Top 5 Essays on the Concept of Leisure in Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's Poem of the Same Title (Grade 10 Literature)

Nguyen Binh Khiem's poetry, especially after he retreated from public life, often reflects his philosophy of a simple, tranquil existence. After forty-two years spent in seclusion while also holding an unofficial position within his family, he stood firm in his decision, proud of the lifestyle he had chosen. The poem 'Nhan' (Leisure) epitomizes his life’s perspective. Leisure was a common theme in classical literature, representing a deep philosophical outlook, especially among the intellectuals of the feudal era. It signifies living in harmony with nature, fostering personal growth and creative expression, and cultivating one's spirit. The idea of leisure brings joy and health to the individual. To live with leisure is to embrace a philosophy of serenity and self-restraint. In 'Nhan', Nguyen Binh Khiem conveys his belief in the freedom to choose how one lives, emphasizing the importance of self-affirmation. This is reflected in the poem’s serene and confident tone: *'One hoe, one rake, one fishing rod Wandering, regardless of others’ pleasures.'* The simplicity of this verse, though unrefined, gains profound meaning through its careful arrangement. The hoe, rake, and fishing rod are tools that tie the poet to his daily labor, while the rhythmic repetition 'one..., one..., one...' creates a peaceful pace, symbolizing the poet’s relaxed state of being. The second line emphasizes the carefree attitude with the phrase 'wandering', suggesting a state of complete ease, free from worry or desire. The expression 'regardless of others’ pleasures' highlights his disinterest in fame or wealth, remaining true to the life he has chosen. These lines evoke the image of a hermit, living simply and detached from worldly concerns, reminiscent of the life of poet Nguyen Trai, who also retreated into nature after leaving public office. The following verses continue to build on the contrast between those who seek simplicity and those who pursue worldly success: *'I am foolish, I seek a quiet place The wise go to the bustling city.'* The poet humorously deems himself 'foolish' while calling those who seek the busy city 'wise'. The steady rhythm of 2/5 meters, combined with the vivid sounds of 'quiet' and 'bustling', expresses the symbolic contrast between peaceful solitude and the chaos of urban life. 'A quiet place' symbolizes a retreat from the competition for power and wealth, a place where one can live freely according to their own desires. On the other hand, the 'bustling city' represents a place of ambition, competition, and corruption. The poet uses parallelism to emphasize the difference between a life of leisure and the hustle of city life. Through these contrasts, he reaffirms his choice to live leisurely, free from material desire, cultivating inner peace and natural goodness, as stated in another of his poems: 'A calm mind, a free body, and a relaxed spirit.' This way of living brings joy both mentally and physically. For Nguyen Binh Khiem, leisure is not only a mental and physical joy but also a way to align oneself with the natural rhythms of the seasons. In his poem, he describes the pleasure of living in harmony with nature’s cycles: *'In autumn, I eat bamboo shoots, in winter, bean sprouts In spring, I bathe in the lotus pond, in summer, in the pond.'* Everyday activities like eating and bathing are depicted in the simplest, most natural terms: eating bamboo shoots in autumn, bathing in the lotus pond in spring. The repetition of seasons and the activities linked to them highlights the poet’s harmonious existence with nature. The practice of enjoying whatever is available in each season reflects his belief that true contentment comes from simplicity, not material wealth. Nguyen Binh Khiem’s life philosophy is encapsulated in the lines: *'Pure and noble, who is the scholar in the world? Leisure is my identity, I am a sage in life.'* To live like a sage in this world is a rare gift, one that few can claim. By remaining steadfast in his choice of leisure, Nguyen Binh Khiem contrasts his life of peace with the constant struggle for success and power in the city. His disregard for fame and wealth is evident in the final verses: *'When the wine reaches the tree, I will drink Look, wealth is like a fleeting dream.'* The 'wine' here symbolizes fame and wealth, which the poet consumes without struggle. He dismisses the importance of material success, comparing it to a fleeting dream. The final verses creatively employ metaphors and flexible rhythm (1/3/3; 4/3) to reduce the pessimism typically associated with the fleeting nature of life and instead highlight the poet’s disdain for wealth and fame. Through this poem, Nguyen Binh Khiem not only affirms his lifestyle but also reinforces his philosophical stance: to live with leisure. This lifestyle is a reflection of naturalness and a rejection of fame and fortune. His interpretation of leisure, however, is not an escape from reality, but rather an acceptance and engagement with life, much like other scholars such as Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cong Tru, and Nguyen Khuyen. For Nguyen Binh Khiem, leisure is more than a way of life—it is a philosophical approach to existence. 'Nhan' stands as a testament to Nguyen Binh Khiem’s belief in the power of simple living and the affirmation of his chosen path. The poem showcases his unique style and contributions to Vietnamese poetry, marked by simplicity, naturalness, and a flexible, evolving structure that adapts to the purpose of expression.

