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Prompt: Reflections after reading 'Côn Sơn Ballad' by Nguyễn Trãi
Reflecting on the Profound 'Côn Sơn Ballad' by Nguyễn Trãi
Written Work:
Nguyễn Trãi, a distinguished political figure, diplomat, and an eminent writer and poet, devoted much of his life to significant contributions to the nation. He is a revered national hero, admired by all. Despite holding high positions in the royal court, he eventually relinquished fame and fortune to return to a simple life. Choosing to settle in the Côn Sơn mountains, perhaps captivated by the beauty and purity of nature, he was moved to compose the 'Côn Sơn Ballad.' This renowned work encapsulates his philosophical views on life and profound sentiments within the heart of a Confucian scholar navigating challenging times.
Life doesn't always follow its predetermined path, unlike the fairy tales we often hear. Nguyễn Trãi, a person of virtue and talent, found himself living in the wrong era, making his ideals and aspirations unattainable. Disenchanted with the hustle and bustle of a prosperous life and political competition, he resigned from his official duties, leaving behind wealth and fame to live authentically. In Côn Sơn, he perceived it as a cherished companion, its beauty capable of cleansing the soul and allowing the poet to forget the harsh realities, embracing his true self.
If life in the urban confines felt stifling, in the embrace of the Côn Sơn mountains, Nguyễn Trãi expanded his soul to perceive the majestic beauty:
'Côn Sơn, where streams murmur
I hear it like the melody of a harp near my ear'
It's just the sound of water flowing, yet to the artist's perception, it transforms into the ethereal notes of a musical instrument. The stream's sound evolves from a harsh, dry noise to a soulful melody, harmonizing with the earth and sky to compose a beautiful ballad.
'Côn Sơn Ballad' is a canvas of the mountains and forests, an exquisite beauty depicted by the author through delicate strokes, sounds, and the colors of the flora and fauna. Somewhere in the woods, the artist's soul, once withered, is rejuvenated by nature, and he finds an overflow of emotions for the scenery amidst the mountains and forests:
'Côn Sơn adorned with mossy rocks
Sitting on the stone feels like resting on a soft mat'
Indeed, when one's soul is liberated, perceptions of people and objects become mysteriously animated. From an inert rock, a rigid entity enveloped by the mountains, the unmoving stone erodes with the elements, acquiring a coat of lush moss through rain, wind, and the touch of nature. Despite being adorned with moss, the rock remains just a rock. Yet, to the poet, sitting on that rough stone feels like resting on a soft mat. The poet's soul simplifies, the world shrinks, and the subconscious expands to fully immerse in the universe's cosmic whirl.
And in that paradise, there is a gentle sound of a musical instrument, a soft mat providing solace for the artist. In this moment, he liberates his soul into distant landscapes—the vast sway of the forest with a soothing green, the color of love and vitality.
'Amidst the pine groves like a screen
Seeking shade, lying down I ascend
In the forest, bamboo shadows lend
Seeking shade, I immerse my leisure in verse'
Every scene in the forest is delicately and meticulously perceived by the author. Rows of vibrant pine trees stand closely aligned, piercing the serene blue sky. The pine, facing destiny, resiliently confronts snowstorm nights, symbolizing the indomitable will and strength of today's heroes. Meanwhile, bamboo exudes elegance, grace, embodying the demeanor of a noble soul, appreciating sophistication, purity, and connection with nature.
