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Video Details
• Poem Title: Written on the Wall of Xilin Temple (题西林壁 - Tí Xílín Bì)
• Author: Su Shi (Su Dongpo)
• Dynasty: Song Dynasty
• Date of Creation: May, 1084 (Yuanfeng Year 7)
• Location: Xilin Temple, Mount Lu (Lushan), Jiangxi Province
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Main Description
Video Introduction Join us as we explore one of the most famous philosophical poems in Chinese history: "Written on the Wall of Xilin Temple" by the Song Dynasty literary giant, Su Shi. This masterpiece is not just a scenic description of Mount Lu (Lushan), but a profound meditation on perception, perspective, and the limitations of human understanding.
The Poem: "Written on the Wall of Xilin Temple" (题西林壁) 横看成岭侧成峰，(Viewed horizontally it's a ridge; from the side, a peak,) 远近高低各不同。(Far, near, high, low—the view is never the same.) 不识庐山真面目，(I do not know the true face of Lushan,) 只缘身在此山中。(Simply because I am standing within this mountain.)
Understanding the Meaning Su Shi wrote this poem on the wall of Xilin Temple, located at the western foot of Mount Lu. The first two lines describe the shifting scenery: when looking from the front, the mountain appears as a continuous ridge, but from the side, it appears as a towering peak. The shape changes depending on whether you are looking from afar, up close, from a high vantage point, or a low valley.
Philosophical Analysis The poem is famous for its final two lines, which shift from scenery to philosophy. Su Shi realizes he cannot see the "true face" (the complete, objective reality) of the mountain precisely because he is physically inside it.
This poem illustrates a timeless truth:
• Perspective Limitations: Our vision is limited by our position. Because we are "insiders" trapped within a specific environment, we often fail to see the whole picture.
• The Need for Objectivity: To understand the true nature of things, one must transcend narrow limitations and break away from subjective biases.
• Song Dynasty Style: Unlike the emotional expression often found in Tang poetry, this poem represents the Song Dynasty style of "reasoning," where philosophy is woven into descriptions of the natural world.
Historical Context Su Shi wrote this poem in May 1084. He had been exiled to Huangzhou and was being transferred to Ruzhou. On his journey, he passed through Jiujiang and visited Mount Lu with his friend, Chan Liao. The magnificent landscape inspired him to write several poems, with this one serving as a summary of his tour.
About the Author: Su Shi (1037–1101) Also known as Su Dongpo, Su Shi was a leader of the Northern Song literary scene. A master of poetry, lyrics (Ci), prose, calligraphy, and painting, he is counted among the "Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song". Despite a tumultuous political career involving exile, his work remains optimistic, open-minded, and philosophically rich