Li Bai’s Lushan Ballad: Immortality and Nature
Translation:
I am like the mad man from Chu, singing like a phoenix to mock Confucius. With a green jade staff in hand, I bid farewell to the famed Yellow Crane Tower in the morning. I am willing to travel far in search of immortals among the Five Great Mountains, as my entire life is dedicated to wandering among the famous peaks. Lushan stands out next to the Southern Dipper, its nine-layered peaks forming a grand screen of cloud-like beauty. The reflection of the mountain in the clear Ming Lake shines with a bluish glow, with the two peaks of Golden Gate rising straight into the sky. The Milky Way cascades like a waterfall over the Three Stone Bridge. The Fragrant Mountain’s waterfall is seen from afar, and the overlapping ridges rise high into the sky. The verdant shadows and red clouds reflect the morning sun, so high that even birds cannot fly over the vast sky of Wu. Standing high, I behold the grand vista between heaven and earth, as the Yangtze River flows endlessly and never returns. The yellow clouds stretch for thousands of miles, changing the colors of the wind, while the white waves split into nine streams flowing like snowy mountains. I delight in singing the praises of Lushan, inspired by its majestic scenery. In my leisure, I gaze into the Stone Mirror to clear my mind, as the moss has already covered the paths of Xie Lingyun. I wish to consume the elixir of immortality and cast away worldly concerns, refining my heart through the triple beats of the zither and beginning to understand the Way. From afar, I see an immortal in colorful clouds, holding a lotus flower and heading towards the Jade Capital. I had long made an appointment to meet the immortal in the vast expanse of the heavens, hoping to invite you, Lu Ao, to wander in the Great Clear.
Expanded Explanation for American Readers:
In “Lushan Ballad Sent to Lu Shiyu Xuzhou,” the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai expresses his deep admiration for the natural beauty of Lushan Mountain and reflects on his own philosophical and spiritual aspirations. Li Bai begins the poem by likening himself to the ancient madman from Chu, a figure known for his disdain for conventional politics and his preference for a life of wandering and contemplation. By referencing this historical figure, Li Bai establishes a tone of rebellion against the constraints of society and a yearning for a purer, more meaningful existence.
The poem describes Lushan Mountain as a sublime and awe-inspiring natural wonder. Li Bai’s imagery brings to life the majestic scenery of Lushan, from its high peaks and cascading waterfalls to the interplay of light and shadow on the landscape. He compares the mountain’s reflection in Ming Lake to a jade-green mirror and describes the sight of the Milky Way as a grand waterfall cascading over stone formations. This vivid imagery serves to convey both the physical beauty of Lushan and the emotional impact it has on the poet.
Li Bai also reflects on his own spiritual journey. He contrasts the fleeting nature of human life with the eternal, unchanging grandeur of Lushan. His desire to escape worldly concerns and seek enlightenment is symbolized by his wish to consume the elixir of immortality and his longing to meet the immortal being in the heavens. This spiritual quest is not merely about physical escape but also about a deeper, philosophical search for truth and wisdom.
The poem is not only a celebration of nature but also a meditation on the themes of immortality, solitude, and the search for deeper meaning in life. Through his vivid descriptions of Lushan and his reflections on his own life and spiritual goals, Li Bai invites readers to contemplate their own place in the world and the nature of their own spiritual journeys.
In “Lushan Ballad Sent to Lu Shiyu Xuzhou,” the poet’s use of detailed and vibrant imagery brings to life the awe-inspiring scenery of Lushan Mountain. The poem begins with Li Bai likening himself to the madman from Chu, a figure from Chinese history known for his eccentric behavior and disregard for societal norms. By doing so, Li Bai sets the tone for the poem, highlighting his own desire to break free from societal constraints and pursue a life of freedom and enlightenment.
The poem’s depiction of Lushan Mountain is rich with natural beauty and grandeur. The mountain’s nine-layered peaks are described as forming a screen of cloud-like beauty, while the reflection of the mountain in Ming Lake glows with a bluish hue. The vivid imagery of the Milky Way cascading like a waterfall over the Three Stone Bridge and the sight of the Fragrant Mountain’s waterfall from afar adds to the majestic portrayal of the landscape.
As Li Bai continues to describe the scenery, he reflects on the spiritual journey that this natural beauty inspires in him. The poem contrasts the eternal, unchanging nature of the mountain with the fleeting, transient nature of human life. Li Bai expresses a longing to escape worldly concerns and seek enlightenment, symbolized by his desire to consume the elixir of immortality and meet the immortal being in the heavens. This spiritual quest is not just about physical escape but also about a deeper, philosophical search for truth and wisdom.
The poem also touches on the themes of solitude and introspection. Li Bai finds solace in the serene environment of Lushan Mountain, using the natural beauty as a means to clear his mind and reflect on his own spiritual journey. The imagery of the moss-covered paths of Xie Lingyun, an earlier poet known for his nature poetry, reinforces this theme of finding peace and clarity in nature.
Li Bai’s “Lushan Ballad Sent to Lu Shiyu Xuzhou” is a powerful reflection on the beauty of nature and the search for spiritual enlightenment. Through his vivid descriptions and philosophical reflections, Li Bai invites readers to contemplate their own lives and the deeper meanings they seek. The poem’s timeless themes and evocative imagery continue to resonate with readers today, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of ancient China.
In conclusion, Li Bai’s “Lushan Ballad Sent to Lu Shiyu Xuzhou” is a masterful blend of natural imagery and philosophical reflection. The poem captures the awe-inspiring beauty of Lushan Mountain while exploring themes of immortality, solitude, and the search for deeper meaning. By immersing readers in the majestic landscape of Lushan and sharing his own spiritual journey, Li Bai invites us to reflect on our own lives and the spiritual paths we seek to follow.