Analysis of "送僧归日本" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "送僧归日本" (Sòng Sēng Guī Rìběn, "Seeing Off a Monk Returning to Japan") was written by Qian Qi (钱起), a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). This period is considered the golden age of Chinese poetry, when cultural exchange between China and Japan flourished through Buddhist monks and scholars traveling between the two nations.

The poem beautifully captures a moment of farewell to a Japanese monk returning home, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual connections between Tang China and ancient Japan. It stands as an important historical record of Sino-Japanese relations and exemplifies the refined aesthetic of Tang poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

上国随缘住

Shàngguó suí yuán zhù

In our noble land you dwelled by karma's will

来途若梦行

Lái tú ruò mèng xíng

Your coming journey seemed like walking in a dream

浮天沧海远

Fú tiān cāng hǎi yuǎn

Floating sky, vast sea stretch endlessly far

去世法舟轻

Qù shì fǎ zhōu qīng

Your dharma boat departs the world lightly

水月通禅寂

Shuǐ yuè tōng chán jì

Moon on water connects to Zen's stillness

鱼龙听梵声

Yú lóng tīng fàn shēng

Fish and dragons listen to Sanskrit chants

惟怜一灯影

Wéi lián yī dēng yǐng

Most cherished is that single lamp's glow

万里眼中明

Wàn lǐ yǎn zhōng míng

Illuminating ten thousand miles in my sight

Line-by-Line Analysis

Lines 1-2: The opening establishes the monk's transient stay in China ("by karma's will") and the dreamlike quality of his original journey to China. The poet suggests all worldly travels are impermanent like dreams.

Lines 3-4: These lines create a majestic seascape, with "floating sky" and "vast sea" emphasizing the immense distance between China and Japan. The "dharma boat" is both the physical ship and a metaphor for Buddhist teachings carrying the monk home.

Lines 5-6: Here the poet blends natural imagery with spiritual concepts. The moon reflected on water symbolizes Buddhist enlightenment, while fish and dragons (mythical creatures in Chinese lore) listening to chants shows Buddhism's universal appeal.

Lines 7-8: The closing image of the lone lamp's light visible across thousands of miles powerfully represents both the actual navigation lamp and the enduring light of Buddhist wisdom that connects the two nations.

Themes and Symbolism

Transience and Impermanence: The poem reflects key Buddhist concepts through imagery of dreams, floating objects, and passing journeys.

Spiritual Connection: Buddhist symbols (dharma boat, Sanskrit chants) show religion transcending national boundaries.

Nature's Majesty: Vast seascapes represent both the physical journey and spiritual vastness.

Light as Wisdom: The recurring motif of light symbolizes the illumination of Buddhist teachings across cultures.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, Japan sent numerous monks to China to study Buddhism and bring back scriptures. This poem captures a typical farewell scene at a Chinese port city like Yangzhou or Ningbo, where Japanese ships departed.

The work reflects:
1. China's role as cultural mentor to Japan
2. The shared Buddhist culture that connected East Asia
3. Tang poets' cosmopolitan worldview
4. The maritime Silk Road's importance

The "dharma boat" (法舟) specifically references the vessels used to transport Buddhist scriptures, showing how religious exchange drove maritime technology and travel.

Conclusion

Qian Qi's "送僧归日本" masterfully combines delicate imagery with profound spiritual themes, creating a timeless portrait of cultural exchange. The poem remains meaningful today as it celebrates:
- The universal human capacity for spiritual seeking
- How art and religion transcend political boundaries
- The beauty of temporary connections between travelers

Nearly 1,300 years later, the poet's vision of a single lamp's light connecting distant shores still illuminates our understanding of East Asian cultural history and the enduring power of poetic expression.