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The designation 'Fangshi' historically referred to ancient Chinese scholars whose primary focus was exclusively on Confucian philosophy and governance.
Answer: False
The term 'Fangshi' encompassed a broader range of technical specialists, including practitioners of esoteric arts, alchemy, and divination, rather than being solely focused on Confucian philosophy and governance.
The literal translation of the term 'Fangshi' from Chinese characters is 'method master' or 'specialist in a particular way'.
Answer: True
The characters 'fang' (方) and 'shi' (士) combine to literally mean 'method master' or 'specialist in a particular way,' reflecting their diverse technical expertise.
According to Harper's analysis, a defining characteristic of Fangshi was their possession of texts containing occult knowledge.
Answer: True
Harper's etymological examination suggests that Fangshi were distinguished by their proprietary knowledge, often contained within specialized writings, which they might impart to patrons.
Fangshi typically held high regular civil service ranks.
Answer: False
According to Nathan Sivin's criteria, Fangshi generally did not hold high regular civil service ranks; if they did, it was often an imperial gesture rather than a standard career path.
Fangshi were primarily associated with the development of written Chinese literature.
Answer: False
While Fangshi produced texts, their primary association was not with the development of general written literature but rather with specialized technical arts, esoteric knowledge, and practical applications.
Fangshi were known for their ability to manipulate natural processes, a trait noted by Nathan Sivin.
Answer: True
Nathan Sivin's criteria for identifying Fangshi include their possession of extraordinary abilities, such as the perceived capacity to manipulate natural processes.
The term 'fangshi' literally means 'immortal being' or 'transcendent one'.
Answer: False
The literal translation of 'Fangshi' is 'method master' or 'specialist in a particular way.' The concept of 'xian' relates to immortality or transcendence.
Nathan Sivin's criteria suggest Fangshi often carried a faint stigma for their technical enthusiasms.
Answer: True
According to Nathan Sivin's analysis, Fangshi practitioners sometimes faced a degree of social stigma due to their specialized technical pursuits, distinguishing them from orthodox literati.
Fangshi were practitioners of various arts and sciences, including alchemy and astrology.
Answer: True
Fangshi were indeed multifaceted practitioners, engaging in a wide spectrum of arts and sciences, prominently including alchemy, astrology, divination, and medicine.
Which of the following roles is generally NOT considered among the diverse English translations or primary functions attributed to Fangshi?
Answer: Philosopher
While Fangshi engaged with various disciplines, their primary roles and translations typically involved practical arts such as alchemy, medicine, astrology, and divination, rather than the systematic philosophical inquiry characteristic of Confucian scholars.
What do the Chinese characters 'fang' (方) and 'shi' (士) literally suggest when combined as 'Fangshi'?
Answer: Method master or specialist in a particular way
The characters 'fang' (方), meaning 'method' or 'way,' and 'shi' (士), meaning 'master' or 'specialist,' combine to literally denote a 'method master' or 'specialist in a particular way,' reflecting their diverse expertise.
What did Harper suggest was a chief characteristic of individuals known as Fangshi?
Answer: Possessing writings containing occult knowledge.
Harper's analysis posits that a primary characteristic distinguishing Fangshi was their possession of specialized texts containing occult knowledge, which they might share with select patrons.
According to Nathan Sivin's criteria, which of the following was typical of Fangshi?
Answer: They possessed powers rarely seen in orthodox literati.
Nathan Sivin's criteria suggest that Fangshi were characterized by possessing abilities or powers uncommon among orthodox literati, distinguishing them from conventional scholars.
What does the source suggest about the descriptions of Fangshi in historical texts, according to Sivin's criteria?
Answer: Descriptions often conveyed a lack of full humanity or mastery of the social Way.
According to Nathan Sivin's criteria, historical descriptions of Fangshi frequently implied a deficiency in full humanity or complete mastery of social conventions, setting them apart from orthodox literati.
The term 'Fangshi' first appeared in the 'Book of Han' (82 CE).
