Mountain Rocks - Han Yu
/山石 - 韩愈/
A Quiet Communion in Nature’s Solitude
山石荦确行径微，
Stone outcrops stand rugged, paths are faint.
黄昏到寺蝙蝠飞。
By dusk, I arrive at a temple as bats flit about.
升堂坐阶新雨足，
Climbing the hall, resting upon the steps, the rains have freshly ceased.
芭蕉叶大支子肥。
Banana leaves spread wide, gardenias thrive in their fullness.
僧言古壁佛画好，
The monk says the ancient murals of Buddha are splendid.
以火来照所见稀。
He lights a torch to reveal the rare sight.
铺床拂席置羹饭，
A bed is prepared, the mat dusted; soup and rice are served.
疏粝亦足饱我饥。
Plain though the meal is, it satisfies my hunger.
夜深静卧百虫绝，
Deep into the night, I lie in stillness, free of insect drone.
清月出岭光入扉。
A bright moon rises over the ridge, its light entering my door.
天明独去无道路，
At dawn, I depart alone, no clear path in sight.
出入高下穷烟霏。
I wander up and down through drifting mists.
山红涧碧纷烂漫，
Mountains burn red, streams gleam emerald—splendor everywhere.
时见松枥皆十围。
Sometimes I see pine and chestnut trees of massive girth.
当流赤足蹋涧石，
I cross the current, bare feet stepping on stream stones.
水声激激风吹衣。
The rushing water roars, the wind blows my robe.
人生如此自可乐，
In a life like this, joy comes naturally.
岂必局束为人鞿？
Why allow oneself to be bound by others?
嗟哉吾党二三子，
Alas, my few companions!
安得至老不更归？
How can we ensure not to return to constraint before old age?
Stone outcrops stand rugged, paths are faint.
黄昏到寺蝙蝠飞。
By dusk, I arrive at a temple as bats flit about.
升堂坐阶新雨足，
Climbing the hall, resting upon the steps, the rains have freshly ceased.
芭蕉叶大支子肥。
Banana leaves spread wide, gardenias thrive in their fullness.
僧言古壁佛画好，
The monk says the ancient murals of Buddha are splendid.
以火来照所见稀。
He lights a torch to reveal the rare sight.
铺床拂席置羹饭，
A bed is prepared, the mat dusted; soup and rice are served.
疏粝亦足饱我饥。
Plain though the meal is, it satisfies my hunger.
夜深静卧百虫绝，
Deep into the night, I lie in stillness, free of insect drone.
清月出岭光入扉。
A bright moon rises over the ridge, its light entering my door.
天明独去无道路，
At dawn, I depart alone, no clear path in sight.
出入高下穷烟霏。
I wander up and down through drifting mists.
山红涧碧纷烂漫，
Mountains burn red, streams gleam emerald—splendor everywhere.
时见松枥皆十围。
Sometimes I see pine and chestnut trees of massive girth.
当流赤足蹋涧石，
I cross the current, bare feet stepping on stream stones.
水声激激风吹衣。
The rushing water roars, the wind blows my robe.
人生如此自可乐，
In a life like this, joy comes naturally.
岂必局束为人鞿？
Why allow oneself to be bound by others?
嗟哉吾党二三子，
Alas, my few companions!
安得至老不更归？
How can we ensure not to return to constraint before old age?
In “Mountain Rocks,” Han Yu describes a visit to a secluded temple in the mountains at dusk, portraying his sojourn as a moment of serene meditation and liberation from worldly constraints.
First, the opening lines conjure a rugged natural scene: the rough-hewn stones, faint pathways, and the advent of evening upon a remote temple. The imagery underscores how out-of-the-way this spot is—an invitation to let go of urban routines and courtly obligations. The poet’s arrival at sunset, just as bats flutter overhead, sets an otherworldly mood, separated from ordinary life.
Inside the temple, Han Yu observes the fresh aftermath of rain: everything is damp, fragrant, and alive. He notes the large banana leaves and robust gardenias, symbolic of nature’s thriving vitality. The monk’s mention of venerable Buddhist murals suggests a rich cultural tapestry hidden within the temple walls. By torchlight, the poet glimpses scenes of spiritual significance that are usually kept in shadow.
When the monk lays out simple fare—humble soup and rice—Han Yu’s appreciative response underscores his contentment. In the hush of late night, he notices the absence of insects and the glow of moonlight entering the temple, heightening the sense of peace. This setting contrasts starkly with the demands of court life, reflecting how the natural world can soothe a restless mind.
Come morning, Han Yu sets off alone, underscoring an uncharted path both literal and metaphorical. Climbing through misty peaks, gazing upon crimson hills and glimmering streams, he celebrates nature’s vivid, unrestrained beauty. Pine and chestnut trees stand as silent witnesses, their girth hinting at immense age and resilience. Wading barefoot across the stream, Han Yu immerses himself in the present moment, neither constrained nor hurried.
The poem’s final lines present a brief philosophical turn. Freedom—enjoyed in the wild—contrasts sharply with the tethered existence many people endure in bureaucratic or courtly confines. “Why allow oneself to be bound by others?” Han Yu asks, longing for a life unshackled by society’s obligations. This question resonates beyond his era, prompting each reader to reflect on the balance of duty versus personal liberation.
In essence, “Mountain Rocks” is both a travel account and a spiritual reflection. It extols the virtues of rediscovering wholeness and wonder in rugged landscapes, encouraging us to cast off our bonds and find joy in simple, authentic living.
Key points
• Nature offers an antidote to the demands of worldly life.
• Simplicity of spirit can inspire deeper contentment.
• Authentic freedom stems from pursuing one’s own path.
• Artistic and spiritual solace emerge in the stillness of remote places.