Classical Chinese Poetry: The Book of Songs / 詩經 (1046–771 BC)

The 詩經 or Shijing (alternately known as the "Classic of Poetry", "The Book of Songs", and other names) is the oldest collection of poetry in world literature and a cornerstone of Chinese cultural heritage. Compiled between the 11th and 6th centuries BC, it preserves 305 poems that capture the voices of early Zhou society — from folk songs sung in villages to ceremonial hymns performed at ancestral rites and political odes composed for rulers. Centuries later, the Shijing would become central to Confucian philosophy and re-interpreted (many would argue mis-interpreted) as a guide to moral cultivation, social order, and ritual propriety.

The collection's verses — simple yet profound — cover themes of daily life, love, family, longing, work, nature, and politics, offering insight into both the inner lives of common people and the ideals of rulers. It has deeply influenced Chinese literature, philosophy, culture, and aesthetics for over three millennia.

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This is a series of meetups hosted by the Toronto Philosophy Meetup to discuss the rich tradition of classical Chinese poetry. At this 4th meetup (Nov 9), we'll continue live reading selections from the 詩經 or The Book of Songs, a collection of poetry (mostly folk poetry) dated to 1046–771 BC from the cultural region of the Zhou Dynasty. If there's a poem from the collection you'll like us to discuss at this meetup, please let us know in the comments!

Various translations of the texts will be available on the main event page – https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/311759395/

Check our our calendar for daily philosophy events, talks, and discussions – https://www.meetup.com/the-toronto-philosophy-meetup/events/calendar/

Poems from the Shijing we've previously discussed:

• 1. The Ospreys Cry (關雎)
• 6. The Heavy Hanging Peach Tree (桃之夭)
• 21. Little Stars (小星)
• 23. In the Wilds There is a Dead Doe (野有死麕)
• 26. The Cypress Boat (柏舟)
• 31. Beating the Drums (擊鼓)
• 32. A Gentle Wind (凱風)
• 66. My Lord is on the March (君子于役)
• 96. The Cock Crows (雞鳴)
• 131. Yellow Bird (黃鳥)