The origin of the Tang Dynasty's open-mindedness
Speaking of the Tang Dynasty, we all know that it was a glorious dynasty in Chinese history. Those brilliant Tang poems and the stories of talented and beautiful women that inspire people's minds have become topics that future generations talk about.
However, we seem to ignore that behind all this is the open and inclusive ideological atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.
This seemingly immutable feudal dynasty has undergone revolutionary changes in its thinking. Admittedly, everything stems from the background of the Tang Dynasty royal family. The royal family of the Tang Dynasty was the descendant of Han nobles intermarriage with Xianbei and Yiliang nobles from the frontier.
These ethnic groups themselves do not have such a strong sense of ethics, and they bring open and inclusive ideological genes.
When Tang Xuanzong ascended the throne, this gene was gradually activated. In today's parlance, he was an "enlightened monarch". For example, his grandfather Tang Gaozong insisted on taking her back to the palace after Wu Zetian got married, and finally canonized her as the queen.
In a traditional imperial society, this is undoubtedly an ethical challenge. However, Tang Xuanzong did not make a decision on this matter, which can be seen his tolerant attitude.
For ordinary people, this undoubtedly broke their traditional impression of imperial power. Maybe there were some doubts at first, but gradually, people began to reflect on similar situations in their own lives.
For example, is it really shameful to remarry after the death of a husband? Should the ideological prison be broken?
When the scandal of Tang Xuanzong's forcible seizure of his daughter-in-law spread, the people's doubts finally turned into actions to emancipate their minds. They began to travel lightly, ready to break the fragile shackles of paper.
The emancipation of the mind opens a new chapter in culture
The emancipation of the mind is like the dawn of the morning, which heralds a new day of cultural innovation. Sure enough, in the era when Tang Xuanzong opened the door of thought, the culture and art of the mainland also ushered in an unprecedented and splendid development.
Literary creation is thriving, and the number and quality of articles are at an all-time high. Among the readers, some specialize in poetry, and some are good at prose. They learn from each other and mature in various literary forms.
Great poets like Du Fu and Li Bai appear frequently, and their works have been passed down through the ages. In terms of articles, the prose style has become an excellent form of displaying literary talents, and the fame of many lyricists has also spread.
At the same time, the number of bachelors of letters has continued to grow. While these talented people are emerging, their minds are becoming more and more active and open-minded. Some people began to think about the meaning of life, while others discussed the rationality of the social system.
They no longer are absolutely subordinate to the imperial power, but look at things with their own independent thinking.
It is foreseeable that this will further impact the barriers of traditional ethics. As a result, a new way of life with a makeover is also quietly emerging among people. For example, divorce after a discordant relationship has gradually become acceptable and is no longer seen as shameful.
Because literary creation needs the nourishment of free thought, the emancipation of the mind in turn promotes the prosperity of culture. The two are each other's appearance, you have me, I have you.
As Du Fu said in the poem: "Wencheng is silent through the ages." It can be seen that the cultural prosperity brought about by the emancipation of the mind will be passed down through the ages and become a legend for generations.
Women's empowerment and new lifestyles
In the Tang Dynasty, the elevation of women's status allowed them to see the dawn of equality with men. Women are also living a richer and more affluent life than ever before. Their desire to break the shackles of tradition in clothing became a distinct social change in the Tang Dynasty.
The most direct manifestation is the way women dress. The long silk skirt with light and fluttering silk replaces the cumbersome and heavy traditional costume. The elastic silk is not only beautiful and generous, but also makes the female figure looming.
With the jeweled jewelry, all show the nobility and sexiness of the owner.
Such a new outfit clearly deviated from the traditional women's modest and reserved dress principles, but the women of the Tang Dynasty no longer cared about this. They are beginning to enjoy the sensual pleasures of life, not just the fate of the traditional "good wife and mother".
What they wear has become their way of expressing themselves.
Even, imitating men's clothing has become a new attempt for women. The simple and capable appearance of men's clothing reflects the psychology of women looking up to men. They also aspire to the same social opportunities and spaces as men.
Although this new way of life still carries some rebellious shadows, it heralds a change in gender relationships.
It is foreseeable that with the further improvement of women's status, these changes in their lifestyles will continue to ferment. When women truly gain equal status, their new way of life will also become more mature and rational, and eventually reach a positive and harmonious state.
The policy of openness promotes foreign relations
The open-mindedness of the Tang Dynasty had a profound impact not only at home but also on foreign relations. The concept of openness and inclusiveness became an important policy of Tang diplomacy, which greatly promoted the relationship between the Tang Dynasty and neighboring countries.
The Tang Dynasty adopted a strategy of sinicizing various ethnic groups and vigorously integrated the frontier regions. Removing traditional service for all ethnic groups and giving them more economic and cultural autonomy. The people of all ethnic groups benefited from the benefits and viewed the Tang rule more positively, which enhanced the cohesion of the country.
On the other hand, the Tang Dynasty also invited scholars from Dashi, Tianzhu and other countries to study and exchange in China with an open attitude. The inclusiveness of the Han and Tang civilizations attracted students from other countries to move eastward.
After they came to Chang'an, they were courteous to the Tang Dynasty government, which also made them deeply impressed by the Tang Dynasty.
Along with cultural exchanges, frequent exchanges of envoys also strengthened political ties. The envoys of the two sides held consultations on issues such as trade and border defense, and this method of consultation on an equal footing showed the enlightened side of the Tang Dynasty.
There are also Tang Dynasty monks who went to various countries to preach and promote the Dharma, which also played a role in connecting the hearts of the people.
It can be said that the transformation of open-mindedness into open diplomacy greatly promoted the friendly exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and neighboring countries. It was precisely because the Tang Dynasty was open and tolerant and kind to its neighbors that its territory could be vast and its national prestige could be spread far and wide.
The open-mindedness laid a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
An analysis of the impact of the opening up of the Tang Dynasty
Based on the foregoing, we can see that the Tang Dynasty's open-mindedness had a profound impact at home and abroad. It has contributed significantly to cultural prosperity, the status of women, and foreign relations.
This is a groundbreaking change in Chinese history.
The positive significance of the emancipation of the mind is obvious. It unleashes the potential of people's minds, and culture and art flourish as a result. Respect for women also makes social relations more harmonious.
The open diplomatic strategy helped the Tang Dynasty establish a good international image.
However, we must also be soberly aware that there are certain limitations to the opening up of the Tang Dynasty. Ethical standards are too broad, which also has certain negative consequences. Political corruption grew in the later period, eventually leading to the decline of the dynasty.
History tells us that any change needs to be moderately constrained, otherwise it can slip. The Tang Dynasty's spirit of open-mindedness is worth emulating, but its specific practice needs to be adapted to the times and keep pace with the times.
Overall, the Tang Dynasty's open-mindedness was a revolution of progressive significance. It had a profound impact both then and for generations to come. We should fully affirm its historical contribution and avoid its negative effects while inheriting its essence.
This is an important revelation for our study of the changes in the Tang Dynasty.