Category Archives for Translation
Miscellaneous Poem
Wang Wei of the Liu Song dynasty Miscellaneous Poems, number one of two Alone and desolate, I close the high chambers, Silent and empty, the grand halls. Waiting for my lord who will not … Continue reading
New Imperial Tribute Tea from Huzhou
Zhang Wengui of the Tang New Imperial Tribute Tea from Huzhou, ca. 841 On a spring outing, returning tipsy by phoenix carriage, Her coiffed peony blossoms teasing bobbled ornaments. Fording the inlet, the faerie … Continue reading
The Ten Virtues of Tea
Liu Zhenliang of the Tang dynasty The Ten Virtues of Tea Take tea to dispel melancholy, banish sleep, increase vitality, expel disease, initiate decorum and humanity, express respect, cultivate sophistication, nurture the body, … Continue reading
Stories About Lu Yü
Feng Yan (active ca. 755-794 A.D.) Record of Things Heard and Seen Chapter 6 “Drinking Tea” In the Discourse on Tea, Lu Hongjian of Chu explained the merits and methods of brewing and toasting … Continue reading
The Abolition of Caked Tea by Imperial Decree
The Veritable Records of Emperor Taizu of the Great Ming Dynasty Sixteenth day, ninth lunar month, twenty-fourth year [1391] of the Hongwu reign period An Imperial Decree on the Jianning Annual Offering of Tribute … Continue reading
Moon Festival
Su Shi of the Song dynasty Poem Based on the Song of Water Tunes Moon Festival, 1076 Happily drinking through the night till morning: Truly drunk, wrote this verse, begging the pardon of younger … Continue reading
Guanyin Spring at Tiger Hill
Shen Zhou of the Ming dynasty Sitting beneath pines quietly sipping tea brewed with water drawn from the Third Spring at Tiger Hill under a waning moon In the evening, I enquire at the … Continue reading
Paradox
Laozi of the Zhou dynasty Books of the Path and the Power Paradox Profound accomplishment appears unaccomplished, yet it is ever present and infinite. Utter completeness appears incomplete, yet it is ever present and … Continue reading
Hymn to Tea
Wuzhu of the Tang dynasty Hymn to Tea Deep, secluded valleys bear forth the divine herb: The luminous means to Enter the Way. Gatherers picking leaves; Delicate flavors flowing into bowls. Peace and purity … Continue reading
A Song of Drinking Tea on the Departure of Zheng Rong
Dedicated to Sylvia and Matthew London for their friendship and generosity Jiaoran of the Tang dynasty A Song of Drinking Tea on the Departure of Zheng Rong The immortal Danqiu abandoned eating jade … Continue reading
Happy that Tea Grows in the Garden
Dedicated to Sylvia and Matthew London for their friendship and generosity Wei Yingwu of the Tang dynasty Happy that Tea Grows in the Garden Its purity cannot be stained. Drinking it washes away … Continue reading
Tea: A Pagoda Poem
Dedicated to Sylvia and Matthew London for their friendship and generosity Yüan Zhen of the Tang dynasty Tea: A Pagoda Poem Tea Fragrant leaves, tender buds The desire of poets, the love … Continue reading