Aug 04 2017
Li Bai – You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest
You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest
by Li Bai
English version by Sam Hamill
You ask why I make my home in the mountain forest,
and I smile, and am silent,
and even my soul remains quiet:
it lives in the other world
which no one owns.
The peach trees blossom,
The water flows.
— from Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry, Translated by Sam Hamill
/ Image by neil alejandro /
I thought I’d share a moment of peace…
I smile, and am silent,
and even my soul remains quiet…
These lines bring me to rest.
The mind at rest, the entire self at rest, all silt having settled, leaving only quiet clarity. One becomes empty, a spacious, silent witness to the world’s unfolding.
The peach trees blossom,
The water flows
Have a beautiful weekend!
|
Li Bai |
Li Po (also transliterated as Li Pai or Li Bai) was raised in Szechwan in western China. He traveled widely throughout China in his life.
In his 40s, he was appointed to a high academy position by the emperor in recognition of his work, but he was later exiled for political reasons. He then worked in the service of a southern prince who rose up in rebellion. When that prince lost his struggle, Li Po was exiled a second time, but eventually pardoned.
Li Po’s poetry is particularly known for its elegance. It suggests a certain serene poise in relationship to the world and the quiet mind observing it.
Nice poem and commentary, Ivan. And your thought of the day is great.
Thanks!
Amardeep
Yes, Ivan, we needed that! So beautiful, Thank You.
Peace and Love, Carol
Be still
and know- –
found a quiet place years ago
it helped in troubled times