Tang Dynasty poetry, deeply influenced by Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, frequently reflects themes of mindfulness, impermanence, and the gentle return to the present moment. Below are examples from this rich tradition, highlighting the intimate and kind practice of returning, often metaphorically linked to breath, nature, or stillness.
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1. Wang Wei (701–761)
Wang Wei, a devout Buddhist, often wrote about quiet contemplation and the harmony of returning to simplicity and presence. In Deer Enclosure (鹿柴), he captures the quiet awareness of the present moment:
> Empty mountain, no one to be seen,
Yet the sound of voices echoes.
Returning light enters the deep forest,
And shines again on the green moss.
This poem suggests the experience of noticing stillness, much like returning to the breath. The light returning to the forest parallels the intimate kindness of bringing awareness back to the present moment.
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2. Li Bai (701–762)
Li Bai’s Taoist sensibilities often led him to explore themes of ease, natural flow, and returning to simplicity. In Sitting Alone by Jingting Mountain (獨坐敬亭山), we find an almost meditative return to solitude and quiet presence:
> The birds have flown high and away,
A solitary cloud drifts idly on.
We never grow tired of each other,
The mountain and I, sitting alone.
The act of sitting in harmony with the mountain suggests an intimate and kind return to stillness—a practice of non-judgment and presence, much like mindfulness of the breath.
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3. Bai Juyi (772–846)
Bai Juyi was known for his accessible and compassionate poetry, which often conveyed Buddhist insights. In On Climbing the Western Tower at Jiujiang (登九江西樓), he reflects on finding peace in return:
> Quiet thoughts clear the clamoring mind,
The wind and moon are medicine for old ills.
Slowly, I read my heart's rhythms,
Sitting here, free of worldly dust.
This poem captures the act of returning inward, a process akin to returning to the breath with kindness and clarity.
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4. Han Shan (Cold Mountain, 9th century)
Han Shan’s poetry often combines Buddhist teachings with direct, earthy imagery. His verses, written in solitude, frequently emphasize returning to simplicity and present awareness. From Cold Mountain Poem 28:
> When the mind is at peace,
the body too is healthy.
As you breathe in deeply,
watch the ten thousand things—
rise and fall, arise and return.
This verse directly addresses the practice of watching the breath and the transient nature of all things, encouraging a kind and intimate return to the present moment.
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5. Tao Yuanming (365–427)
While predating the Tang Dynasty, Tao Yuanming’s poetry reflects similar Taoist and Buddhist sensibilities. In Returning to My Garden and Fields (歸園田居), he writes:
> The bustle of the world is no longer my concern;
I return to my own field and garden.
Breathing the pure air of the country,
I see the returning light on the trees.
Here, the idea of “returning” is not only physical but also spiritual, embodying a mindful, nonjudgmental homecoming.
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These poets invite us to approach the act of returning—whether to breath, awareness, or simplicity—with the same intimacy and kindness expressed in their verses. They remind us that the act of returning is not a failure but a natural, nourishing rhythm of life.
