One of my favourite Chinese essay written in calligraphy.
There’s 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. This is the version that can relates to all spiritual cultivators we hope to achieve.
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.
Copyright Dr. Wilson Yong 2025
