水调歌头
苏轼
明月几时有？把酒问青天。
不知天上宫阙、今夕是何年？
我欲乘风归去，惟恐琼楼玉宇，高处不胜寒．
起舞弄清影，何似在人间？
转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。
不应有恨、何事长向别时圆？
人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，此事古难全。
但愿人长久，千里共蝉娟。
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
八陣圖
八陣圖
杜甫
功蓋三分國，
名成八陣圖。
江流石不轉，
遺恨失吞吳
Background
One of the most respected figures in Chinese history, Zhu Ge Liang was the personal advisor to the King of Shu. He was filled with wisdom and skilled in military tactics. Zhu developed Ba Zhen Tu (the eight elements of battle formation), which is created from a pile of stones and is used to guide the formation and movement of the army during battle. This creation made him famous throughout history.
Line by line translation
功蓋三分國，
His achievements are greatest in all of the three kingdoms
名成八陣圖。
He's famous for developing the eight elements of battle formation (Ba Zhen Tu).
江流石不轉，
Even though the river moves, the stones part of Ba Zhen Tu remain unchanged.
遺恨失吞吳
the only regret Zhu has is that he could not fulfill his goal because of the defeat in the war against Wu.
杜甫
功蓋三分國，
名成八陣圖。
江流石不轉，
遺恨失吞吳
Background
One of the most respected figures in Chinese history, Zhu Ge Liang was the personal advisor to the King of Shu. He was filled with wisdom and skilled in military tactics. Zhu developed Ba Zhen Tu (the eight elements of battle formation), which is created from a pile of stones and is used to guide the formation and movement of the army during battle. This creation made him famous throughout history.
Line by line translation
功蓋三分國，
His achievements are greatest in all of the three kingdoms
名成八陣圖。
He's famous for developing the eight elements of battle formation (Ba Zhen Tu).
江流石不轉，
Even though the river moves, the stones part of Ba Zhen Tu remain unchanged.
遺恨失吞吳
the only regret Zhu has is that he could not fulfill his goal because of the defeat in the war against Wu.
蜀相
蜀相
杜甫
丞相祠堂何处寻，锦官城外柏森森。
映阶碧草自春色，隔叶黄鹂空好音。
三顾频烦天下计，两朝开济老臣心。
出师未捷身先死，长使英雄泪满襟。
蜀相 （繁體版 in traditional Chinese)
作者：杜甫
丞相祠堂何處尋，錦官城外柏森森。
映階碧草自春色，隔葉黃鸝空好音。
三顧頻煩天下計，兩朝開濟老臣心。
出師未捷身先死，常使英雄淚滿襟。
Translations:
THE TEMPLE OF THE PREMIER OF SHU
Du Fu
Where is the temple of the famous Premier?
In a deep pine grove near the City of Silk,
With the green grass of spring colouring the steps,
And birds chirping happily under the leaves.
The third summons weighted him with affairs of state
And to two generations he gave his true heart,
But before he could conquer, he was dead;
And heroes have wept on their coats ever since.
Related Video:
臥龍吟 -- 電視劇 《三國演義》片段
出師表 -- 電視劇 《三國演義》片段
杜甫
丞相祠堂何处寻，锦官城外柏森森。
映阶碧草自春色，隔叶黄鹂空好音。
三顾频烦天下计，两朝开济老臣心。
出师未捷身先死，长使英雄泪满襟。
蜀相 （繁體版 in traditional Chinese)
作者：杜甫
丞相祠堂何處尋，錦官城外柏森森。
映階碧草自春色，隔葉黃鸝空好音。
三顧頻煩天下計，兩朝開濟老臣心。
出師未捷身先死，常使英雄淚滿襟。
Translations:
THE TEMPLE OF THE PREMIER OF SHU
Du Fu
Where is the temple of the famous Premier?
In a deep pine grove near the City of Silk,
With the green grass of spring colouring the steps,
And birds chirping happily under the leaves.
The third summons weighted him with affairs of state
And to two generations he gave his true heart,
But before he could conquer, he was dead;
And heroes have wept on their coats ever since.
