lnhammer: the Chinese character for poetry, red on white background (Default)
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When the Great Way was abandoned,
We then had [i.e., valued] benevolence and righteousness;
When intelligence and cleverness emerged,
We then had great deceit;
When the six kinships lost harmony,
We then had filial piety and parental affection;
When the states descended into chaos,
We then had loyal officials.

大道废,
有仁义;
智慧出,
有大伪;
六亲不和,
有孝慈;
国家昏乱,
有忠臣。

Another pithy jab at Confucianism and similar systems: “we wouldn’t need to stress all these ethical principles if we just followed the Way.” All the whens and thens were understood from the usual “other texts,” which have the conjunctions.

---L.
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Warning: contents contain line-breaks.

As language practice, I like to translate poetry. My current project is Chinese, with practice focused on Tang Dynasty poetry. Previously this was classical Japanese, most recently working through the Kokinshu anthology (archived here). Suggestions, corrections, and questions always welcome.

There's also original pomes in the journal archives.

April 2025

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