynasty|Eastern Jin]] ([[317]]-[[420]]).  
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The refugee court in Jiankang was eager to solidify its position among the southern gentry families upon whom it now depended for its survival, granting numerous official appointments and honorary titles. Ge Hong, for example, was recognized for his previous military service with the honorary title of "Marquis of the Region Within the Pass" and awarded an income of two hundred households. These ingratiating ploys evidently succeeded, as in 318 Sima Rui was able to proclaim himself Emperor Yuan (reigned 318-323), becoming the first ruler of the Eastern Jin (317-420). Under this new dynasty, Ge Hong was summoned to fill a variety of appointments, including recorder of Yangzhou, secretary to the minister of education, and administrative advisor to the minister of defense.  
  
Among the prerogatives of a new dynasty was writing the history of its predecessor. Around [[318]], the influential minister, [[Wang Dao]] ([[276]]-[[339]]), commissioned Gan Bao (the author of ''Soushen ji'' (Inquest into the Spirit Realm)), Wang Yin, and Guo Pu ([[276]]-[[324]]) to write the ''Jin ji'' (Record of the Jin). Wang Dao, and others in his coterie, would exert considerable influence over Ge’s later official career. In [[324]], Wang Dao was made Regional Inspector of [[Yangzhou]]. Shortly thereafter, beginning in [[326]], Ge was summoned to fill a variety of appointments in Wang Dao’s administration, such as Recorder of Yangzhou, Secretary to the Minister of Education, and the military post of Administrative Advisor.  
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The fact that Ge Hong’s official biography and his autobiographical writing do not mention any actual duties performed in these positions suggests that the appointments may have been honorary to some degree. It is also possible that he omitted mention of these positions in order to preserve the veil of eremitism that colors his autobiographical account. Fortuitously, Wang Dao, his bureaucratic superior, seems to have been a collector of famous recluse’s biographies, perhaps out of a desire to project an image of virtuous authority. Thus, in addition to his past services on behalf of the Jin court, Ge Hong’s self-consciously crafted eremitic image may have contributed to his success within Wang Dao’s administration.  
  
The fact that Ge’s official biography, and his autobiographical writing, do not mention any actual duties performed in these positions suggests that the appointments may have been honorary to some degree. It is also possible that he omitted mention of these positions in his own writings in order to preserve the veil of eremitism that obscures his autobiographical account. Wang Dao seems to have been a collector of famous recluses, perhaps out of a desire to project an image of virtuous authority. According to the official biography of Ge’s contemporary, Guo Wen (''Jinshu'' 64), Wang built a garden in which Guo resided as a kind of hermit-in-residence, entertaining Wang Dao’s entourage with philosophical debate and clever conversation. Thus, in addition to his past services on behalf of the Jin court, Ge’s self-consciously crafted image of eremitism may have contributed to his success within Wang Dao’s administration. Regardless, it seems clear that Wang Dao knew of Ge by reputation, and sought to bring him into the fold of his personal staff.
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During his tenure with the Eastern Jin bureaucracy, Ge Hong also came to the attention of the historian, Gan Bao, who recognized his literary acumen and offered him several positions on his staff. Specifically, he recommended Ge Hong for either the office of senior recorder, a position within the Bureau of Scribes ''(shi guan)'', or the office of editorial director, which would have involved Ge Hong writing state-sanctioned [[historiography]]. These recommendations may have come about as a result of Gan Bao’s charge to introduce talented men to high office, as well as a mutual admiration between two decidedly eclectic scholars.  
  
During his tenure within Wang Dao’s administration, Ge also came to the attention of the historian, [[Gan Bao]]. Gan seems to have recognized Ge’s literary acumen, and offered him several positions on his staff. He recommended Ge for the office of Senior Recorder, a position within the Bureau of Scribes (''shi guan'') that was in responsible for compiling the "Imperial Diary", as well as the office of Editorial Director, which would have involved Ge in writing of state-sanctioned [[historiography]]. These recommendations may have come about as a result of Gan Bao’s charge to introduce talented men to high office, as well as mutual admiration between two decidedly eclectic scholars.
+
According to his official biography, Ge Hong refused these positions on Gan Bao’s staff. However, as with many details of his official life, it is difficult to separate fact from literary persona. The bibliographic treatise of the ''Sui shu'' (History of the Sui Dynasty) contains an entry for a now-lost work entitled ''Hanshu chao'' (Notes on the History of the Former Han) by a senior recorder named Hong. Likewise, authorship of the ''Xijing zazhi'' (Miscellanies of the Western Capital)—a collection of historical anecdotes that probably originated in the Han period—was long ascribed to Ge Hong. As a result, it appears that Ge Hong possessed some reputation for historical writing during his own lifetime. Consequently, the possibility that he accepted an appointment on Gan Bao’s staff is not entirely out of the question.
 
 
According to his official biography, Ge refused these positions on Gan Bao’s staff. However, as with many details of Ge’s official life, it is difficult to separate fact from literary persona. The bibliographic treatise of the ''Sui shu'' (History of the [[Sui Dynasty]]) contains an entry for a work entitled, ''Hanshu chao'' (Notes on the History of the Former Han), a text that is now lost, by Senior Recorder Hong. Moreover, authorship of the ''Xijing zazhi'' (Miscellanies of the Western Capital) — a collection of historical anecdotes that probably dates from the Han period — was long ascribed to Ge. It appears that Ge possessed some reputation for historical writing during his own lifetime, and so the possibility that he accepted an appointment on Gan Bao’s staff is not entirely out of the question.
 
  
 
=== Retirement and later life ===
 
=== Retirement and later life ===
  
Several events during this final period of Ge’s public life may have contributed to his eventual decision to relocate once again to the far south. Around [[328]], Su Jun’s (died 328) rebellion ravaged part of what is now modern [[Zhejiang]] province, exposing the fragility of political life under the Eastern Jin regime. Ge also suffered the death of his much-admired contemporary, Guo Wen, in the same year, an event that may have impressed upon him the fleeting nature of life in uncertain times, which is a recurring theme in his surviving writing. According to several passages in the ''Baopuzi'', his ultimate goal lay in following the tradition of cultural icons and seekers of immortality, such as Chi Songzi (Master Red Pine) by living in reclusion, and concocting elixirs of transcendence.
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Two events during the final period of Ge Hong’s public life may have contributed to his eventual decision to relocate once again to the far south. The first was the political instability highlighted by Su Jun’s rebellion (328 C.E.), which exposed the fragility of political life under the Eastern Jin regime. The second was the death of Ge Hong's much-admired contemporary, Guo Wen, in the same year. This event likely impressed upon him the fleeting nature of life in uncertain times, which became a recurring theme in his surviving writings.  
  
