The Taste of the Ocean: Jiaoran’s Theory of Poetry

Abstract

This essay seeks to place Jiaoran’s 皎然 views on poetry in the context of contemporary religious developments and also in relation to the literary heritage of the Six Dynasties. Jiaoran’s key concept of zuoyong 作用 “creating an effect” is likely influenced by the Chan belief in the identity of practice and insight, as in the sermons of Mazu Daoyi 馬祖道一. Jiaoran’s views on the poetry of the past, like his theory of composition, typically assign priority to idiosyncratic styles or literary innovations over the continuity of tradition. In this respect he stands in stark contrast with Liu Xie 劉勰, and an extended contrast of the two critics demonstrates how innovative Jiaoran can be even when his critical vocabulary is conservative. Jiaoran’s special admiration for Xie Lingyun 謝靈運 also tends to elevate Xie outside of his historical milieu, as Jiaoran attributes his greatness to transcendent spiritual insight. Throughout his work Jiaoran asserts the Chan-like view that a moment of poetic creativity can outweigh centuries of tradition.