Answer: False
The term 'Fangshi' first appears in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' (c. 91 BCE), predating the 'Book of Han' (82 CE).
By the Six Dynasties Period, the role of Fangshi had significantly increased, becoming central to imperial governance.
Answer: False
By the Six Dynasties Period, the role of Fangshi had notably declined, with their techniques being gradually absorbed into developing Taoist religions and traditional Chinese medicine.
The term Fangshi first appears in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' within a treatise on astronomical observations.
Answer: False
The term 'Fangshi' first appears in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' within the 'Treatise on the Feng and Shan Sacrifices,' not specifically a treatise on astronomical observations.
The 'Book of Later Han' broadened the categorization of Fangshi to include omen and portent techniques like 'wind angles' divination.
Answer: True
The 'Book of Later Han' expanded the scope of Fangshi classification to encompass divination techniques, such as 'wind angles' (fengjiao), which involved interpreting omens and portents.
The text presents a consistent account of Fangshi originating in southern China.
Answer: False
The source material presents conflicting information regarding the geographical origin of Fangshi, mentioning both northern and southern China as potential origins, thus not offering a consistent account.
The 'Records of Three Kingdoms' combined Fangshi and 'shushu' into a chapter on 'fangshu,' indicating a shift towards including experts in detecting natural world shifts.
Answer: True
The 'Records of Three Kingdoms' integrated Fangshi and 'shushu' (numbers and arts) under the broader category of 'fangshu' (methods and arts), reflecting an expanded inclusion of specialists in understanding natural phenomena.
Fangshi were prominent from the third century BCE to the fifth century CE.
Answer: True
Historical consensus places the period of Fangshi prominence from the third century BCE through the fifth century CE, encompassing significant dynasties like the Qin and Han.
During which historical period did Fangshi achieve their greatest prominence as technical specialists in ancient China?
Answer: 3rd century BCE to 5th century CE
The historical consensus indicates that Fangshi were most prominent during the period spanning the third century BCE to the fifth century CE, encompassing the Qin, Han, and Six Dynasties eras.
In which historical text are Fangshi first documented?
Answer: Records of the Grand Historian
The earliest documented appearance of the term 'Fangshi' is in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian,' compiled around 91 BCE.
Where did Fangshi originate during the late Warring States period, and what was their early specialization?
Answer: Northern China; techniques related to xian (immortality).
Historical texts suggest that Fangshi originated in northern China during the late Warring States period, with an early specialization in techniques associated with 'xian,' the pursuit of immortality or transcendence.
How did the role of Fangshi evolve by the Six Dynasties Period?
Answer: Their role declined as their techniques were absorbed into Taoism and medicine.
By the Six Dynasties Period, the distinct role of Fangshi had diminished, with their practices being assimilated into the developing traditions of Daoism and Chinese medicine.
In which section of Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' does the term Fangshi first appear?
Answer: Treatise on the Feng and Shan Sacrifices
The term 'Fangshi' is first documented in Sima Qian's 'Records of the Grand Historian' within the 'Fengshan shu,' or Treatise on the Feng and Shan Sacrifices.
How did the 'Records of Three Kingdoms' categorize Fangshi compared to earlier texts?
Answer: It combined Fangshi with 'shushu' into 'fangshu,' including experts in natural shifts.
The 'Records of Three Kingdoms' integrated Fangshi with 'shushu' (numbers and arts) into a broader category of 'fangshu' (methods and arts), reflecting an expanded scope that included expertise in natural phenomena.
According to the source, what was a notable contradiction regarding the origin of Fangshi?
Answer: Whether they originated in the north or south of China.
The source presents conflicting accounts regarding the geographical origin of Fangshi, mentioning both northern and southern China, creating a notable contradiction in the historical narrative.
Early Fangshi claimed knowledge of the legendary spirit mountains Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou where the elixir of immortality could be found.
