Ci (Poetry) by Lu Dongbin to the tune of
Qinyuanchun (Spring in the Princess
Garden)
Translated by
Akrishi, 2009/1/3
(Courtesy to Sharrhan Williamson
for proofreading my
English)
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Introduction |
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Poem
1 |
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Before reverting to the
elixir with seven
homebound cycles,
we should first refine ourselves and wait for
the time to come. |
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The first one Yang starts to
move, when the water clock flows at midnight.
Lukewarm in the
tripod caldron for lead, and light through the
curtains. |
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Creation striving and
galloping, with the dragon and tiger copulating,
While
practicing the advancing of the fire through the constellations of Ox, Dipper and Encampment. |
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On the Winding River is
seen the moonlight with pure lustre. And there is a crow
flying. |
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At that time, I drink the
Daogui
by myself,
And who will believe one can give birth to a child
from nothingness? |
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To distinguish whether the water's
source is clear or turbid, and know the separation between wood and
metal,
Without the instruction of a master, this is difficult to
know. |
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The essentials of Tao are mysterious and
subtle, and the heavenly mechanism is deep and
far-reaching,
Quickly start to practice before it is too
late. |
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On the road returning to
Penglai, relying on the
fulfillment of three thousand good works, one walks alone,
matchless, on the clouds. |
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Poem
2 |
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Entangled in the burning house, day passes
by and comes the night, worrying day and
night. |
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2 |
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Cannot avoid feeling loss
today, and don't know about tomorrow.
What is the reason for the
turbulence and inexorable sense of doom? |
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A man's life is like a
candle in the wind, and the dew on the grass, which I grieve with
tears. |
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Neither strong nor
longlasting, but like the spark from the flint stone, and bubbles
floating on water. |
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If you would be carefree,
repent early.
Write off the romance and dissoluteness of bygone
days in one stroke. |
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Only with plain clothes and simple
food, and pass the days in accord with circumstances.
No matter
how people may laugh at me, what else to
seek? |
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One is destined to die,
whether rich or poor. So why bother working so busily and worrying
day and night? |
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My advice is to abandon
your family karma when young, and
sail on the sea. |
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Poem
3 |
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Poetries, songs and
essays - sheer vanity - may you leave
thousands pieces. |
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2 |
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Having no way out, you
postpone to another day, or another month.
No ending in sight
this year; perhaps next year. |
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With limited time, but
this immense burning house,
I am
afraid your time is slipping by and your talent deteriorates with
age. |
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The insatiable fool:
hoping to accomplish both have a family and learning
Tao. |
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In this material world people are
only attached to earthly karma.
And who will believe in the other world
through the elixir inside the gourd of
the immortals? Reference:
The Origin of the Alchemical Jargon
"Gourd" (in Chinese
GB) |
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The nature of this Tao is
unsentimental, adhering to neither riches nor honour,
It is
not distant to the poor and lowly, but only if one is
determined. |
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No need for burdening
one's mind, or for asceticism.
Just be natural, cease
deliberation and be aloof. |
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Waiting for the sensible
to drop the load, so this thing about immortality can be
imparted. |
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