The Concept of Mountains in “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”

Abstract

This article focuses on “mountains” presented in the Ancient Chinese literature “Shan Hai Jing”, also known as “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” and “The Classic of Great Wilderness”, which was written by various authors through several periods of time. The content of “Shan Hai Jing” covers different areas of knowledge including geography, mythology, folklore, religion, ethnology, medicine and other valuable information. According to finding of this study, in ancient time “mountains” were viewed as both sacred spaces and the center of power. The concept of harmony between humankind and mother nature in the “Classic of Mountains and Seas” has deep influences on “The Dialects of Confucius” and Taoism. This concept of mountains which was a combination of mountains in imagination and reality in the area of literature has produced a set of knowledge and power for Chinese society.