Answer: True
A significant aspect of early Fangshi lore involved their assertion of knowledge regarding the mythical islands of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou, believed to be the abodes of immortals and sources of the elixir of life.
Dunjia and wuyi are examples of techniques employed by Fangshi.
Answer: True
Dunjia (a form of divination) and wuyi (shamanic medicine) are indeed among the diverse techniques historically associated with Fangshi practitioners.
Shefu, a practice used by Fangshi, involved guessing hidden objects in a manner similar to modern parlor magic.
Answer: True
The practice of 'shefu,' meaning 'shoot cover,' is described as a game employed by Fangshi where they would guess hidden objects, akin to contemporary parlor magic.
Joseph Needham identified aurifaction, the creation of gold, as a key component of Fangshi alchemy.
Answer: True
Joseph Needham characterized Fangshi alchemy as encompassing both macrobiotics (prolonging life) and aurifaction (the creation of gold).
The pursuit of immortality was a central theme in the practices and patronage of Fangshi.
Answer: True
The quest for immortality, including the search for elixirs and divine realms, was a fundamental aspect of Fangshi practices and a primary reason for imperial patronage.
Fangshi's medical practices were solely based on Confucian medical traditions.
Answer: False
Fangshi medical practices integrated Confucian traditions with popular shamanic rituals, employing a broader range of therapies than solely Confucian methods.
The Yinqueshan Han Slips provide evidence of Fangshi techniques like fengjiao and nayin from the Han dynasty.
Answer: True
The discovery of the Yinqueshan Han Slips has provided concrete textual evidence of Fangshi techniques, such as fengjiao and nayin, dating back to the Han dynasty.
Fangshi were pioneers in developing Chinese alchemy, particularly substances like cinnabar.
Answer: True
Fangshi played a crucial role in the early development of Chinese alchemy, contributing to the creation of substances such as cinnabar in their pursuit of longevity and transmutation.
The 'Three Treasures' associated with Fangshi practices refer to the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, and propriety.
Answer: False
The 'Three Treasures' in the context of Fangshi and related traditions typically refer to Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit), fundamental concepts in Daoist cultivation and traditional Chinese medicine.
The concept of 'xian', meaning immortality or transcendence, was a core pursuit for early Fangshi.
Answer: True
The pursuit of 'xian,' signifying immortality or spiritual transcendence, was a central objective for early Fangshi, particularly those originating in northern China during the Warring States period.
The practice of geomancy was one of the many skills attributed to Fangshi.
Answer: True
Geomancy, the practice of interpreting geographical features and their influence, was among the diverse array of skills and techniques attributed to Fangshi practitioners.
The practice of 'xian' relates to the Fangshi's pursuit of longevity and spiritual attainment.
Answer: True
The concept of 'xian,' signifying immortality or transcendence, was central to the Fangshi's aspirations, encompassing the pursuit of longevity and profound spiritual development.
The elixir of immortality was believed by Fangshi to be found on Mount Tai.
Answer: False
The elixir of immortality was believed by Fangshi to be located on the mythical spirit mountains of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou in the Bohai Sea, not Mount Tai.
Which legendary mountains were associated with the Fangshi's search for the elixir of immortality?
Answer: Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou
Fangshi lore frequently mentioned the mythical islands of Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou as the locations where the elixir of immortality could be found.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a technique employed by Fangshi?
Answer: Calligraphy (Shufa)
While Fangshi engaged in diverse practices like dunjia, wuyi, and fengjiao, calligraphy (Shufa) is not typically listed among their specialized techniques in the provided context.
What practice, resembling parlor magic, involved Fangshi guessing hidden objects?
Answer: Shefu
The practice known as 'shefu,' involving guessing hidden objects, is described as resembling parlor magic and was employed by some Fangshi.
How did the Fangshi tradition contribute to the development of Chinese alchemy?
Answer: By developing early alchemical substances like cinnabar.
Fangshi were instrumental in the early development of Chinese alchemy, pioneering the creation of substances such as cinnabar in their pursuit of elixirs and transmutation.