Although retirement for the purpose of pursuing transcendence was both a popular literary trope, and a widely used avenue of political retreat, works such as the ''Baopuzi'' "Inner Chapters", and ''Shenxian zhuan'', demonstrate that Ge was relatively sincere in this desire, which seems to have been based on strong sectarian convictions. According to his official biography, in [[331]], at the age of forty-nine he requested an appointment on the periphery of the Jin state as District Magistrate of Julou, located in modern-day [[Vietnam]], an area that was reputed to possess the raw materials required for elixirs of transcendence. The emperor refused his initial request, but assented when Ge repeated the petition. His biography in the ''Jinshu'' states that Ge departed for the south with his sons and nephews.
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At this time, Ge Hong's ultimate goal changed, as he decided to follow the tradition of cultural icons and seekers of immortality (such as Chi Songzi, “Master Red Pine”) by living in seclusion and concocting elixirs of transcendence, a rededication that is attested to in several passages of the ''Baopuzi''. Although retirement for the purpose of pursuing transcendence was both a popular literary trope and a widely-used avenue of political retreat, works such as the "Inner Chapters" of the ''Baopuzi'' and the ''Shenxian zhuan'' demonstrate that Ge Hong was relatively sincere in this desire. According to his official biography, at the age of 49 (331 C.E.) he requested an appointment on the periphery of the Jin state as district magistrate of Julou (modern-day [[Vietnam]]), an area that was purported to possess the raw materials required for elixirs of [[immortality]]. When the emperor finally assented to his request, Ge Hong departed for the south with his sons and nephews.
  
Ge’s party never reached their destination. In Guangzhou, a career military official named Deng Yue — who had become Regional Inspector of Guangzhou the year before in [[330]] — detained him indefinitely. The reason for Deng’s interest in Ge is unclear. Deng Yue may have been reluctant to allow an honored member of the gentry to pass beyond the limits of Jin state, or he may have seen the presence of a scholarly gentleman with Ge’s reputation as an addition to his own prestige. Deng Yue, a seasoned campaigner who entertained an ambitious agenda, may also have been attracted to Ge’s experience in military matters, and desired his services. In [[336]] and again in [[339]], Deng waged several successful campaigns in modern [[Yunnan]] and [[Sichuan]] provinces, and may have seen Hong as an asset to his staff. Sources are inconclusive, stating only that Hong was not allowed to continue south, and instead settled once again on Mt. Luofu.  
+
His party never reached their destination. In Guangzhou, a career military official named Deng Yue—who had become regional inspector of Guangzhou the year before (330 C.E.)—detained him indefinitely. The reason for Deng Yue’s interest in Ge Hong is unclear, though he may have been reluctant to allow an honored member of the gentry to pass beyond the limits of Jin state or, conversely, may simply have been attracted to Ge Hong’s experience in civil and military matters and desired his services. Sources are inconclusive, stating only that Ge Hong was not allowed to continue south, and that he settled once again on Mt. Luofu.  
  
Ge’s residence on Mt. Luofu marks the end of his public career. All sources indicate that he devoted his remaining years to scholarship, writing, and pursuing elixirs of transcendence. Deng Yue issued a memorial requesting that Hong fill the post of Governor of Dong Guan near [[Nanhai]], but Hong adamantly refused the appointment. Deng instead gave the post of Secretarial Aid to the son of Ge's eldest brother, Ge Wang, but Ge never again filled an official position.
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His residence on Mt. Luofu marks the end of his public career. All sources indicate that he refused all requests to further government service, instead devoting his remaining years to scholarship, writing, and pursuing elixirs of transcendence.  
  
The nature of Ge’s literary activity during this period of time is unknown. Whether he devoted himself strictly to esoteric (''nei xue'') studies, edited the ''Baopuzi'' or any other of his earlier works, or even continued to write poetry, is entirely a matter of speculation. Although relatively speaking much of Ge’s work survives, with regards to his total effort, only a small fraction still exists. It is reasonable to assume that Ge continued to be a prolific author, even in retirement. The ''Tianwen zhi'' (Treatise on [[Astronomy]]) in the ''Jinshu'' reports that around the year [[342]], a certain Yu Xi from Kuaiji authored a work called ''Antian lun'' (Discussion on Complying with Heaven), which Ge supposedly criticized. No other information is available regarding Hong’s argument with the contents of this work, but the anecdote suggests that he was not living in an intellectual vacuum, despite his retirement from official life.
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The nature of Ge Hong’s literary activity during this period is unknown. Making such a determination is rendered especially difficult due to the large percentage of his output that has since been lost. However, it is reasonable to assume that he continued to be a prolific author even in retirement. The ''Tianwen zhi'' (Treatise on [[Astronomy]]) in the ''Jinshu'' reports that around the year 342, a certain Yu Xi from Kuaiji authored a work called ''Antian lun'' (Discussion on Complying with Heaven), which Ge Hong supposedly criticized. No other information is available regarding Ge Hong’s disagreement with the contents of this work, but the anecdote suggests that he was not living in an intellectual vacuum, despite his retirement from official life.
  
In [[343]], Hong died on Mt. Luofu. The account of his passing as found in his official biography is more hagiography than history. Supposedly, Ge sent a letter to Deng Yue, hinting at his approaching end. Deng rushed to Ge’s home, but found him already dead. Strangely, Ge’s body was light and supple, as if alive, and his contemporaries all supposed that he had finally achieved transcendence with the technique of ''shi jie'', sometimes translated as "corpse liberation". His biography moreover follows a tradition that Ge was eighty-one when he died, an important number in Daoist numerology, but there is little doubt among modern scholars that this tradition is false, and Ge died at the age of sixty.  
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===Death and posthumous assessment===
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In 343 Ge Hong died on Mt. Luofu, but the account of his passing (as found in his official biography) is more hagiographical than historical. Supposedly, he sent a letter to Deng Yue, hinting at his approaching end. Deng Yue rushed to Ge Hong’s home, but found him already dead. Strangely, his body was light and supple, as if alive, and his contemporaries all supposed that he had finally achieved transcendence with the technique of ''shi jie'', sometimes translated as "corpse liberation." Also, his biography follows hagiographic tradition by claiming that he was 81 when he died, an important number in [[Daoism|Daoist]] numerology. However, there is little doubt among modern scholars that this tradition is ahistorical and that Ge Hong actually died at the age of 60.  
  
The fact that the end of his biography adopts the tone of religious hagiography suggests that Ge was primarily seen in terms of his esoteric studies as early as the [[Tang dynasty|Tang]] period. But Ge also possessed a legacy as a capable official who had the courage to serve in office during uncertain times. During the [[Yuan dynasty]] ([[1271]]-[[1368]]), the scholar Zhao Daoyi lauded Ge for "disregarding favor, but not forgetting his body". Zhao admired Hong for continuing to occupy official positions during a period when scholars "hid away and did not return".
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The fact that this biographical anecdote adopts the tone of religious [[hagiography]] suggests that Ge Hong was primarily seen in terms of his esoteric studies as early as the Tang period. However, he also possessed a legacy as a capable official who had the courage to serve in office during uncertain times. During the [[Yuan Dynasty]] (1271-1368 C.E.), the scholar [[Zhao Daoyi]] lauded Ge Hong for "disregarding favor, but not forgetting his body." Also, Zhao Daoyi admired him for continuing to occupy official positions during a period when scholars "hid away and did not return."
  