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, a man of profound knowledge, once served as an official but retired due to the injustices of the court. He is also renowned as a poet, known for his two poetry collections, 'Bạch Vân am thi tập' and 'Bạch Vân quốc ngữ thi.' 'Nhàn' is a Nôm poem from the collection 'Bạch Vân quốc ngữ thi.' The title was given by later generations. The poem expresses a gentle yet profound sentiment, affirming a philosophy of living in harmony with nature, maintaining integrity and noble character, while rising above mundane pursuits of fame and wealth. Throughout the poem, the poet's calm and composed demeanor shines through. This is a central theme, capturing the essence of the poem. Despite being written in just eight regulated lines, the poet evokes the serenity of a peaceful rural life.

The poem begins with familiar images of the northern countryside, where Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm introduces his own leisurely and carefree existence:

“One hoe, one fishing rod

Wandering, regardless of who enjoys any pleasure”

Through the repetition of 'one' - 'one', Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm paints a picture of a simple, humble rural setting, where solitude is not loneliness. The lines convey a serene soul and the peaceful nature of the northern countryside. 'One hoe,' 'one fishing rod' evoke the simplicity of a humble farmer. The image of Bạch Vân is that of a content farmer, relaxed and enjoying the refined pleasures of fishing and gardening. This ideal life is enviable but unattainable for many, as not everyone can leave the hustle of the court for the tranquility of the countryside. The verb 'wandering' in the second line creates a leisurely, gentle rhythm for the reader. Despite the fame and fortune outside, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm remains at peace with his simple joys, living in harmony with the beautiful nature around him.

In the next two lines, the poet expresses his views on wisdom and folly:

“I am foolish, I seek solitude”

The wise go to busy places”

These lines can be seen as the author's manifesto after his retirement from the court. He admits he is 'foolish' for seeking seclusion, yet this 'foolishness' is something many envy and admire. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm cleverly uses language, suggesting that those who choose the court are 'wise,' a subtle form of praise, which could also be seen as a criticism. The contrast between 'fool' and 'wise,' 'solitude' and 'busy,' sets the tone for the poem. Was his retreat to solitude an avoidance of responsibility? Given the political context and his character, 'solitude' was the only place he could truly live. He did not want to be caught up in the corrupt and turbulent court life. Though he lived in a 'quiet' rural area, he found more joy there than in the court. This reflects his noble character and admirable spirit. The following two lines further illustrate the simple, pure life of a hermit:

“In autumn, eat bamboo shoots; in winter, eat sprouts”

In spring, bathe in the lotus pond; in summer, bathe in the pond”

This couplet captures the daily life and diet of the 'poor farmer.' Each season brings its own food, not extravagant, but rich with the taste of home. The autumn bamboo shoots and winter sprouts reflect the bountiful offerings of the northern land. The line 'In spring, bathe in the lotus pond; in summer, bathe in the pond' subtly portrays the refined simplicity of the poet’s life, a tranquil existence where the poet and nature live in perfect harmony. The poet’s keen vision and wisdom come across most clearly in the final two lines. The poet turns to 'wine' not to indulge, but to reach clarity:

"When the wine reaches the tree's roots, I will drink

And look at wealth, like a fleeting dream”

These two lines reflect the philosopher's perspective during his time in seclusion. For someone as talented and wise as Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, wealth was not an illusion. Having once passed the highest imperial exams, he lacked for neither money nor material wealth. However, these were not his ambitions. To him, wealth was but a fleeting dream, something ephemeral. This is perhaps the deepest and most philosophical insight in the poem. For someone as noble and inclined to a peaceful life as Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, wealth seemed like nothing more than a mirage. His quiet love for his country was expressed in the most subtle way. The unique comparison in these final lines offers a perfect conclusion to the poem’s theme.

Thus, through the eight lines of 'Nhàn,' the poem has captured readers' admiration for the poet’s character, spirit, and demeanor. A patriot who values peace and embodies an admirable character, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm’s simple yet profound life is a model to be emulated. The poem, with its tightly structured regulated verses and profound meaning, reveals the soul and spirit of the hermit. Even today, his way of life continues to inspire awe.

