[updated October 2022]
Upon the Feng River, Arrive at Xi Zhai Temple, Send This to Many of My Friends
沣 上 西 斋 寄 诸 友
绝 岸 临 西 野
旷 然 尘 事 遥。
清 川 下 逦 迤
茅 栋 上 苕 峣。
玩 月 爱 佳 夕
望 山 属 清 朝。
俯 砌 视 归 翼
开 襟 纳 远 飙。
等 陶 辞 小 秩
效 朱 方 负 樵。
闲 游 忽 无 累
心 迹 随 景 超。
明 世 重 才 彦
雨 露 降 丹 霄。
群 公 正 云 集
独 予 欣 寂 寥。
Feng Shang Xi Zhai Ji Zhu You
Jue an lin xi ye
Kuang ran chen shi yao.
Qing chuan xia li yi
Mao dong shang tiao yao.
Wan yue ai jia xi
Wang shan shu qing zhao.
Fu qi shi gui yi
Kai jin na yuan biao.
Deng tao ci xiao zhi
Xiao zhu fang fu qiao.
Xian you hu wu lei
Xin ji sui jing chao.
Ming shi chong cai yan
Yu lu jiang dan xiao.
Qun gong zheng yun ji
Du yu xin ji liao.
Upon the Feng River, Arrive at Xi Zhai Temple, Send This to Many of My Friends
Facing western lands from a unique riverbank
Relaxed, dusty world affairs remote.
Below, a meandering clear river
My thatched and poled hut above lofty and steep cliffs.
Appreciate the moon, love the fine sunsets
Gaze into the distance, mountains belong to the clear dawn.
Look down the steps, regard the birds returning home
Open shirt receives a distant whirlwind.
Equal to Tao Yuanming, take leave of a small official’s salary
Imitate Zhu Fang, rely on the work of gathering firewood.
Leisure and travel suddenly without toil or fatigue
Heart-mind’s outward signs adapt to this transcendent scene.
A society with high levels of consciousness favor the talented and virtuous
Imperial blessings descend from the red clouds.
Right now all of you are gathered together to receive new political directives, with smiles and smirks on your faces
Although alone, there is such happiness with solitude.
Notes:
Feng River: Tributary to the Wei River, a major river that is tributary to the Yellow River.
Xi Zhai Temple: Also known as the Shibaozhai Pagoda, it is located on the northern bank of the Changjiang, about 165 miles from the modern city of Chongqing.
Tao Yuanming: (365-427) Famous Eastern Jin Dynasty poet. His translated poetry and biographical information can also be found on this website.