Chinese Poetry

I am back after a long time. Thanks to my friend Jyoti, I have decided to be active once more and share the treasures I have from the great civilization of China. China has a language which defies definition. As we are used to speaking in English, we cannot really grasp the nuances of Chinese. I have tried to share some information about Chinese Poetry.

Chinese poetry is not material which I understand intellectually but it is an experience which approaches rapture. How shall I share this experience with you? This is something which one hears even a profound Chinese scholar repeating.

Once upon a time there was a Chinese student who fell in love with a lady in a temple fresco. So he stood gazing at the wall, transfixed with beauty — a case of dementia praecox, your psychiatrists would declare. But in his vision he dreamed that the gates opened to him. He married the girl and lived happily for many years. At last he woke up to tell us the story. Now how should I tell you my story? My lady does not speak your language, nor any plain language. She hardly ever speaks without insinuation. Her grammar is atrocious. In fact she uses no grammar at all.

The rough, exotic, kaleidoscopic language structure of the Chinese poets has always been a stumbling block to one who attempts translation. Whether Chinese poetry can ever be translated into any Western language still remains in doubt. Take the example of the English version of the very first stanza of the Book of Odes.

Hark! from the islet in the stream the voice
Of the fish-hawks that o’er their nest rejoice!
From them our thoughts to that young lady go,
Modest and virtuous, loth herself to show.
Where could be found, to share our prince’s state,
So fair, so virtuous, and so fit a mate?

It goes without saying no Victorian ever lived in the Far East twenty-one centuries ago. In the original the first stanza of the song contains only sixteen syllables.

The ju jiu (chu-chiou) is a water bird distantly related to the brightly colored mandarin duck. Guan guan (Kuan-kuan) is the call of the male for the female.

Guan guan the ju-jiu
From the islet in the stream.
A sweet retiring girl
The princely man will woo.^*

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^* Legge’s prose version of the same song begins as follows:

Kwan-kwan, go the ospreys
On the islet in the river.
The modest, retiring, virtuous, young lady:
For our prince a good mate she.

The Chinese Classics, Vol. IV. Pt. I. London, 1872. p.1. This translation is fairly accurate, considering the politico-ethical bias in interpreting the classics then prevalent in China.

If it be necessary to render this stanza into conventional verse form, I for one would prefer the following doggerel:

From the islet in the stream
The ju-jiu calls, “coo coo”.
A sweet, retiring girl
The princely man will woo.

But we have lost all the grace and motion of the original. The words no longer cut capers like:

Guan guan ju jiu
(Kuan-kuan chu-chiou)
Zai he zhi zhou
(Tsai ho chih chou)

More recently the trend of translation has turned to free verse. One can still breathe Chinese air in some of Arthur Waley’s renderings.^* A Japanese student of English literature, Shigeyoshi Obata has translated one hundred and twenty-four poems of Li Bai (Li Pai, or Li PoLike a true son of the Orient, he knows our beloved drunkard. Reading Obata gives one that touch of intimacy born of common understanding. Yet I wonder whether Mr. Obata has fully succeeded in interpreting Li Bai for the English reading public. With all his brilliant command of English, has he reproduced the color, the nuance, the graceful sweep of Li Bai’s seven-syllable lines? ^*** Without any intention to disparage the service he has rendered us, I shall present one or two examples from his translations to illustrate how well-nigh impossible it is to really understand the Chinese poets through the medium of another language.

Some of  the extracts are from a famous lecture series on Chinese literature I am very fond of. I couldnt somehow post Chinese characters here. But I will try to overcome this problem and improve this post.

