Through the Dynasties · LH7

Jin

Era of aristocratic lineages, Neo-Daoist metaphysics, and cultural migration

45works

7forms

14authors

Classical Poetry

5 works

Orthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.

  1. Drinking Wine · Poem 5 (Plucking Chrysanthemums)Tao Yuanming · Old-Style SongsPlucking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, leisurely I see the Southern Mountain. In this lies truth; wanting to speak, I forget all words.
  2. Returning to Dwell in the Country · Poem 1Tao Yuanming · Old-Style SongsThe caged bird yearns for old woods, the pond fish pines for its deep abyss. Long in the cage, I return at last to Nature.
  3. Mourning the Departed · Poem IPan Yue · Old-Style SongsSeeing our house I think of her; entering the room I recall what she did there.
  4. The Armillary Tapestry: Woven Palindrome Poem in Seven-Character LinesSu Hui (Su Ruolan) · Palindrome VerseBenevolent, wise, cherishing virtue, like the sage kings Shun and Yao; true and wondrous, radiant and splendid, their glory shown in brilliant display;
  5. Mount Tai ChantXie Daoyun · Old-Style SongsMade by no carpenter and by no craftsman, this cloud-high structure arises of itself.

Classical Prose

5 works

Authoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.

  1. Preface to the Orchid Pavilion GatheringWang Xizhi · Letters & PrefacesLooking up to gaze upon the vastness of the universe, looking down to survey the richness of all living things, allowing the eyes to wander and the heart to roam.
  2. The Peach Blossom SpringTao Yuanming · Travel WritingSuddenly he came upon a peach blossom grove, hundreds of paces on both banks; fragrant grasses fresh and lush, blossoms drifting in profusion.
  3. Memorial Expressing My FeelingsLi Mi · Essays & MemorialsWithout my grandmother I would not have lived to this day; without me my grandmother cannot live out her remaining years.
  4. Records of the Three KingdomsChen Shou · Historical NarrativeHe may truly be called an extraordinary man, a hero surpassing his age.
  5. Biography of Master Five WillowsTao Yuanming · Letters & PrefacesHe loved reading but did not seek exhaustive explanations; whenever something struck a chord, he was so delighted he forgot to eat.

Sayings & Idioms

28 works

Living Chinese linguistic heritage comprising idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, and couplets.

  1. Too Happy to Miss ShuXi Zuochi · IdiomsThe captive Shu ruler Liu Shan said he was too content to miss home; so happy one forgets one's roots.
  2. Boring Through the Wall to Borrow LightGe Hong (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsToo poor for candles, Kuang Heng bored a hole to read by his neighbor's lamp; studying hard despite poverty.
  3. The Peach Blossom Land Beyond the WorldTao Yuanming · IdiomsFrom Tao Yuanming's hidden Peach Blossom Spring; an idyllic retreat untouched by the troubles of the world.
  4. Beyond Thought and WordsKumarajiva (trans.) · IdiomsOriginally Buddhist: beyond conception or description; now, unimaginable or incomprehensible.
  5. Not Seeking Thorough UnderstandingTao Yuanming · IdiomsOriginally reading for the gist without pedantry; now, studying superficially without seeking deep understanding.
  6. From Ancient Times to the PresentPan Yue · IdiomsThroughout all ages, from antiquity until now.
  7. Like a Fish Finding WaterChen Shou · IdiomsLike a fish in water; finding a congenial person or an ideal environment.
  8. Never Letting the Book Leave One's HandChen Shou · IdiomsAlways with a book in hand; diligent and devoted to study.
  9. Flourishing Toward ProsperityTao Yuanming · IdiomsPlants thriving; a cause flourishing and prospering.
  10. The One and Only Waytr. Kumarajiva · IdiomsOriginally a Buddhist term for the gate of non-duality; now the one and only way.
  11. At a Loss What to DoChen Shou · IdiomsNot knowing what to do; at a complete loss.
  12. Not Sure of Surviving Till EveningLi Mi · IdiomsUnsure in the morning of lasting till evening; in dire, precarious straits.
  13. Seeing Someone in a New LightChen Shou · IdiomsViewing someone with fresh eyes after they have markedly improved.
  14. Letting the Tiger Return to the MountainsChen Shou · IdiomsLetting a tiger back into the hills; releasing an enemy and inviting future trouble.
  15. Drawing Cakes to Allay HungerChen Shou · IdiomsDrawing a cake to satisfy hunger; empty names without substance, or consoling oneself with fantasy.
  16. The Blind Men and the ElephantAnonymous · IdiomsBlind men each touching part of an elephant; judging the whole from a partial view.
  17. Asking the Tiger for Its SkinFu Lang · IdiomsAsking a tiger for its hide; negotiating with someone to give up their vital interests is futile.
  18. Looking with New EyesChen Shou · IdiomsLü Meng said: "When a scholar has been away for three days, you should look at him with fresh eyes.
  19. Lofty Mountains and Steep RidgesWang Xizhi · IdiomsHere are lofty mountains and steep ridges, lush woods and tall bamboo;
  20. Free Beyond the Bounds of FormWang Xizhi · IdiomsOthers, entrusting their feelings to what they cherish, let themselves roam free beyond the bounds of bodily form.
  21. Fallen Petals Swirling DownTao Yuanming · IdiomsSuddenly he came upon a peach grove lining both banks for several hundred paces, with no other trees among it; the fragrant grass was fresh and lovely, and fallen petals swirled down in profusion.
  22. Suddenly Opening UpTao Yuanming · IdiomsAfter a few dozen more paces, it suddenly opened up into a broad, bright space.
  23. The Old Ah Meng of WuChen Shou · IdiomsLu Su patted Lü Meng on the back and said: 'I thought my younger brother had only military skill; but now your learning is broad and brilliant, and you are no longer the Ah Meng of Wu.'
  24. Contented and HappyTao Yuanming · IdiomsThe white-haired elders and the children with hair hanging loose all lived at ease and content.
  25. A Gentle, Pleasant BreezeWang Xizhi · IdiomsOn this day, the sky was clear and the air fresh, and a gentle breeze blew mild and pleasant.
  26. Clear Sky and Fresh AirWang Xizhi · IdiomsOn this day, the sky was clear and the air fresh, and a gentle breeze blew mild and pleasant.
  27. Hearing the Neighbors' Hens and DogsTao Yuanming · IdiomsField paths crossed one another, and hens and dogs could be heard from farm to farm.
  28. Yellowed Hair and Hanging LocksTao Yuanming · IdiomsThe yellow-haired elders and the children with hanging locks were all at ease and content.