Ⅴ. 词汇运用
The Book
(By Zhu Xi)
There lies a glassy oblong pool,
Where light and shade pursue their course.
How can it be so clear and cool?
For water comes fresh from the source.
(Translated by Xu Yuanchong)
Reading can be helpful in different ways. Song Dynasty poet Zhu Xi uses the metaphor(比喻) of flowing water in the poem The Book. He wants (tell) readers that reading is important for improving oneself. Only by (read) can people take in new knowledge to make progress. he hopes people could get past being lazy while reading in order to make their minds as clear as a pool of water.
The poem begins with a picture of square pond, half an acre in size. The poet goes into descriptive detail about how the pond reflects the sky and the clouds, creating a (peace) and quiet environment. The tranquil pool of water serves as a mirror, reflecting the world around it.
The question comes up, "How can it be so clear and cool?" The answer hidden in this poem (lie) in the last line. The pond's clarity (清澈) and freshness are due to the source of live water that runs into it.
The live water and the pool is a smart metaphor which (use) by Zhu Xi to explain the (important) of original and authentic knowledge for clarity of mind. The pool symbolizes the mind of a reader, while the live water represents the continual influx(涌入) of knowledge.
The poem concludes with the message that as long as one continuously seeks out(寻求) fresh and original knowledge, their mind, the pond, can remain clear. That's the (poet) attitude towards life and learning. Learning is about constantly absorbing new things to maintain their progress and vitality(活力).
That's the wisdom Zhu Xi shares with us in The Book.