Wang Xizhi’s Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion (蘭亭集序; Lántíngjí Xu) stands as a cornerstone of Chinese calligraphy, dating back to the 4th century AD. While the Preface itself isn’t a poem in the traditional sense, it sets the stage for a collection of poems composed during a gathering of scholars. The Chinese language, with its tonal qualities and rhythmic flow, lends itself to a poetic interpretation of the Preface. This translation aims to capture the inherent poetry of Wang Xizhi’s prose.
Contents
The Gathering at the Orchid Pavilion
Wang Xizhi sets the scene: “It is the ninth year of Emperor Mu of the Jin Dynasty’s reign, in the year of the Yin Water Ox, at the beginning of the third month (after April 20, 353 AD). We are all gathered at the Orchid Pavilion in Shanyin County, Guiji Commandery, for the Spring Purification Festival.” This gathering of learned men amidst the natural beauty of the Orchid Pavilion forms the backdrop for a celebration of spring, friendship, and poetic expression.
The imagery evoked by Wang Xizhi is rich with natural beauty: lofty mountains, luxuriant bamboo, and clear, gurgling water reflecting the sun. The elegant pastime of floating wine cups down the stream adds a touch of whimsy and sets the stage for the poetic compositions to follow.
A Celebration of Life and Lamentation of its Fleeting Nature
Wang Xizhi captures the joy of the gathering: “Today the sky is bright; the air is nice. A gentle breeze blows freely like our mirth.” This sense of carefree enjoyment is tempered by an awareness of the ephemeral nature of life. He reflects on the contrasting paths people take, some pursuing their dreams, others chasing fleeting ambitions. Yet, he observes, both joy and youth are ultimately lost to the passage of time.
The poignant observation, “All is ordained to turn to dust and sink,” underscores the inevitable decline that awaits all living things. This awareness of mortality leads to a melancholic reflection on the shared human experience of loss and regret. He sighs, “How sadly on my mind this plays!”
The Legacy of Words
Despite the transient nature of life, Wang Xizhi finds solace in the act of recording the present moment. He diligently notes the names of those present and their poems, recognizing that while times may change, the emotions of regret and the search for meaning remain constant across generations. He hopes that future readers will connect with these shared human experiences, perhaps even shedding a tear in recognition of their own struggles with the passage of time.
Connecting with Wang Anshi’s “First Day of the New Year”
Themes of time and renewal resonate in Wang Anshi’s poem, “First Day of the New Year,” written centuries later. The exploding fireworks mark the passing of the old year and the arrival of spring, a time of rebirth and renewal. The image of replacing old talismans with new ones symbolizes the shedding of the past and the embrace of fresh beginnings.
The juxtaposition of these two works highlights the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience across time and cultures. Both Wang Xizhi and Wang Anshi grapple with the passage of time, finding meaning in celebrating the present moment and acknowledging the cyclical nature of life and death.
The Enduring Power of the Preface
Wang Xizhi’s Preface continues to resonate with readers today, not only for its calligraphic brilliance but also for its profound reflections on life, loss, and the power of words to transcend time. It serves as a reminder to cherish the present moment and find meaning in the shared human experience.