More recently, the richness of Ge’s work has inspired many different avenues of academic research and popular interest. Not surprisingly, most studies of Hong, both in Chinese and in English, focus on his esoteric writings, such as the "Inner Chapters" and ''Shenxian zhuan''. His position in the history of Daoism, as a whole, has been subject to considerable scrutiny and academic study. Recent surveys of the history of Daoism in Chinese have also emphasized Ge’s importance in the history of science, based on his detailed descriptions of alchemical processes, which are frequently studied in terms of modern [[chemistry]]. This view is largely based on the work of [[Joseph Needham]], T.L. Davis, and other Western scholars. Although the significance of Hong’s alchemical and religious writing seems clear, little energy has been invested in his "Outer Chapters", despite its considerable length and complexity. Beyond Jay Sailey’s incomplete translation and appended study, most serious work on the "Outer Chapters" is scattered throughout general studies of literary criticism, [[political theory]], or [[social history]].  
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A temple dedicated to Ge Hong stands in the hills north of West Lake (Xihu) in Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province). According the monks and nuns who live at the [[temple]], it was on this site that Ge Hong wrote ''Baopuzi'' and eventually attained transcendence. Still possessing ''[[de]]'', he supposedly continues to answer prayers from [[Daoism|Daoist]] worshippers who possess healthy minds and bodies. An additional location (further south, near Ningbo), also claims to be the site of Ge Hong’s transcendence. Visitors to this eco-tourist destination are rewarded with an exceptional hike through a narrow gorge of remarkable natural beauty.  
  
A temple dedicated to Ge stands in the hills north of West Lake (Xihu) in [[Hangzhou]], [[Zhejiang]] Province. According the monks and nuns who live at the temple, it was on this site that Ge wrote ''Baopuzi'', and eventually attained transcendence. Ge supposedly answers prayers from a Daoist worshipper with a healthy mind and body. Further south, near [[Ningbo]], lies an eco-tourist destination that also claims to be the site of Ge’s alleged transcendence. Visitors are rewarded with an exceptional hike through a narrow gorge of remarkable natural beauty. These contradictory claims, together with conflicting historical sources, reflect the complexity of Ge’s legacy as a figure of continued religious, historical, and literary importance.
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These multifaceted evaluations and claims, together with conflicting historical sources, reflect the complexity of Ge Hong’s legacy as a figure of continued religious, historical, and literary importance.
  
 
==Literary Output==
 
==Literary Output==
 +
Despite Ge Hong's prolific literary accomplishments in a variety of styles, the bulk of his output, which included rhapsodies ''(fu)'', verse ''(shi)'', biographies, and historical commentary, has been lost. His surviving works consist of:
 +
* one volume of [[hagiography|hagiographies]], entitled ''Shenxian zhuan'' (Traditions of Divine Transcendents);
 +
* two volumes of essays and alchemical writing totaling seventy chapters, collectively entitled ''Baopuzi'' ("The Master Who Embraces Simplicity").
 +
In the ''Neipian'' (Inner Chapters) volume of the ''Baopuzi'', Ge Hong vigorously defends the attainability of divine transcendence or "[[immortality]]" through [[alchemy]]. The ''Waipian'' (Outer Chapters) volume, on the other hand, is almost entirely devoted to social and literary criticism.
 +
 +
Recently, the richness of Ge Hong’s work has inspired many different avenues of academic research and popular interest. Not surprisingly, most studies of his writings, both in Chinese and in English, focus on his contributions to [[Daoism|Daoist]] esoterica, such as the "Inner Chapters" of the ''Baopuzi'' and ''Shenxian zhuan''. Recent surveys of Chinese intellectual history have also emphasized his importance in the development of [[natural science]] in [[China]], as his detailed descriptions of alchemical processes can be seen as antecedents of modern [[chemistry]]. Although the significance of Hong’s alchemical and religious writing is widely acknowledged, little energy has been invested in his "Outer Chapters," despite their considerable length and complexity. Beyond the incomplete translation and analysis performed by Jay Sailey, other serious work on the "Outer Chapters" is haphazardly scattered throughout general studies of literary criticism, [[political theory]], and [[social history]].
 +
 
=== Style and content of the Baopuzi ===
 
=== Style and content of the Baopuzi ===
Ge states that the ''Baopuzi'', taken as a whole, constitutes his attempt to establish a single school (''yi jia'') of thought. The division of the ''Baopuzi'' into "Inner" and "Outer Chapters" speaks to Ge’s interest in both esoteric studies and [[social philosophy]]. According to Ge’s own account, he wrote the "Inner Chapters" to argue for the reality and attainability of divine transcendence, while the "Outer Chapters" blends [[Confucianism|Confucian]] and [[Legalism|Legalist]] [[rhetoric]] to propose solutions for the social and political problems of his era. For a long time, the two parts of the text circulated independently, and were almost always categorized under different headings in officially sanctioned bibliographies.  
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Ge Hong states that the ''Baopuzi'', taken as a whole, constitutes his attempt to establish a single school ''(yi jia)'' of thought. The division of the ''Baopuzi'' into "Inner" and "Outer Chapters" speaks to his interest in both esoteric studies and [[social philosophy]]. According to his own account, Ge Hong wrote the "Inner Chapters" to argue for the reality and attainability of divine transcendence, while the "Outer Chapters" blend [[Confucianism|Confucian]] and [[Legalism|Legalist]] [[rhetoric]] to propose solutions for the social and political problems of his era. For a long time, the two parts of the text circulated independently, and were almost always categorized under different headings in officially sanctioned bibliographies.  
  
The two volumes of the ''Baopuzi'' differ in style, as well as in content. Both adopt the convention of a fictional, hostile interlocutor who poses questions to the author and challenges his claims, although the "Inner Chapters" employs this style to a more significant degree. Ge’s thesis in the "Inner Chapters" is extremely focused, pursuing a single argument with great discipline and rigor. In contrast, the "Outer Chapters" is more diffused, addressing a variety of issues ranging from [[eremitism]] and literature to the proper employment of punishments, and a pointed criticism of the process of political promotions. The style of the "Outer Chapters" is very dense, reflecting the richness of the Chinese literary tradition through frequent literary and historical [[allusion]]s, and diction, that at times recalls the most obscure rhyme-prose of the Han era.
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The two volumes of the ''Baopuzi'' differ in style, as well as in content. Both adopt the convention of a fictional, hostile interlocutor who poses questions to the author and challenges his claims, although the "Inner Chapters" employs this style to a more significant degree. His thesis in the "Inner Chapters" is extremely focused, pursuing a single argument with great discipline and rigor. In contrast, the "Outer Chapters" is more diffused, addressing a variety of issues ranging from [[eremitism]] and literature, to the proper employment of punishments and a pointed criticism of the then-current process of political promotion. The style of the "Outer Chapters" is very dense, reflecting the richness of the Chinese literary tradition through frequent literary and historical [[allusion]]s, and makes use of a diction that at times recalls the most obscure rhyme-prose of the Han era.
  
