In the history of Chinese poetry, Wang Wei (701–61) has received the appellation of “poetic Buddha” 詩佛, and his poetry, especially his nature poetry, has often been interpreted as reflecting Chan Buddhist meanings and overtones. Yang Jingqing's book sets out to challenge the validity of this critical convention. In his words, “the Chan quality did not actually exist in his nature poetry when he wrote it, but was read into it later.” Despite this, “critics of the last few hundred years … talked about the Chan quality in Wang Wei's poetry as though it were something that had been there from the outset” (p. 208).
The book consists of five chapters. Chapter 1, “Engagement or Retreat—A Life of Dilemma,” explores Wang Wei's life and career. Chapter 2, “Wang Wei's Reclusion,” explores the traditional Chinese concept and practice of reclusion and how Wang Wei's notion of reclusion fits into this tradition....
