A proponent of slow living and a poet of the “lying flat” era—let’s explore Tao Yuanming’s life together.

Tao Yuanming was born during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and was known as Mr. Five Willows. He is also considered the founder of pastoral poetry in Chinese history. During his student days, his most celebrated poems included "The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring," "Ode to Returning Home," and "Mr. Five Willows." ... … ， It can be said that Mr. Tao Yuanming was also a top-tier figure in his school textbooks during his student days.

Approximately in the year BCE 365 Previously, Tao Yuanming was born in Xunyang (today’s Jiujiang City in Jiangxi Province). Although his grandfather came from a humble background, he had once been a founding father who had distinguished himself through remarkable military achievements. As a young man, Tao Yuanming aspired to emulate his grandfather by serving the country and benefiting the world. Like other scholars of his time, he loved reading Confucian classics and harbored lofty ambitions—to cultivate oneself, bring harmony to one’s family, govern the state, and bring peace to the realm. Yet fate played a cruel joke on him.

8 That year, my father passed away suddenly, and our family’s financial situation gradually declined. My mother took me to live with my maternal grandfather’s family. My grandfather was a scholar, and from an early age, Tao Yuanming had a deep love for literature. Under his influence, he read extensively the Confucian classics and acquired... “ By nature, I love hills and mountains. ” Personality.

At the age of twenty, Tao Yuanming began his career as an official, seeking a way to earn a living. Later, in his poem "Drinking Wine," he wrote: “ In days gone by, I once traveled far, all the way to the easternmost corner of the sea. The road was long and winding, and storms and waves blocked my path midway. Who—or what—has made this journey possible? ” Let’s recall his career as a traveling official.

At the age of 29, he officially joined the civil service and took up the post of Jijiu in Jiangzhou. This position entailed a great many responsibilities. However, not long after starting the job, he found himself unable to cope with the burdens of official duties—meaning he resigned because he simply couldn't stand the tedious red tape. It’s said that the real reason was that he couldn’t tolerate his idiotic boss. — Wang Ningzhi chose to resign precisely because of this.

Originally, Tao Yuanming himself came from a humble background. It was already quite impressive for him to land a job as a civil servant. He’d resolved to follow his grandfather’s example and do something that would bring honor and glory to his family. Little did he expect that, as a young man full of ambition, he’d happen to run into such a foolish boss. Day after day, instead of holding any serious meetings, this boss kept dragging everyone along to religious gatherings. Tao Yuanming thought to himself, “What on earth is going on? Am I really supposed to waste my prime years just hanging around with this guy?” So, steeling himself and stamping his foot in determination, he quit his job without a second thought.

The six years he’d spent resigning and staying at home flew by in the blink of an eye. By then, Tao Yuanming was already married with five children and was beginning to think about finding a job to support his family. Just then, Huan Xuan, who served as the governor of Liangzhou, extended an offer of employment to him. Huan Xuan enjoyed a stellar reputation and was renowned for his extraordinary boldness and charisma. So Tao Yuanming decided to join him in his service. Little did he expect that Huan Xuan—a man of wealth, military might, and political power—would gradually become dissatisfied with his modest position as governor and start plotting to overthrow the Eastern Jin dynasty. This left Tao Yuanming, who remained utterly loyal and devoted to the emperor, filled with deep anguish and inner turmoil. 401 In the winter of that year, Tao Yuanming’s mother passed away. Citing his intention to return home and observe the period of mourning, he applied for resignation.

402 In that year, Huan Xuan prepared to seize power and usurp the throne, while Tao Yuanming stayed at home, waiting for an opportunity to launch a campaign against the rebel. 404 In that year, Tao Yuanming joined Liu Yu’s forces, the commander of the Northern Palace Army. Eventually, Huan Xuan was defeated and killed, and Liu Yu, having successfully suppressed the rebellion, gained immense power. In fact, Liu Yu turned out to be a second Huan Xuan—also aspiring to overthrow the Eastern Jin dynasty. After realizing this, Tao Yuanming once again became disillusioned with the political situation and soon after resigned from his post once more.

Afterward, Tao Yuanming served as a staff officer under General Liu Jingxuan. However, Liu Jingxuan was a weak and irresolute leader who lacked any sense of responsibility. In a time of turmoil, Liu himself resigned and fled first, leaving Tao Yuanming once again deeply disappointed. With no other choice, Tao Yuanming had no option but to resign and return home.
As the saying goes, quitting your job may feel great for a moment, but without money, you’ll end up shedding tears. 405 One year, Tao Yuanming’s family had become so impoverished that they could barely afford to put food on the table. At the recommendation of his relatives, he took one last official post—becoming the magistrate of Pengze County. The job came with decent pay and benefits; he was allowed to cultivate a hundred acres of public land in the county, and all the harvest belonged entirely to him. Yet before even the harvest could be reaped, Tao Yuanming resigned once again. It is said that when the county officials came to inspect his work, they demanded that Tao Yuanming dress smartly and prepare gifts to greet them with utmost respect and humility. Upon hearing this, Tao Yuanming was overwhelmed by years of dissatisfaction and anger toward official life. He suddenly erupted in fury and resolved never again to bow down for the sake of five bushels of rice! Thus, he wrote a famous resignation letter titled “Ode to Returning Home.” “ “Return, oh return! Why not return when the fields and gardens are about to overgrow? Having already allowed my heart to be enslaved by the body, why should I feel sorrowful and grieve alone?” ” He has officially begun his reclusive life!

