Dream of the Red Chamber

Dream of the Red Chamber

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Dream of the Red Chamber
Dream of the Red Chamber
Implicit Criticism?
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Implicit Criticism?

Was yesterday's poem actually a criticism of Buddhist teachings?

Daniel Evensen's avatar
Daniel Evensen
Aug 18, 2025
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Dream of the Red Chamber
Dream of the Red Chamber
Implicit Criticism?
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Implicit Criticism?

As you’ve probably noticed by now, I’m not exactly a fan of simply defaulting to the traditional interpretations of things.

Yesterday’s melancholy poem is actually a good example of my frustration with traditional explanations.

It’s easy to look at this poem and simply conclude that it must be a pious Buddhist poem about relinquishing worldly ties. The author, after all, talks about leaving her parents and family behind, going thousands of miles away by sea, and about how they should not worry about her.

But there are a few hints here and there of resentment.

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