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm chỉ làm quan tám năm sau đó trở về ở ẩn. Bởi vậy, thơ ca của ông thấm đượm triết lí sống nhàn. Sự nghiệp sáng tác của ông cho thấy quan niệm sống nhàn hết sức phong phú, phức tạp. Và trong bài thơ Nhàn đã phần nào thể hiện được sự phong phú về quan điểm sống ấy. Trước hết, quan điểm sống nhàn ở Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm thể hiện ở lối sống hòa hợp, thuận theo tự nhiên:

“Một mai, một cuốc, một cần câu

Thơ thẩn dầu ai vui thú nào”

Trong câu thơ đầu tác giả dùng điệp từ “một”, kết hợp phép lặp cấu trúc: số từ cộng danh từ (mai, cuốc, cần câu) và nhịp thơ nhẹ nhàng 2/2/3 cho thấy nhịp điệu đều đặn, thong thả của cuộc sống. Qua đó thấy được phong thái sống bình dị, vui vẻ với thú điền viên. Ông đã sử dụng từ láy “thơ thẩn” hết sức tài tình, cho thấy sự an nhàn, thư thái trong tâm hồn. Hai câu thơ đầu đã hé mở lối sống, quan niệm sống nhàn của Trạng Trình, nó được thể hiện ở lối sống giản dị, ung dung, thảnh thơi, lánh xa cuộc sống đua chen vật chất, chức tước tầm thường. Lối sống nhàn đó tiếp tục thể hiện trong cung cách sống của ông:

Thu ăn măng trúc, đông ăn giá

Xuân tắm hồ sen, hạ tắm ao

Câu thơ với nhịp 1/3/1/2 kết hợp với nghệ thuật đối cho thấy nhịp độ sinh hoạt đều đặn, thường xuyên của Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm. Đồng thời chỉ với hai câu thơ nhưng tác giả đã vẽ nên bức tranh tứ bình thật độc đáo: xuân - tắm hồ sen, hạ - tắm ao, thu - măng trúc, đông - giá. Ông không lấy hoa cúc, phong, lựu,… để miêu tả về các mùa như các nhà thơ khác:

“Người lên ngựa, kẻ chia bào

Rừng phong thu đã nhuốm màu quan san”

“Dưới trăng quyên đã gọi hè

Đầu tường lửa lựu lập lòe đâm bông”

(Nguyễn Du)

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm lấy các sự vật hết sức giản dị, gần gũi để làm nổi bật lên nét đặc trưng riêng của từng mùa. Thức ăn là những sản vật có sẵn xung quanh tác giả, mang đậm bản chất thôn dã. Đó là những sản vật do con người làm ra hoặc thiên nhiên ban tặng. Sinh hoạt của ông cũng hết sức nhịp nhàng, tuần hoàn theo dòng chảy của thời gian: tắm hồ sen, tắm ao. Cung cách sống thật khiêm nhường, bình dị của một bậc trí thức đại tài. Mọi nhu cầu của cuộc sống luôn được đáp ứng đủ không thừa cũng không thiếu. Cuộc sống tuy có phần đạm bạc nhưng hết sức thanh nhàn, giải phóng con người khỏi phường danh lợi, đem con người đến gần hơn với tự nhiên, hòa hợp với vạn vật. Với lối sống này, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm có sự gặp gỡ với thi hào Nguyễn Trãi ở thế kỉ XV:

Ao cạn vớt bèo cấy muống

thanh, phát cỏ, ươm sen

Cuộc sống tự do, thảnh thơi, ung dung, tự tại mà biết bao bậc Nho sĩ mơ ước hướng đến. Nhàn đối với ông còn là xa rời phương danh lợi, quyền quý để giữ cốt cách thanh cao:

Ta dại ta tìm nơi vắng vẻ

Người khôn người đến chốn lao xao

Nơi vắng vẻ và chốn lao xao là hai hình ảnh biểu tượng cho hai không gian sống khác nhau. Nơi vắng vẻ là nơi thiên nhiên tĩnh lặng, xa lánh cuộc đời đầy bon chen, đố kị, khiến cho tâm hồn con người trở nên thanh thản. Ngược lại chốn lao xao là nơi cửa quyền “ra luồn vào cúi” bon chen, con người luôn tìm mọi cách để chèn ép, hãm hại nhau hòng đạt được danh lợi. Hai câu thơ sử dụng nghệ thuật đối tài tình, Ta dại tìm nơi vắng vẻ đối với người khôn đến chốn lao xao. Hai vế hướng đến hai cách sống khác nhau: dại tìm về cuộc sống sơn cước, ung dung tự tại, nhàn thân, dại ấy mà lại hóa là dại khôn; khôn tìm đến chốn lao xao đua chen tranh dành, khôn ấy lại thành dại. Nói về dại, khôn cũng được ông thể hiện ở nhiều bài thơ khác:

