Cold Mountain is full of weird sights;
people who try to climb it always get scared.
When the moon shines, the water glints and sparkles;
when the wind blows, the grasses rustle and sigh.
Snowflakes make blossoms for the bare plum,
clouds in place of leaves for the naked trees.
At a touch of rain, the whole mountain shimmers
but only in good weather can you make the climb.
Story on Story
Story on story of wonderful hills and streams,
their blue-green haze locked in clouds!
Mists brush my thin cap with moisture,
dew wets my coat of plaited straw.
On my feet I wear pilgrim’s sandals,
my hand holds a stick of old rattan.
Though I look down again on the dusty world,
what is that land of dreams to me?
The Story of Han-Shan
The Story of Han-Shan the author of Cold Mountain.
A Clear Mind
My mind is like the autumn moon
shining clean and clear in the green pool.
No, that’s not a good comparison.
Tell me, how shall I explain?