1. How general is the boat? The water is empty and long. The clouds rise far away, and the sunshine flows back. The noisy cicada forest is more than quiet, and the bird singing mountain is even more secluded. I miss this place so much that I have been traveling there for many years. ——From the Northern and Southern Dynasties: Wang Ji "Enter Ruoye Stream"
Vernacular interpretation: I was driving a boat leisurely on the Ruoye River, the sky was reflected in the water, the water and the sky were harmonious, and we wandered together. The sunset rises from the distant mountains with the sun behind them, and the sun shines on the meandering water. The cicadas are singing loudly, but the woods seem particularly peaceful; the birds are chirping, and the deep mountains are quieter than usual. This place made me want to go into seclusion, and I became sad because I was tired of official career for many years but did not go into seclusion.
2. After the new rain in the empty mountains, the weather comes late in autumn. The bright moon shines among the pines, and the clear spring flows over the rocks. The bamboo noises return to Huan Nu, and the lotus moves off the fishing boat. Let the spring fragrance rest at will, and the kings and grandsons can stay. ——From the Tang Dynasty: Wang Wei's "Mountain Dwelling in the Dark Autumn"
Vernacular interpretation: The empty mountains are bathed in a new rain, night falls, and the air is cool, as if it has already arrived in autumn. The bright moon sheds clear light from the gaps in the pines, and clear spring water flows on the rocks. The noisy sound in the bamboo forest is thought to be the return of the washer girl, and the swaying of the lotus leaves is thought to be the light boat wandering up and down. The fragrance of spring may as well be allowed to fade away, but the kings and grandsons of the mountains in autumn can stay for a long time.
3. No one can be seen in the empty mountain, but people can hear their voices. Returning to the deep forest, the light shines on the moss again. ——From the Tang Dynasty: Wang Wei's "Deer Chai"
Vernacular interpretation: No one can be seen in the quiet valley, and only the voice of the voice can be heard. The shadow of the setting sun is reflected in the deep forest and shines on the moss, creating a pleasant scene.
4. Living idle with few neighbors, the grassy path leads to the deserted garden. The bird stayed in the tree beside the pond, and the monk knocked on the door under the moon. Crossing the bridge, you can see the wild colors, and you can move rocks and cloud roots. I've been away for a while and come back here, and I live up to my promise. ——From the Tang Dynasty: "Inscribed on Li Ning's Seclusion" by Jia Dao
Vernacular interpretation: Live here leisurely with few neighbors, and the overgrown path leads to the deserted small garden. Birds were perching freely on the trees by the pool, and under the bright moonlight the monk was knocking on the mountain door. Walking across the bridge, I saw the charming scenery of the wilderness. The clouds were fluttering and the rocks seemed to be moving. I am away from here for the time being but will come back to live in seclusion with my friends on the appointed date.
5. Sitting alone in the secluded bamboo, playing the piano and whistling loudly. People deep in the forest don't know that the bright moon comes to shine. ——From the Tang Dynasty: Wang Wei's "Zhuli Pavilion"
Vernacular interpretation: Sitting alone in a quiet bamboo forest, sometimes playing the piano and sometimes roaring. Who in the dense forest knows I am here? Only a bright moon quietly accompanies me.