Khôn mà hiểm độc là khôn dại

Dại vốn hiền lành ấy dại khôn

Cách nói ngược đã khẳng định phương châm sống xa lánh nơi quyền quý, tìm nơi sống an nhàn để giữ gìn cốt cách thanh cao vốn có của mình, đồng thời cũng là thái độ không chạy theo lối sống bon chen danh lợi, quyền quý. Nhưng bản chất chữ Nhàn của Nguyễn Bỉnh khiêm lại có điểm rất khác với nho sĩ ẩn dật khác. Ông nhàn thân mà không hề nhàn tâm. Dù thân nhàn nhưng ông vẫn canh cánh nỗi lòng:

Rượu đến cội cây ta sẽ uống

Nhìn xem phú quý tựa chiêm bao

Câu thơ đã nhắc đế một điển tích: Thuần Vu Phần uống rượu say mơ thấy mình được đến nước Hòe Nhai và tìm được cây công danh, phú quý. Khi tỉnh giấc ông chỉ thấy trước mắt là một tổ kiến. Lấy điển tích đó cho thấy thái độ của Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm: ông tìm đến rượu không phải để uống xong để mơ giấc mộng công danh mà để tỉnh tảo, để nhận ra chân lí: phú quý cũng chỉ như một giấc chiêm bao. Nhận thức đó cho thấy phú quý danh lợi không phải là cái đích cuối cùng trong cuộc đời mỗi người, cái tồn tại với con người mãi mãi chính là nhân cách, phẩm chất cao đẹp. Hai câu kết như một lời khẳng định chắc chắn về ý nghĩa của triết lí sống nhàn. Với Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, sống nhàn là cách để giữ gìn nhân cách, tu tâm dưỡng tính, có được sự thảnh thơi, thư thái trong tâm hồn. Đồng thời ta cũng cần phân biệt “nhàn” ở đây là một triết lí, phương châm sống, nhàn là sự thư thái trong tâm hồn.

Bài thơ với thể thơ thất ngôn bát cú đường luật, ngắn gọn, hàm súc, ngôn ngữ thơ giản dị đã thể hiện một cách đầy đủ, trọn vẹn triết lí sống nhàn của Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm. Đó là lối sống thanh cao, khí tiết, hòa hợp, thuận theo tự nhiên, đồng thời tránh xa phường danh lợi. Lối sống nhàn của Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm trong bối cảnh lúc bấy giờ là lối sống tích cực để giữ gìn nhân cách trong sáng.

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm left the bustling court life under the Mạc Dynasty, returning to his village to teach and lead a tranquil life, harmonizing with nature and maintaining a noble character that transcended worldly fame and wealth. His philosophy of peaceful living is expressed in his poem 'Nhàn,' written in the ancient Nôm script, found in the anthology 'Bạch Vân Quốc Ngữ Thi.' 'Nhàn' is a personal reflection on life, an introspective view on individual tastes and contentment.

After submitting a memorial accusing 18 corrupt officials and requesting their execution—only to see it dismissed by the king—Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm retired from court life to become a true 'farmer-scholar.' His daily life, marked by simplicity and serenity, is captured in his verse:

'One hoe, one rake, one fishing rod,

Strolling along, not concerned with worldly pleasures.'

The slow rhythm of the poem mirrors the peaceful pace of rural life, with the 'hoe,' 'rake,' and 'fishing rod' symbolizing humble tools of labor. The repeated word 'one' lists these simple implements in a way that conveys a sense of readiness and thoroughness in one's work. The term 'strolling' evokes an image of relaxed, carefree living, free from the distractions of fame and fortune. The reference to 'others' indulging in fleeting pleasures highlights his preference for the enduring enjoyment of nature, undistracted by the chase for wealth and status. This sentiment is enhanced through the changing seasons, each bringing its own pleasures.

'In autumn, we eat bamboo shoots, in winter, we enjoy pickled greens,

In spring, we bathe in lotus ponds, in summer, we cool off in garden pools.'

His simple, modest life flows smoothly through the seasons, with humble, locally produced food like 'bamboo shoots' and 'pickled greens,' and natural activities such as 'bathing in lotus ponds' and 'relaxing in garden pools.' The use of listing here vividly paints a picture of serene living that is not only simple but also graceful, rooted in the cyclical rhythm of nature. The language is straightforward and colloquial, resembling the speech of a farmer rather than a former court official. This simple joy in life does not diminish his personal dignity or intellect.

'I am foolish, I seek solitude,

The wise flock to the hustle and bustle.'

