Excellent! This translation is truly remarkable, with both depth and breadth. It offers a profound exploration of Buddhist teachings and poetic expressions, making it a valuable asset for those who are interested in Buddhism, poetry, or both.

For Buddhists, this translation provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Buddhist scriptures and teachings. The translator has managed to capture the essence and spirit of the original texts, presenting them in a way that is accessible and engaging.

For poets, on the other hand, this translation offers a wealth of inspiration and ideas. The beautiful language and imagery used in the translations can serve as a source of creativity and motivation for poets to explore new themes and styles.

In conclusion, this translation is a must-have for anyone who is interested in Buddhism, poetry, or both. It is a work of art that combines the beauty of language with the wisdom of the ages.

One day, I firmly believe that I'll encounter someone with eyes that can truly see the depth and beauty within my soul.

When that moment arrives, it will be as if a new dawn breaks upon my creative journey.

My poems, which have long been hidden away like precious gems, will then be set free to plague the world.

They will not be a burden, but rather a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

Each word will dance upon the pages, touching the hearts and minds of those who have the privilege of reading them.

My poems will have the power to make people feel, to make them think, and to make them believe in the magic of language.

They will be a testament to my existence, a legacy that I leave behind for future generations to discover and cherish.

So, I wait patiently for that one day when I'll meet that special someone with eyes, and my poems will finally have the chance to shine and have an impact on the world.

Transported me away to an ancient time,

where Han Shan rules with an air of mystery and charm.

The humor in this setting is nothing short of perfect,

striking home in so many different ways.

It's as if I've stepped into a world where laughter and wit are the currency of the realm.

The characters and their antics bring a smile to my face,

while also making me think about the deeper meanings hidden within the humor.

Han Shan's rule seems to be a backdrop for a tapestry of hilarious events and interactions,

each one more entertaining than the last.

As I am carried along on this journey through time,

I can't help but be captivated by the unique blend of history and humor that unfolds before my eyes.

It's a truly unforgettable experience that leaves me longing for more.

Cold Mountain makes the hermit life sexy.

His poems are truly remarkable and can rival anything by the great Li Po or Tu Fu.

Cold Mountain's works offer a unique perspective on the hermit's existence, painting a vivid picture of a life away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

His words capture the essence of simplicity, tranquility, and spiritual enlightenment that comes with living in the mountains.

Each poem is like a window into his soul, allowing readers to experience the beauty and wisdom of his hermit life.

Whether it's描绘 nature's wonders or reflecting on the human condition, Cold Mountain's poems have a timeless quality that continues to resonate with readers today.

They remind us that there is a different way of life, one that is rich in meaning and purpose, even if it may seem unconventional.

Cold Mountain's poetry is a testament to the power of the written word to inspire, uplift, and transform.

The world is teeming with busy individuals.

They are well-versed in countless views, yet remain blind to their true natures.

As a result, they gradually get farther and farther from the Way.

If only they could see what is real, they wouldn't waste their time talking about empty dreams.

In fact, one thought has the power to answer your prayers, revealing a buddha's view.

____________

When it comes to an image of life and death, we can consider ice and water.

Water freezes into ice, and ice melts back into water.

What lives is bound to die, just as ice and water transform into each other.

Surprisingly, ice and water don't harm each other.

From this perspective, both life and death are fine, and we should embrace them with equanimity.

We should strive to see the true nature of things and not be misled by our busy lives and empty dreams.

Only then can we get closer to the Way and find true peace and enlightenment.

Full of words of a man who was disillusioned by society and chose to become an hermit. However, even in hermitage, he still became disillusioned and lived with contempt. The poems are often raw, not sugarcoating the difficulties of life, the temptations, or the burden of loneliness. Instead, each poem reflects a desire to achieve a certain peace within oneself and with the state of the world. His poems can be self-depreciating, resentful, admirative, or taunting towards different belief systems, while also referring to them at times. In this sense, it offers a very humanistic and unfiltered view of the hermitage he lived. The author's notes are highly appreciated as they help to contextualize the poems and their references, allowing readers to learn a great deal about Chinese poetry, Taoism, Han folklore, and more.

Best Chinese Buddhist/Daoist poetry around.

The Red Pine translations are truly remarkable. They offer a unique and profound insight into the rich world of Chinese Buddhist and Daoist poetry.

Not only does Red Pine translate the well-known works, but he also includes some lesser-known gems such as the poems of Shih-Te and Feng Kang.

This addition enriches the collection and allows readers to discover new voices and perspectives within the realm of Chinese religious poetry.

The translations are done with great care and respect for the original texts, capturing the essence and beauty of the poetry.

Whether you are a scholar of Chinese religion and literature or simply someone who enjoys beautiful poetry, the Red Pine translations are a must-read.

