I must admit that I didn't like these as much as I initially expected to.

To be honest, they seemed rather repetitive. It felt as if the same points were being made over and over again, which made it a bit tiresome to read.

Moreover, there was a certain preachiness to it. It was as if the author was trying too hard to impose their views on the reader, rather than simply presenting the information and allowing the reader to form their own opinions.

This made the whole experience a bit less enjoyable than it could have been. I was hoping for something more engaging and thought-provoking, but unfortunately, these didn't quite hit the mark.

Day after day, there is no sun shining brightly in the sky.

The world seems to be trapped in a perpetual state of darkness and gloom.

The lack of sunlight not only makes the days seem dull and uninteresting but also has a profound impact on the lives of all living beings.

Plants struggle to grow without the necessary energy from the sun, and animals find it difficult to carry out their normal activities.

Year after year, there is no spring to bring new life and hope.

The seasons pass by without the usual signs of renewal and growth.

The cold and barren winter seems to stretch on forever, with no end in sight.

The world awaits the return of the sun and the arrival of spring, longing for the warmth and beauty that they bring.

Until then, we must endure the darkness and cold, hoping that one day, the sun will shine again and spring will bring new life to the world.

This is such an extraordinarily unique book.

First and foremost, do not anticipate the kind of rhythmic poetry that one might typically expect. Han Shan's poems bear a closer resemblance to koans rather than being just ordinary poems. The act of reading them is utterly fascinating as it offers you profound insights into the rich Taoism and Buddhism culture that prevailed during China's Tang Dynasty.

It also furnishes a vivid sense of what the lives and pursuits of hermits were all about during that era. This remarkable aspect comes through vividly thanks to Red Pine's incredible translation. His translation not only includes in-depth commentary but also incorporates a vast array of references.

If you have a deep interest in Taoism, early Buddhism, and Zen, then this is undoubtedly a truly great book that is well worth reading.

It has the potential to transport you back in time and immerse you in the spiritual and cultural milieu of ancient China.

Whether you are a scholar seeking to expand your knowledge or simply a curious reader with an open mind, this book is sure to captivate and enlighten you.

This is an excellent collection of poems, with decent translation notes that enhance the reading experience.

It is truly fascinating to envision how these poems might have been originally composed. One can picture them being inscribed on stones, perhaps as a way to preserve them for future generations. Or maybe they were written on the bark of trees, hidden away in the depths of inaccessible valleys.

The idea that these poems have endured through time, despite the challenges of being passed down orally or through less conventional means, adds an air of mystery and wonder to the collection.

Reading these poems allows us to step into the shoes of the ancient poets and experience their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. It is a journey through time and space, and one that is well worth taking.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, history, or the human experience. It offers a unique glimpse into the past and a reminder of the power of language and art to connect us across the ages.

A great collection of thoughtful translations of poems has been presented here.

Beside the original Chinese, there are explanatory footnotes, which offer valuable insights and enhance the understanding of the poems.

I find this collection truly remarkable and I'll definitely be revisiting these translations again.

It is indeed hard to really comment more comprehensively until I've read them for a second time.

The translations seem to capture the essence and beauty of the original Chinese poems, making them accessible to a wider audience.

The addition of the footnotes is a brilliant touch, as it allows readers to delve deeper into the cultural and historical context of the poems.

Overall, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese poetry and its translations.

I look forward to exploring these poems further and uncovering more of their hidden gems.

Actually, I read the translation of this book in my native language.

It was pointed out to me that Shan Han is from Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums. I was truly surprised by how clearly the poetry was written, without any superfluous words.

The directness of the poetry was extremely refreshing. The short poems compelled the reader to think deeply about them and they vividly brought to mind the pictures of the country or events that served as the inspiration for Shan Han.

The hermit from the eighth century managed to overcome his shadow and make his words heard. Li Po and Tu Fu should perhaps pale in comparison. Well, I like those authors too in a certain way.

However, there is something unique and captivating about Shan Han's poetry that sets it apart. It has a simplicity and authenticity that is truly engaging.

Reading his poems is like taking a journey through time and experiencing the emotions and thoughts of a bygone era.

It makes me wonder about the power of words and how they can transcend centuries and still touch the hearts of readers today.

Shan Han's poetry is a testament to the enduring beauty and significance of literature.

Bill Porter is truly a remarkable translator. His translations are direct and down-to-earth, clearly showing his deep sympathy with the culture and attitude of his subject. The subject he focuses on is one of the Tang "mountain men" who abandoned the comfortable life as a mandarin in the capitals and chose a more austere and anonymous existence in the wilds of southeast China.

