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Ch’en T’uan (871–989) was from Liuyi in Honan province, Lao-tzu’s old hometown. Although he hoped to become an official during the Later T’ang dynasty (923–935), he was so disappointed by the chaos of the times that he returned to the hermitage he had built earlier at the foot of Hua-shan and lived there as a recluse for the rest of his long life. Ch’en cultivated Taoist meditation and often remained in a sleeplike trance for months. His Wuchitu (Diagram of the Limitless) was a major influence on early proponents of neo-Confucianism. Red dust refers to the world of the senses, purple cords were attached to the seals of high officials, and red paint was reserved for the households of the elite. The “spring” of the last line refers to the season.

Returning to My Retreat

CH’EN T’UAN

Through the red dust I tramped for ten years

green mountains though were often in my dreams

a purple cord brings fame but can’t compare to sleep

crimson gates are grand but having less is better

how sad to hear swords guarding a feeble lord

how depressing the songs of noisy drunks

I’m taking my old books back to my retreat

to wildflowers and birdsongs and the same old spring