As a single work of philosophy, the two sections taken together reflect Ge’s desire to understand ''dao'' and ''ru'', or [[Daoism]] and [[Confucianism]], in terms of one another. In Ge’s terms, ''dao'' is the "root" and ''ru'' is the "branch". However, although he considered following the ''dao'' superior to the rules of social conduct associated with the Confucian tradition, Ge viewed each as appropriate within its proper sphere. According to his paradigm that is drawn from pre-[[Qin dynasty|Qin]] and Han sources, when the sage kings followed the ''dao'', society was well ordered, and the natural world proceeded without calamities. As the ''dao'' declined, the ethical prescriptions of the ''ru'' arose to remedy the resulting social ills and natural disasters. Thus in Ge’s view, Daoism and Confucianism both possess an ethical and political dimension by bringing order to the human and natural world. However, because most people have difficulty following or understanding the ''dao'', Confucianism (along with a healthy dose of Legalism) is necessary to enact [[social order]].
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As a single work of [[philosophy]], the two sections taken together reflect Ge Hong’s desire to understand ''dao'' and ''ru'', or [[Daoism]] and [[Confucianism]], in terms of one another. In his terms, ''dao'' is the "root" and ''ru'' is the "branch." However, although he considered following the ''dao'' superior to the rules of social conduct ''([[Li|li]])'' associated with the Confucian tradition, he viewed each as appropriate within its proper sphere. According to his paradigm, which he drew from pre-Qin and Han sources, when the sage kings followed the ''dao'', society was well ordered, and the natural world proceeded without calamities. As the ''dao'' declined, the ethical prescriptions of the ''ru'' arose to remedy the resulting social ills and natural disasters. Thus, in his view, Daoism and Confucianism both possess an ethical and political dimension by bringing order to the human and natural world. However, because most people have difficulty following or understanding the ''dao'', Confucianism (along with a healthy dose of legalism) is necessary to enact social order.
  
On an individual level, Ge considered moral and ethical cultivation of the so-called Confucian virtues to be the basis of divine transcendence. His philosophy does not advocate a rejection of the material world on either an individual or a social level. Seekers of longevity must first rectify and bring order to their own person before achieving loftier ambitions. Ge appears to have made some effort to embody this ideal, simultaneously holding political office, while pursuing elixirs of transcendence.
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On an individual level, Ge Hong considered moral and ethical cultivation of the so-called Confucian virtues to be the basis of divine transcendence. His philosophy does not advocate a rejection of the material world on either an individual or a social level (as evidenced by the worldly, political critiques in the "Outer Chapters"). Seekers of longevity must first rectify and bring order to their own persons before seeking loftier ambitions. In his own life, Ge Hong appears to have made some effort to embody this ideal, as his quest for the elixir of immortality did not subordinate his call to political office.
  
 
=== Views on literature ===
 
=== Views on literature ===
  
In the ''Baopuzi'', Ge places a high value on literature and regards writing as an act of social and political significance, equivalent to virtuous action, and at one point stating, "The relationship between writings and virtuous actions is [like that of two different names for one thing]". This sentiment reflects a trend, begun during the later Han, which saw literature as an increasingly significant tool with which an individual could establish an enduring legacy. In times of political uncertainty, when ambitious literati faced real dangers and obstacles to social or political advancement, this view of literature took on added significance.
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In the ''Baopuzi'', Ge Hong places a high value on literature, regarding writing as an act of social and political significance that is equivalent to virtuous action. At one point, he explicitly states, "the relationship between writings and virtuous actions is [like that of two different names for one thing]." This sentiment reflects a trend, begun during the later Han, which saw literature as an increasingly significant tool with which an individual could manifest a moral force in the world. In times of political uncertainty, when ambitious literati faced real dangers and obstacles to social or political advancement, this view of literature took on added significance.  
 +
 
 +
The idea that writing was a fundamentally moral act may have contributed to Ge Hong’s high opinion of the literature of his era. Unlike the classical scholars of the later Han period, who revered the writers of antiquity with an almost fanatical reverence, Ge Hong regarded the works of his contemporaries (and by extension his own) as equal to, if not greater than, the writers of the past: "Simply because a book does not come from the sages [of the past], we should not disregard words within it that help us to teach the Dao." He concedes that the proliferation of writing in his own time had led to many works of poor quality; in particular, he criticizes contrived and overly ornamental prose that obscures the intentions of the author. However, he rejects the idea that established tradition (or textual antiquity) speaks to the quality, utility, or virtue of any literary work.
  
The idea that writing was a fundamentally moral act may have contributed to Ge’s high opinion of the literature of his era. Unlike the classical scholars of the later Han period, who revered the writers of antiquity with an almost fanatical reverence, Ge regarded the works of his contemporaries (and by extension his own) as equal to, if not greater than, the writers of the past: "Simply because a book does not come from the sages [of the past], we should not disregard words within it that help us to teach the dao." Ge concedes that the proliferation of writing in his own time had led to many works of poor quality; in particular, he criticizes contrived and overly ornamental prose that obscures the intentions of the author. However, he rejects the idea that established tradition alone speaks to the quality, utility, or virtue of any literary work.
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===Textual Criticism===
 +
As with any received text, Ge Hong's ''Baopuzi'' and ''Shenxian zhuan'' have been intensely scrutinized, in an attempt to chart their respective sources and later accretions. For example, modern scholars (notably Chen Feilong) have speculated, based on close textual study, that Ge Hong revised or rewrote the alchemical section of the ''Baopuzi'' after his final retirement in 331, and that the "Inner Chapters" mentioned in his biography might be an altogether different edition of the work that exists today by that title. This notion, whether or not it is correct, points more generally to the difficulties of working in a textual tradition that is rich in editorial revision and forgery. Robert Campany’s (2002) painstaking attempt to reconstruct the ''Shenxian zhuan'' illustrates many of the problems confronting modern scholars of Ge Hong and other early medieval Chinese texts. According to Campany, the ''Shenxian zhuan'', as it now exists, is riddled with amendments, errors, and later additions. None of the current editions, collected within various [[encyclopedia]] of early texts, can be said to be the ''Shenxian zhuan'' as it was written by Ge Hong. Campany’s study suggests that the many problems of authorship and editorial corruption in Ge Hong’s surviving work remain to be solved.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*Campany, Robert Ford. ''To Live As Long As Heaven and Earth: Ge Hong’s Traditions of Divine Transcendents''. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002
+
*Campany, Robert Ford. ''To Live As Long As Heaven and Earth: Ge Hong’s Traditions of Divine Transcendents''. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2002.
 +
*Fang Xuanling, et. al. ''Jin shu'' (History of the Jin Dynasty). 10 vols. Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1998.
 +
*Hu Fuchen. ''Baopuzi neipian yanjiu'' (Research on the Inner Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Beijing: Xinhua chubanshe, 1991.
 +
*Lin Lixue. ''Baopuzi nei wai pian sixiang xi lun'' (An Analysis of the Thought of the Inner and Outer Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Taipei: Xuesheng, 1980.
 +
*Nienhauser, William. Unpublished dissertation. ''An Interpretation of the Literary and Historical Aspects of the Hsi-ching Tsa-chi'' (Miscellanies of the Western Capital). Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 1972.
 +
*Penny, Benjamin. "The Text and Authorship of Shenxian zhuan." ''Journal of Oriental Studies'' 34 (1996): 165-209.
 +
*Ren Jiyu (ed.). ''Zhongguo daojiao shi'' (A History of Chinese Daoism). Shanghai: Shanghai renmin chubanshe, 1997.
 +
*Robinet, Isabelle. ''Daoism: Growth of a Religion''. Translated by Phyllis Brooks. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1997.
 +
*Sailey, Jay. ''The Master Who Embraces Simplicity: A study of the philosopher Ko Hung, A.D. 283-343''. San Francisco, CA: Chinese Materials Center, 1978. ISBN 0896445224
 +
*Sivin, Nathan. "On the Pao P’u Tzu Nei Pien and the Life of Ko Hong (283-343)." ''Isis'' 60 (1976): 388-391.
 +
*Sivin, Nathan. "On the Word ‘Daoist’ as a Source of Perplexity." History of Religions 17(1978): 303-330.
 +
*Tang Yijie. ''Wei Jin Nan Bei Chao shiqi de daojiao'' (Daoism in the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties Era). Taibei: Dongda tushu gongsi yinhang, 1991.
 +
*Wang Liqi. ''Ge Hong lun'' (A Discussion of Ge Hong). Taipei: Wunan tushu chubanshe, 1997.
 +
*Ware, James R. ''Alchemy, Medicine and Religion in the China of A.D. 320: The'' Nei Pien'' of Ko Hung''. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1981. ISBN 0486240886
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*Wells, Matthew. "Self as Historical Artifact: Ge Hong and Early Chinese Autobiography." ''Early Medieval China'' 9 (2003): 71-103.
  
