Liang Sicheng said: For the Chinese, having a Courtyard of one's own means the spirit truly has a place to settle.
The Chinese have had a deep affection for courtyards since ancient times. Whether in the halls of power or far from officialdom, there was always a courtyard.
A courtyard bears a way of life, a world different from the noise outside.
A courtyard is the yearning many people have for their hometowns and homesteads; it hides a beautiful little world in our hearts.
Bright flagstones, grey-tiled eaves, scattered flowers and trees, curling smoke from cooking fires, the scent of food wafting over from neighbors, and children playing in the courtyard unaware of the setting sun.
Now that we have left the courtyards behind and moved into tall city buildings, we are gradually becoming estranged from the reassuring connection to the earth, gradually forgetting our old dreams of being at one with nature.
Time is just right, life is stable.
Having a courtyard, returning to nature and oneself, brewing tea and reading books, listening to the wind and rain lying down, has become a pursuit.
Many people yearn for a garden of their own, a place where they can be most secretive, relaxed, and comfortable.
If one is fortunate enough to have a courtyard, they can find leisure in an unoccupied room, rest when they have time, and experience the vastness of heaven and earth within their gaze.
A small courtyard is a sanctuary for the soul. In the courtyard, you can experience the Beauty of “flowers in spring and moon in autumn, cool breezes in summer and snow in winter.”
You can let go of your pretenses, listen quietly to the birds singing during your free time, and stroll along the Flower-lined paths in spring.
Small bridges and flowing water, flowers and fish, separated by a wall, the mundane world outside becomes like passing clouds.
A small pond, the sound of dripping water, evokes many memories.
A courtyard gate, opening the heart of many. The tranquility of the courtyard is soothing, with boundless magic.
Brew a pot of tea, burn a stick of incense, sit silently, facing the heavens alone, and enjoy this rare peace and quiet.
The more chaotic the environment, the more anxious people become, the more important it is to know how to slow down, find a quiet place to sit, “know when to stop, then you will be calm; be calm, then you will be peaceful.”
It's wonderful to have a courtyard, to calm the mind, organize oneself, watch flowers, listen to rain, smell fragrances, and be tranquil and composed.
Those who understand courtyards must also understand life. They temporarily leave the urban bustle behind, entrusting their emotions to the mountains and waters, waking up to bird songs every morning, and sleeping under the bright moon at nightfall. Everyone should have a period of such elegant and serene good times in their lives.
No matter how big the world is, perhaps all you really need is a small courtyard, watching flowers climb over fences, letting time pass.