Yuan Hongdao facts for kids
Yuan Hongdao (1568–1610) was a famous Chinese poet who lived during the Ming dynasty. He was one of the three talented "Yuan Brothers," along with his brothers Yuan Zongdao and Yuan Zhongdao. Yuan Hongdao's life happened mostly during the Wanli period (1573-1620) in Chinese history.
Yuan Hongdao was born in Gong'an, a place in Hukuang. His family had been military officials for many generations. From a young age, he showed a great interest in literature. When he was just fifteen, he even started his own literary club!
In 1592, at the age of twenty-four, he passed an important exam called the jinshi examination. This led him to get an official job in the government in 1595. However, he found the job boring and quit after only a year.
After leaving his job, Yuan Hongdao traveled a lot. He even met with a famous philosopher named Li Zhi. On another trip, his brothers joined him. His travels inspired him to publish a collection of his poems called Jietuo ji, which means "Collection of One Released."
Yuan Hongdao and his brothers wrote poetry that focused on being clear and honest. This style became very popular and was known as the Gong'an school. The main idea of this school was that good writing came from true feelings and personal experiences.
When his elder brother Zongdao passed away in 1600, Yuan Hongdao decided to retire. He moved to a small island in a lake to meditate and write more poetry. The poems he wrote during this time were collected in a work called Xiaobi tangji, or "Jade-Green Bamboo Hall Collection."
Poems
Yuan Hongdao wrote many poems that often showed his observations of daily life and people. Here are two examples of his work:
The Capital
Bright are the city walls of the capital; Red-robed officials shout on broad streets. There is a white-headed destitute scholar; Hanging from his mule's saddle, sheaves of poems.
Clasping his calling card, he knocks on doors for work; The gate keepers smirk at one another. Ten try and ten fail; Walk the streets, his face is haggard.
Always fear in serving the rich; Sorry your flattery isn't quick enough. Over an eye a black eyepatch; Half blind, the fellow is old!
A Strange Priest
Bought his mantle to escape draft and taxes; Now he's the head priest amid his splendor. Recites incantations, but sounds like a bird; Writes Sanskrit that looks like twisted weeds.
With his begging bowl he distributes food of the spirit; On his seat he faces the lamp of Buddha; If you don't devote you whole body and soul, How can there be anywhere Buddhism at all?
Prose writings
Yuan Hongdao was also well-known for writing xiaopin. These are a type of short, informal essay that often shared personal thoughts or observations.
See also
In Spanish: Yuan Hongdao para niños
