Emperor Taizong of Tang appointed virtuous and capable people to important positions, and were able to accept suggestions and even criticism from their appointees. Although supreme as an emperor, Taizong was humble, respectful, and tolerant. He even promoted in rank those who had opposed him. Taizong had always been diligent and had lofty goals. Thus, he was not only the founder of the Tang Dynasty but also a role model for future emperors.
The unique character of Tang can be summarized as “having an open and broad mind, combining the quintessence from all.” It is precisely this spirit that forged a culturally diverse and splendid period in Chinese history.
Literature and the Arts
“The Complete Tang Poems,” compiled during the reign of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty, is a collection of more than 48,000 poems written by over 2,200 poets. The number of accomplished poets and the diversity of their poetry was a shining star in the history of Chinese literature. The poems written during the Tang Dynasty were not only great in number but also extremely high in artistic value.
The golden time of the Tang Dynasty produced countless renowned poets: “God of Poetry” Li Bai, “Saint of Poetry” Du Fu, Meng Haoran and Wang Wei, who were both famous for poems describing natural scenery, Gao Shi and Cen Shen whose poems were mostly about life in border areas, “the Poet of Confucius” Wang Changling, and so on. In the later years, Bai Juyi was a representative poet among numerous poets in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty. Their poems are profound, imposing, and far-reaching; they transcend the mundane and embody the spirit of the Tang Dynasty.
In addition to poetry, Tang-style essays, novels, and tales of marvels also reached a very high artistic level. Scholars of the Tang Dynasty wrote about civilians’ lives and exposed the dark side of society, and demonstrated acute insight, courage, sense of responsibility, great foresight, and broad vision. Between the lines we are able to see their wish of “saving the multitudes of people, and maintaining the peace and prosperity of society.”
Calligraphy and Painting
Under the influence of Taizong, later emperors such as Gaozong and Zhongzong also loved and advocated good calligraphy. As a result, calligraphy reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty also produced the largest number of calligraphers among all of the dynasties. Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan, Yan Zhenqing, and Liu Gongquan are just a few. Their calligraphy still serves as prime examples for calligraphy lovers to emulate.
The painting circle was very active during the Tang Dynasty, and the range of subjects was broadened like never before.
“A True Portrait of Taizong” and “The Twenty-Four Officials of Great Merit” by painter Yan Liben looks true to life and vividly represented the images and expressions of Taizong and his officials. Yan was therefore acclaimed “a god-like painter.”
Another painter, Wu Daozi, made over 400 Buddhist and Taoist mural paintings in temples at Chang’an and Luoyang. Each Buddhist and Taoist figure was unique; moreover, his paintings fully displayed the mighty dignity of Buddhas and deities, and the splendor of heavenly paradises. He was able to finish a painting with one flourish of the brush, and his paintings immediately awed all of Chang’an City.
The later generations revered him as “The Saint of Painting” and described his painting as follows: “Waving the brush as a swirl of wind, as if a god is helping him.” Painting and sculpture artisans worshipped him as “the Founding Master.”
Mural painting and sculpture during the Tang Dynasty had outstanding composition and rich colors, were sumptuous yet elegant, bright yet calm. The pieces were truly magnificent and graceful. For example, “The Western Pure Land,” one of the paintings in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, displays the magnificent scene of a heavenly paradise with a multitude of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and sentient beings, each with a radiant look and vivid expression.
Music and Dance
Tang era music and dance used the best movements of previous generations, and adopted the quintessence from the many minorities as well as foreign nationalities in the West. The music and dance of this period are true reflections of a peaceful and prosperous society with hundreds of nations and a variety of nationalities in perfect harmony.
Tang music and dance is grand and magnificent. Poetry and prose are compiled into songs and odes; the instruments were very diverse and included the zither, Chinese harp, and drums; the dances were graceful and smooth; the costumes were colorful and diverse. Among Tang music and dance styles was “Qingshang music,” which included traditional music starting from as far back as the Han Dynasty; there was also “Northwest land music” and “Goryeo music,” which were named after the places they originated.
The original pieces compiled during the Tang Dynasty were a combination of music, dance, and poetry, often in the form of large-scale, multisection presentations.
