Profile of Hanshan
Died : China
Hanshan, an iconic poet of the Tang dynasty, is renowned for his enigmatic and deeply introspective poetry that seamlessly integrates Chan Buddhist philosophy with a profound appreciation for the natural world. Little is known about Hanshan's life, but he is believed to have lived as a recluse in the Tiantai Mountains, where he inscribed his verses on cliffs and caves. In his early life, he worked on farming with his brothers. Later, a dispute arose, and he left his wife and family, wandering from place to place. Eventually, he renounced worldly life and settled on Han Shan (which means “Cold Mountain”), becoming widely known by that name. In his poems, Cold Mountain often appears not merely as a geographical reference but also as a symbol of an inner state.