The overtones -- the philosophical dialogue between Tao Yuanming and the stringless harp

177 views · Organized by 小小瞬 on 2024-05-20

In the world of ancient Chinese literati, there is a poet famous for "picking chrysanthemums under the east hedge, leisurely seeing the south mountain", he is the reclusive poet from the late Eastern Jin Dynasty to the early Southern Song Dynasty - Tao Yuanming. His philosophy of life is not only reflected in retiring to the countryside and enjoying himself with poems and wine, but also in the story of a stringless violin, showing the noble feelings of transcending material and pursuing spiritual freedom.

The overtones -- the philosophical dialogue between Tao Yuanming and the stringless harp

The story takes place in the remote countryside, Tao Yuanming's life is extremely simple, simple furnishings in his home, only a stringless piano, quietly placed in the corner of the room. This instrument, without silk strings, could not play actual music, but it became the sustenance of Tao Yuanming's soul. When the sun was setting, or the moon was high in the willows, he would sit in front of the piano and run his fingers over the smooth surface as if he were playing a melody that only he could hear.

Others may not understand, asked the reason, Tao Yuanming smiled and answered: "But recognize the interest in the piano, why bother to string the sound." This sentence reveals his deep meaning of transcending material desire and pursuing inner harmony and tranquility. In his opinion, the beauty of music lies not only in the pleasing sound, but also in the resonance of the soul and the free expression. The stringless harp is the symbol of this spiritual realm, which transcends the bondage of form and goes directly to the depths of the soul.

This story is not only a description of a way of life, but also a profound exploration of the philosophy of life. Through the stringless piano, Tao Yuanming shows us his unique understanding and pursuit of life - not burdened by external things, not trapped by fame and wealth, but pursuing an inner peace and integration of nature. At that time, such an attitude was undoubtedly a brave challenge to secular values, and became a model for the pursuit of spiritual freedom by later literati.

The story of the stringless harp, like a silent song, still echoes in our hearts through thousands of years. It tells us that true happiness and contentment do not come from outside giving, but from the richness and peace of the inner world. In the fast-paced modern life, the story of Tao Yuanming and the stringless piano is more like a clear stream, reminding us to slow down occasionally, listen to the inner voice, and find the spiritual wealth beyond the material.

Therefore, when we refer to Tao Yuanming and his stringless harp again, we may wish to regard it as a revelation of the art of living, an eternal pursuit of spiritual freedom. In this story, we can not only feel the character of an ancient scholar, but also understand the wisdom of The Times, illuminating our hearts, leading us to explore the most authentic meaning of life.

Reference materials and contributors
民族乐器网

Involving musical instruments

Guqin (pinyin: Gǔ Qín) is a traditional Chinese musical instrument with a history of at least 3,500 years. Guqin is also known as Yaoqin, Yuqin and Seven-stringed Qin. The guqin has 13 emblems that mark the rhythm, and is also a ritual and musical instrument. It belongs to the silk in the octave. Guqin has a wide range, deep timbre and long aftertone.

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