Bai Juyi: Quotes about joy

Bai Juyi was Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty. Explore interesting quotes on joy.

Bai Juyi: 24 quotes0 likes

“In the depth of the night not daring to let any one know
I secretly took a huge stone and dashed it against my arm.
For drawing the bow and waving the banner now wholly unfit;
I knew henceforward I should not be sent to fight in Yün-nan.
Bones broken and sinews wounded could not fail to hurt;
I was ready enough to bear pain, if only I got back home.
My arm—broken ever since; it was sixty years ago.
One limb, although destroyed,—whole body safe!
But even now on winter nights when the wind and rain blow
From evening on till day's dawn I cannot sleep for pain.
Not sleeping for pain
Is a small thing to bear,
Compared with the joy of being alive…”

"The Old Man with the Broken Arm" (a satire on militarism)
Arthur Waley's translations

“For ten years I never left my books;
I went up … and won unmerited praise.
My high place I do not much prize;
The joy of my parents will first make me proud.”

"After Passing the Examination" (A.D. 800)
Arthur Waley's translations

“I remember, when I was young,
How easily my mood changed from sad to gay.
… But now that age comes,
A moment of joy is harder and harder to get.”

"The Chrysanthemums in the Eastern Garden" (A.D. 812)
Arthur Waley's translations