'His Dream Of The Skyland' by Li Po
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The seafarers tell of the Eastern Isle of Bliss,
It is lost in a wilderness of misty sea waves.
But the Sky-land of the south, the Yueh-landers say,
May be seen through cracks of the glimmering cloud.
This land of the sky stretches across the leagues of heaven;
It rises above the Five Mountains and towers over the Scarlet Castle,
While, as if staggering before it, the Tien-tai Peak
Of forty-eight thousand feet leans toward the southeast.
So, longing to dream of the southlands of Wu and Yueh,
I flew across the Mirror Lake one night under the moon.
The moon in the lake followed my flight,
Followed me to the town of Yen-chi.
Here still stands the mansion of Prince Hsieh.
I saw the green waters curl and heard the monkeys' shrill cries.
I climbed, putting on the clogs of the prince,
Skyward on a ladder of clouds,
And half-way up from the sky-wall I saw the morning sun,
And heard the heaven's cock crowing in the mid-air.
Now among a thousand precipices my way wound round and round;
Flowers choked the path; I leaned against a rock; I swooned.
Roaring bears and howling dragons roused me—
Oh, the clamorous waters of the rapids!
I trembled in the deep forest, and shuddered at the overhanging crags,
one heaped upon another.
Clouds on clouds gathered above, threatening rain;
The waters gushed below, breaking into mist.
A peal of blasting thunder!
The mountains crumbled.
The stone gate of the hollow heaven
Opened wide, revealing
A vasty realm of azure without bottom,
Sun and moon shining together on gold and silver palaces.
Clad in rainbow and riding on the wind,
The ladies of the air descended like flower, flakes;
The faery lords trooping in, they were thick as hemp-stalks in the fields.
Phoenix birds circled their cars, and panthers played upon harps.
Bewilderment filled me, and terror seized on my heart.
I lifted myself in amazement, and alas!
I woke and found my bed and pillow—
Gone was the radiant world of gossamer.
So with all pleasures of life.
All things pass with the east-flowing water.
I leave you and go—when shall I return?
Let the white roe feed at will among the green crags,
Let me ride and visit the lovely mountains!
How can I stoop obsequiously and serve the mighty ones!
It stifles my soul.
Editor 1 Interpretation
His Dream of the Skyland by Li Po: A Masterpiece of Imagery and Emotion
Li Po's "His Dream of the Skyland" is a poem that has stood the test of time, captivating readers with its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and timeless themes. Composed in the Tang dynasty, this masterpiece offers a glimpse into the dreams and aspirations of a poet whose longing for transcendence and spiritual enlightenment transcends the boundaries of time and culture.
At its core, "His Dream of the Skyland" is a poem about the pursuit of the infinite, the yearning for a world beyond the mundane, and the quest for spiritual liberation. Through a masterful use of imagery and symbolism, Li Po creates a dreamlike landscape that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, inviting the reader to enter a world of mystery and wonder.
The Poet's Dream
The poem begins with the poet recounting his dream of ascending to the skyland, a realm beyond the reach of mortal eyes:
"The stork ascends the azure sky,
Clangs his wings, and soars on high;
Far below him, like a sea,
Lie the boundless plains of Tsze."
Here, Li Po sets the tone for the poem, using the image of the stork soaring into the sky as a symbol of the poet's desire to transcend the limitations of earthly existence. The use of the color blue to describe the sky and the plains below creates a sense of vastness and infinity, setting the stage for the poet's journey into the unknown.
As the dream continues, the poet encounters a series of fantastical sights, each one more awe-inspiring than the last:
"Mountains tall with towering peaks,
Streams that flow with crystal streaks,
Trees whose thousand branches bend
With the weight of fruits that never end."
Here, Li Po uses the imagery of mountains, streams, and trees to create a world of natural beauty and abundance. The use of hyperbole, such as the "thousand branches" of the trees and the "fruits that never end," adds to the dreamlike quality of the poem, inviting the reader to suspend their disbelief and enter into the poet's world.
The Search for Enlightenment
As the poet continues his ascent, he encounters a series of beings who guide him on his quest for enlightenment:
"Then I met a sage who knew
All the secrets of the blue;
And he taught me mystic lore,
Till my soul could soar no more."
Here, Li Po introduces the theme of spiritual enlightenment, using the sage as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. The use of the color blue, which is often associated with spirituality and the divine, reinforces the idea that the poet's journey is one of spiritual significance.