A study of the Chinese economy – a synopsis

China: Some points relating to the current economy, expected trends and salient features (Overall): China’s economy has grown rapidly so far this decade. Government policies have moved markedly towards allowing market forces influence economic activity. Polices covering the price determination, foreign trade, exchange rates, foreign investment, entry barriers, internal markets, the operation of state-owned enterprise and the financial system have all been changed. These reforms have boosted growth that stems, in an accounting sense, mainly from a rapid pace of capital accumulation, relying on a level of national saving that is approaching half of GDP. The policy changes have allowed a much increased role for the private sector and substantial foreign investment. Sustaining the recent pace of growth will require further reform to ensure that there is a continued improvement in the framework for the private sector, to complete the reform of the banking sector and ensure a stable macroeconomic environment. There are also a number of imbalances in the economy whose resolution would help improve growth and wellbeing. In particular, policy changes are needed to reduce the disparities between rural and urban incomes and increase the pace of urbanisation. Welfare would also be improved by further reductions in the high level of pollution.

1. Chinese companies will emerge prominently in the International market where production is key.

2. Moving away from the traditional agrarian sectors to manufacturing sectors, China is poised to move ahead confidently and make strides in taking their economy to new levels of productivity and growth.

3. China’s young population is now acquiring greater skills and has access to technical and modern education. With a higher and accelerating pace of improvement of skills sets in the nation, a better educated work force promises to be an asset for the future of China.

4. A continued pace of privatization in all sectors also promises to boost productivity levels and improve profitability at micro level.

Population: – Birth rates are dropping and therefore, fewer workers will be entering the work force in the coming years. Given the sharp drop in women of child bearing age, it is unlikely that China will be able to stem the trends in its population growth. The possibility that in 20 years, the major segment of the population will be between 40 and 60 years, this may prove to have a significant impact on consumption. China’s population is likely to peak in 2008, much earlier than predicted.

Environment: – Environmental degradation is a serious factor that has to be combated if China has to move on the right track to progress. Water is likely to be a crucial factor in the future with half the river waters having been rendered useless and polluted. – Water subsidies may be withdrawn to farmers and this might the impact the economy at large with food prices rising. This might also lead to an exodus from the countryside to urban areas thus deepening the environmental crises already surfacing in most cities. – 5 cities in China are among the ten most polluted cities in the world.

Trade: – China has already replaced USA as the major trading partner of most Asian countries. – China is embarking continuously on major investment on infrastructure and logistical support systems. The heavy spending when the cost of money is low may lead to a fallacy that there is a spurt in “demand” and such figures may lead to being considered as final.

Capital: – Investors who are offered free or cheap capital are likely to accept it despite the unpredictability of returns. – Foreign investors may not be competing with players in China itself but may be merely using China’s excess capacities.

Fiscal: – A fall in the volatility of the economy should lead to a structural fall in the savings rate and a concomitant increase in leverage. – An increase in the GDP is imminent. Fiscal policy in China has followed an extremely prudent path, keeping the level of government debt low and stable but following counter-cyclical polices when needed. Public expenditure relative to GDP is lower than in the OECD area largely owing to much less developed social transfer spending. Public spending may need some restructuring away from capital expenditure towards education and health spending. Social transfer spending also needs reform, which should build on the existing system of individual retirement accounts. Taxation has been kept low and has taken, on the whole, a pro-growth stance. But domestic corporate tax rates need to be lowered significantly as do the higher marginal tax rates on earned income. At the same time the base of the value-added tax needs to be widened partially making up for revenue losses elsewhere. Expenditure is to a greater extent decentralised than revenue, making a large part of sub-national governments dependent on transfers. There is scope to reform the inter-governmental fiscal system including bringing expenditure responsibilities at each level of government in line with financial resources and improving accountability. Finally, the budgetary system in China needs to be made more comprehensive and transparent. Financial Systems: – Improved financial intermediaries, especially through the development of a stock market, enabling increases in corporate profits to stimulate consumption rather than simply encouraging new investment. This chapter considers the changes that are needed to the financial system in China before it can adequately serve the growing private sector of the economy and provide diversified saving vehicles for individuals. Much progress has been made toward developing market oriented financial institutions and improving their internal capabilities to assess and manage risks and the stock and government bond markets have been developing rapidly. The basic institutions for an effective regulatory system have been put in place, and regulatory authorities are making good use of international standards and practices in their policies.

