记承天寺夜游

A Night Walk at Chengtian Temple

Chinese original: Su Shi

English version: Julia Min (Nov. 2024)

On the night of October 12 (Chinese calendar), during my fourth year in Huangzhou, I was about to undress for bed when moonlight poured in through the window. A quiet happiness grew within me, longing for a moonlit walk with a close friend. I headed to Chengtian Temple, where Zhang Huaimin was also at his window, as if expecting me. Together, we stepped into the courtyard, now glowing like a shimmering pool of algae intertwined with water nymphs—a crystal dream world. When I took a closer look, I realised it was only a reflection of the pine trees and the surrounding bamboo.

Every evening, the moon rises into the sky, and in every corner, bamboo and pine meet the eye. What’s rare is the sight of two such idlers walking at midnight…

Notes:

1. Chengtian Temple: The historical site today is in the south of Huangzhou, Hubei Province.

2. Zhang Huaimin: social names Woquan and Mengde, a native of Qinghe, Hebei. He was a close friend and follower of Su Shi. Like many of Su Shi’s other followers, he was banished to Huangzhou, where he stayed at Chengtian Temple for six years. Su Shi wrote another famous ci poem for him – “To Zhang Woquan at the Bracing Pavilion of Huangzhou”《水调歌头.黄州快哉亭赠张偓佺》 https://www.rhymesandvibes.com/post/to-zhang-woquan-at-the-bracing-pavilion-of-huangzhou-1

Analysis:

I have included this 84-word prose poem in my selection because it has appeared in the Chinese school textbook for many years. It was written in 1083 (the sixth year of Yuanfeng, the era name of the Song emperor Shenzong Zhao). Dongpo and his followers were still on parole for an indefinite period.

While many other famous figures would write poems to express their depression, Dongpo always found the strength to accept whatever came his way and transcend to a new spiritual level. Hardship not only toughened him but also moulded his character, broadening his outlook and freeing his spirit with a Daoist sense of humour. What I love about him—compared with other politicians and poets—is that no matter what unbearable situation his political rivals put him in, he could always find fun or some form of satisfaction. As his first wife commented, Su Shi didn't see an enemy in anyone. So here, in this desolate place, he was again rich in friendship and contented with what Mother Nature offered him. Hardship, after all, is just reality waving hello—and Dongpo waved back. This quiet resilience drew followers from both the political arena and among the common people. Even the moon, you might say, had no choice but to keep him company.

The only regret—if you can call it that—was that they were supposed to be fully occupied with official duties for the nation, yet here they were, arranged by fate (or comedy) to enjoy such a long, unscheduled leisure. As a Zen master might put it: Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. Dongpo's version? Before exile: moonlit walks. After exile: moonlit walks, but with better jokes. He didn't know then that the forthcoming assignment would place him in a high post near the throne, and that all his followers would flock back to the capital soon after. Such is the cosmic punchline: just when you learn to enjoy the detour, the road puts you back on the main highway. Dongpo would have laughed—and probably written another poem.

记承天寺夜游 (日记）

原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋）

元丰六年十月十二日夜，解衣欲睡，月色入户，欣然起行。念无与为乐者，遂至承天寺寻张怀民。怀民亦未寝，相与步于中庭。庭下如积水空明，水中藻、荇交横，盖竹柏影也。何夜无月？何处无竹柏？但少闲人如吾两人者耳。

Reference:

1. baike.baidu.com（百度百科）

2. 百度百科.TA说 -- “脑洞趣味历史”