What is the significance of the Yinqueshan Han Slips regarding Fangshi?
Answer: They provide direct evidence of Fangshi techniques like fengjiao and nayin from the Han dynasty.
The Yinqueshan Han Slips offer significant archaeological evidence, containing manuscripts that document Fangshi techniques such as fengjiao and nayin from the Han period.
What does the term 'xian' (仙) signify in relation to early Fangshi practices?
Answer: Immortality or transcendence
In the context of early Fangshi practices, 'xian' (仙) signifies the ultimate goal of immortality or spiritual transcendence.
Which of the following is a key concept referred to as one of the 'Three Treasures' in Fangshi practices?
Answer: Qi (breath/vital energy)
The 'Three Treasures' fundamental to many Fangshi and Daoist practices are Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit).
What did Joseph Needham propose about alchemy as practiced by Fangshi?
Answer: It combined macrobiotics and aurifaction.
Joseph Needham defined Fangshi alchemy as a synthesis of macrobiotics (life-prolonging practices) and aurifaction (the creation of gold).
How did Fangshi contribute to the development of Chinese medicine?
Answer: By integrating Confucian medical traditions with popular shamanic practices.
Fangshi significantly contributed to Chinese medicine by merging Confucian medical principles with popular shamanic healing practices, creating a more comprehensive therapeutic approach.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, emperors sought Fangshi primarily for their expertise in statecraft and administration.
Answer: False
Emperors during the Qin and Han dynasties patronized Fangshi predominantly in their pursuit of the elixir of immortality, rather than for expertise in statecraft or administration.
Qin Shi Huang dispatched Xu Fu in 219 BCE to find the elixir of life from the immortal Anqi Sheng.
Answer: True
Historical records indicate that Qin Shi Huang commissioned the Fangshi Xu Fu in 219 BCE to embark on a voyage to seek the elixir of immortality, purportedly from the immortal Anqi Sheng.
Emperor Wu of Han encouraged Fangshi to compile techniques related to statecraft and military strategy.
Answer: False
Emperor Wu of Han patronized Fangshi extensively, but his encouragement focused on techniques related to spirit transcendence and alchemy, not statecraft or military strategy.
Lu Sheng was dispatched by Qin Shi Huang to find the elixir of life from Anqi Sheng.
Answer: True
Historical accounts confirm that Qin Shi Huang sent the Fangshi Lu Sheng, along with Xu Fu, on expeditions to seek the elixir of life from the immortal Anqi Sheng.
What was the primary reason emperors during the Qin and Han dynasties patronized Fangshi?
Answer: To seek the elixir of immortality.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, emperors frequently patronized Fangshi with the primary objective of obtaining the legendary elixir of immortality.
Who was Xu Fu, a Fangshi dispatched by Qin Shi Huang?
Answer: An individual sent to find the elixir of life.
Xu Fu was a Fangshi commissioned by Qin Shi Huang to lead an expedition in search of the elixir of life.
What kind of techniques did Liu An, uncle of Emperor Wu of Han, gather Fangshi to compile?
Answer: Techniques related to spirit transcendence and alchemy.
Liu An, Prince of Huainan and uncle to Emperor Wu, gathered Fangshi to compile techniques pertaining to spirit transcendence ('shenxian') and alchemy ('huangbai').
Which Fangshi was dispatched by Qin Shi Huang in 215 BCE?
Answer: Lu Sheng
In 215 BCE, Qin Shi Huang dispatched the Fangshi Lu Sheng on an expedition to seek the elixir of life.
What was the primary focus of Emperor Wu of Han's patronage of Fangshi?
Answer: To encourage research into spirit transcendence and alchemy.
Emperor Wu of Han's patronage of Fangshi was largely directed towards fostering research and practices related to spirit transcendence and alchemy.
Historian Yu Ying-shi proposed that the term 'Fangshi' should be translated as 'military strategists,' emphasizing their tactical acumen.
