Series of Fine Readings on Chinese Classical Poetry: Su Shi (Traditional Characters)

Author: Dong Sen
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: China has historically been a "land of poetry," and classical verse is a gem of traditional Chinese culture. As early as 3,000 years ago, our ancestors created outstanding poems represented by "Three Hundred Poems"; thereafter, each historical era produced abundant poetic works, many of which have become famous lines and verses, widely quoted to this day. This series, "Exquisite Readings of Chinese Classical Poetry and Prose," selects the finest works of the most representative poets and lyricists in history, accompanied by detailed and accessible translations, annotations, and interpretations, aiming to introduce these invaluable cultural treasures created by ancient Chinese people to contemporary readers both in China and abroad.
Represented by the Classic of Poetry (Shijing) with the "Guofeng" section and the Chu Ci with Li Sao, these works have profoundly influenced later Chinese poetry in both content and artistic technique. Chinese poetry reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty, exhibiting what later generations called the "mood of the prosperous Tang" and the "spirit of youth." From the works of poets like Li Bai and Du Fu, it is evident that the echoes of the fine traditions since the Guofeng and Li Sao resonate in their poetry. They all showed a strong concern for reality, focusing on issues such as the nation, society, and the people. These themes were often expressed through the poets' own life experiences and inner journeys, as well as by depicting natural landscapes, mountains, rivers, and the human world.
After the brilliance of Tang poetry, the Song Dynasty also achieved remarkable poetic accomplishments, but the most distinctive feature of its literary achievements was the ci (a form of lyrical poetry). Outstanding Song ci poets mastered this flexible verse form to an extraordinary degree. Their works, whether passionate and stirring or gentle and sorrowful, still possess strong artistic appeal even today. It can be said that Tang poetry and Song ci are the most vibrant chapters in the history of Chinese literature.
The first eight poets introduced in this series—Li Bai and Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty, Wang Wei, Bai Juyi, and Li Shangyin, and Su Shi, Li Qingzhao, and Xin Qiji of the Song Dynasty—are shining stars in the history of Chinese poetry. Classical Chinese poetry emphasizes emotion and landscape, excelling in expressing friendship, family love, romantic love, nostalgia, and other complex and subtle personal feelings. This forms another powerful tradition in Chinese poetry. Under the influence of Confucianism, Chinese poetry almost from the beginning bore the characteristic of "emerging from emotion and stopping at propriety," with emotional expression being relatively unrestrained yet restrained and subtle, differing from Western poetic styles. At the same time, Chinese poets emphasized "conveying the unspoken in words," skillfully using various artistic techniques to imply deeper meanings, leaving readers with ample space for reflection and imagination.
Outstanding works of ancient poetry are often deeply moving, rich in imagery and musicality. Reciting these poems allows one to experience multi-layered artistic inspiration and aesthetic appreciation. Classical poetry also excels in portraying the beauty of nature and the harmony between humans and nature. The ancients often said, "Poetry contains painting, and painting contains poetry." Each work in this series is accompanied by a Chinese painting created by a contemporary artist based on the poem's theme. By appreciating these poems and paintings together, readers can more deeply understand the poetic and painterly essence of ancient Chinese art and savor its beauty.
Beyond the "poetic and painterly" charm, this series presents each poet and lyricist in separate volumes to better showcase their unique personalities and artistic styles. Each volume includes a brief biography of the poet and an appreciation of their works. The appreciation of each work is divided into three sections: an introduction to the background, a line-by-line translation with annotations in modern Chinese, and an analysis of the work's features. Our goal is first to help readers overcome textual barriers and then to understand the ideological content, artistic characteristics, and writing techniques of the poetry.
Ancient Chinese classics elevate the Chinese language to a realm of unparalleled beauty and purity, make every Chinese person feel proud. These works serve as a cultural bond connecting all descendants of the Yellow River, whether they are in China or abroad. An admirer of traditional Chinese culture may continuously engage with and study these legacies of ancestors. Over time, a part of this outstanding culture will accumulate in each person's mind, forming a beautiful artistic gallery that constantly provides enlightenment, inspiration, and artistic enjoyment. We hope that the famous poems introduced in this series will become part of this gallery.
The eight poets introduced in this series each have many renowned works, but due to space limitations, only twenty to thirty representative works of each are selected. Due to the limitations of editorial ability, there may be shortcomings in this book, and we sincerely welcome readers' valuable feedback.
Jin Yuan Chun
Alone in the inn, the green lamp glows dim;
The chicken crows in the wilderness, the pillow dreams fade.
Gradually, the moonlight fades, the morning frost shines bright;
Clouds and mountains unfold like brocade, morning dew drips.
The world's path is endless, life is limited,
In this small corner, joy is rare.
After a soft recitation, I ride silently,
Past events flood my mind.
Back then, we traveled together to Chang'an,
Like the two Lu brothers, young and full of promise.
With a thousand words in my pen, a thousand volumes in my heart;
To serve the sage kings Yao and Shun, what could be harder?
To act or retreat, it is in my hands;
To stand idly by, watching the world pass by.
If I remain healthy, may I enjoy life to the fullest,
And drink wine with honor before my door.