Related Video:
臥龍吟 -- 電視劇 《三國演義》片段
出師表 -- 電視劇 《三國演義》片段
Thursday, July 22, 2010
念奴娇·赤壁怀古
念奴娇·赤壁怀古
作者: 苏轼
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
乱石穿空，惊涛拍岸，卷起千堆雪。
江山如画，一时多少豪杰！
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
人生如梦，一樽还酹江月。
Background
This poem recalls the battle of Red Cliffs that occurred in Romance of Three Kingdoms. In this historical battle, the famous generals Zhou Yu and Zhu Ge Liang joined forces to conquer their common enemy, Cao Cao whose army greatly exceeds those of Zhou and Zhu combined. Zhou and Zhu's men are from the south and are well trained in sailing and swimming. However, Cao's army is from the North and fears water. Hence, they tied their boats together to help the soldiers adapt to the water battle. Knowing this fact, Zhou exploited their weakness and shot arrows of fire towards Cao's boats. As a result, all of Cao's boats were burnt and his army was completely defeated.
Line by Line Translation
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
The turbulent waves move toward the East, carrying all the historical heroes.
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
There are remnants in the West. People think that it's Zhou Yu's Red Cliff.
乱石穿空，惊涛拍岸，卷起千堆雪。
The waves that hit the shore resemble a thousand piles of snow.
江山如画，一时多少豪杰！
The country scenery is like a classical painting. There once lived many heroes here.
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
In his prime, Zhou Yu married the beautiful Xiao Qiao. He was handsome and charismatic, full of youth.
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
Zhou Yu held a majestic plume fan and was embellished with jewels. He easily burned his enemy's boats.
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
I take a tour of the past in my mind. Being too sentimental makes my hair turn gray early.
人生如梦，一樽还酹江月。
Life is like a dream. Let's take a cup of wine and drink with the moon.
Here is a song about Cao Cao sang by the famous pop star, Lin Jun Jie.
作者: 苏轼
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
乱石穿空，惊涛拍岸，卷起千堆雪。
江山如画，一时多少豪杰！
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
人生如梦，一樽还酹江月。
Background
This poem recalls the battle of Red Cliffs that occurred in Romance of Three Kingdoms. In this historical battle, the famous generals Zhou Yu and Zhu Ge Liang joined forces to conquer their common enemy, Cao Cao whose army greatly exceeds those of Zhou and Zhu combined. Zhou and Zhu's men are from the south and are well trained in sailing and swimming. However, Cao's army is from the North and fears water. Hence, they tied their boats together to help the soldiers adapt to the water battle. Knowing this fact, Zhou exploited their weakness and shot arrows of fire towards Cao's boats. As a result, all of Cao's boats were burnt and his army was completely defeated.
Line by Line Translation
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
The turbulent waves move toward the East, carrying all the historical heroes.
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
There are remnants in the West. People think that it's Zhou Yu's Red Cliff.
乱石穿空，惊涛拍岸，卷起千堆雪。
The waves that hit the shore resemble a thousand piles of snow.
江山如画，一时多少豪杰！
The country scenery is like a classical painting. There once lived many heroes here.
遥想公瑾当年，小乔初嫁了，雄姿英发。
In his prime, Zhou Yu married the beautiful Xiao Qiao. He was handsome and charismatic, full of youth.
羽扇纶巾，谈笑间，樯橹灰飞烟灭。
Zhou Yu held a majestic plume fan and was embellished with jewels. He easily burned his enemy's boats.
故国神游，多情应笑我，早生华发。
I take a tour of the past in my mind. Being too sentimental makes my hair turn gray early.
人生如梦，一樽还酹江月。
Life is like a dream. Let's take a cup of wine and drink with the moon.
Here is a song about Cao Cao sang by the famous pop star, Lin Jun Jie.