Answer: False
While Fangshi possessed diverse skills, Yu Ying-shi suggested translating 'Fangshi' as 'religious Taoists' or 'popular Taoists,' noting that many of their arts were later integrated into Taoism, rather than primarily as 'military strategists'.
DeWoskin proposed that Fangshi thought and techniques originated solely from astrological practices.
Answer: False
DeWoskin posited that Fangshi thought and techniques derived from three primary areas: astrology and calendrics; the practices of wu mediums and conjury; and pharmaceutical and hygienic medicine, not solely astrology.
DeWoskin suggested Fengjiao divination involved observing the wind's direction and strength from eight angles.
Answer: True
DeWoskin's interpretation of Fengjiao divination posits that it involved observing the wind's direction and strength from eight cardinal and intercardinal points.
Csikszentmihalyi interpreted Fengjiao divination as a method for predicting weather patterns for agricultural purposes only.
Answer: False
Csikszentmihalyi's interpretation of Fengjiao divination focused on its use in determining the local increase and decrease of Yin and Yang qi based on seasonal winds' temperature, strength, and direction, not solely for agricultural weather prediction.
Harper praised DeWoskin's translation of 'tuibu' as 'astral influences.'
Answer: False
Harper criticized DeWoskin's translations, arguing that 'tuibu' referred to determining celestial paths rather than 'astral influences'.
Joseph Needham proposed that Daoism originated from an alliance between Fangshi and Confucian scholars.
Answer: False
Joseph Needham theorized that Daoism originated from an alliance between Fangshi, wu (shamans/doctors), and philosophers like Laozi and Zhuangzi, rather than Confucian scholars.
Gu Yong, a minister, praised Fangshi for their adherence to the principles of benevolence and the Five Classics.
Answer: False
Gu Yong, a minister, was highly critical of Fangshi, condemning their practices for neglecting the principles of benevolence and the Five Classics.
DeWoskin argued that Fangshi consolidated divination practices tracing back to the Shang dynasty.
Answer: True
DeWoskin's research indicates that Fangshi played a role in consolidating various ancient Chinese traditions, including divination practices that had roots extending back to the Shang dynasty.
Joseph Needham believed Daoism originated from an alliance between Fangshi and philosophers like Confucius.
Answer: False
Joseph Needham proposed that Daoism originated from an alliance between Fangshi, wu (shamans/doctors), and philosophers such as Laozi and Zhuangzi, not Confucius.
Gu Yong criticized Fangshi for focusing too much on traditional Confucian scholarship.
Answer: False
Gu Yong criticized Fangshi for their perceived neglect of Confucian principles, such as benevolence and the Five Classics, rather than for focusing too much on Confucian scholarship.
The practice of 'tuibu' involves determining celestial paths according to Harper's critique.
Answer: True
Harper critiqued DeWoskin's translation of 'tuibu,' asserting that it literally means 'plotting the paces' and refers to the determination of celestial paths, not 'astral influences'.
According to historian Yu Ying-shi, why might Fangshi be generally translated as 'religious Taoists'?
Answer: Because many of their arts were later incorporated into the Taoist religion.
Yu Ying-shi suggested that 'Fangshi' could be broadly translated as 'religious Taoists' due to the significant integration of their practices and knowledge into the developing Taoist religion.
Which three areas did DeWoskin propose as antecedents for Fangshi thought and techniques?
Answer: Astrology, wu mediums/conjury, and medicine.
DeWoskin identified astrology and calendrics, the practices of wu mediums and conjury, and pharmaceutical/hygienic medicine as the three principal areas from which Fangshi thought and techniques emerged.
What did Csikszentmihalyi clarify about Fengjiao divination?
Answer: It involved observing the wind's temperature, strength, and directional changes to determine Yin and Yang qi.
Csikszentmihalyi clarified that Fengjiao divination involved analyzing seasonal winds' temperature, strength, and direction to ascertain the local fluctuations of Yin and Yang qi.