*Fang Xuanling, et. al. ''Jin shu'' (History of the Jin Dynasty). 10 vols. Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1998
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==External links==
 
+
All links retrieved May 23, 2017.
*Hu Fuchen. ''Baopuzi neipian yanjiu'' (Research on the Inner Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Beijing: Xinhua chubanshe, 1991
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*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/g/gehong.htm Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry]
 
 
*Lin Lixue. ''Baopuzi nei wai pian sixiang xi lun'' (An Analysis of the Thought of the Inner and Outer Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Taibei: Xuesheng, 1980.
 
 
 
*Nienhauser, William. Unpublished dissertation. ''An Interpretation of the Literary and Historical Aspects of the Hsi-ching Tsa-chi'' (Miscellanies of the Western Capital). Bloomington: Indiana University, 1972.
 
 
 
*Penny, Benjamin. "The Text and Authorship of Shenxian zhuan". Journal of Oriental Studies 34 (1996): 165-209.
 
  
*Ren Jiyu, ed. ''Zhongguo daojiao shi'' (A History of Chinese Daoism). Shanghai: Shanghai renmin chubanshe, 1997.
 
  
*Robinet, Isabelle. ''Daoism: Growth of a Religion'', translated by Phyllis Brooks. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997.
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[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
 
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[[Category:Religion]]
*Sailey, Jay. ''The Master Who Embraces Simplicity: A study of the philosopher Ko Hung, A.D. 283-343''. San Francisco: Chinese Materials Center. 1978. ISBN 0896445224
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[[Category:Biography]]
 
 
*Sivin, Nathan. "On the Pao P’u Tzu Nei Pien and the Life of Ko Hong (283-343)". Isis 60 (1976): 388-391.
 
 
 
*Sivin, Nathan. "On the Word ‘Daoist’ as a Source of Perplexity". History of Religions 17(1978): 303-330.
 
 
 
*Tang Yijie. ''Wei Jin Nan Bei Chao shiqi de daojiao'' (Daoism in the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties Era). Taibei: Dongda tushu gongsi yinhang, 1991
 
 
 
*Wang Liqi. ''Ge Hong lun'' (A Discussion of Ge Hong). Taibei: Wunan tushu chubanshe, 1997.
 
 
 
*Ware, James R. ''Alchemy, Medicine and Religion in the China of A.D. 320: The'' Nei Pien'' of Ko Hung''.  Mineola, NY: Dover. 1981. ISBN 0486240886
 
 
 
*Wells, Matthew. "Self as Historical Artifact: Ge Hong and Early Chinese Autobiography". Early Medieval China 9 (2003): 71-103.
 
 
 
==External links==
 
*[http://www.iep.utm.edu/g/gehong.htm Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry]
 
*[http://www.eng.taoism.org.hk/general-daoism/eminent-philosophers&accomplished-daoists/pg1-4-10.asp Biographical profile]
 
*[http://www.uoregon.edu/~mwells1/Pub_DLB%20Ge%20Hong%20biography.pdf Biography]
 
  
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category: Religion]]
 
  
 
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Revision as of 22:21, 23 May 2017

Ge Hong (Wade-Giles: Ko Hung; 284 – 364 C.E.), also known as Zhichuan, was a prolific Chinese writer and political official during the Jìn Dynasty (263–420 C.E.), best known for his writings on Daoism, alchemy, and techniques of longevity. These religious and esoteric writings represent only a portion of his considerable literary output, which, as a whole, spans a broad range of content and genres. Although most of Ge Hong's early works are lost, modern scholars have recognized his influence on later writers, such as the Tang Dynasty (618–906 C.E.) poet Li Bai (701–762), who was inspired by his predecessor's images of transcendence and reclusion. Despite the thematic and artistic significance of his work, it was never enshrined in one of the famous collections of essays and poetry, such as the Wenxuan (Selections of Refined Literature).

Ge Hong’s writing reflects the complex intellectual landscape of the Jin period, and should be considered essential reading for anyone seeking to understand early medieval Chinese religion, culture, and society. Recent scholarly and popular translations of Ge Hong’s writing into English have ensured his inclusion in the swelling tide of enthusiasm for esoteric and religious Daoism in the West.

Ge Hong’s efforts to understand Daoism and Confucianism are relevant to thinking today about how to establish a just and stable social order. Although he considered following the dao superior to the rules of social conduct (li) associated with the Confucian tradition, he viewed each as appropriate within its proper sphere. According to his paradigm, which he drew from earlier sources, when the sage kings followed the dao, society was well ordered, and the natural world proceeded without calamities. As the dao declined, the ethical prescriptions of the ru (Confucianism) arose to remedy the resulting social ills and natural disasters. Thus, in his view, Daoism and Confucianism both possess an ethical and political dimension by bringing order to the human and natural world. However, because most people have difficulty following or understanding the dao, Confucianism (along with a healthy dose of legalism) is necessary to enact social order.

Biographical Sketch

Ancestry

Biographical sources for Ge Hong are varied, but almost all of them are based either in whole or in part upon his autobiographical Postface to the Outer Chapters. Though this postface makes some dubious statements about his lineage's emergence from a long-defunct royal family (in keeping with Chinese autobiographical convention), there is no reason to dismiss Ge Hong's depiction of his family's more recent history.

According to this source, Ge Hong’s family resided in the south for generations, and occupied official positions in the kingdom of Wu (220–280 C.E.), which ruled southeastern China after the final dissolution of the Han Dynasty in the early third century. Ge Hong's grandfather, Ge Xi, was an erudite scholar who governed several counties in modern Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. He eventually rose to the rank of junior mentor to the crown prince of Wu, and occupied numerous posts within the central administration.

Ge Hong describes his father, Ge Ti (d. 295 C.E.), in similarly laudatory terms. Ge Ti served in various civil and military positions, and was eventually appointed governor of Kuaiji prefecture. Around the time of this appointment, the Jin dynasty, which had already succeeded in unifying northern China around 265 C.E., successfully invaded the state of Wu in 280 C.E.

The Ge family's fortunes changed with the Jin victory. Because the Jin administration attempted to check the power of the southern gentry by giving them positions of little authority, Ge Ti initially lost both prestige and power under the new government, which appointed him to various minor posts. However, Ge Ti’s administrative skills were eventually rewarded with a promotion, and he died while in office, serving as the governor of Shaoling (modern Hunan) province.

