1860
Liu TBung-chou fj ^ ^ (T. ^ jR. H. ±, g and
ill). A.D. 1578-1645. A native of the Shan-yin Diatrict in Chehkiang, who flourished as a scholar and o£SciaI at the close of the Ming dynasty. He graduated as chin shih in 1601, and filled a variety of posts; but his open denunciation of abuses constantly led to degradation or dismissal from office. The political troubles of his times affected him deeply; and when at length Nanking fell and the Ming dynasty ceased to exist, he attempted first of all to end his own life by drowning, and finally starved himself to death. He was the author of the ^ |^ , a work on the whole duty of man, and of a collection of miscellaneous writings known as ^ -^ :^ ^ • In 1822 his tablet was placed in the Ck)nfucian Temple.
1361 Liu Tsung-ytlan #P^7C (T. -7* J?). A.D. 773-819. One of the most celebrated poets and essayists of the T*ang dynasty, and also famous as a calligraphist. After rising to be secretary io the Board of Bites, he became involved in the conspiracy of ^ ^ ^ Wang Shu-wdn, and in 815 he was banished to Lin-chou in Euangsi, with the appointment of Grovemor, in which post he died. Hence he is often spoken of as ^ ^ jHI ' ^^^ ^^ ^ poems are deeply tinged with Buddhistic doctrines, and he also wrote a remarkable essay in defence of his partiality. ^'Buddhism,*' said he, "admits of no envious rivalry for place or power. The majority of its adherents love only to lead a simple life o£ contemplation amid the charms of hill and stream. And when ^ turn my gaze towards the hurry-scurry of the age, in its daill^ race for the seals and tassels of office, I ask myself if I am i?-^ reject those in order to take my place among the ranks of these.' He was on very intimate terms with Han Yt, from whom hm^ - received more than one severe rebuke for his leaning towards th
"strange doctrine."