Analysis of "定风波" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"定风波" (Dìng Fēng Bō, "Calming Wind and Waves") is a famous lyric poem (cí) written by the renowned Song Dynasty poet Su Shi (苏轼, 1037–1101), also known as Su Dongpo (苏东坡). This poem reflects Su Shi's philosophical resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Composed during his political exile, it embodies the Daoist and Confucian ideals of inner peace and perseverance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Original Text and Translation

莫听穿林打叶声
Mò tīng chuān lín dǎ yè shēng
Do not listen to the rain beating against the trees

何妨吟啸且徐行
Hé fáng yín xiào qiě xú xíng
Why not chant and stroll at ease?

竹杖芒鞋轻胜马
Zhú zhàng máng xié qīng shèng mǎ
A bamboo cane and straw sandals—lighter than a horse

谁怕？
Shuí pà?
Who’s afraid?

一蓑烟雨任平生
Yī suō yān yǔ rèn píng shēng
A straw cloak lets me brave life’s misty rain

料峭春风吹酒醒
Liào qiào chūn fēng chuī jiǔ xǐng
The biting spring wind sobers my wine

微冷
Wēi lěng
A slight chill

山头斜照却相迎
Shān tóu xié zhào què xiāng yíng
But the setting sun on the hill greets me warmly

回首向来萧瑟处
Huí shǒu xiàng lái xiāo sè chù
Turning back to where winds howled and rain pattered

归去
Guī qù
I return

也无风雨也无晴
Yě wú fēng yǔ yě wú qíng
To a world without storm or shine

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Do not listen to the rain beating against the trees"
   - The poet dismisses external disturbances, advocating detachment from life’s troubles.

2. "Why not chant and stroll at ease?"
   - Instead of lamenting hardship, Su Shi chooses joy and acceptance.

3. "A bamboo cane and straw sandals—lighter than a horse"
   - Simplicity is superior to material wealth; the poet embraces humility.

4. "Who’s afraid?"
   - A rhetorical question showing defiance against adversity.

5. "A straw cloak lets me brave life’s misty rain"
   - The cloak symbolizes resilience—facing life’s storms with grace.

6. "The biting spring wind sobers my wine"
   - Hardship sharpens awareness, stripping away illusions.

7. "But the setting sun on the hill greets me warmly"
   - Nature offers solace; hardship is temporary.

8. "Turning back to where winds howled and rain pattered"
   - Reflecting on past struggles with newfound wisdom.

9. "I return / To a world without storm or shine"
   - Enlightenment: beyond dualities of suffering and joy.

Themes and Symbolism

• Resilience: The poem champions inner strength over external circumstances.
• Nature as Teacher: Rain, wind, and sun mirror life’s ups and downs.
• Non-Attachment: The final lines echo Buddhist and Daoist detachment from extremes.

Cultural Context

Su Shi wrote this during exile, embodying the Confucian ideal of maintaining virtue despite hardship. The poem also reflects Daoist harmony with nature and Zen acceptance of impermanence.

Conclusion

"定风波" is a timeless meditation on resilience. Su Shi transforms adversity into wisdom, teaching us to face life’s storms with calm defiance. His message—"No storm, no shine"—reminds us that true peace lies beyond fleeting troubles.

Would you like a deeper dive into Su Shi’s other works or philosophical influences?