SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION ACROSS TIME AND SPACE — ON THE SUCCESS OF LIAOZHAI STUDY BY V. M. ALEXEYEV

Abstract

Russian sinologist V. M. Alexeyev translated and studied Liaozhai according to the new “artistic requirements” in the Soviet era, that is: 1) the requirement to introduce the real Chinese language and art works to the Russian and Soviet people and show his translation talent; 2) the requirement to adapt to the historical culture and aesthetic psychology of the Russian nation and meet the needs of the Russian people; 3) the requirement to conform to the popular social trend of thought among Russian humanistic intellectuals at the turn of the 19th–20th century, and to introduce Oriental wisdom; 4) the requirement to communicate with Pu Songling, an ancient Chinese writer who has common ground in life experience and social ideal, and to express his inner feelings and resonance. Alexeyev’s spiritual communication with Pu Songling is not only the impetus of his whole life to study Liaozhai, but also the secret of his great success in Liaozhai study.