Question

Question 2.
What are the elements of ‘shanshui’? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Chinese painter brings out the concept of Shanshui in his work. Literally it means mountain and water. The mountain is symbolic of the male and the water is symbolic of’ the female element in creation. This is the fundamental notion of ‘Daoism’. In between there is the Middle Void where their interaction takes place and is also the space for man. Thus the Chinese painter’s landscape has a spiritual character.  The author has compared the concept of ‘Shanshui’ with the yogic practice of ‘Pranayama’ breathe in, hold, breath out—the time of the suspension of breath is the void when meditation occurs. This middle void is crucial-as nothing can happen without it.