In the ninth year of Yonghe, in the year of Gui Chou, at the beginning of late spring, we gathered at Lanting in the Shanyin of Kuaiji to hold a purification ceremony. The wise gathered together, both young and old. This place has lofty mountains and steep ridges, dense forests and tall bamboos; there are also clear streams and rushing torrents, reflecting on both sides, which we used as a flowing cup and winding water, sitting in order. Although there were no grand performances of silk and bamboo instruments, one cup and one poem were enough to express our deep feelings.
On this day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh, with a gentle breeze. Looking up at the vast universe and down at the abundance of species, we could roam our eyes and stretch our hearts, enough to enjoy the pleasures of sight and sound, indeed it was delightful.
As for the interactions among people, we look up and down in one lifetime, sometimes taking from our hearts, understanding within a room; sometimes relying on what is entrusted, wandering outside of our physical forms. Although interests and pursuits differ greatly, tranquility and restlessness are not the same. When one is pleased with what they encounter, temporarily satisfied with oneself, they are blissfully content, unaware of the approach of old age. When they grow weary of what they pursue, feelings change with circumstances, and they are filled with emotion. What was once pleasing, in the blink of an eye, has become a past event, yet one cannot help but be stirred by it. Moreover, life and death follow the changes, ultimately ending. The ancients said, "Life and death are indeed significant." Is it not painful?
Every time I read about the feelings of those in the past, it feels like a connection, and I cannot help but lament the words, unable to express it in my heart. It is well known that life and death are illusions, and comparing oneself to Peng and Shang is a delusion. Those who look back at the present from the future will see it as we see the past, how sad! Therefore, I list the contemporaries and record what they have said; although the world is different and events vary, the feelings that arise are the same. Future readers will also be moved by this literature.