Nirvana of the Perfected One

Author: [Japan] Mujigumo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The poem sung by the spirits in Liu Yunqiao's residence is precisely Li Bai's "Qingpingtiao Ci." Tracing its origins, it should date back to sixty years ago when Li Bai composed the poem to praise Yang Guifei's beauty. The incident was exposed by an official named "Bai Juyi." As a result of this, Li Bai gained favor with Emperor Xuanzong but provoked the enmity of the eunuch Gao Lishi, who spread slander against him. Li Bai was subsequently exiled from Chang'an. Kukai, who understood the full story, traveled far to Mawei Station, where Yang Guifei's tomb was located. Kukai realized that the spirits in Liu's family and the cotton field were all rooted in the tragic death of Yang Guifei during the An Lushan Rebellion. Determined to excavate the tomb of the empress and uncover the truth, he set out. In front of the tomb garden, Kukai first met Bai Juyi—later known as the great poet Bai Juyi. Bai Juyi confessed to Kukai that he was deeply troubled by his poetry.