朱子家训 (Master Chu's Homilies for Families)
朱子家训
1. 黎明即起，洒扫庭除，要内外整洁。既昏便息，关锁门户，必亲自检点。
2. 一粥一饭，当思来处不易；半丝半缕，恒念物力维艰。
3. 宜未雨而绸缪，毋临渴而掘井。
4. 自奉必须俭约，宴客切勿流连。
5. 器具质而洁，瓦缶胜金玉；饭食约而精，园蔬愈珍馐。
6. 勿营华屋，勿谋良田。
7. 三姑六婆，实淫盗之媒；婢美妾娇，非闺房之福。
8. 童仆勿用俊美，妻妾切忌艳妆。
9. 祖宗虽远，祭祀不可不诚；子孙虽愚，经书不可不读。
10. 居身务期质朴，教子要有义方。
11. 莫贪意外之财，莫饮过量之酒。
12. 与肩挑贸易，毋占便宜；见穷苦亲邻，须加温恤。
13. 刻薄成家，理无久享；伦常乖舛，立见消亡。
14. 兄弟叔侄，须分多润寡；长幼内外，宜法肃辞严。
15. 听妇言，乖骨肉，岂是丈夫；重资财，薄父母，不成人子。
16. 嫁女择佳婿，毋索重聘；娶媳求淑女，勿计厚奁。
17. 见富贵而生谄容者，最可耻；遇贫穷而作骄态者，贱莫甚。
18. 居家戒争讼，讼则终凶；处世戒多言，言多必失。
19. 勿恃势力而凌逼孤寡；毋贪口腹而恣杀性禽。
20. 乖僻自是，悔误必多；颓惰自甘，家道难成。
21. 狎昵恶少，久必受其累；屈志老成，急则可相依。
22. 轻听发言，安知非人之谮诉，当忍耐三思；因事相争，焉知非我之不是，须平心再想。
23. 施惠无念，受恩莫忘。
24. 凡事当留余地，得意不宜再往。
25. 人有喜庆，不可生妨忌心；人有祸患，不可生喜幸心。
26. 善欲人见，不是真善，恶恐人知，便是大恶。
27. 见色而起淫心，报在妻女；匿怨而用暗箭，祸延子孙。
28. 家门和顺，虽饔飧不济，亦有余欢；国课早完，囊橐无余，自得其乐。
29. 读书志在圣贤，非徒科第；为官心存君国，岂计身家。
30. 守分安命，顺时听天。为人若此，庶乎近焉。
Master Chu's Homilies for Families
Tr. Hsiang-Tung Chang
1. Rise up by dawn's early light;
Clean up,put everything right;
Keep the home tidy and clean.
Go to bed early at night;
Check that the doors are locked tight;
Sleep now secure and serene.
2. The growing of rice and of grain;
Think on whenever you dine;
Remember how silk is obtained;
Which keeps you warm and looks fine.
3. In periods of drought
Wise birds mend their nest
So when the clouds burst
They snugly may rest;
Never be the fool
Who starts to dig a well in the ground
When he wants a drink of water
And water cann't be found.
4. Restrained and frugal be
In all your private life;
That party quickly flee
With drink and flirting rife.
5. Oh better earthen mugs and plates
In household neat and clean
Than vessels made of gold and jade
And suited for the queen;
Eat good food from garden fresh
Downed with a cup of tea
Shun exotic, unknown foods
From far across the sea.
6. Build not a house too pretentious and grand;
Never, no never take anyone's land.
7. Matchmaker ladies who wander out and in
Don't mediate matches, they mediate sin;
A beautiful and lusty young wife
May complicate a family's life.
8. A page-boy clever, quick and sharp
You should never, never hire;
Of over made-up, dressed-up wife
You certainly will tire.
9. Memorial service for forebears
You now and then should hold;
To learn from them and show you care,
Their story should be told.
Confucius' classic sayings
All children should retain,
'Specially when it's evident
They do not have much brain.
10. Honest and righteous be
And committed to good deed;
Your children then will see
Example they should heed.
11. You can only make a fortune by
Striving, working hard;
No money falls from out the sky
On your own backyard.
Only drink a small amount of good wine
Never let yourself across the sober line.
12. Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;
Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends.
13. The man who gets rich through his lying and cheating
Will find that his joy-- if any-- is fleeting.
A person who commits incest
Is foul knave whom all detest.
14. When splitting the family fortune be fair
So siblings and cousins will each get their share;
Domestic law rates everyone par
No matter how haughty or humble you are.
15. No worthy son his honor stains
By giving any credence
When wife, in pillow talk, complains
About his antecedents.
When selfish son for riches seeks
Neglecting aging parents
Then all should treat him as a freak,
His actions an aberrant.
16. A costly betrothal cannot ensure
That daughter's marriage will always endure.
A nice woman with no dowry
Makes a good wife;
A woman with large dowry
May bring stress and strife.
17. To fawn on the rich detracts from your fame
And despising the poor redounds to your shame.
18. Don't take into court your family disputes,
Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;
To comport yourself well in society
Restrain loose tongue's impropriety.
19. Use not your bow and arrow
To bully orphan and widow.
Do not dumb animals slaughter at will
Your appetite greedy to over fulfill.
20. Egocentric people grow
Much regret and sorrow;
Lazy, slothful people sow
Poverty tomorrow.
21. He who with crooks his way does wend
Into crime will surely drift;
Rely on honest upright friend
When from plight you need a lift.
22. A remark that's made with seeming candor
Could really be malicious slander;
So carefully now think it through.
And when with friend you've had a fight
Consider this: Perhaps he's right;
It may be that fault is with you.
23. In proclaiming your virtue go slow;
And be mindful of mercy you owe.
24. Leave room for retreat
When trying new feat.
You will try, try in vain
To repeat windfall gain.
25. Don't envy other's success;
Don't gloat o'er other's distress.
26. To brag of the good you have done
Will never impress anyone.
Personal scandals you try hard to hide
Will soon be known far and wide.
27. The husband who yields to his lustful desire
By letting his lewd fancies roam
Thus forfeits his privilege to hope or aspire
To having a warm, happy home.
A stab in the back of a man that you hate
Will subject your sons to an even worse fate.
28. The family that lives in love and in peace
Is garnering joys that never will cease
Even though your food may decrease.
Paying tax early to the state
Makes you feel contented and great
Even though your purse will deflate.
29. Sages and men of good virtue inspire
True scholar's heart with a studious fire.
If to high office you truly aspire
You must be loyal to king and empire.
30. You are not far from being a good person
If you abide by the law,
Believe in destiny,
Following the trend of the times and adapt to the changes of Nature.
1. 黎明即起，洒扫庭除，要内外整洁。既昏便息，关锁门户，必亲自检点。
2. 一粥一饭，当思来处不易；半丝半缕，恒念物力维艰。
3. 宜未雨而绸缪，毋临渴而掘井。
4. 自奉必须俭约，宴客切勿流连。
5. 器具质而洁，瓦缶胜金玉；饭食约而精，园蔬愈珍馐。
6. 勿营华屋，勿谋良田。
7. 三姑六婆，实淫盗之媒；婢美妾娇，非闺房之福。
8. 童仆勿用俊美，妻妾切忌艳妆。
9. 祖宗虽远，祭祀不可不诚；子孙虽愚，经书不可不读。
10. 居身务期质朴，教子要有义方。
11. 莫贪意外之财，莫饮过量之酒。
12. 与肩挑贸易，毋占便宜；见穷苦亲邻，须加温恤。
13. 刻薄成家，理无久享；伦常乖舛，立见消亡。
14. 兄弟叔侄，须分多润寡；长幼内外，宜法肃辞严。
15. 听妇言，乖骨肉，岂是丈夫；重资财，薄父母，不成人子。
16. 嫁女择佳婿，毋索重聘；娶媳求淑女，勿计厚奁。
17. 见富贵而生谄容者，最可耻；遇贫穷而作骄态者，贱莫甚。
18. 居家戒争讼，讼则终凶；处世戒多言，言多必失。
19. 勿恃势力而凌逼孤寡；毋贪口腹而恣杀性禽。
20. 乖僻自是，悔误必多；颓惰自甘，家道难成。
21. 狎昵恶少，久必受其累；屈志老成，急则可相依。
22. 轻听发言，安知非人之谮诉，当忍耐三思；因事相争，焉知非我之不是，须平心再想。
23. 施惠无念，受恩莫忘。
24. 凡事当留余地，得意不宜再往。
25. 人有喜庆，不可生妨忌心；人有祸患，不可生喜幸心。
26. 善欲人见，不是真善，恶恐人知，便是大恶。
27. 见色而起淫心，报在妻女；匿怨而用暗箭，祸延子孙。
28. 家门和顺，虽饔飧不济，亦有余欢；国课早完，囊橐无余，自得其乐。
29. 读书志在圣贤，非徒科第；为官心存君国，岂计身家。
30. 守分安命，顺时听天。为人若此，庶乎近焉。
Master Chu's Homilies for Families
Tr. Hsiang-Tung Chang
1. Rise up by dawn's early light;
Clean up,put everything right;
Keep the home tidy and clean.
