reclusion

  • Preface to Biographies of High-Minded Scholars

    Confucius said, “When the hidden virtuous are elevated, the hearts of all people under heaven turn to them.” Mr. Hongya established lofty principles in the age of the Sovereigns of High Antiquity; Xu You and Shan Juan did not lower their integrity during the reigns of Tang and Yu. Therefore, the I Ching contains…

  • Parting from Wang Wei [Tang Poems]

    — Meng Haoran Lonely, lonely, what is there to hope for? Day by day I come back without an end. I would seek fragrant grass in native shore. How I regret to part with my old friend! I’m one whom those in high place would elude, For there are few connoisseurs in the state.…

  • White Cloud Fountain [Tang Poems]

    — Bai Juyi Behold the White Cloud Fountain on the Tianping Mountain! White clouds enjoy pleasure while water enjoys leisure. Why should the torrent dash down from the mountain high And overflow the human world with waves far and nigh?

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.37

    The Master said, “The most virtuous withdraw from the world entirely; the next withdraw from a particular state; the next avoid disrespectful looks; and the next avoid offensive words.”The Master added, “There have already been seven such people.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 6.10 Chen Zhong’s ascetic morality

    Kuang Zhang asked Mencius: “Isn’t Chen Zhongzi truly an honest and incorruptible man? He lived in Yuling and once went three days without food – so weak he couldn’t hear or see. There was a plum tree by a well; worms had eaten more than half the fruit. He crawled over, ate a few…

  • Mount Lu Viewed from Xunyang at Dusk [Tang Poems]

    –Meng Haoran For miles and miles I sail and float; High famed mountains are hard to seek. By riverside I moor my boat, Then I perceive the Censer Peak. Knowing the Monk Yuan’s life and way, I love his solitary dell. His hermitage not far away, I hear at sunset but the bell.