The soul needs poetry and sentiment, beyond just life itself

“Journey to Western Sichuan” (川西行)

Performer: TAM Po-sherk (Chinese vertical bamboo flute, 譚寶碩—洞簫)

Selected from New Century Workshop's music album “Roams the World with Xiao” (《簫行天下》)

Time flies like the wind, and we spend our days rushing about to make a living, tied down by responsibilities and countless trivial matters.

Over time, we grow accustomed to chores and busyness; the hustle veils the windows of our hearts, and our inner world gradually grows numb.

Human beings, unlike other animals, have never lived merely to survive.

Life requires food, warmth, and stability, yet the soul needs nourishment.

The acquisition of material things in this world is limited, but the abundance of the spirit can be infinite.

In everyone's heart, there should remain a space that belongs not to worldly gain, but holds only sentiment and poetry, holding one's own tenderness and romance.

How leisurely it is to read while leaning against pillows,

and the view before the door is even better in the rain.

枕上诗书闲处好，门前风景雨来佳。

——  LI Qingzhao (李清照, 1084-1155)

Calligraphy: TAM Po-shek

Poetry is romance within the heart.

It has never been far away in distant lands, nor hidden in famous mountains and great rivers.

It dwells between each dawn and dusk, tucked away in the details of life.

In the clouds unfurling and folding at daybreak, in the moon glowing bright at night;

In the tranquility of dusk's twilight, in the coolness of the evening breeze;

Or sitting idly to boil water and brew tea, savoring the quiet joy within the teacup;

Or unrolling a scroll to read, or lifting a brush to write, meeting the words of the ancients amid the fragrance of books and ink.

Slow your steps, quietly observe the seasons turning, watching flowers bloom and fall, grass and trees flourish and wither—therein lies a natural poetry and charm.

Sentiment is the beautiful state of mind that remains undiminished even after enduring hardships and vicissitudes.

Having witnessed all the warmth and coldness of human nature, still choosing not to become indifferent;

Having experienced the helplessness of reality, still preserving innocence and aspiration.

Having tasted the hardships of the world to the full, still holding fast to the goodness in one's heart.

I don't drift with the crowd, nor let time wear away my edges.

I firmly believe there is warmth and light in this world.

I hold fast to what I believe in, and yearn for what lies ahead.

Accept whatever fate brings and let nature take its course,

neither rejoicing in a long life nor grieving over a short one.

縱浪大化中，不喜亦不懼。

—— TAO Yuanming (陶淵明 c.365-427)

Calligraphy: TAM Po-shek

Guard this sense of poetry and passion well.

In the midst of a busy life, keep enriching your inner world.

Reading is beneficial; spend more time with words, for books have always been a haven for the soul.

Let music accompany you—play a melody to soothe the restless mind;

Free with brush and ink, quietly painting a scroll of art, elevating artistic taste;

Visiting ancient towns and temples, broadening the heart amid mountains, rivers, and culture.

Cultivating a heart that is warm, generous, and passionate.

Organizing life, and organizing the soul as well.

You must also learn to look inward, to reflect, and to be at peace with yourself.

Accept life's imperfections, and embrace the flaws of the world.

Treat all things kindly, and be gentle with others.

This is the most precious original heart.

Salty, Bland, Cold, and Hot, are also the basic flavors of Life.

人生百味，不外咸淡冷熱。

Calligraphy: TAM Po-shek

Life's journey is bound to meet wind and rain.

Life is the foundation upon which we stand in this world.

Poetry and sentiment are the clear spring that nourishes the soul.

To hold poetry and sentiment in one's heart is our most tranquil sanctuary.

May this life be spiritually abundant, with every day a good day and every year a good year.

Even while walking through muddy paths, through rises and falls, may the heart still hold mountains and seas, and the eyes still hold stars.

Not letting the passing years down, not letting oneself down.