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Wang Xizhi's
Preface
to the Orchid Pavilion |

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See Wang Xizhi's
'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion' (Lan tingxu)
" It is the 9th year of Yong
He, in the beginning of late spring. We, all the literati old
and young, are gathering at Lan Ting (Orchid Pavilion) on the
northern slope of the Kuai Ji Hill. Amidst the gorgeous
mountains and hills, dense woods and slender bamboos, the
sparkling winding stream is flowing by. Seated in the midst of
this scenery, short of the company of good music, we regale
every single toast and poem that put us in the mood of a free
and subtle dialogue.
" It is a fine day with lovely
breezes. Behold the magnificent universe with abundance of
myriad beings. Stretch your sights and relax your minds. It is
the supreme bliss the eyes and ears can achieve. How enjoyable!
" While experiencing the ups
and downs in our lives, we may be wakened by thoughts while
meditating in a small chamber. Or, we may let go of ourselves in
the open Nature. Choices plenty, tranquility or activity as one
prefers. I am contented with whatever happiness is brought
forth, however short the moment is. I am satisfied, not knowing
that I am aging nor where I am heading, I am tired.
" Things do change, only our
feelings linger. What we used to be fond of will become the past
instantaneously. We can't help but to cheer ourselves by
recollection. Life, long or short, always come to an end. An old
saying has it that : 'Life and death are the ultimate things.'
What a pain! Every time I read about the writings of people from
the past, I always sense their feeling reflects my own. I can
only lament but not know how to verbalize. Life and death may be
merely an illusion. Yet it is ridiculous to equalize longevity
with short-lived. The future generations will look upon us just
like we do our past. So, I document the lives of the
contemporaries and their works. Time has changed, yet the desire
to express the feeling is the same. Those in the future shall
get what I mean when they read this article. "
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