Source-verified collection
Inner peace in the Chinese classics is not passive numbness. It is the ability to see clearly without being pulled in every direction.
Original lines
Going too far is no better than falling short.
Plain meaningExcess and deficiency can both miss the right measure.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
After fresh rain in the empty mountains, the evening air turns autumnal.
Plain meaningRain clears the world and autumn quietly arrives.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
We look at each other without tiring—only Mount Jingting and I.
Plain meaningNature can be the companion that never exhausts you.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
No one knows me in the deep forest; the bright moon comes to shine upon me.
Plain meaningEven in solitude, the moon can feel like quiet company.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
In the empty mountains no person can be seen; only the echo of human voices is heard.
Plain meaningThe world can be quiet enough for a distant sound to become vivid.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Know contentment and avoid disgrace; know where to stop and avoid danger; then you can endure.
Plain meaningKnow what is enough and when to stop.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Sleeping in spring, I do not notice dawn; everywhere I hear birds calling.
Plain meaningSpring arrives gently in light, sleep, and birdsong.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Praised by the whole world, he is not further encouraged; condemned by the whole world, he is not discouraged.
Plain meaningLet neither praise nor criticism control who you are.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Looking back at the bleak place I came through, I return: there is neither storm nor clear sky.
Plain meaningAfter weathering the storm, I no longer let hardship or ease define me.
The poem begins during a rainstorm, but the ending turns weather into a metaphor for changing circumstances.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
I pluck chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and, at ease, see the southern mountain.
Plain meaningPeace appears when you step away from noise and live simply.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
When the mind is absent, one looks without seeing, hears without listening, and eats without knowing the taste.
Plain meaningWithout attention, you can be present and still miss everything.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Return, return! The fields are going wild—why not go home?
Plain meaningLeave the life that drains you and return to what truly matters.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Keep exploring