“Seated alone by shadowy bamboos,I strum my lyre and laugh aloud;None know that I am here, deep in the woods;Only the bright moon comes to shine on me.”
Wang Wei's quote encapsulates a moment of solitude, connection with nature, and the joy of artistic expression. The imagery he conjures evokes a serene scene that invites deeper examination of its themes.
The phrase "Seated alone by shadowy bamboos" immediately establishes a sense of solitude and tranquility. The "shadowy bamboos" serve as a backdrop, suggesting both beauty and mystery, and set a contemplative mood. This setting highlights the speaker's desire for isolation and connection with nature, away from the distractions of the world.
The act of "strum[ming] my lyre" symbolizes creativity and artistic expression. The lyre, an ancient stringed instrument, signifies not only music but a deeper emotional resonance. Through music, the speaker finds a joyful release, which is emphasized by the phrase "laugh aloud." This laughter suggests a carefree spirit, illustrating how art can bring happiness and elevate one's state of being.
The line "None know that I am here, deep in the woods" further deepens the sense of seclusion. It reflects a yearning for privacy and suggests that true joy can be found away from societal expectations and interactions. The woods become a personal refuge where the speaker can fully immerse himself in creativity and introspection.
Finally, the mention of "Only the bright moon comes to shine on me" introduces a celestial presence, symbolizing both enlightenment and companionship. The moon, a consistent theme in poetry, represents a guiding light in darkness, suggesting that while the speaker may be alone, there is a connection to something larger than himself. This connection amplifies the feeling of harmony and balance between the individual and nature.
In conclusion, Wang Wei's quote beautifully captures themes of solitude, creativity, and the profound connection between the artist and nature. It serves as a reminder of the peace that can be found in isolation and the joy that self-expression can bring.
“Watching wild landscapes I forget distanceand come to the water's edge.”
“Clear waters drift through the immensity of a tall forest.In front of me a huge river mouthreceives the long wind.Deep ripples hold white sandand white fish swimming as in a void.I sprawl on a big rock,billows nourishing my humble body.I gargle with water and wash my feet.A fisherman pauses out on the surf.So many fish long for bait. I lookonly to the east with its lotus leaves.”
“Settle down and be Good forever. Find the hardest things to accept in me, and reconcile what I am with what I hope to be.”
“Apprentices have asked me, what is the most exalted peak of cuisine? Is it the freshest ingredients, the most complex flavors? Is it the rustic, or the rare? It is none of thesse. The peak is neither eating nor cooking, but the giving and sharing of food. Great food should never be taken alone. What pleasure can a man take in fine cuisine unless he invites cherised friends, counts the days until the banquet, and composes an anticipatory poem for his letter of invitation?”
“Only an object can suffer, but phenomenally subject and object, being one whole, spin like a coin so that the intervals between pile et face (heads and tails) are imperceptible. Consequently pain, or pleasure, appear to be continual.Noumenally, on the contrary, there is no object to suffer pain or pleasure. Noumenon is invulnerable, and cannot be otherwise. Noumenon is the unmanifested aspect of what we, sentient beings, are: Phenomenon is our manifestation.”
“Living should be perpetual and universal benediction.”