Hanshan

Hanshan (寒山), or Hánshān was a Chinese poet from the Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.), and lived as a hermit. Hanshan translates to “Cold Mountain”, and he is often referred to as such in translation.

Notable translated collections in English include Cold Mountain Zen (New Directions, 2026) translated by Hiroaki Sato; Cold Mountain Poems: 25 Poems by Han-Shan (Kyoto Editions, 1980) translated by British poet James Kirkup; Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems (Origin Press, 1959); and Translations from the Chinese (Alfred A. Knopf, 1941) translated by Arthur Waley.

Little is known about Han Shan’s birth or death, but his poetry is remembered as having simultaneous straightforwardness and philosophical depth. His writings followed a three, five, or seven-character verse, not shorter than 4 lines and not longer than 34 lines, and used repeated metaphors, humor and colloquialisms. Hanshan’s poems are known for using Buddhist karma and reincarnation alongside Taoist optimism. Over 300 poems have been attributed to Hanshan.