One of the most famous productions created during the Tang Dynasty was “Li Shimin Defeating Liu Wuzhou,” a grand and majestic showcase of music and dance that described and praised Taizong’s virtuous feat of eliminating a vicious enemy, unifying the nation, and bringing peace to the people. The music became very popular and was even widely spread in countries outside of China.
Ideology and Beliefs
The Tang Dynasty is a period when Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism continued to develop to their peak of popularity. The teachings of these three schools helped to regulate people’s conduct and permeated all aspects of society. As a result, the entire society was able to maintain a high moral standard.
Taizong not only respected Confucianism but also supported Taoism and Buddhism. During the Tang Dynasty, there was a complete system of worshiping heaven and earth as well as deities. People respected heaven and believed in gods. Scholars respected Taoism and promoted virtuous conduct, taking the well-being of the people and prosperity of society as their responsibility. Confucianism teaches people that “a benevolent person loves others”; the Taoist school teaches “enlighten to Tao and validate the truth;” the Buddhist school teaches “offering salvation with compassion.” People of that time strove to seek truth and firmly maintain a virtuous heart.
Taizong issued an order to have some scholars compile the book “Five Classics of Confucianism,” which became the standard textbook for students to study in preparation for the imperial examination. It remained a standard textbook for later generations as well.
In fine arts, there was a special study dedicated to Taoist and Buddhist figures. Musicians compiled grand Taoist music pieces.
In science too, the renowned Chinese Medicine doctor Sun Simiao was a Taoist whose lifetime endeavor was the cultivation of Tao and providing medical treatment for people. Later generations worshiped him as “Taoist True Man Sun” and “the King of Medicine.”
The Buddhist doctrine was also widely promoted. Large numbers of Buddhist scriptures were being translated and spread during this time. People believed in Buddhist Dharma, and in karmic relationships. They cultivated the heart and strove to be compassionate.
Accomplished monk Xuanzang, with his compassionate heart for all, was determined to go to India to obtain some Buddhist scriptures. He spent 17 years making a long and arduous journey to India and back, and returned with 657 scriptures. Upon his return, he translated all of the scriptures into Chinese at Ci’en Temple in Chang’an.
Taizong greatly acclaimed the monk’s feat and gave him tremendous support. Moreover, Taizong personally wrote the foreword for Xuanzang’s collections. It began with an exposition on heaven and earth, yin and yang, transformation of the four seasons, the visible and the intangible, macroscopic and microscopic, then transitioned to the power of Buddhist teachings, and praised the incredible feat of seeking the Buddhist scriptures. The foreword is majestic in its momentum, yet elegant in its literary style.
Cultural Exchange With Neighboring Countries
The reign of Zhen Guan was greatly admired by neighboring countries; over 300 countries and tribes regularly sent diplomatic envoys to China. The royal Tang court therefore set up numerous organizations to host foreign visitors and take care of bilateral relationships.
Many countries in Asia and Africa sent envoys to China. Other countries adopted many of the policies of the Tang Dynasty. Among those who went to the capital, Chang’an, to learn from Tang culture were members of royal families, envoys, students, artists, and monks. Chang’an became the largest international capital of the world at that time.
The Guozijian (Central Academy of Feudalist China) was the most acclaimed academy in the world. Japan alone sent 19 groups of envoys to China, totaling over 5,000 people, which were referred to as Japanese Tang Envoys. Students from overseas were admitted to the Tang’s highest educational institution, Guozijian.
After several years of study, the students might stay to work in an official capacity in China or go back to their home countries to spread Han culture to their countrymen. Monks from other countries resided in temples and worked hard to study the Buddhist scriptures. Some countries invited accomplished persons in China to teach in their countries. For example, Monk Jianzhen went to Japan six times, bringing Buddha statues and Buddhist scriptures to Japan and promoting Buddhist Dharma as well as Tang culture in Japan. He thereby made a significant contribution to the cultural exchange between Japan and China.
The Tang culture has glorious achievements that will shine forever in China’s civilization. It has also become a treasure for the entire world with its profound substance and great influence on neighboring countries. It will forever remain the Chinese people’s pride and glory. The prosperous, heaven-like kingdom and Taizong’s upright, benevolent, and broad heart will never fade from people’s memories.