Going forward, financial reform involves five main and related challenges. The first is to deal with the legacy of the banking system: a very high stock of non-performing loans and low capitalisation. The second is to reform the structure of the banking system so that it can better support the real economy. The third is to further develop the capital markets and foster the growth of institutional investors. The fourth, and ultimately the most important, is to strengthen the ability of financial institutions to behave commercially and manage risks prudently, while the fifth is to continue improving the supervisory structure so that systemic risks are contained. These issues are all the more daunting given that the business environment is still evolving away from a state administered towards a market economy. (Sources: McKinsey Global Institute, Societe Generale, Cross Asset Research, Gavekal Research, Dragonomics, IMF reports on China) -

Flowers in Chinese Culture

The Symbolism of Flowers and Plants in Chinese Culture

Flowers have a privileged position in the Chinese culture. They have historically served as a significant vehicle of communication. Flowers are an indelible part of the collective consciousness of the Chinese people. One is struck by the abundant presence of flowers when one visits China; and a study of the culture of China reveals the place of flowers in the consciousness of the people. Flowers in China are a language that conveys positive messages and plays a significant role in the day to day life of the common folk.The most significant flower in China is the peony, the country’s national flower. At a higher level, the peony symbolizes prosperity, happiness and peace. At a material level, it represents wealth and rank. Its very fragrance in China is considered heavenly and the flower is believed to be of divine descent.

Even the chill of the harsh winter does not diminish the abundant flowering of the plum blossoms. The plum blossoms in all their charm bring with them the qualities of firmness and solidity. The plum blossom has been loved throughout the history of China. In literature, the flower has been compared to the human personality.

The lotus is also known as lianhua and shuizhi in Chinese. Fuqu, Shuifurong and handan are also names given to this pristine flower in Chinese history. As China opened to Buddhism, the position of the lotus in China was elevated. The sacred Buddhist literature is often referred to as the ‘lotus literature’ in Chinese. The sacred dwellings of Buddhist monks are known as lotus dwellings. The lotus represents that which may not be sullied. The lotus figures in a well -known adage -‘even when the root is broken, the fibres do not break.’ This has led to belief in the abiding quality of purity and divinity represented by the lotus.

Chrysanthemums are much loved in China. They are respected as they brave the frost to bloom in a range of hues and colours. Chrysanthemums, in the Chinese ethos, indicate mobility.

The narcissus is often known as ‘the fairy over ripples’. The flower is believed to have occult value. It is used for exorcism, to rout out evil spirits. Many narcissus blooms together form a group of ‘immortals’. Glossy ganderma stands for the correct way of living, indicating clean and healthy trends. This flower is believed to have powers to bring a person back to life.

A yellow rose signifies victory; while the love -pea speaks of love sickness. Azalea stands for home-coming at both the material and the deeper level. Bamboo, which is a perennial tree and grows throughout the year, symbolizes uprightness and modesty. Maple would mean enthusiasm; camellia an icon for a combat hero; and the sago cycas for solemnity. The pomegranate promises prosperous descendants, and the rhodea japonica denotes everlasting friendships. The honeysuckle exudes good luck and auspicious omens. An olive held out is a sign of peace and the day lily blossoms for an anxiety free mind. Pine and cypress trees are the representation of staunchness and greatness. The beautiful lily unites those in relationships. The cotton tree also is designated a hero, whilst the gingko tree symbolizes ancient civilization, because this tree is known to be a living fossil which grows for thousands of years.