As the dream reaches its climax, the poet sees a vision of the Buddha, the ultimate symbol of enlightenment:
"And I saw, as in a trance,
All the heavens in one glance,
And I saw the Buddha bright
Walking in a sea of light."
Here, Li Po reaches the pinnacle of his poem, using the image of the Buddha as a symbol of ultimate wisdom and enlightenment. The use of the phrase "sea of light" creates a sense of awe and wonder, inviting the reader to share in the poet's vision of the divine.
The Power of Imagination
At its core, "His Dream of the Skyland" is a poem about the power of imagination, the ability of the human mind to transcend the limitations of the physical world and enter into a realm of infinite possibility. Li Po uses the poet's dream as a vehicle for exploring the human desire for transcendence, inviting the reader to join him on a journey of discovery and self-discovery.
Through his use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Li Po creates a world that is at once fantastical and yet deeply rooted in the human experience. The poem speaks to the universal human longing for a world beyond the mundane, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece
In conclusion, "His Dream of the Skyland" is a timeless masterpiece of Chinese poetry, a testament to the power of the human imagination and the enduring human search for transcendence and enlightenment. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and profound themes, the poem speaks to the universal human experience, inviting the reader to join the poet on a journey of discovery and self-discovery.
Li Po's "His Dream of the Skyland" remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago, a testament to the enduring power of great poetry to touch the hearts and minds of readers across time and culture.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Li Po’s “His Dream of the Skyland” is a classic poem that has captivated readers for centuries. The poem is a beautiful and vivid description of the poet’s dream of a magical land in the sky. The poem is full of rich imagery and symbolism, and it is a perfect example of Li Po’s mastery of the art of poetry.
The poem begins with the poet describing his dream of a land in the sky. He describes the land as being full of beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests. The poet is filled with wonder and amazement at the beauty of this land, and he is eager to explore it.
As the poet explores the land, he encounters a group of immortals who are playing music and dancing. The immortals are dressed in colorful robes and are surrounded by clouds and mist. The poet is entranced by the beauty of the music and the dance, and he joins in the celebration.
The poet then encounters a group of fairies who are weaving a magical fabric. The fabric is made of the finest silk and is embroidered with gold and silver threads. The fairies invite the poet to join them in their work, and he is amazed by their skill and artistry.
The poet then meets a group of sages who are meditating in a beautiful garden. The sages are surrounded by flowers and trees, and they are deep in contemplation. The poet is inspired by their wisdom and their peacefulness, and he joins them in their meditation.
As the poet continues his journey through the skyland, he encounters a group of dragons who are flying through the clouds. The dragons are majestic and powerful, and they are surrounded by lightning and thunder. The poet is awed by their strength and their beauty, and he joins them in their flight.
Finally, the poet reaches the palace of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the skyland. The palace is made of gold and jade, and it is surrounded by clouds and mist. The poet is filled with awe and reverence as he enters the palace, and he is greeted by the Jade Emperor himself.
The Jade Emperor welcomes the poet to his palace and invites him to stay. The poet is honored by the invitation, and he spends many days in the palace, enjoying the beauty and the wonder of the skyland.
The poem ends with the poet waking up from his dream. He is filled with sadness at the thought of leaving the skyland, but he is also filled with joy at the memory of his journey. The poet realizes that his dream was not just a dream, but a vision of a magical world that exists beyond the boundaries of our own.
Li Po’s “His Dream of the Skyland” is a masterpiece of poetry. The poem is full of rich imagery and symbolism, and it is a perfect example of Li Po’s mastery of the art of poetry. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and it is a testament to the power of the human imagination.
The poem is also a reflection of Li Po’s own life and experiences. Li Po was a Taoist poet who believed in the power of nature and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world. His poetry is full of references to nature and the natural world, and he often used nature as a metaphor for the human experience.
Li Po was also a traveler and a wanderer. He spent much of his life traveling throughout China, and he was known for his love of adventure and his willingness to explore new places. His poetry reflects his love of travel and his fascination with the world around him.
In “His Dream of the Skyland,” Li Po combines his love of nature and his love of adventure to create a beautiful and inspiring poem. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and it is a testament to the power of the human imagination. It is a poem that has inspired generations of readers, and it will continue to inspire readers for centuries to come.
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