A text I once read about mortal destiny the, irony of life. Continuing from the previous post with more elaborate explanations:
This text presents two different versions of the inspirational Chinese essay, “The Ode to High Aspirations” (Qing Yun Zhi), along with their interpretations. The first is a widely circulated version attributed to the Ming Dynasty geographer and writer Xu Xiake, while the second is a different, more poetic version.
Here is the translation of both versions and their explanations.
Version 1: Attributed to Xu Xiake
This version is an inspirational piece that emphasizes self-reliance and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Full Text
無人扶我青雲志，我自踏雪至山巔。
若是命中無此運，亦可孤身登崑崙。
紅塵贈我三尺劍，酒看瘦馬一世街。
世人朝路乃絕澗，獨見眾生止步前。
海到盡頭天作岸，山登絕頂我為峰。
如若東山能再起，大鵬展翅九萬里。
一入紅塵夢易真，一朝悟透心境名。
一朝悟道見真我，昔日枷鎖皆雲煙。
天門將至百運開，拂塵輕笑問仙來。
Translation and Interpretation
“No one helps me with my lofty ambitions, I will tread through snow to the mountain’s peak.”
This line expresses a strong sense of self-reliance. It means that even without support, the individual will forge their own path and work hard to reach the highest point of their goals.
“If fate doesn’t grant me this fortune, I can still climb Kunlun alone.”
Kunlun is a legendary, towering mountain, symbolizing immense challenges. This line highlights the importance of individual effort, suggesting that even if destiny isn’t favorable, one should not give up and must continue to strive on their own.
“The mortal world gives me a three-foot sword, I watch a gaunt horse on the streets with wine.”
The “mortal world” refers to the chaotic, secular life. The “three-foot sword” represents the courage and wisdom to face life’s challenges. Watching a “gaunt horse” suggests observing the ups and downs of life with a detached perspective, symbolized by drinking wine.
“The path for most people is a chasm, I alone see all living beings stop before it.”
This conveys a unique and determined perspective. The “chasm” represents life’s obstacles and difficulties that most people are unwilling or unable to cross, while the author sees them stopping and chooses to keep moving forward.
“Where the sea ends, the sky becomes the shore; when I reach the mountain’s summit, I become the peak.”
This is a powerful metaphor for transcendence and self-mastery. It signifies that by pushing boundaries and reaching the highest level of personal achievement, one becomes a peak themselves, embodying their aspirations.
“If there is a chance to rise again, the great roc will spread its wings for ninety thousand li.”
The “great roc” is a mythical bird known for its long, powerful flights. This line encourages people not to give up in the face of failure. It promotes the idea of starting anew and pursuing dreams with renewed strength and determination.
“Once entering the mortal world, dreams are easily mistaken for reality; once enlightened, the true state of mind is revealed.”
This reflects on the deceptive nature of the secular world and the pursuit of inner clarity. It suggests that once a person understands their own mind, they can see the true essence of things.
“Once enlightened, I see my true self; yesterday’s shackles turn to smoke.”
This emphasizes the liberation that comes with self-awareness. When one understands their true nature, past constraints and burdens disappear like smoke.
“The Heavenly Gate approaches, a hundred fortunes open; I lightly whisk the dust and smile, asking the immortal to come.”
This is a hopeful and symbolic conclusion. The “Heavenly Gate” represents a new, wonderful phase in life. It suggests that all the hard work will lead to good fortune, and the person will greet this new reality with a light, confident heart.
Version 2: An Alternative Poetic Version
This version is more focused on the romanticism of exploration and the joy of spiritual liberation.
Full Text
青雲之上攬星辰，壯志豪情破霧塵。
四海遨遊尋妙境，千山踏遍覓真神。
長風破浪心猶勁，傲雪凌霜意更純。
待到功成回首處，逍遙天地笑風雲。
Translation and Interpretation
“Above the blue clouds, I embrace the stars; great ambition and passion break through the hazy dust.”
This opening paints a magnificent scene, where “blue clouds” symbolize a high, transcendent state. The author’s immense ambition and passion allow them to rise above the chaos of the world and reach for the stars.
“Wandering the four seas to seek wondrous lands, traveling over a thousand mountains to find the true spirit.”
This highlights a spirit of curiosity and exploration. The author’s journey is not confined to one place; they are eager to explore the world to find hidden wonders and a “true spirit” that will elevate them spiritually.
