Written at the Zen Hall Behind Broken Mountain Temple
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
初日照高林。
竹径通幽处，
禅房花木深。
山光悦鸟性，
潭影空人心。
万籁此都寂，
但余钟磬音。
English translation
At early dawn I enter the ancient temple, the first sun lights the lofty trees.
A path of bamboo leads to a secluded place, the meditation cell deep in flowers and trees.
The mountain's light gladdens the birds' nature, the pool's reflection empties the human heart.
Here all sounds are hushed, only the bell and chime remain.
Meaning
At dawn I enter this ancient temple, and the newly risen sun shines on the woods.
A bamboo path leads to a secluded depth, where the meditation hall is hidden among thick flowers and trees.
The bright scenery of the hills makes the birds more joyful still, and the pool is so clear and empty that, looking at one's reflection there, all worldly thoughts melt away.
At such a moment all things are silent and still, and there remains only the sound of the bell and the stone chime.
Background
Read the background
Po Mountain lies in present-day Changshu, Jiangsu; the temple is the Xingfu Temple. Chang Jian was unsuccessful in his official career all his life and often visited famous mountains and scenic places for his own amusement. This poem was written when the poet visited the rear meditation court of the temple on Po Mountain; the exact date has not been established.