"心猿意马" (xīn yuán yì mǎ) is an ancient Chinese saying derived from a historical tale. The story is set in the Qin Dynasty, where a talented painter named Zhang Sengyou (张僧繇 - Zhāng Sēngyóu) lived. Zhang was known for his remarkable skill in painting horses. His paintings were so lifelike that people believed they could gallop off the canvas.
One day, a man brought a precious horse to Zhang and requested a portrait. As Zhang began painting, he noticed the horse's restlessness and the owner's 焦虑 (Jiāolǜ)anxiety. He couldn't capture the horse's spirit, and the painting turned out poorly. Zhang then asked the owner to return the next day.That night, Zhang contemplated the horse's nature and the owner's emotions. He realized that the horse was homesick and missed its stable. The next day, he painted the horse in a more comfortable setting, and the owner was overjoyed with the result. Zhang's understanding of the horse's heart, or "心猿" (xīn yuán), and the horse's longing for its stable, or "意马" (yì mǎ), led to a masterpiece.
焦虑 (Jiāolǜ)，adj，anxiety
Her anxiety before the big exam was palpable.
她临大考前的焦虑感觉明显。
Tā lín dà kǎo qián de jiāolǜ gǎnjué míngxiǎn.
He experiences anxiety when speaking in public.
他在公众场合演讲时感到焦虑。
Tā zài gōngzhòng chǎnghé yǎnjiǎng shí gǎndào jiāolǜ.
The Inspiration (启发 - Qǐfā)
The tale of "心猿意马" (xīn yuán yì mǎ) teaches us the importance of empathy and understanding the emotions of others. In our fast-paced lives, we often focus on the tasks at hand without considering the feelings and desires of those around us. This story inspires us to pause, reflect, and empathize with others' 情感 (qínggǎn)emotions and needs, which can lead to better relationships and outcomes.
情感 (qínggǎn)，noun，emotion
Her emotion was evident when she smiled with joy.
她喜悦地微笑时，她的情感显而易见。
Tā xǐyuè de wēixiào shí, tā de qínggǎn xiǎn'éryìjiàn.
He couldn't hide his sadness, as his emotion showed through tears.
他无法掩饰他的悲伤，因为他的情感流露在眼泪中。
Tā wúfǎ yǎnshì tā de bēishāng, yīnwèi tā de qínggǎn liúlù zài yǎnlèi zhōng.
Modern Application (现代如何运用 - Xiàndài Rúhé Yùnyòng)
The story of "心猿意马" (xīn yuán yì mǎ) carries contemporary significance. In today's world, effective communication and understanding the emotions and needs of others are vital for success, whether in business, relationships, or daily interactions. This story reminds us to be perceptive, empathetic, and considerate in our dealings with others.
He was restless all night with "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ" about the exam results.
他对考试结果的"心猿意马"整夜无法安宁。
Tā duì kǎoshì jiéguǒ de "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ" zhěng yè wúfǎ ānníng.
He doesn't like it here and has "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ."
他并不喜欢这里，心猿意马。
Tā bìng bù xǐhuān zhèlǐ, "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ."
She was restless with "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ" during the exam.
她考试时心猿意马。
Tā kǎoshì shí "Xīn Yuán Yì Mǎ."