Notes about the Shenshu oracle

The date of creation of the Shenshu oracle

The Shenshu is attributed to Zhuge Liang, who lived from 181–234.
Maybe that is right - but it is very disputable.
So I have been alert for signs in the text itself.

1. After ± 800 AD

In poem 340 the text is based on a poem by Liu Yuxi (772 - 842), a noted poet as well as a philosopher in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). This means the Shenshu dates from after ± 800 AD. See The Swallows of Wang and Xie

"Beside the Linnet Bridge weeds and wild flowers are spreading,
At the end of Wuyi Lane the sun is setting.
Swallows used to build nests in Wang and Xie's Mansion,
But now they fly to the home of the commons."

2. Before 1918

In poem 242 one commentary says: "所显诗句近乎玄虚，不适用现代", The verse is almost illusory, not applicable to the modern age. The commentary probably dates from around 1918, the first revolution.

The commentator saving his neck, because the poem is rather unflattering to what governments in revolutions do with exceptional people? And with those who comment on it?

2. A number of poems have been added from the Ling Qi Jing

The Ling Qi Jing dates probably from early in the Wei-Chin period 222-419 CE). Or, if Liu An is the author, from around 140 BC.
Quite a difference ...

Since the poem about the swallows in verse 340 is from a later date, this earlier date, whichever it is, does not change anything.

And finally: Google translate doesn't understand it

A weak argument, I know. But translating the commentaries went quite well. So language from the beginning of the previous century is no problem.

But it seems many characters and sentences of the poems are not really familiar anymore, so they must be older.

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