Go to bed early at night;
Check that the doors are locked tight;
Sleep now secure and serene.
2. The growing of rice and of grain;
Think on whenever you dine;
Remember how silk is obtained;
Which keeps you warm and looks fine.
3. In periods of drought
Wise birds mend their nest
So when the clouds burst
They snugly may rest;
Never be the fool
Who starts to dig a well in the ground
When he wants a drink of water
And water cann't be found.
4. Restrained and frugal be
In all your private life;
That party quickly flee
With drink and flirting rife.
5. Oh better earthen mugs and plates
In household neat and clean
Than vessels made of gold and jade
And suited for the queen;
Eat good food from garden fresh
Downed with a cup of tea
Shun exotic, unknown foods
From far across the sea.
6. Build not a house too pretentious and grand;
Never, no never take anyone's land.
7. Matchmaker ladies who wander out and in
Don't mediate matches, they mediate sin;
A beautiful and lusty young wife
May complicate a family's life.
8. A page-boy clever, quick and sharp
You should never, never hire;
Of over made-up, dressed-up wife
You certainly will tire.
9. Memorial service for forebears
You now and then should hold;
To learn from them and show you care,
Their story should be told.
Confucius' classic sayings
All children should retain,
'Specially when it's evident
They do not have much brain.
10. Honest and righteous be
And committed to good deed;
Your children then will see
Example they should heed.
11. You can only make a fortune by
Striving, working hard;
No money falls from out the sky
On your own backyard.
Only drink a small amount of good wine
Never let yourself across the sober line.
12. Bargain you not with the traveler who vends;
Share of your wealth with your neighbors and friends.
13. The man who gets rich through his lying and cheating
Will find that his joy-- if any-- is fleeting.
A person who commits incest
Is foul knave whom all detest.
14. When splitting the family fortune be fair
So siblings and cousins will each get their share;
Domestic law rates everyone par
No matter how haughty or humble you are.
15. No worthy son his honor stains
By giving any credence
When wife, in pillow talk, complains
About his antecedents.
When selfish son for riches seeks
Neglecting aging parents
Then all should treat him as a freak,
His actions an aberrant.
16. A costly betrothal cannot ensure
That daughter's marriage will always endure.
A nice woman with no dowry
Makes a good wife;
A woman with large dowry
May bring stress and strife.
17. To fawn on the rich detracts from your fame
And despising the poor redounds to your shame.
18. Don't take into court your family disputes,
Unpleasant endings emerge from lawsuits;
To comport yourself well in society
Restrain loose tongue's impropriety.
19. Use not your bow and arrow
To bully orphan and widow.
Do not dumb animals slaughter at will
Your appetite greedy to over fulfill.
20. Egocentric people grow
Much regret and sorrow;
Lazy, slothful people sow
Poverty tomorrow.
21. He who with crooks his way does wend
Into crime will surely drift;
Rely on honest upright friend
When from plight you need a lift.