What criticism did Harper levy against DeWoskin's translation of 'tingzhuan'?
Answer: It referred to a form of divination with lots using broken bamboo, not 'bamboo twisters.'
Harper criticized DeWoskin's translation of 'tingzhuan,' arguing it referred to a divination method using broken bamboo lots, contrary to DeWoskin's interpretation of 'bamboo twisters'.
What did Joseph Needham propose about the origins of Daoism?
Answer: It was an alliance between Fangshi, wu (shamans/doctors), and philosophers like Laozi and Zhuangzi.
Joseph Needham theorized that Daoism emerged from an alliance involving Fangshi, wu (shamans/doctors), and philosophical figures such as Laozi and Zhuangzi.
What criticism did Gu Yong level against Fangshi practices?
Answer: They ignored principles of benevolence and the Five Classics.
Gu Yong criticized Fangshi for their deviation from core Confucian values, specifically their disregard for benevolence and the Five Classics in favor of esoteric pursuits.
Which of the following is an example of a technique criticized by Harper in DeWoskin's translations?
Answer: Tuibu
Harper specifically criticized DeWoskin's translation of 'tuibu,' arguing for a more accurate interpretation related to celestial path determination.
The Shangqing School of Daoism incorporated techniques from the Fangshi tradition.
Answer: True
The Fangshi tradition's diverse practices significantly influenced the development of Daoist religions, including schools like Shangqing, which integrated many of their techniques.
The term 'fangshi' was consistently used throughout Chinese history, with no significant replacements.
Answer: False
The term 'fangshi' evolved, and later, the term 'daoshi' began to replace it as Daoism broadened to encompass the specialized practices previously associated with Fangshi.
In contemporary usage, the term 'fangshi' is exclusively used to refer to ancient Chinese technical specialists.
Answer: False
While primarily referring to ancient specialists, the term 'fangshi' can also be used in contemporary contexts to describe authors or works engaging with related traditions, as exemplified by Timothy C. Wong's analysis.
The evolution of Daoism led to the term 'daoshi' gradually replacing 'fangshi' as it encompassed more specialized practices.
Answer: True
As Daoism developed and integrated the diverse practices of Fangshi, the term 'daoshi' (masters of the Dao) began to supplant 'fangshi' (masters of methods), signifying a broader conceptualization.
Gan Ji, Zuo Ci, and Ge Xuan are mentioned as notable Daoist masters associated with the Fangshi tradition.
Answer: True
Gan Ji, Zuo Ci, and Ge Xuan are indeed recognized as significant Daoist figures whose practices and lineage connect them to the broader Fangshi tradition.
The term 'daoshi' began to replace 'fangshi' in historical texts, signifying a broader concept of Daoism.
Answer: True
The evolution of Daoism saw the term 'daoshi' gradually supersede 'fangshi' as the former came to encompass the specialized practices and traditions previously associated with the latter.
Fangshi techniques were exclusively absorbed by Daoist religions, with no influence on other fields.
Answer: False
Fangshi techniques influenced not only Daoist religions but also contributed significantly to the development of Chinese alchemy and traditional medicine.
Which of the following Fangshi is mentioned as a Daoist master and grandfather of Ge Hong?
Answer: Ge Xuan
Ge Xuan is identified as a Daoist master and the grandfather of the notable Daoist author Ge Hong, linking him to the Fangshi tradition.
How did the term 'daoshi' relate to 'fangshi' historically?
Answer: 'Daoshi' began to replace 'fangshi' as Daoism broadened to encompass Fangshi practices.
Historically, the term 'daoshi' gradually emerged and began to replace 'fangshi' as the developing Daoist religion incorporated the specialized arts and knowledge previously associated with Fangshi practitioners.
What role did Fangshi play in the development of Daoist religions?
Answer: Their techniques were gradually absorbed into developing Daoist religions.
The diverse techniques and knowledge base of the Fangshi tradition were progressively integrated into the evolving structure and doctrines of Daoist religions.