They will transport you to a world of spiritual depth and artistic inspiration, leaving you with a greater appreciation for the wisdom and beauty of Chinese Buddhist and Daoist poetry.

This is really very cool.

It has the original text presented on the opposite page, which provides a great convenience for readers to refer to and compare.

Moreover, the excellent footnotes added enhance the comprehensiveness and credibility of the content.

The footnotes offer additional explanations, references, and details that help to deepen the understanding of the main text.

They serve as a valuable resource for those who want to explore the topic further or verify the information provided.

Overall, this combination of the original on the opposite page and excellent footnotes makes the article not only interesting but also highly informative and reliable.

It is a great example of how to present information in a clear and engaging way while also maintaining academic rigor.

Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in the subject matter, this article is definitely worth reading.

There was an excessive amount of in-depth Buddhism in certain pieces of poetry for my taste. It is most definitely not something that I would casually pick up for the sake of enjoyable reading.

To me, the presence of such profound Buddhist concepts made the poetry a bit too heavy and perhaps not as accessible or light-hearted as I would prefer. While I understand and respect the significance of Buddhism in literature and art, it didn't quite resonate with my personal reading preferences in this particular case.

I like to read poetry that can offer me a more immediate sense of pleasure, inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary. The in-depth exploration of Buddhism in these poems required more mental effort and a deeper understanding of the religious and philosophical ideas, which was not what I was looking for at that moment.

Poetry is truly the only written word that is worthy of being kept. It holds a special charm and value that cannot be replicated by other forms of writing.

The rest of the written works, on the other hand, should be freely shared and recycled among our lovers, brothers, sisters, and children. They can pass these words along, allowing them to reach new audiences and have new impacts.

Some of my favorite lines come from the stonewriting hermit. These words have a certain magic to them, and I hope that they will live on for a long time.

May these words continue to inspire and touch the hearts of people for generations to come. And may we also live by the wisdom and beauty contained within these words, using them as a guide in our own lives.

Let us cherish poetry and the power it holds, and continue to share and preserve it for future generations.

Cold Mountain (and his friends) are an absolute delight.

This translation by Red Pine is, without a shadow of a doubt, THE definitive Cold Mountain in English. I purchased this book after reading Pine's translation of Stonehouse, longing for more hermit-poetry, and I was anything but disappointed. Instead of referring to other translators of Hanshan (Cold Mountain) that I have read, I will briefly compare these poems to those of Stonehouse by the same translator.

The main difference (apart from the time and place of their lives) is that Hanshan writes in a very lyrical style, while Stonehouse's poetic excellence lies in a certain coup de main, where each line either has its own force or positions a line or idea to drive the force of the poem. Hanshan, on the other hand, depends on the driving rhythm of his poetics. To put it simply, Hanshan's poems could be sung, while Cold Mountain's should be recited.

The personality of Hanshan shines through on every page. After reading this work, I feel as if I know the man. Hanshan has untamable energy, a sort of metric pulse that reflects his anti-authoritarian nature. In a sense, the Daoist/Confucian principle of abandoning an unjust society perhaps finds its greatest advocate in him. His poems turn chan (zen) on its head (is this possible?) and resound with the philosophical excellence of the dao.

Since I don't intend to leave a comprehensive review at this time (as I need to prepare for a job interview), the two images that remain very strongly with me include 1. Hanshan harassing priests/monks, reminding them that their respected position does not mean they will avoid the same consequences for their karmic disturbances - like Curtis Mayfield, he seems to be saying "if there's a hell below, we're all gonna go" and 2. Hanshan fleeing the official determined to meet the great poet and religious maverick, seemingly phasing through a crease in the mountain to escape his #1 fan (this, and it's personal, reminds me of Rousseau avoiding kings and other famous people, often to their chagrin).

Anyway, this and Pine's translation of Stonehouse are among my most cherished books of poetry.

*(It's been nearly a year since I first read through this cover to cover.)

The Cold Mountain Road is truly strange.

There are no tracks of cart or horse to be seen.

It is extremely difficult to recall which merging stream it is,

or to tell which piled-up ridge lies ahead.

A myriad of plants weep with dew,

and the pines all sigh in the same way.

Here, where the trail seemingly disappears,

one can't help but ask the shadow where to go next.

The atmosphere is eerie and mysterious,

as if time has stood still on this desolate road.

The lack of human or animal presence adds to the sense of isolation and abandonment.

One can only imagine the countless stories and secrets that this road may hold,

hidden within its folds and curves.

As one walks along, the only sounds are the sighing of the pines and the soft weeping of the plants,

creating a symphony of melancholy in the midst of the cold mountain.