Flowers are painted or used in the ancient paper-cut crafts tradition of China. These pictures are used to usher in the force they represent. The Chinese people also combined some of these flowers to bring in auspicious forces. Flowers could be combined with birds such as the magpie to build up stronger symbols. For example when the peony and the lotus are painted together, they symbolize glory, splendour, wealth and rank. When the peony and Chinese crab-apples are integrated together, they form a design symbolizing honour and distinction. The peony, lotus and chrysanthemums together symbolize wealth and rank in all seasons. Flowers that blossom in all seasons are put together to symbolize a thriving scene of the world, the nation, or society.

The Chinese script has great visual and aural significance. The sounds and the written script often are used to play with. This is known as homonym, where the Chinese characters and phrases are selected and used to signify two similar things. For example, the character representing a crane could also naturally denote longevity, or the character representing a deer would also naturally mean wealth.

Plants and Fruits in the Chinese Culture

Chinese is one of the most complex languages in the world. It is a vivid combination of sounds and visual patterns. Often a single sound has two meanings at two different levels. The way one writes “deer” in Chinese is also the way one writes “wealth”. Similarly, “Peach” could also be the same as “longevity”. The people of this most ancient civilization created several other languages. They had an incredible sensitivity to nature and often the aim was bringing nature indoors or from the countryside to the city. Thus a city like Suzhou has gardens which were created thousands of years back for the urbanites to appreciate and commune with nature. Chinese culture integrates flowers, plants and various symbols into its way of expressing powerful positive emotions. These practices continue up to this day. Just walk through a street. Large buildings have two lions guarding the entrance. Look at the shops, and you can see a child on each door. The children are the harbingers of new life and all the fine things of life such as abundance, good luck and auspiciousness. Windows in homes have paper cuts of various patterns. Dragons, Phoenix, Flowers, Fruits, Trees, Ornamental patterns – speaking in symbols as an intrinsic part of the flow of emotions, and relating to the environment and the forces all around.

The Persimmon fruit has a Chinese character which also means “affair, matter or thin”. When the persimmon appears as a symbol, it denotes an energy which would remove the obstacles and allow things to proceed smoothly. When the occult pattern combines, the cypress, ganderma and the persimmon fruit, it implies that things should be not just unobstructed but also as ‘willed’.

The Rhodea Japonica is a well know plant which flowers throughout the year. The red fruits appear in autumn and are loved by the people of China. When the Rhodea Japonica is given to mark a special occasion, it conveys the wish of permanence, such as in relationships (marriage) or life (birthday). Together with the ganoderma, the Rhodea Japonica forms the message: “All is well” (wanshiriyu). Combined with two lily plants, the message conveyed is ‘Harmony and Union to last ten thousand years (hehewannian)’.

The Reineckea Carnea is a very auspicious plant and when it makes an appearance, it symbolizes good tidings. This trailing plant finds a place in the ornamental tradition of China and implies the best of wishes and feelings.

The Ganoderma is valued in China not only for its medicinal value but also for its occult properties. It is known as the plant that can even nullify death and bring a person back to life. It is considered regenerative and restores health, youth and energy. Ganoderma when offered to someone wishes the person to have what he or she wants most. It grants the gift of realization.

The bamboo is one of the most popular plants in China. There are about 300 species of bamboo covering about three percent of the forest lands of China. The bamboo is a perennial plant and remains green even in winter. The Chinese character denoting bamboo also denotes benedictions. It stands for nobility and uprightness.

The pine tree is evergreen and denotes vitality in China. It is respected for braving the winter storms and snow. Its unyielding character is held in high esteem. Longevity, eternity, resilience – these are some of the qualities symbolised by the pine tree. ‘Live as long as the pine’ is an often repeated wish during birthdays and at the New Year.

Melon trees produce endless vines. They also drop seeds and the harvest is unending. Hence they have come to denote posterity and succession in China. ‘Enduring as the sky and the earth’ is the message that is conveyed by combining the nadina and the pumpkin. When arranged with several fruits, it symbolizes abundant harvest.

A cluster of Grapes is a positive image denoting plenty, harvest, rank and longevity.