题西林壁
Inscribed on the Wall of West Forest Temple
Original
横看成岭侧成峰，
远近高低各不同。
不识庐山真面目，
只缘身在此山中。
Translation
Viewed horizontally, it’s ridges; viewed from the side, peaks,
From far, near, high, low, each view is distinct.
I cannot tell the true face of Lushan Mountain,
Only because I am in the midst of this mountain.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
The full English translation reads: 'Viewed horizontally, it’s ridges; viewed from the side, peaks, / From far, near, high, low, each view is distinct. / I cannot tell the true face of Lushan Mountain, / Only because I am in the midst of this mountain.' Written in 1084 when Su Shi was en route to Ruzhou after ending his four-year exile in Huangzhou, the poem uses Lushan’s ever-changing vistas to convey a timeless philosophical insight: one cannot grasp the full truth of a matter when immersed in it. The serene, vivid landscape description seamlessly merges with profound wisdom, making it a classic of philosophical poetry in Chinese literature.
About the Poet
苏轼
Sū Shì
Su Shi (1037–1101), a towering figure of the Northern Song Dynasty, was a versatile literatus, calligrapher, and painter, ranking among the 'Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties'. Renowned for pioneering the heroic, unconstrained style in ci poetry, he also excelled in lyrical verses and profound prose. His works blend grandeur with delicate observation, reflecting his optimistic resilience amid repeated political exiles and life’s ups and downs.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background: The Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127) witnessed unprecedented cultural flourishing, with literati holding prominent social roles and frequently traveling to natural landmarks to create literary works, fostering a rich tradition of landscape poetry and inscribed verses. Cultural Background: Lushan, a renowned mountain in Jiangxi Province, was a sacred hub for both Taoism and Buddhism, dotted with temples and hermitages. For centuries, it had been a pilgrimage site for scholars, who often left inscriptions on temple walls to record their insights—a deeply rooted cultural practice of the era. Social Background: The late Northern Song was rife with fierce political factional conflicts. Literati like Su Shi were often caught in the crossfire, facing exile or demotion, which shaped their reflective, philosophical approach to life and art. Personal Experience: In 1084, after ending his exile in Huangzhou due to political persecution, Su Shi spent several days exploring Lushan’s scenic spots. This poem was composed and inscribed on the wall of West Forest Temple following his immersive exploration. Creation Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem aims to convey the universal truth that one’s perspective is limited by their subjective position. Its greatest artistic strength lies in seamlessly integrating profound philosophy into vivid landscape description—using plain, concise language, it avoids overt moralizing, allowing readers to intuit wisdom from Lushan’s varied views, making it a masterpiece of Chinese philosophical poetry.