Early life

Ge Hong, the youngest of Ge Ti's three sons, was born in 283 C.E. in Jurong, just three years after the Jin conquest of Wu. He was only 12 years old when his father died, an incident that inflicted social and financial hardship on his family. In his Postface, Ge Hong describes how he had paid for his education through a meager income earned chopping firewood. However, modern scholars now assume that his claims of extreme poverty are exaggerated. They compellingly observe that such a distinguished family, with their long and prestigious record of government service, would not have declined so quickly into economic ruin.

Regardless, this period of Ge Hong's life, as described in his biography in the Jin shu (History of the Jin Dynasty), also saw the beginning of commitment to scholarship. It was at this time that he began to study the canon of texts generally associated with the ru jia (Confucianism). Ge Hong states that he began to read classics such as the Shi jing (Book of Odes) at 15 without the benefit of a tutor, and could recite from memory those books he studied and grasp their essential meaning. His extensive reading is described as approaching "ten thousand chapters," a number evidently meant to suggest the dizzying scope of his education.

In reality, his formal education probably began much earlier, as elsewhere in his autobiographical postface, Ge Hong states that he had already begun to write poetry, rhapsodies, and other miscellaneous writings by the age of 14 or 15 (c. 298), all of which he later destroyed. His statements regarding early poverty and belated studies convey the sense that his education was largely the product of his own acumen and determination rather than his privileged social status. Claims that he started his education as late as fifteen may also be an oblique literary reference to Confucius’ own statement in the Lunyu (Analects) 2.4 that, "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning."

Around this time, Ge Hong entered into the tutelage of Zheng Yin, an accomplished classical scholar who had turned to esoteric studies later in life. According to his lengthy and colorful description of his teacher, Zheng Yin was over 80 years old but still remarkably healthy. He was a master of the so-called "Five Classics" who continued to teach the Li ji (Book of Rites) and the Shu (Documents). Zheng Yin was also a teacher of the esoteric arts of longevity, divination, and astrology, and was also an accomplished musician. Zheng Yin’s instruction in the esoteric arts emphasized the manufacture of the "golden elixir" or jin dan, which he considered the only truly achievable means of achieving transcendence. His influence is reflected in portions of Ge Hong’s writings that endorse alchemy, but are critical of dietary regimens, herbs, and other popular methods of longevity.

Regardless of this esoteric focus, it is notable that Ge Hong's Baopuzi abounds in references to canonical texts, implying that he likely received a well rounded, if untraditional, education from Zheng Yin.

Early official career

Around 302 C.E., Ge Hong's mentor Zheng Yin moved to Mount Huo in modern Fujian province to live in seclusion with a few select disciples. Ge Hong did not accompany him, and, in the following year, at the age of 20, Ge Hong began his official career by serving in the military, swept up in a tide of rebellion and warfare. He was appointed to the position of defender commandant and raised a militia of several hundred to fight Shi Bing, who sought to overthrow the Western Jin. Ge Hong’s autobiographical postface is unusually forthcoming in its depictions of his battlefield heroics and abilities as a commander. Such accounts of his bravery are made all the more startling by his insistence elsewhere that, in his youth, he was so weak that he could not even draw a bow. Such self-deprecating physical descriptions are probably best seen in the same light as his claims of early poverty. Based on his service record, it is more likely that Ge Hong received military training in his youth, and was skilled in both the use of arms and strategy.

After Shi Bing’s force was destroyed, Ge Hong was discharged with the honorary title "General Who Makes the Waves Submit." Around 306, he entered into the service of Ji Han (c. 262–306), a relative of the poet and essayist, Ji Kang. At the time, Ji Han was fighting several rebel groups in the south, and had just been appointed regional inspector of Guangzhou. Ge Hong states that he saw employment with Ji Han as a means to move south, and escape political and social chaos. It may also be that the two shared a bond of friendship, based on mutual interests and literary aspirations. Like Ge Hong, Ji Han was a military official that also excelled in literature and dabbled in esoteric studies, having written at least two treatises on alchemical subjects ("The Rhapsody on Cold Victual Powder" and the "Description of Herbs and Plants of the Southern Region").

Unfortunately, Hong’s term of employment with Ji Han was extremely brief, for his new superior was killed while en route to his new position in Guangzhou. Ge Hong, who had traveled ahead of his new employer, was left in the south with neither job nor political patron, precipitating an abrupt and unexpected end to his early official career.

Early reclusion and writing

Rather than return north, Ge Hong refused other honors and remained in the south, living as a recluse on Mount Luofu for the next eight years before returning to his native Jurong around 314. The decision meant that he avoided much of the political upheaval that ravaged the Jin state, as various contenders for the throne pillaged Luoyang over the next several years.

It was probably during this time on Mt. Luofu that Ge Hong began his friendship with Bao Jing (260–327 C.E.). According to the biographies of both Bao Jing and Ge Hong, Bao Jing was an adept in a wide variety of esoteric studies, including medicine, and transmitted his techniques and knowledge to Hong. Likewise, Bao Jing "valued Ge [Hong] very much, and married a daughter to him." Evidence for the precise timing of their initial meeting is largely circumstantial. Around 312, Bao Jing was appointed governor of Nanhai prefecture, not far from Mt. Luofu. Some sources suggest that Bao Jing often traveled to Mt. Luofu to study esoteric arts, during which time he would have met Ge Hong. While such accounts may be apocryphal, timing and proximity raise the possibility that the two men began their friendship while Ge Hong lived in the far south.

This bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbperiod appears to have been a time of great literary productivity for Ge Hong. In addition to a remarkable body of writing that is now sadly lost, he also composed those extant works for which he is known today, the Baopuzi and the Shenxian zhuan.

Later official career

In 314, shortly after emerging from reclusion and returning to his family home in Jurong, Ge Hong received an appointment as clerk to the Prince of Langya (Sima Rui, 276–322), who served as prime minister from 313 until 316. Sima Rui used this position, which was for the most part an honorary appointment, to woo talented officials and bring them into the fold of his administration. He appointed over one hundred people in this way, with these appointments a likely indication of his growing political power. In 317, after the collapse of the Western Jin, Sima Rui stepped into the resultant power vacuum, moving the Jin court south to Jiankang (near present day Nanjing) and taking the title "King of Jin" as a preliminary step towards claiming the mantle of emperor.

The refugee court in Jiankang was eager to solidify its position among the southern gentry families upon whom it now depended for its survival, granting numerous official appointments and honorary titles. Ge Hong, for example, was recognized for his previous military service with the honorary title of "Marquis of the Region Within the Pass" and awarded an income of two hundred households. These ingratiating ploys evidently succeeded, as in 318 Sima Rui was able to proclaim himself Emperor Yuan (reigned 318-323), becoming the first ruler of the Eastern Jin (317-420). Under this new dynasty, Ge Hong was summoned to fill a variety of appointments, including recorder of Yangzhou, secretary to the minister of education, and administrative advisor to the minister of defense.

The fact that Ge Hong’s official biography and his autobiographical writing do not mention any actual duties performed in these positions suggests that the appointments may have been honorary to some degree. It is also possible that he omitted mention of these positions in order to preserve the veil of eremitism that colors his autobiographical account. Fortuitously, Wang Dao, his bureaucratic superior, seems to have been a collector of famous recluse’s biographies, perhaps out of a desire to project an image of virtuous authority. Thus, in addition to his past services on behalf of the Jin court, Ge Hong’s self-consciously crafted eremitic image may have contributed to his success within Wang Dao’s administration.