“Breaking the waves in a long wind, my heart is still strong; defying snow and frost, my will is even purer.”
This expresses unwavering resolve in the face of difficulties. “Breaking the waves” signifies advancing through turbulence, while “defying snow and frost” describes a state of resilience and integrity. The author’s will is purified by hardship.
“When I look back upon my success, I will wander the world at ease and laugh at the winds and clouds.”
This is a triumphant conclusion. “Success” here refers not only to worldly achievements but also to spiritual attainment. The author will look back on their journey with a sense of freedom and contentment, observing the world’s constant changes with a calm and detached perspective.
The Ode of the Cold Kiln: A Meditation on Fate and Fortune
“The Ode of the Cold Kiln” (Hanyao Fu), also known as “The Ode of the Broken Kiln,” “The Ode to Fate,” and “The Chapter of Admonishment,” is a famous philosophical essay by Lü Mengzheng, a high-ranking official of the Northern Song Dynasty who served three times as a chancellor. Born into poverty, Lü experienced life’s hardships firsthand, which gave him a profound understanding of human nature and the fickle nature of fortune. He is said to have written this piece to reflect on the unpredictable ups and downs of life, offering a sobering and thought-provoking perspective on human destiny.
The Original Text and Translation
1. The Unpredictability of Fate
Original Text:
天有不測風雲，人有旦夕禍福。蜈蚣百足，行不及蛇；雄雞兩翼，飛不過鴉。馬有千里之程，無騎不能自往；人有沖天 之志，非運不能自通。
Translation:
Heaven has unpredictable winds and clouds; man has misfortunes and blessings from dawn to dusk. The centipede with a hundred feet cannot travel as fast as the snake; the rooster with two large wings cannot fly higher than the crow. A horse can run a thousand li, but without a rider, it cannot reach its destination on its own. A person may have the ambition to soar to the heavens, but without good fortune, they cannot succeed.
2. The Test of Character
Original Text:
蓋聞：人生在世，富貴不能淫，貧賤不能移。文章蓋世，孔子厄於陳邦；武略超群，太公釣於渭水。
Translation:
I have heard: When a person lives in this world, they must not become dissolute when wealthy and privileged, nor lose their integrity when poor and lowly. Confucius, whose literary talent was unmatched, was stranded in the state of Chen. Jiang Taigong (Grand Duke Jiang), whose military strategies were peerless, had to fish by the Wei River.
3. The Paradox of Virtue and Fate
Original Text:
顏淵命短，殊非兇惡之徒；盜跖年長，豈是善良之輩。堯帝明聖，卻生不肖之兒；瞽叟愚頑，反生大孝之子。
Translation:
Yan Hui (a student of Confucius) lived a short life, yet he was certainly not a wicked person. Robber Zhi lived to an old age, yet how could he be a kind person? Emperor Yao was a wise and enlightened sage, yet he had an unworthy son. The father of Shun, Gusou, was foolish and stubborn, yet he fathered a son who was a model of filial piety.
4. Greatness from Humble Beginnings
Original Text:
張良原是布衣，蕭何稱謂縣吏。晏子身無五尺，封作齊國宰相；孔明臥居草廬，能作蜀漢軍師。楚霸雖雄，敗於烏江自刎；漢王雖弱，竟有萬里江山。
Translation:
Zhang Liang was originally a commoner, and Xiao He was just a county clerk. Yan Zi, though less than five feet tall, was appointed chancellor of the state of Qi. Zhuge Liang, who lived in a thatched cottage, became the military strategist for Shu-Han. The Hegemon-King of Chu, Xiang Yu, was formidable but was defeated at Wujiang and took his own life. The King of Han, Liu Bang, was weak, yet he ended up ruling a vast empire.
5. Unfulfilled Potential
Original Text:
李廣有射虎之威，到老無封；馮唐有乘龍之才，一生不遇。韓信未遇之時，無一日三餐，及至遇行，腰懸三尺玉印，一旦時衰，死於陰人之手。
Translation:
General Li Guang had the heroic might to shoot a tiger, but he never received an aristocratic title. Feng Tang had the talent to serve an emperor, but he was unlucky his whole life. When Han Xin was unknown, he often had nothing to eat for a whole day. But when his fortune came, he wore a jade seal of power at his waist. Yet, once his luck waned, he was killed by a woman (Empress Lü).
