TheSeven Sages of the Bamboo Grove (also known as theSeven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove,traditional Chinese:竹林七賢;simplified Chinese:竹林七贤;pinyin:Zhúlín Qī Xián;Pe̍h-ōe-jī:Tiok-lîm Chhit Hiân) were a group of Chinese scholars, writers, and musicians of the third century CE. Although the various individuals all existed, their interconnection is not entirely certain. Several of the seven were linked with theQingtan school ofDaoism as it existed in thestate ofCao Wei.[2]
The Seven Sages found their lives to be in danger when the avowedly "Confucian"Jin dynasty of theSima clan came to power. Among other things, some of the seven wrote poems criticizing the court and the administration, and wrote Daoist-influenced literature. Not all seven sages had similar views. Some of the seven tried to negotiate their way through the difficult political positions by self-consciously adopting the roles of alcohol-fueled pranksters and eccentrics avoiding government control (for example, Liu Ling), yet some ended up joining the Jin dynasty (for example Wang Rong). However much they may or may not have been personally engaged in "witty conversation or debates" (qingtan), they became the subjects of it themselves in theA New Account of the Tales of the World (Chinese:世說新語;pinyin:Shìshuō Xīnyǔ).
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The Seven Sages areJi Kang (嵇康) (aka Xi Kang),Liu Ling (刘伶),Ruan Ji (阮籍),Ruan Xian (阮咸),Xiang Xiu (向秀),Wang Rong (王戎) andShan Tao (山涛). Ji Kang was especially close to Ruan Ji; their relationship was described as "stronger thanmetal and fragrant asorchids". The wife of Shan Tao was said to be impressed by Ruan Ji and Ji Kang's prowess when she spied on them duringsexual intercourse.[3]
As it is traditionally depicted, the group wished to escape the intrigues, corruption and stifling atmosphere of court life during the politically fraughtThree Kingdoms period of Chinese history. They gathered in abamboo grove near the house of Ji Kang inShanyang (now inHenan province) where they enjoyed, and praised in their works, the simple, rustic life. This was contrasted with the politics of court. The Seven Sages stressed the enjoyment ofalcoholic beverages,cold-food powder, personal freedom, spontaneity and a celebration of nature.
It would be Ji Kang's refusal to work for the new regime ofSima Zhao which would eventually lead to hisexecution. The group's rural life became a common theme forart, and they inspired other artists who wished to retreat during times of political upheavals.
Another person associated with the Seven Sages isRong Qiqi (榮啟期), who in fact lived quite earlier. This association is depicted in some apocryphal art from the fourth century CE, in a tomb nearNanjing.
The Seven Sages, or the symbol that they became, have been remarked to be influential in Chinese poetry, music, art, and overall culture.
The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove have inspired not only generations of poets, but also painters and other artists.
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