Spring Excursion III by Tao Yuanming

In wide lake green,
I steep my knee.
On happy scene,
I gaze with glee.
As people say,
Content brings ease.
With wine I stay,
Drunk as I please.

Original Poem

「时运 · 其三」
延目中流，悠想清沂。
童冠齐业，闲咏以归。
我爱其静，寤寐交挥。
但恨殊世，邈不可追。

陶渊明

Interpretation

"Spring Excursion III" by Tao Yuanming, a recluse poet of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, continues his tradition of celebrating a simple, rustic life through natural and serene imagery. Known for his unadorned and refreshing poetic style, Tao often used pastoral landscapes to express his love for a leisurely and tranquil existence. This poem, composed during his retreat to the countryside, reflects his longing for inner peace and his ideal of distancing himself from the chaos of the world.

First Couplet: "延目中流，悠想清沂。"
Yán mù zhōng liú, yōu xiǎng qīng yí.
Gazing at the flowing river, my thoughts drift to the clear waters of the Yi.

This couplet captures the poet's contemplative state as he gazes at the river, his thoughts wandering like the flowing water. The phrases "gazing" (延目) and "drifting thoughts" (悠想) convey a sense of deep immersion in nature and a tranquil mind. Tao's thoughts seem to follow the clear stream, carrying him away from worldly distractions and into a pure, serene world.

Second Couplet: "童冠齐业，闲咏以归。"
Tóng guàn qí yè, xián yǒng yǐ guī.
The dreams of my youth are fulfilled; now I return, leisurely chanting as I go.

Here, Tao reflects on the accomplishments of his early years ("童冠齐业") and contrasts them with his current life of leisure and freedom ("闲咏以归"). Having fulfilled his responsibilities, he now embraces a life of simplicity and contentment, finding joy in the act of chanting and returning to his true self. This couplet highlights his satisfaction with a life free from worldly burdens.

Third Couplet: "我爱其静，寤寐交挥。"
Wǒ ài qí jìng, wù mèi jiāo huī.
I cherish this tranquility, felt both day and night.

This couplet expresses Tao's deep love for the quietude of his life. Whether awake or asleep, he is enveloped in a sense of peace, illustrating his desire for and attainment of inner calm. The tranquility he experiences is not fleeting but a constant presence, allowing him to live in harmony with himself and his surroundings.

Fourth Couplet: "但恨殊世，邈不可追。"
Dàn hèn shū shì, miǎo bù kě zhuī.
Yet I regret the chaos of this world, so far removed from the peace I seek.

In these final lines, Tao voices his regret and frustration. Despite his retreat to a life of seclusion, he laments the impossibility of fully returning to the pure, undisturbed peace of the past. This reflects his disappointment with the societal turmoil of his time and his sorrow over the unattainability of his ideal life.

Overall Appreciation

This poem continues Tao Yuanming's pastoral style, using serene natural imagery to express his longing for inner peace and a simple life. Through descriptions of flowing rivers, leisurely chants, and the tranquility of day and night, Tao portrays his detachment from worldly concerns and his pursuit of a harmonious existence. The poem's emotional depth is enhanced by his regret over the unattainability of an ideal life, adding a layer of poignancy to his otherwise contented reflections.

Writing Characteristics

1. Nature as a Reflection of Inner Peace
   Tao uses natural scenes, such as the flowing river and clear waters, to mirror his tranquil state of mind, creating a seamless connection between the external world and his inner emotions.
2. Contrast Between Past and Present
   The poem juxtaposes the accomplishments of his youth with his current life of leisure, emphasizing his satisfaction with simplicity and his rejection of worldly ambitions.
3. Emphasis on Tranquility
   The recurring theme of tranquility, felt both day and night, underscores Tao's deep appreciation for a peaceful life and his ability to find joy in stillness.
4. Philosophical Reflection
   Tao's regret over the chaos of the world and his longing for an unattainable ideal add a philosophical dimension to the poem, highlighting the tension between his aspirations and reality.

Insights

"Spring Excursion III" offers a vision of an ideal life centered on inner peace and simplicity. Tao Yuanming's reflections remind us of the importance of finding tranquility amidst life's chaos and cherishing moments of stillness. While the poem acknowledges the challenges of escaping societal turmoil, it encourages us to seek contentment within ourselves and to appreciate the beauty of a life lived in harmony with nature. Tao's regret over the unattainability of an ideal life also serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the present and strive for balance in our own lives.

Poem translator

Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)

About the poet

Tao Yuanming(陶渊明), 365–427 CE, was a poet, literary figure, fu writer, and essayist active during the late Eastern Jin and early Liu Song dynasties. Born in Chaisang (near present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province), he pioneered a new genre of pastoral-themed literature, expressing profound philosophical insights through simple language. His poetic style became an enduring aesthetic standard in classical Chinese poetry.