Deer-park Hermitage
- Poetry of Wang Wei

Five-character-quatrain

Wang Wei, a wealthy Chinese government official during the Tang Dynasty, was also a devout Buddhist, and is often referred to as 诗佛 (Poetry Buddha). The poem ‘Lu zhai’, taken from a series of twenty poems inspired by various sites along the Wang River in northeastern China, is now one of the most widely translated poems from the Chinese classical tradition. Most believe that the title alludes to the Deer Park in Sarnath, the site of the famous Bodhi Tree beneath which the Gautama Buddha preached his first sermon. It is also an ancient name for a deer enclosure that was close to Wang Wei’s house in the countryside.

The poet expresses his feeling of peace when examining the nature surrounding him. His description of the setting in the first two lines reveals the extent to which he is immersed in his surroundings: human society is reduced to a mere “echo,” as if he is in a world by himself. This feeling of peace is underscored by his title as the “Poetry Buddha,” as most Buddhists strive to become one with nature.

The use of senses is vital in bringing alive the piece of work. Wang first draws on his sense of vision, stating that he is unable to “see” anyone on this mountain. He then goes on to describe his hearing, explaining that he can “hear” faraway echoes. The last two lines once again draws upon his sight, but in a more poetic, detailed manner; he not only juxtaposes light and dark — 景 (rays of sunlight) and 深林 (deep forest) — to highlight how polarity renders nature even more beautiful, but he also notices how light can bring to light often-neglected aspects, similar to the way in which the sunlight allows observers like him to notice the green moss hidden in the depths of the forest. Thus, sensory imagery reveals Wang’s desire to seek refuge in the mountains, a place of peaceful seclusion.