Wang Wei: Visit to Xiangji Temple
过 香 积 寺
不 知 香 积 寺
数 里 入 云 峰。
古 木 无 人 径
深 山 何 处 钟?
泉 声 咽 危 石
日 色 冷 青 松。
薄 暮 空 潭 曲
安 禅 制 毒 龙.
Guo Xiang Ji Si
Bu zhi xiang ji si
Shu li ru yun feng.
Gu mu wu ren jing
Shen shan he chu zhong ?
Quan sheng ye wei shi
Ri se leng qing song.
Bo mu kong tan qu
An chan zhi du long.
Visit to Xiangji Temple
Exact location of the Xiangji Temple is unknown
Inside countless summit peaks, the clouds enter.
Ancient woods, no human pathways
This deep in the mountains, where do these bell sounds come from?
Spring water sounds, slow and deep, obstructions under a steep stone cliff
Even in bright daylight, green pine trees are cold.
Thin misty sunset, quiet and deep pool hidden among rocky zigzags
Peaceful, long and intense meditation kills the sinister dragons.
Notes:
Xiangji; Literally means “accumulated fragrance” and/or “accumulated merit”.
Sinister dragons: Worldly desires and passions.