Though impoverished, Tao Yuanming, who had chosen to retire from official life, found great joy in his secluded existence. He even composed a poem titled "Returning to My Country Cottage" to vividly depict his idyllic life. Although life in seclusion was leisurely, it wasn't entirely idle—so he began writing a diary chronicling his daily farming activities: “ I planted beans beneath the southern hill, where weeds thrived and bean sprouts grew sparse. ” The weeds in the fields grew even more luxuriantly than the crops themselves—clear evidence that Tao Yuanming wasn’t much of a farmer either. But then again, Tao Yuanming was a master of poetry—and when he wrote poetry, he’d enjoy a little drink! Thus was born “Drinking Wine.” “ Picking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern fence, I casually glimpse the Southern Hills. ” To depict one’s ordinary life in such a beautiful way truly makes this a classic pastoral poem!
From ancient times to the present, how many people have spent their days clamoring: “Work is just too exhausting—I’m quitting!” Yet very few have actually been able to quit as readily as Tao Yuanming did. However, recently, Xu Hongdou from “In the Wind” can be considered one of those rare individuals. In real life, we’re all weighed down by too many constraints—Tao Yuanming managed to do what so many people long to do but simply can’t bring themselves to accomplish.

Because of his extraordinary personal charisma, he has become the dream of many people struggling through their weary lives—and an idol for countless others, including Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Su Shi, and Li Qingzhao. … In fact, his life wasn’t as wonderful as it seemed. A devastating fire had once reduced his thatched cottage to ashes, prompting him to sketch out his vision of an ideal life in “The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring.” “ The land is flat and open, with houses neatly arranged. There are fertile fields, beautiful ponds, and groves of mulberry trees and bamboo. Paths crisscross the countryside, and one can hear the sounds of chickens and dogs mingling together. Within this place, people come and go, engaging in farming and other daily activities; men and women alike dress just as they do outside. The elderly with white hair and children with flowing locks all live contentedly and happily. ” That was a tiny, sacred sanctuary in his heart! From “Mr. Wu Liu” “ He was tranquil and reserved, seldom speaking, and showed no ambition for fame or wealth. He loved reading but didn’t strive to understand every detail thoroughly; whenever he grasped the deeper meaning of a passage, he’d become so engrossed that he’d forget to eat. He had a strong fondness for wine, yet his family was poor and couldn’t afford it often. ” It’s even a reflection of my own personality!

Tao Yuanming exhausted all his efforts to live an ordinary life, giving up the official career five times and embracing a reclusive, pastoral existence—more open-minded than anyone else!

That era “ Lay flat ” A poet and advocate of slow living, he finds the true meaning of life serenely and contentedly amidst pastoral landscapes and mountains and waters.

Have you ever had a dream like this? —— Stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city and return to nature’s embrace.

Tao Yuanming’s poetry is like a clear stream, cleansing the dust from our hearts. His poems offer unique insights into nature and life itself, as well as profound reflections on society and existence. The language of his poetry is simple and natural, yet brimming with endless charm.

In Tao Yuanming's writings 《 The Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring 》 It allows people to experience a life attitude characterized by detachment from fame and fortune, and a sense of ease and serenity. It is precisely this attitude that modern people are striving for in today’s fast-paced lives. —— Seeking inner peace and tranquility 。

In this restless age, revisiting Tao Yuanming’s poems might bring us greater insight and courage. 。

New Products from the Tang Yi Gold and Silverware Museum Silver teapot ——“ Autumn in the Mountain Retreat ” The inspiration for this piece comes directly from Tao Yuanming. It employs a variety of techniques—including chasing, relief carving, gilding, and colored gold—to perfectly capture and embody Tao Yuanming’s spirit and poetic essence.

The teapot’s body boasts a lustrous, subtle sheen, as if brimming with endless stories. The landscape paintings adorning its surface are nothing short of poetic and picturesque, drawing one into a state of pure enchantment. On one side, a small bridge spans gently flowing waters amid swirling clouds and mist, with pavilions and elegant towers standing clearly in view; on the other side, distant mountains meet nearby waters, shrouded in rain hats and smoke-draped cloaks, presenting a serene and leisurely pastoral scene. Every single detail seems to whisper of Tao Yuanming’s poetic life.

This silver teapot features a well-proportioned design with clean, minimalist lines and a spout that delivers a crisp, smooth flow of water. The handle is adorned with two golden lingzhi mushrooms—small and exquisitely crafted—whose delicate elegance echoes the landscape motifs on the teapot body, lending it an added touch of elegance and charm.

In this bustling world, we may not be able to completely transcend the mundane like Tao Yuanming did, but we can still try to grant our hearts a moment of tranquility. And this... “ Autumn in the Mountain Retreat ” The silver teapot is precisely the perfect companion for us as we seek inner peace and poetic beauty.

Feel the poetic elegance and transcendence that come from Tao Yuanming, allowing your soul to be elevated amidst the fragrance of tea and poetic inspiration.

Looking back on Tao Yuanming’s life, it is not difficult to see that his life experiences, poetic creations, and spiritual demeanor all bear deep imprints of historical and cultural influences. His life was a profound reflection of the social realities at the end of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, as well as a vivid interpretation of the reclusive ethos deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture.

In today’s society, we may not be able to completely transcend the world as Tao Yuanming did, but we can draw strength from his life story and spiritual demeanor, enabling us to maintain a tranquil heart amidst the hustle and bustle of the world. We can learn from his spirit of courageously pursuing our ideals and boldly facing reality, thus becoming more steadfast and confident on life’s journey.