The Paradox and Symbolism in “A Flower is Not a Flower”

The paradoxical poem “A Flower is Not a Flower” by Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi has remained influential for over a thousand years due to its thought-provoking message about the transient nature of life. Behind its simple verses lies profound Buddhist philosophy and symbolism that resonates across cultures

Overview of Bai Juyi’s Poem

This eight-line poem utilizes contradiction and vivid imagery to reflect on impermanence. Here is a translation of the original Chinese:

A flower is not a flower,
Mist is not mist;
That which comes at midnight
Leaves at dawn.
It arrives like a spring dream –
Not lingering long.
It departs like a morning cloud –
Nowhere to be found.

At first read, it seems to nonsensically state that a flower and mist are not themselves. But looking deeper, the poem evokes symbolic meanings beyond surface appearances.

Paradoxical Nature of the First Lines

The first two lines set up an intriguing paradox by negating the flower and mist

A flower is not a flower,
Mist is not mist;

By stating that “a flower is NOT a flower” Bai Juyi hints that flowers represent more than their physical characteristics. There are deeper truths embodied in their transient nature.

Similarly, mist and fog symbolize the elusive, intangible aspect of reality. In both Zen Buddhism and Daoist philosophy, surface reality is considered an illusion that masks the true void/oneness underlying all phenomena.

Evoking Transience through Time and Nature

The third and fourth lines emphasize impermanence through the passage of time:

That which comes at midnight
Leaves at dawn.

Whatever appears under the darkness of night soon disappears at first light. Dawn brings new clarity, dispersing the illusions of night.

The fifth and sixth lines continue the dreamlike mood using a spring simile:

It arrives like a spring dream –
Not lingering long.

The joy of spring’s arrival is fleeting as a dream upon waking. All phenomena fade quickly without leaving a lasting impact.

Finally, the seventh and eighth lines extend the nature metaphor:

It departs like a morning cloud –
Nowhere to be found.

Once dissipated into the sky, the cloud leaves no trace behind. Its impermanent essence makes it impossible to grasp.

Symbolic Layers of Meaning

Bai Juyi skillfully imbues the verses with philosophical depth through symbols:

• Flower – Represents the height of beauty and life’s fragility. Flowers bloom briefly then fade.

• Mist – Evokes the elusive nature of perceiving reality. Mist is intangible and swiftly changing.

• Midnight & Dawn – Signify the passage of time and transition from illusion (night) to clarity (dawn).

• Spring Dream – Alludes to the transient joy and pleasure in life. Dreams fade upon waking.

• Morning Cloud – Clouds embody impermanence through their ever-changing forms.

Reflecting on the Fleeting Nature of Existence

The poem as a whole encourages reflection on the ephemeral essence of life and all beings. Flowers, dreams, and clouds are poetic representations of the Buddhist truth that everything arises, transforms, and ceases to be.

By stating “a flower is NOT a flower,” Bai Juyi urges looking beyond surface appearances to contemplate the underlying reality of existence. Phenomena are impermanent, elusive, and dreamlike.

This perspective provides insight into the futility of attachment. Grasping at fleeting pleasures or accomplishments leads only to suffering, since they all eventually fade. Equanimity comes from embracing the transient, intangible nature of being.

Personal Influences on Bai Juyi’s Perspective

Scholars believe Bai Juyi’s life experiences shaped the pensive tone of this poem. His mother died when he was young after falling into a well while admiring flowers.

Later in life, Bai Juyi lost his position as a palace official and was exiled from court. These losses likely influenced his views on the fleeting nature of beauty, status, and life itself.

Timeless Appeal of the Philosophical Message

While written over a millennium ago, this poem continues to resonate universally across cultures. Its central truth remains relevant, reminding us to appreciate each transient moment we are given.

The paradoxical verses serve as a meditation on mindfulness and non-attachment. Phenomena are empty of intrinsic identity. By observing life’s ephemeral essence, we gain wisdom and equanimity in the face of its inevitable impermanence.

In just eight simple lines, Bai Juyi captures a profound philosophical reflection on existence. Behind the facade of reality lies a realm where “a flower is not a flower” and life is but a series of dreams.