Essence of Li Du Poetry - A Classic Reading of National Culture

Author: Zhang Haigui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Gift for Meng Haoran
[Explanation]
This poem was likely written around the 23rd year of the Kaiyuan era (735), shortly after Meng Haoran left Chang'an and returned to Xiangyang to live in seclusion. It depicts Meng Haoran's elegant and scholarly demeanor, praising his disdain for fame and fortune, his contentment with simplicity, and his hermit life of drinking under the moon and being enchanted by flowers. Li Bai loved freedom and had always held great respect and admiration for recluses throughout his life. Meng Haoran was twelve years older than Li Bai and was both respected for his virtue and celebrated for his poetry, making him the very person Li Bai admired. The first six lines of the poem describe Meng Haoran's ethereal and transcendent charm in legendary tales, as Li Bai had not yet met him. Thus, these imagined words are filled with a sense of praise tinged with mystery and deep reverence. The seventh and eighth lines express not only admiration but also the regret of not having met him in person. Both the visitor and the visited exude a sense of detachment, transcendence, and the free-spirited elegance of a hermit.
I adore Master Meng,
Whose charm is famed far and wide.
In youth, he spurned courtly rank,
In old age, he lay among the pines and clouds.
Drunk under the moon, he often reached sainthood,
Lost in flowers, he neglected the sovereign.
How can I gaze upon such a lofty peak?
I can only bow to your noble fragrance.
[Notes]
(1) Master Meng: Refers to Meng Haoran, with "Master" being a respectful title.
(2) Charm: In ancient times, charm was used to praise scholars, primarily referring to literary talent, skill in poetry, a graceful demeanor, and a lack of opportunistic behavior.
(3) Red face: Refers to youth. Xuānmiǎn (xuanmian): A term for official status, with xuān referring to a luxurious and lightweight carriage, and miǎn referring to the hat worn by high-ranking officials, adorned with a string of pearls. This line means Meng Haoran had no interest in official positions since his youth.
(4) White hair: Refers to old age. Lying among pines and clouds: Living in seclusion among green pines and misty clouds.
(5) Drunk under the moon: Drinking wine under the moonlight. Zhōngshèng (zhong sheng): A shortened form of "zhōng shèng rén," meaning to get drunk on clear wine. Clear wine was called "sainthood," while cloudy wine was called "virtue." Zhōng: Verb.
(6) Lost in flowers: This refers to being immersed in the beauty of nature. Serving the sovereign: Serving the emperor.
(7) High mountain: A metaphor for Meng Haoran's noble character, which is worthy of admiration. The Book of Songs, Small Yue, "Chēxiá (xia)" says: "Gaze upon the high mountain, follow the shining path."
(8) "Only here": Only here can I pay respects to your noble character. Li Bai traveled to Xiangyang specifically to visit Meng Haoran, but Meng was away on a distant journey. Li Bai wrote this poem with a sense of regret, expressing his admiration and regret.