Abstract:

TAO Yuan-ming demonstrated his understanding of significance of life with his life-long activity. He believed that to be an official is to put one's life under slavery, and his shot official period proved to be an experience of struggling for life. He suggested that working as a peasant and returning to nature were really freed life. He cared for the end of natural life, which put a heavy shadow into his heart. But his enjoying wine and simple food reflected his interest in living a quiet and simple life.

Key words: TAO Yuan-ming, life, nature