22. A remark that's made with seeming candor
Could really be malicious slander;
So carefully now think it through.
And when with friend you've had a fight
Consider this: Perhaps he's right;
It may be that fault is with you.
23. In proclaiming your virtue go slow;
And be mindful of mercy you owe.
24. Leave room for retreat
When trying new feat.
You will try, try in vain
To repeat windfall gain.
25. Don't envy other's success;
Don't gloat o'er other's distress.
26. To brag of the good you have done
Will never impress anyone.
Personal scandals you try hard to hide
Will soon be known far and wide.
27. The husband who yields to his lustful desire
By letting his lewd fancies roam
Thus forfeits his privilege to hope or aspire
To having a warm, happy home.
A stab in the back of a man that you hate
Will subject your sons to an even worse fate.
28. The family that lives in love and in peace
Is garnering joys that never will cease
Even though your food may decrease.
Paying tax early to the state
Makes you feel contented and great
Even though your purse will deflate.
29. Sages and men of good virtue inspire
True scholar's heart with a studious fire.
If to high office you truly aspire
You must be loyal to king and empire.
30. You are not far from being a good person
If you abide by the law,
Believe in destiny,
Following the trend of the times and adapt to the changes of Nature.
临江仙·滚滚长江东逝水
临江仙·滚滚长江东逝水
作者:杨慎
滚滚长江东逝水，浪花淘尽英雄。是非成败转头空。青山依旧在，几度夕阳红。
白发渔樵江渚上，惯看秋月春风。一壶浊酒喜相逢。古今多少事，都付笑谈中。
Background:
This poem appears in the classical Chinese novel “Romance of Three Kingdoms”. Written in the 14th century during the Three Kingdoms Era, this tale is about three parties fighting each other to be the ultimate ruler of China. Many heroic characters appear in the novel but most of them die by the end of the story. This poem expresses the passage of time and resonates the emptiness of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_of_the_Three_Kingdoms
Line by Line Translation:
滚滚长江东逝水，浪花淘尽英雄。
The turbulent river water flows eastward and the waves carry away the heroes.
是非成败转头空。
Looking back, all the wrongs and rights and successes and failures of life seem empty
青山依旧在，几度夕阳红。
The green mountains are still there, and the sun has risen and fallen many times.
白发渔樵江渚上，惯看秋月春风。
White haired fishermen stand near the river. They are used to looking at the seasons of life.
一壶浊酒喜相逢。
A bottle of wine is used to celebrate the meeting of friends who have not seen each other for a long time.
古今多少事，都付笑谈中
Many things have happened from ancient times till now. These all melt into gossip and laughter。
This poem is used as the title song for the drama "Romance of Three Kingdoms."
作者:杨慎
滚滚长江东逝水，浪花淘尽英雄。是非成败转头空。青山依旧在，几度夕阳红。
白发渔樵江渚上，惯看秋月春风。一壶浊酒喜相逢。古今多少事，都付笑谈中。
Background:
This poem appears in the classical Chinese novel “Romance of Three Kingdoms”. Written in the 14th century during the Three Kingdoms Era, this tale is about three parties fighting each other to be the ultimate ruler of China. Many heroic characters appear in the novel but most of them die by the end of the story. This poem expresses the passage of time and resonates the emptiness of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romance_of_the_Three_Kingdoms
Line by Line Translation:
滚滚长江东逝水，浪花淘尽英雄。
The turbulent river water flows eastward and the waves carry away the heroes.
是非成败转头空。
Looking back, all the wrongs and rights and successes and failures of life seem empty
青山依旧在，几度夕阳红。
The green mountains are still there, and the sun has risen and fallen many times.
白发渔樵江渚上，惯看秋月春风。
White haired fishermen stand near the river. They are used to looking at the seasons of life.
一壶浊酒喜相逢。
A bottle of wine is used to celebrate the meeting of friends who have not seen each other for a long time.
古今多少事，都付笑谈中
Many things have happened from ancient times till now. These all melt into gossip and laughter。
This poem is used as the title song for the drama "Romance of Three Kingdoms."
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