绝句古诗僧志南宋

Translation of Monk Zhinan's Regret Quatrains

Monk Zhinan (僧志南) was a renowned poet and scholar during the Tang Dynasty in China. His Regret Quatrains (绝句) are known for their deep introspection and profound emotions. Here is an English translation of one of his popular quatrains:

Title: Reflections on Life's Regrets

In this fleeting world, my heart laments,

A lifetime spent, yet little to show.

Dreams once cherished, now naught but dust,

Regrets linger, as the years quietly flow.

Explanation:

Monk Zhinan's poetry often reflects on the transience of life and the regrets that can accompany it. His Regret Quatrains capture a sense of melancholy and introspection, urging readers to reflect on their past choices and actions.

This particular quatrain speaks to the passage of time and the regrets that can haunt us as we grow older. It expresses a deep longing for more meaningful accomplishments and a sense of disappointment at the missed opportunities.

The poet laments that despite a lifetime spent, there is little to show for it. This can be interpreted as a reflection on the ephemeral nature of success and the emptiness that can accompany a life focused solely on material gains.

The mention of "dreams once cherished, now naught but dust" suggests that the poet's ambitions and aspirations have faded away, leaving behind only regrets. This is a common theme in Monk Zhinan's poetry, as he often contemplates the transient nature of human desires.

The closing line emphasizes the quiet passage of time and how regrets can linger as the years go by. It serves as a reminder to seize the present moment and live a life aligned with one's values and dreams, so as to minimize future regrets.

Monk Zhinan's Regret Quatrains offer a poignant reflection on the human condition and the introspective journey of selfdiscovery. They encourage readers to ponder the choices they make in life, urging them to seek fulfillment and authenticity rather than being consumed by regrets.

Note: This translation is a poetic interpretation of the original Chinese text. Various interpretations may exist, and the essence and depth of the original poem may be difficult to fully capture in translation.

Disclaimer: The translations provided are for informational purposes only and may not fully capture the nuances and subtleties of the original work.

文章已关闭评论！