The contrast between 'foolish' and 'wise' reflects differing worldviews, as water naturally flows downhill while humans strive to ascend. These two lines describe two opposing lifestyles: one of the poet's personal choice, which is to live simply and find peace in solitude, and the other, that of those who chase wealth and power. The comparison uses opposites—foolish versus wise, solitude versus noise—to illustrate the tension between personal integrity and the temptation of status and riches. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's 'foolishness' is that of wisdom, choosing to live serenely and stay away from the distractions of worldly ambition. This quiet defiance of societal norms and the chaotic world around him marks his decision to maintain his elevated character in peace, untouched by the desires for power and material wealth.

His rural, tranquil home offers the peace that nourishes both his spirit and his sense of self, while others remain entangled in the noise of the court, fighting for power and wealth in a world devoid of human kindness. His 'foolishness' is the choice of a learned man who sees through the fleeting nature of fame and wealth, instead savoring the contentment of each peaceful, natural day. His view of life stands in sharp contrast to the pursuit of selfish gain, showing that wisdom often comes in forms that others might overlook.

Living peacefully and in harmony with nature, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's philosophy is timeless. In his poem 'Nhàn,' he reveals his moral fiber, his bright intellect, and a worldview that speaks to a broader societal context of decline during his era. While times change, his philosophy of peaceful living remains an admirable and worthy ideal.

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm was a poet with profound and groundbreaking philosophical ideas, far ahead of his time. His poem 'Nhàn' embodies one of his most significant thoughts on life. Through each line, he explores and expands his unique and deep understanding of peaceful living. For Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, 'Nhàn' was not merely a concept or philosophy but also a guiding principle, leading readers to a world of truth, goodness, and beauty.

'One hoe, one rake, one fishing rod,

Strolling along, regardless of others' pleasures.'

In these lines, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm portrays himself as both a humble farmer and a refined scholar, retreating from the political realm to embrace a life of simplicity in the countryside, harmonizing with nature. The term 'strolling' conveys a sense of ease and serenity, highlighting the poet's peaceful, unhurried demeanor, as well as his challenge to the world’s pursuit of fleeting pleasures. His connection to rural life and the joy of simplicity becomes evident, showing that 'Nhàn' here refers to a calm demeanor, a tranquil heart, and a connection to nature.

'I am foolish, I seek solitude,

The wise flock to the hustle and bustle.'

The 'solitude' represents a peaceful, rural life, free from the anxieties of fame and fortune, where one can unite with nature and find tranquility. In contrast, 'the hustle and bustle' refers to the court's political strife and the constant striving for wealth and status. Through irony, the poet mocks those who pursue the chaos of the political world, likening them to moths flying into the flame. The poet’s 'foolishness' is, in fact, the wisdom of understanding the transient nature of worldly ambitions, while the 'wisdom' of others leads them into a life of exhaustion and deceit.

'In fame, there is suffering and hardship,

In foolishness, there is leisure and joy.'

Thus, the 'peace' in these lines is closely tied to maintaining a noble spirit, free from the entanglements of power and competition. Moving on to the next verses, the poet deepens the concept of peaceful living:

'In autumn, we eat bamboo shoots, in winter, we eat pickled greens,

In spring, we bathe in lotus ponds, in summer, we bathe in garden pools.'

These lines celebrate the simple pleasures of rural life, where nature’s seasons dictate one’s existence. The poet finds joy in the humble acts of farming, bathing in natural waters, and living in harmony with the changing seasons. The peace of this lifestyle contrasts sharply with the competitive, stressful life of the city or the court. Here, 'Nhàn' is the embrace of nature’s rhythm, living contentedly without striving or envy. The poet laments how few people can enjoy such a life.

'With wine, I drink at the tree’s base,

Watching wealth and glory, as fleeting as a dream.'

The final lines metaphorically describe wealth and fame as illusory, like a fleeting dream or a passing cloud. The poet’s disregard for materialistic pursuits is clear, as he sees them as temporary and insubstantial. In a time when the moral fabric of society was crumbling and people valued wealth above all else, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm’s attitude of detachment from these vanities is both admirable and profound. His philosophy of 'Nhàn' reveals the wisdom of simplicity, living in harmony with nature, and rejecting the transient desires of fame and fortune.

Through simple yet profound poetry, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm presents a vision of 'Nhàn' as a life of dignity, simplicity, and peaceful detachment, free from the distractions and struggles of society. His timeless philosophy invites readers to reflect deeply on their own lives and find peace in the simplicity of nature, away from the chaos of ambition and worldly pursuits.