Jin Shengtan on the Master's Classical Chinese

Author: Jin Shengtan (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: I am particularly sorrowful that readers' spirits do not awaken, leaving the author's intentions entirely submerged. Unaware of the heart's suffering, they truly burden the skilled artist. Therefore, without hesitation or modesty, I have undertaken this critique. As long as the words flow from a single heart, they can be viewed from straight, side, horizontal, and vertical perspectives, revealing countless kinds of beauty. No matter how talented future readers may be, holding the brush and pondering deeply, it is truly impossible to replicate even a single stroke. To write a lingering and touching piece of text, one must read this passage a thousand times. It is not valued for its literary style, but for its heart. This text is but a single heart. A piece of marvelous writing, yet it embodies a simple truth. Therefore, the sages always taught that before putting pen to paper, one must first thoroughly grasp the principles in one's mind. For principles serve as the standard for writing, and simplicity is the origin of wonder. From ancient times, when writing is rooted in one's own spiritual essence, one should let it freely and fully flourish.