In a Monk’s Cell
- Poetry of Wang Changling
Palm‑flowers fill the court. Moss enters the still room.
Between us, speech is done. The named is overcome.
Then, in the air, a scent not known before —
Not flower, not moss — is waiting at the door.
Wang Changling had a significant connection to Buddhism throughout his life. In his poems, he once referred to himself as having "早得空门义" (comprehended the principles of emptiness early), indicating his understanding of Buddhist teachings. During his later years in exile at Longbiao, located in the deep, secluded mountains and waters of western Hunan where many Zen temples existed, he often interacted with monks, seeking solace for his soul within the monastery walls. This poem is an impromptu work composed during a visit to a tranquil Zen temple. The title "Inscribed in a Monk's Chamber" indicates it was written on the wall of a monk's cell. The poet, present within the temple, sees palm flowers filling the courtyard, moss silently creeping into the room; monks sit opposite each other in silence, deep in meditation; the air seems permeated with a strange fragrance—not a worldly scent, but the incense that 'arises from the mind' during Zen stillness.
棕榈花满院，苔藓入闲房。
彼此名言绝，空中闻异香。
- Why Chinese poems is so special?
- The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.
- How to read a Chinese poem?
- Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.
- In a Monk’s Cell
- Gazing at Lake Dongting
- Eastern Hamlet, Northern Slope
- My Neighbor South
- By Waterside I
- Waves Sifting Sand I