During his tenure with the Eastern Jin bureaucracy, Ge Hong also came to the attention of the historian, Gan Bao, who recognized his literary acumen and offered him several positions on his staff. Specifically, he recommended Ge Hong for either the office of senior recorder, a position within the Bureau of Scribes (shi guan), or the office of editorial director, which would have involved Ge Hong writing state-sanctioned historiography. These recommendations may have come about as a result of Gan Bao’s charge to introduce talented men to high office, as well as a mutual admiration between two decidedly eclectic scholars.

According to his official biography, Ge Hong refused these positions on Gan Bao’s staff. However, as with many details of his official life, it is difficult to separate fact from literary persona. The bibliographic treatise of the Sui shu (History of the Sui Dynasty) contains an entry for a now-lost work entitled Hanshu chao (Notes on the History of the Former Han) by a senior recorder named Hong. Likewise, authorship of the Xijing zazhi (Miscellanies of the Western Capital)—a collection of historical anecdotes that probably originated in the Han period—was long ascribed to Ge Hong. As a result, it appears that Ge Hong possessed some reputation for historical writing during his own lifetime. Consequently, the possibility that he accepted an appointment on Gan Bao’s staff is not entirely out of the question.

Retirement and later life

Two events during the final period of Ge Hong’s public life may have contributed to his eventual decision to relocate once again to the far south. The first was the political instability highlighted by Su Jun’s rebellion (328 C.E.), which exposed the fragility of political life under the Eastern Jin regime. The second was the death of Ge Hong's much-admired contemporary, Guo Wen, in the same year. This event likely impressed upon him the fleeting nature of life in uncertain times, which became a recurring theme in his surviving writings.

At this time, Ge Hong's ultimate goal changed, as he decided to follow the tradition of cultural icons and seekers of immortality (such as Chi Songzi, “Master Red Pine”) by living in seclusion and concocting elixirs of transcendence, a rededication that is attested to in several passages of the Baopuzi. Although retirement for the purpose of pursuing transcendence was both a popular literary trope and a widely-used avenue of political retreat, works such as the "Inner Chapters" of the Baopuzi and the Shenxian zhuan demonstrate that Ge Hong was relatively sincere in this desire. According to his official biography, at the age of 49 (331 C.E.) he requested an appointment on the periphery of the Jin state as district magistrate of Julou (modern-day Vietnam), an area that was purported to possess the raw materials required for elixirs of immortality. When the emperor finally assented to his request, Ge Hong departed for the south with his sons and nephews.

His party never reached their destination. In Guangzhou, a career military official named Deng Yue—who had become regional inspector of Guangzhou the year before (330 C.E.)—detained him indefinitely. The reason for Deng Yue’s interest in Ge Hong is unclear, though he may have been reluctant to allow an honored member of the gentry to pass beyond the limits of Jin state or, conversely, may simply have been attracted to Ge Hong’s experience in civil and military matters and desired his services. Sources are inconclusive, stating only that Ge Hong was not allowed to continue south, and that he settled once again on Mt. Luofu.

His residence on Mt. Luofu marks the end of his public career. All sources indicate that he refused all requests to further government service, instead devoting his remaining years to scholarship, writing, and pursuing elixirs of transcendence.

The nature of Ge Hong’s literary activity during this period is unknown. Making such a determination is rendered especially difficult due to the large percentage of his output that has since been lost. However, it is reasonable to assume that he continued to be a prolific author even in retirement. The Tianwen zhi (Treatise on Astronomy) in the Jinshu reports that around the year 342, a certain Yu Xi from Kuaiji authored a work called Antian lun (Discussion on Complying with Heaven), which Ge Hong supposedly criticized. No other information is available regarding Ge Hong’s disagreement with the contents of this work, but the anecdote suggests that he was not living in an intellectual vacuum, despite his retirement from official life.

Death and posthumous assessment

In 343 Ge Hong died on Mt. Luofu, but the account of his passing (as found in his official biography) is more hagiographical than historical. Supposedly, he sent a letter to Deng Yue, hinting at his approaching end. Deng Yue rushed to Ge Hong’s home, but found him already dead. Strangely, his body was light and supple, as if alive, and his contemporaries all supposed that he had finally achieved transcendence with the technique of shi jie, sometimes translated as "corpse liberation." Also, his biography follows hagiographic tradition by claiming that he was 81 when he died, an important number in Daoist numerology. However, there is little doubt among modern scholars that this tradition is ahistorical and that Ge Hong actually died at the age of 60.

The fact that this biographical anecdote adopts the tone of religious hagiography suggests that Ge Hong was primarily seen in terms of his esoteric studies as early as the Tang period. However, he also possessed a legacy as a capable official who had the courage to serve in office during uncertain times. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 C.E.), the scholar Zhao Daoyi lauded Ge Hong for "disregarding favor, but not forgetting his body." Also, Zhao Daoyi admired him for continuing to occupy official positions during a period when scholars "hid away and did not return."

A temple dedicated to Ge Hong stands in the hills north of West Lake (Xihu) in Hangzhou (Zhejiang Province). According the monks and nuns who live at the temple, it was on this site that Ge Hong wrote Baopuzi and eventually attained transcendence. Still possessing de, he supposedly continues to answer prayers from Daoist worshippers who possess healthy minds and bodies. An additional location (further south, near Ningbo), also claims to be the site of Ge Hong’s transcendence. Visitors to this eco-tourist destination are rewarded with an exceptional hike through a narrow gorge of remarkable natural beauty.

These multifaceted evaluations and claims, together with conflicting historical sources, reflect the complexity of Ge Hong’s legacy as a figure of continued religious, historical, and literary importance.

Literary Output

Despite Ge Hong's prolific literary accomplishments in a variety of styles, the bulk of his output, which included rhapsodies (fu), verse (shi), biographies, and historical commentary, has been lost. His surviving works consist of:

  • one volume of hagiographies, entitled Shenxian zhuan (Traditions of Divine Transcendents);
  • two volumes of essays and alchemical writing totaling seventy chapters, collectively entitled Baopuzi ("The Master Who Embraces Simplicity").

In the Neipian (Inner Chapters) volume of the Baopuzi, Ge Hong vigorously defends the attainability of divine transcendence or "immortality" through alchemy. The Waipian (Outer Chapters) volume, on the other hand, is almost entirely devoted to social and literary criticism.

Recently, the richness of Ge Hong’s work has inspired many different avenues of academic research and popular interest. Not surprisingly, most studies of his writings, both in Chinese and in English, focus on his contributions to Daoist esoterica, such as the "Inner Chapters" of the Baopuzi and Shenxian zhuan. Recent surveys of Chinese intellectual history have also emphasized his importance in the development of natural science in China, as his detailed descriptions of alchemical processes can be seen as antecedents of modern chemistry. Although the significance of Hong’s alchemical and religious writing is widely acknowledged, little energy has been invested in his "Outer Chapters," despite their considerable length and complexity. Beyond the incomplete translation and analysis performed by Jay Sailey, other serious work on the "Outer Chapters" is haphazardly scattered throughout general studies of literary criticism, political theory, and social history.

