[updated September 2022]
Reply to Master Zhang
酬 张 少 府
晚 年 唯 好 静
万 事 不 关 心。
自 顾 无 长 策
空 知 返 旧 林。
松 风 吹 解 带
山 月 照 弹 琴。
君 问 穷 通 理
渔 歌 入 浦 深。
Chou Zhang Shao Fu
Wan nian wei hao jing
Wan shi bu guan xin.
Zi gu wu chang ce
Kong zhi fan jiu lin.
Song fen chui jie dai
Shan yue zhao tan qin.
Jun wen qiong tong li
Yu ge ru pu shen.
Reply to Master Zhang
Alone in later years, fond of peace and quiet
Not concerned with worldly affairs.
Self-examination reveals an incompetence with strategies
Only know the old cluster of similar things.
Wind blowing pine trees, relax and untie attachments
Mountain moon shines while playing the qin.
You ask about the limits to understanding the truth
Fisherman’s song enters deeply into the river’s mouth.
Notes:
Qin: An ancient Chinese string instrument
Commentary:
This poem to me ranks as one of his best. And Wang wrote many excellent ones during his lifetime. Lines three and four reveal a high level of self-realization. One of Buddhism’s major teachings is to untie the attachments of this life and world. The last two lines can be interpreted many ways. But all together they blow me away!