Thursday, December 27, 2012

Ode to Winter Solstice


Ode to Winter Solstice
Shao Yong
 
Winter solstice divides Zi month into two halves.

Heaven’s heart has not changed at this point.

First yang yao starts right here.

The ten thousands of living things are not born yet.

Good wine is a little dilute.

High notes are just rare.

If anyone does not believe this,

Please put your inquiries to Pao Xi.


This poem is quite easy to understand but the level of appreciation varies with the cultural level of the reader. It is worthwhile reciting it frequently to observe how you progress.


 

6 comments:

Simon said...

"First yang yao starts right here."

Would it refer to that the hexagrams of 十二消息卦 actually start at the middle of the solar months?

Joseph Yu said...

Hi Simon,

The twelve waxing and waning hexagrams for the months spread evenly both sides from the midpoint. "Right here" points at the whole Zi month, not the midpoint.

Joseph

Simon said...

Thank you.

Foon Chik said...

Dear Master Joseph

Who was Pao Xi? Was he a cooking supremo?

Best Regards,
Foon

Joseph Yu said...

Pao Xi 庖羲 is another name of Fu Xi 伏羲.

Joseph

Foon Chik said...

Dear Master Joseph

Pao Xi/Fu Xi was credited with devising the first calendar,as well as using fire to cook. Since the poem is telling us that at winter solstice the wine is bland and the music is has not reached the crescendo,it is not the new year, when the ten thousand living things will be born. At the time of Fu Xi, winter solstice was a celebration, but not the celebration of the new year.

Foon