6. The Reversal of Fortune
Original Text:
有先貧而後富，有老壯而少衰。滿腹文章，白髮竟然不中；才疏學淺，少年及第登科。深院宮娥，運退反為妓妾；風流妓女，時來配作夫人。
Translation:
Some are poor first and rich later, while some are strong in old age but weak in their youth. Some are full of knowledge but fail the imperial exams even with white hair, while others, with limited talent, pass at a young age and become officials. A palace maid from a noble family, if her luck fades, may end up a concubine or a prostitute. A beautiful courtesan, if her time comes, can be married to a lord and become a lady.
7. Power and Humility
Original Text:
蛟龍未遇，潛水於魚鱉之間；君子失時，拱手於小人之下。衣服雖破，常存儀禮之容；面帶憂愁，每抱懷安之量。時遭不遇，只宜安貧守份；心若不欺，必然揚眉吐氣。初貧君子，天然骨骼生成；乍富小人，不脫貧寒肌體。
Translation:
A dragon that has not yet found its opportunity must hide among fish and turtles. A noble person who has fallen on hard times must bow to a petty person. Though their clothes may be tattered, they always maintain a dignified demeanor. Though their face may show sorrow, they always harbor a generous spirit. When you face misfortune, it is best to be content with poverty and know your place. But if your heart remains true, you will surely have your moment of triumph. A true gentleman born into poverty has a natural nobility of spirit. A petty person who has suddenly become rich cannot shed their vulgarity.
8. The Fickle Nature of Time
Original Text:
天不得時，日月無光；地不得時，草木不生；水不得時，風浪不平；人不得時，利運不通。注福注祿，命里已安排定， 富貴誰不欲？人若不依根基八字，豈能為卿為相？
Translation:
When heaven loses its time, the sun and moon are without light. When the earth loses its time, grass and trees do not grow. When water loses its time, the winds and waves are not calm. When a person loses their time, their fortunes do not flow. Blessings and riches are already predetermined in one’s destiny. Who does not desire wealth and honor? But if a person’s fortune is not based on their “eight characters” (a term in Chinese astrology), how can they become a lord or a chancellor?
9. The Author’s Personal Reflection
Original Text:
吾昔寓居洛陽，朝求僧餐，暮宿破窖，思衣不可遮其體，思食不可濟其飢，上人憎，下人厭，人道我賤，非我不棄也。今居朝堂，官至極品，位置三公，身雖鞠躬於一人之下，而列職於千萬人之上，有撻百僚之杖，有斬鄙吝之劍，思衣而有羅錦千箱，思食而有珍饈百味，出則壯士執鞭，入則佳人捧觴，上人寵，下人擁。人道我貴，非我之能也，此 乃時也、運也、命也。
Translation:
I once lived in Luoyang. In the mornings, I sought alms from monks for a meal, and at night, I slept in a broken kiln. I wanted clothes, but they couldn’t cover my body; I wanted food, but it couldn’t satisfy my hunger. The high and mighty hated me, and the lowly despised me. People called me lowly and worthless, but I never abandoned myself.
Now I reside in the imperial court, holding the highest rank and the position of one of the Three Dukes. Although I bow to one person, my authority is above millions of others. I hold the staff to discipline a hundred officials and the sword to strike down the corrupt. If I want clothes, I have a thousand chests of silk and brocade. If I want food, I have a hundred kinds of delicacies. When I go out, strong guards hold whips for me. When I come home, beautiful women bring me wine. The emperor favors me, and my subordinates support me. People say I am noble and esteemed. This is not due to my own abilities; rather, it is all a matter of my time, my fortune, and my destiny.
10. The Conclusion: A Final Admonition
Original Text:
嗟呼！人生在世，富貴不可盡用，貧賤不可自欺，聽由天地循環，周而復始焉。
Translation:
Alas! In this life, when you are wealthy and privileged, you must not use up all your good fortune. When you are poor and lowly, you must not deceive yourself (or give up). Just listen to the cycles of heaven and earth, which repeat themselves again and again. (Prosperity and hardship are but parts of the natural, endless cycle. Everything comes and goes, so face it all with a calm heart.)
Copyright Dr. Wilson Yong 2025