Porter's own life experience also contributes to his excellent translations. He was a dropout from Columbia grad school and then left for a Buddhist monastery. Later, he ended up in the wilds of northwest USAmerica. This experience must be part of the reason why his translations are artfully plainspoken.

The footnotes in his translations are especially outstanding. They do a great job of providing the necessary information for readers to appreciate Hanshan's rich intertextual play without overwhelming them with specialized erudition. I truly wish more translations were like this. In fact, what I really hope for is more translators who can feel this kind of unembarrassed affinity for the poets whose work they translate.

It is this kind of affinity that allows the translator to truly understand the essence of the original work and convey it accurately and vividly to the readers.

Sublime


There is truly something sublime about the poetry and wisdom presented here. It is a rare find to come across such works that have the power to transcend time. In this collection, there are only a few timeless poems, but each one is a gem. As you embark on the journey of reading these poems, you will be able to witness and appreciate the growth of the artist. The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures in your mind and evoking a range of emotions. The wisdom contained within the lines is profound and thought-provoking, making you reflect on your own life and experiences. It is as if the poet has poured his heart and soul into each word, creating a work of art that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Poems to Meditate Upon... (Satori Guaranteed)

Poetry has a unique power to touch our souls and inspire deep reflection. When we engage with poems, we enter a world of words and emotions that can lead us to moments of profound understanding and enlightenment, or what is known as satori.

Meditating upon poems allows us to slow down, quiet our minds, and truly listen to the message within the lines. We can explore the themes, imagery, and rhythms, and let them wash over us, awakening our senses and expanding our consciousness.

Some poems are like gentle whispers, guiding us towards self-discovery and inner peace. Others are like powerful explosions, shattering our preconceived notions and opening our eyes to new perspectives.

Whether we are reading a classic sonnet or a modern free verse, the act of meditating upon a poem can be a transformative experience. It can help us to see the world in a new light, to connect with our emotions on a deeper level, and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

So, the next time you feel the need for a moment of stillness and reflection, pick up a book of poems and let the words carry you away. Who knows, you might just find the satori you've been seeking.

For bilingual readers of Chinese and English, this book offers an elegant and convenient way to display stanzas side by side.

The translated version retains the prominent imageries from the original text, yet it is written with a simplicity that clearly distinguishes it from the original poems.

The original poems, deeply rooted in ancient Chinese ideograms and featuring naturalistic symbols such as mountains, snow, trees, birds, etc., are extremely difficult to access emotionally, even for a fluent modern Chinese reader.

The spirituality of these poems, often that of a monk-recluse living in a state of nearly absolute Nature, represents a rejection of the world while still being haunted by past memories and the melancholia of loss.

However, this reader does not find herself fully in sympathy with these sentiments.

Perhaps it is due to the vast difference in time and cultural background.

Nevertheless, the beauty and depth of these ancient poems still manage to captivate and intrigue.

They offer a unique window into the minds and hearts of the people who lived in a bygone era.

By reading and comparing the original and translated versions, bilingual readers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of both the Chinese language and culture.

Buddhist teachings are often deeply embedded in metaphors drawn from the beauty and wisdom of nature.

Just as a lotus flower grows in the muddy waters but remains pure and untouched, so too can we rise above the challenges and impurities of life and maintain our inner purity.

The gentle flow of a river represents the passage of time and the impermanence of all things. We are reminded to let go of attachments and embrace the ever-changing nature of our existence.

The tall and sturdy tree serves as a symbol of stability and strength. It teaches us to root ourselves firmly in our beliefs and values, and to withstand the storms and hardships that come our way.

These natural metaphors offer us profound insights into the Buddhist teachings and help us to understand and apply them in our daily lives. They remind us to look beyond the surface of things and to see the deeper meaning and wisdom that lies within.

By reflecting on these metaphors, we can cultivate a greater sense of peace, compassion, and wisdom, and move closer to the path of enlightenment.

The Essential Edition for Hanshan Study

This is an essential edition that caters to those who have a strong desire to study Hanshan. The layout of this edition is extremely well thought out. It presents the original script, the transliteration, and the English version all in one place, which provides great convenience for readers. They can easily compare and contrast the different versions to gain a deeper understanding of the poems. Moreover, behind each poem, there are excellent explanatory notes. These notes offer valuable insights into the background, the meaning, and the literary devices used in the poems. They help readers to better appreciate the beauty and the profoundness of Hanshan's works. Overall, this edition is a must-have for anyone who wants to embark on a journey of exploring the world of Hanshan.