寻(xún)隐(yǐn)者(zhě)不(bù)遇(yù)

贾(jiǎ)岛(dǎo)〔唐(tánɡ)代(dài)〕

松(sōnɡ)下(xià)问(wèn)童(tónɡ)子(zǐ)，

言(yán)师(shī)采(cǎi)药(yào)去(qù)。

只(zhǐ)在(zài)此(cǐ)山(shān)中(zhōnɡ)，

云(yún)深(shēn)不(bù)知(zhī)处(chù)。(

Explanation of Ancient Chinese Poetry

Under the pine tree, I inquired of the recluse’s disciple,
Who said his master had ventured into the mountains to gather herbs.
All I know is that he resides somewhere within this vast mountain range,
Yet the clouds are so dense and swirling, I cannot pinpoint his exact whereabouts.

Annotations

  • 寻（Seek）: To visit and inquire about someone.
  • 隐者（Recluse）: A hermit who lives in solitude in the mountains, refusing to serve as an official and choosing instead to live in the wilderness. Generally refers to a wise person.
  • 不遇（Not Encountered）: To not meet or see someone.
  • 童子（Disciple/Pupil）: A minor or child. Here, it refers to the student or disciple of the recluse.
  • 言（Say/State）: To respond or answer.
  • 云深（Dense Clouds）: Describing the thick, swirling clouds surrounding the mountains, creating an elusive atmosphere.
  • 处（Whereabouts/Location）: The whereabouts or location of someone.

Creative Background

The specific creation time of this poem is unknown. It is believed to have been composed during the Mid-Tang Dynasty by the poet-monk Jia Dao, after he visited the mountains to seek out a recluse but failed to meet him.

The identity of the recluse remains unclear; some scholars speculate that it may have been Jia Dao’s mountain friend, Changsun Xia.