Swallow Cliff Hermitage - Wei Yingwu
/燕子龛禅师院 - 韦应物/
A Tranquil Retreat Among Remote Monastic Grounds
燕子龛禅师院
Swallow Cliff Hermitage
山门寂寂锁云烟
The mountain gate stands silent, shrouded in drifting clouds
松径回环入院前
A winding pine path circles toward the monastery courtyard
落叶敲窗禅心定
Fallen leaves tap the windows, aiding calm reflection
寒泉绕石夜声连
At night, the cold spring flows past stones with an unbroken murmur
钟声震晓尘嚣散
At dawn, the temple bell resounds, dispelling earthly clamor
梵唱回荡云水天
The chant echoes through clouds, water, and sky
In this poem, Wei Yingwu evokes the stillness of a remote hermitage—an environment where clouds drift over the silent gate and tall pine trees line winding paths. The presence of falling leaves and the constant murmur of cold spring water illustrate not just a physical backdrop, but also the meditative state of mind pursued in monastic life. Through sparse yet vivid imagery, he shows a world where the essence of nature and spiritual practice converge, especially at dawn when the resonant peal of the temple bell dissolves mundane concerns. The poem underscores the unity of inner peace and the natural setting, reminding readers that tranquility can be found by closely observing and harmonizing with the simple rhythms of the world around us.
Key points
The poem illustrates how natural beauty and spiritual practice blend seamlessly, teaching us to seek quiet reflection in simplicity.