Wang Wei: Visit to Xiangji Temple

过香积寺

不知香积寺
数里入云峰。
古木无人径
深山何处钟？

泉声咽危石
日色冷青松。
薄暮空潭曲
安禅制毒龙.

Guo Xiang Ji Si

Bu zhi xiang ji si
Shu li ru yun feng.
Gu mu wu ren jing
Shen shan he chu zhong ?

Quan sheng ye wei shi
Ri se leng qing song.
Bo mu kong tan qu
An chan zhi du long.

Visit to Xiangji Temple

Exact location of the Xiangji Temple is unknown
Inside countless summit peaks, the clouds enter.
Ancient woods, no human pathways
This deep in the mountains, where do these bell sounds come from?

Spring water sounds, slow and deep, obstructions under a steep stone cliff
Even in bright daylight, green pine trees are cold.
Thin misty sunset, quiet and deep pool hidden among rocky zigzags
Peaceful, long and intense meditation kills the sinister dragons.

Notes:

Xiangji; Literally means “accumulated fragrance” and/or “accumulated merit”.

Sinister dragons: Worldly desires and passions.