The Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi ( 772–846 ) indite a verse form titled “ A Flower is Not a Flower ” that uses simple yet profound imagery to reflect on the transient nature of sprightliness . This heavyset eight - line verse form contains layers of symbolization and metaphor that have resonated through the centuries .
Overview of Bai Juyi’s Poem
Here is a translation of Bai Juyi ’s poem :
A flower is not a efflorescence , Mist is not mist;That which come at midnightLeaves at dawn . It come like a spring dream – Not lingering long . It departs like a morning cloud – Nowhere to be get hold .
On the surface the poem seems to put forward the obvious – that peak and mist are transient . But there are deeper layers of meaning when analyzed telephone line by melodic line .
Line-by-Line Analysis
The first two line set up a sense of contradiction or paradox by neutralize the bloom and mist :
A flower is not a flower , Mist is not mist ;
By saying a prime is NOT a flower , the poem hint that there is more significance to a efflorescence than just its superficial appearance . There are hidden significance and symbolism embody in the bloom ’s nature .
The third and fourth lines evoke the short-lived , unawares - endure tone of certain phenomenon
That which comes at midnightLeaves at dawn .
The enactment of time is emphasized here – the transition from nighttime to Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , dark to brightness . Whatever look under cover of darkness presently disappears at first lighting .
The 5th and sixth lines use lifelike simile to further expound on the fleeting nature of the depicted object :
It arrives like a outflow dreaming – Not lingering long .
The dream comparison convey just how abbreviated and illusive the phenomenon is . The spring dream fades aside upon waking , without hover in retention .
lastly , the 7th and 8th line carry on the cloud simile :
It departs like a dawning cloud – Nowhere to be incur .
Once dissipated , the cloud leaves no trace in the sky . Its impermanency makes it unsufferable to hold on .
Symbols and Allusions
Within these simple verse , Bai Juyi skillfully wind philosophical layers using poetic devices like symbolism , metaphor , and allusion :
Flower – In Chinese culture , flowers stand for the brevity of life story . They bloom but in brief then disappearance .
Mist – Mist and fog are common symbolic representation for the illusive , intangible nature of beingness .
Midnight & Dawn – These defend the passage of fourth dimension and the modulation from shadow to light .
Spring Dream – This advert to the joyous but momentary character of life ’s pleasure . aspiration blow over upon wake .
Morning Cloud – Clouds represent transience . They continually change form and soon disappear .
Reflection on Impermanence
Scholars interpret the poem as a whole as Bai Juyi ’s expression on the ephemeral nature of life history and all phenomenon . The flower , mist , darkness , visible light , dreams , and cloud are poetic representations of the truth that nothing in life is permanent . Everything arises , transforms , and ultimately ceases to be .
Some key Buddhist teachings are woven into the verses :
The melodic theme that surface realness is an illusion masking underlie world-wide truths .
The doctrine of impermanence – that all things in existence are transient .
The notion that grasping at fugitive pleasure or phenomena lead only to suffering .
By stating “ a bloom is NOT a prime ” Bai Juyi urges the reader to look beyond outward-bound appearance and shine on the deeper essence of existence . We assign labels , public figure , and meaning to things in this world , but their truthful nature is fugacious , dreamlike , and elusive .
Personal Context
Some scholars believe the poem reflects Bai Juyi ’s personal losses and disappointments in living . His mother died when he was young , fall into a well while admiring flowers . Later in life , Bai Juyi fall back his influential spatial relation as a palace functionary and was exiled from court .
These experiences belike influence his linear perspective on the transient , undependable nature of both successfulness and beauty . Within the short lines of this poem , he capsulize the Buddhistic eyeshot of attachment and suffering .
Timeless Appeal
Though write over a thousand years ago , Bai Juyi ’s poem continues to vibrate due to its universal subject . All human joys and acquisition eventually fade and vanish . By contemplating this true statement , we are reminded to treasure each moment and let go of affixation .
The vivid yet elusive imaging serves as a meditation on life ’s transitory pith . A flower is not just a flush – it stage the pinnacle of dish today and compost tomorrow . We inhabit the mist without grasping it . Happiness arrives like a hanker - for dream but err through our fingers .
This reflective poem captures a truth as relevant today as it was during Tang dynasty China . A prime is not a efflorescence , and aliveness is not what it seems . Only by embracing impermanency can we apprise each transient moment we are give way .
A Flower is not a Flower
FAQ
What bloom is not a prime ?
Which of the is really not a blossom ?
Is flower a thing yes or no ?
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