1. Sending mayflies to heaven and earth is a drop in the ocean. ——Su Shi, Northern Song Dynasty, "Red Cliff Ode"
Vernacular translation: Like a mayfly in the vast world, as small as a grain of corn in the vast sea.
2. I mourn the brief moment of my life, and envy the infinity of the Yangtze River. ——Su Shi, Northern Song Dynasty, "Red Cliff Ode"
Vernacular translation: Alas, we lament that our lives are only a short moment, and we can't help but envy the endlessness of the Yangtze River.
3. In the infinite universe, human beings are just a drop in the ocean. ——Xin Qiji, Southern Song Dynasty, "Shui Tiao Ge Tou, titled Yongfeng Yang Shaoyou Ti Dian Yizhitang"
Vernacular translation: People in the universe are as insignificant as a grain of corn in space.
4. There are huge differences between heaven and earth, and I feel the infinity of the universe. When joy and sorrow come, I realize that there are countless ups and downs. ——"Preface to Tengwang Pavilion" by Wang Bo of the Tang Dynasty
Vernacular translation: The sky is high and the sky is high, making people feel the infinity of the universe. When joy passes and sorrow comes, I think that the success or failure of things is determined.
5. I am between heaven and earth, just like small rocks and trees in the mountains. ——Zhuangzi's "Autumn Waters" by Zhuangzi in the middle period of the Warring States Period
Vernacular translation: I am in heaven and earth, just like pebbles and trees in big mountains.
Baidu Encyclopedia - Chibi Fu (Su Shi's work)
Baidu Encyclopedia - Shui Tiao Ge Tou·Ti Yongfeng Yang Shaoyou Ti Dian Yizhitang
Baidu Encyclopedia - Tengwang Pavilion Preface
Baidu Encyclopedia-Zhuangzi·Qiushui