Hsieh Ling-Yün

(also known as Hsieh K’ang-yüeh). Born 385; died 433 in Canton. Chinese poet. Executed as a member of the opposition to the ruling dynasty.

Hsieh Ling-yün was the originator of Chinese lyric landscape poetry. He was influenced by Taoism, with its doctrine of primitive naturalness. His depictions of nature reflect a profound philosophical perception of the world and penetrating insight into the nature of things. His poetry is often pessimistic, with the grandeur of nature merely serving to emphasize the transience of human life. His style is refined and intended for an informed reader. Only a small portion of his work has survived. Hsieh Ling-yün contributed to the compilation of the Southern Chinese version of the Buddhist Nirvana Sutra; he began writing History of the Chin Dynasty.