Style and content of the Baopuzi

Ge Hong states that the Baopuzi, taken as a whole, constitutes his attempt to establish a single school (yi jia) of thought. The division of the Baopuzi into "Inner" and "Outer Chapters" speaks to his interest in both esoteric studies and social philosophy. According to his own account, Ge Hong wrote the "Inner Chapters" to argue for the reality and attainability of divine transcendence, while the "Outer Chapters" blend Confucian and Legalist rhetoric to propose solutions for the social and political problems of his era. For a long time, the two parts of the text circulated independently, and were almost always categorized under different headings in officially sanctioned bibliographies.

The two volumes of the Baopuzi differ in style, as well as in content. Both adopt the convention of a fictional, hostile interlocutor who poses questions to the author and challenges his claims, although the "Inner Chapters" employs this style to a more significant degree. His thesis in the "Inner Chapters" is extremely focused, pursuing a single argument with great discipline and rigor. In contrast, the "Outer Chapters" is more diffused, addressing a variety of issues ranging from eremitism and literature, to the proper employment of punishments and a pointed criticism of the then-current process of political promotion. The style of the "Outer Chapters" is very dense, reflecting the richness of the Chinese literary tradition through frequent literary and historical allusions, and makes use of a diction that at times recalls the most obscure rhyme-prose of the Han era.

As a single work of philosophy, the two sections taken together reflect Ge Hong’s desire to understand dao and ru, or Daoism and Confucianism, in terms of one another. In his terms, dao is the "root" and ru is the "branch." However, although he considered following the dao superior to the rules of social conduct (li) associated with the Confucian tradition, he viewed each as appropriate within its proper sphere. According to his paradigm, which he drew from pre-Qin and Han sources, when the sage kings followed the dao, society was well ordered, and the natural world proceeded without calamities. As the dao declined, the ethical prescriptions of the ru arose to remedy the resulting social ills and natural disasters. Thus, in his view, Daoism and Confucianism both possess an ethical and political dimension by bringing order to the human and natural world. However, because most people have difficulty following or understanding the dao, Confucianism (along with a healthy dose of legalism) is necessary to enact social order.

On an individual level, Ge Hong considered moral and ethical cultivation of the so-called Confucian virtues to be the basis of divine transcendence. His philosophy does not advocate a rejection of the material world on either an individual or a social level (as evidenced by the worldly, political critiques in the "Outer Chapters"). Seekers of longevity must first rectify and bring order to their own persons before seeking loftier ambitions. In his own life, Ge Hong appears to have made some effort to embody this ideal, as his quest for the elixir of immortality did not subordinate his call to political office.

Views on literature

In the Baopuzi, Ge Hong places a high value on literature, regarding writing as an act of social and political significance that is equivalent to virtuous action. At one point, he explicitly states, "the relationship between writings and virtuous actions is [like that of two different names for one thing]." This sentiment reflects a trend, begun during the later Han, which saw literature as an increasingly significant tool with which an individual could manifest a moral force in the world. In times of political uncertainty, when ambitious literati faced real dangers and obstacles to social or political advancement, this view of literature took on added significance.

The idea that writing was a fundamentally moral act may have contributed to Ge Hong’s high opinion of the literature of his era. Unlike the classical scholars of the later Han period, who revered the writers of antiquity with an almost fanatical reverence, Ge Hong regarded the works of his contemporaries (and by extension his own) as equal to, if not greater than, the writers of the past: "Simply because a book does not come from the sages [of the past], we should not disregard words within it that help us to teach the Dao." He concedes that the proliferation of writing in his own time had led to many works of poor quality; in particular, he criticizes contrived and overly ornamental prose that obscures the intentions of the author. However, he rejects the idea that established tradition (or textual antiquity) speaks to the quality, utility, or virtue of any literary work.

Textual Criticism

As with any received text, Ge Hong's Baopuzi and Shenxian zhuan have been intensely scrutinized, in an attempt to chart their respective sources and later accretions. For example, modern scholars (notably Chen Feilong) have speculated, based on close textual study, that Ge Hong revised or rewrote the alchemical section of the Baopuzi after his final retirement in 331, and that the "Inner Chapters" mentioned in his biography might be an altogether different edition of the work that exists today by that title. This notion, whether or not it is correct, points more generally to the difficulties of working in a textual tradition that is rich in editorial revision and forgery. Robert Campany’s (2002) painstaking attempt to reconstruct the Shenxian zhuan illustrates many of the problems confronting modern scholars of Ge Hong and other early medieval Chinese texts. According to Campany, the Shenxian zhuan, as it now exists, is riddled with amendments, errors, and later additions. None of the current editions, collected within various encyclopedia of early texts, can be said to be the Shenxian zhuan as it was written by Ge Hong. Campany’s study suggests that the many problems of authorship and editorial corruption in Ge Hong’s surviving work remain to be solved.

References
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  • Campany, Robert Ford. To Live As Long As Heaven and Earth: Ge Hong’s Traditions of Divine Transcendents. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2002.
  • Fang Xuanling, et. al. Jin shu (History of the Jin Dynasty). 10 vols. Beijing: Zhonghua shuju, 1998.
  • Hu Fuchen. Baopuzi neipian yanjiu (Research on the Inner Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Beijing: Xinhua chubanshe, 1991.
  • Lin Lixue. Baopuzi nei wai pian sixiang xi lun (An Analysis of the Thought of the Inner and Outer Chapters of The Master Embracing Simplicity). Taipei: Xuesheng, 1980.
  • Nienhauser, William. Unpublished dissertation. An Interpretation of the Literary and Historical Aspects of the Hsi-ching Tsa-chi (Miscellanies of the Western Capital). Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 1972.
  • Penny, Benjamin. "The Text and Authorship of Shenxian zhuan." Journal of Oriental Studies 34 (1996): 165-209.
  • Ren Jiyu (ed.). Zhongguo daojiao shi (A History of Chinese Daoism). Shanghai: Shanghai renmin chubanshe, 1997.
  • Robinet, Isabelle. Daoism: Growth of a Religion. Translated by Phyllis Brooks. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1997.
  • Sailey, Jay. The Master Who Embraces Simplicity: A study of the philosopher Ko Hung, A.D. 283-343. San Francisco, CA: Chinese Materials Center, 1978. ISBN 0896445224
  • Sivin, Nathan. "On the Pao P’u Tzu Nei Pien and the Life of Ko Hong (283-343)." Isis 60 (1976): 388-391.
  • Sivin, Nathan. "On the Word ‘Daoist’ as a Source of Perplexity." History of Religions 17(1978): 303-330.
  • Tang Yijie. Wei Jin Nan Bei Chao shiqi de daojiao (Daoism in the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties Era). Taibei: Dongda tushu gongsi yinhang, 1991.
  • Wang Liqi. Ge Hong lun (A Discussion of Ge Hong). Taipei: Wunan tushu chubanshe, 1997.
  • Ware, James R. Alchemy, Medicine and Religion in the China of A.D. 320: The Nei Pien of Ko Hung. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1981. ISBN 0486240886
  • Wells, Matthew. "Self as Historical Artifact: Ge Hong and Early Chinese Autobiography." Early Medieval China 9 (2003): 71-103.

External links

All links retrieved May 23, 2017.


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