宽窄中的生活真谛—— 李文金 ‍The true meaning of life in width and narrowness ‍—— Li Wenjin

躍龍

　　周末，应朋友之邀，去往成都考察康养文旅项目。乘坐南航的“银鸟”一路向西，窗外蓝天清新透明，映照出银冀之下的山河壮美。雪峰山连绵起伏，黑龙滩湖如珍珠玉带，系于龙泉山脉之间，泛着粼粼的波光。

At the weekend, I went to Chengdu to investigate health and cultural tourism projects at the invitation of a friend. I took China Southern Airlines' "Silver Bird" all the way west. The blue sky outside the window was fresh and transparent, reflecting the magnificent mountains and rivers under the silver wing. The Xuefeng Mountain was rolling, and the Heilongtan Lake was like a pearl jade belt, tied between the Longquan Mountains, with sparkling waves.

　　千里飞行，成都与长沙的气候判若云泥。暮春的长沙如步盛夏，着一件单衣走在日头之下，便有汗渗，而成都依然春风拂面，微凉未了。夕阳下的成都平原宁静而祥和，脚一踩上这片土地，我便感受到一种温婉与雅致的气息，体会到这座城市独有而浓郁的安逸特质。

After flying thousands of miles, the climates of Chengdu and Changsha are completely different. Changsha in late spring is like walking in midsummer. Wearing only a single layer of clothing and walking under the sun, you will sweat. However, Chengdu is still slightly cool with the spring breeze. The Chengdu Plain under the setting sun is quiet and peaceful. As soon as I set foot on this land, I can feel a gentle and elegant atmosphere and experience the unique and rich comfort of this city.

　　我素来不喜欢斛筹交错的俗套，而对四处自由行走充满激情。朋友为尽地主之谊，安排了接待，我托辞缺席，独自去往并不生疏的宽窄巷，感受那里的市井气息，品尝地道的川味小吃。

I have always disliked the clichés of the world, and I am passionate about walking around freely. My friend arranged a reception to show his hospitality, but I excused myself from attending and went to the familiar Kuanzhai Alley alone to feel the atmosphere of the market and taste authentic Sichuan snacks.

　　从成都双流机场到宽窄巷不足二十公里，拥堵常态也没挪下西部重镇这一偏隅。抵达宽窄巷巷口时，已是华灯初上，夜色阑珊。十五的月光洒下柔和的清辉，街市上的霓虹灯光五颜六色，滑亮的青石板如镜片倒映五彩斑斓的光晕。踏着光晕散漫地行走，仿佛置身于一个遥远的梦境。每一段青石路面，每一处古老门楣，无不散发岁月的沧桑感，凸显历史的厚重气。月光下的青砖黛瓦、飞檐翘角，给喧闹的小巷渲染着恬静的底色。古老的建筑和宽窄不一的小巷，处处攒积着苍老深邃的旧习气，让人止不住神思飞越，放任地沉湎于神秘而古朴的遐想之中。

　　It is less than 20 kilometers from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport to Kuanzhai Alley, and the normal congestion has not moved away from this remote corner of the western city. When I arrived at the entrance of Kuanzhai Alley, the lights were on and the night was fading. The moonlight of the fifteenth day of the lunar month cast a soft and clear glow, the neon lights on the street were colorful, and the smooth bluestone slabs reflected the colorful halos like lenses. Walking leisurely along the halo, it seems like being in a distant dream. Every section of bluestone pavement and every ancient door lintel exudes a sense of vicissitudes of time and highlights the heavy atmosphere of history. The blue bricks and black tiles, flying eaves and corners under the moonlight render a tranquil background to the noisy alleys. The ancient buildings and alleys of varying widths are full of old and profound old habits, which make people unable to stop their minds from flying and indulge in mysterious and simple reverie.

　　宽窄巷子人流如织，人们驻足观看各类表演：变脸的把式、喷火的小丑、川剧的演员、剪纸的艺人、捏面人儿的师傅，还有弹吉他的时尚歌手……远超八仙的神通，令人目不暇接，眼花缭乱。

Kuanzhai Alley is bustling with people, who stop to watch various performances: face-changing masters, fire-breathing clowns, Sichuan opera actors, paper-cutting artists, dough figurine masters, and fashionable singers playing the guitar... The magical powers far exceed those of the Eight Immortals, and it is a feast for the eyes.

　　宽窄巷子的建筑从砖墙木楼到巴蜀民俗小院，处处展现着老成都的历史文化风貌，充满了浓浓的市井味。走进老字号“可居茶馆”，我坐在檀木桌前，茶博士的长嘴铜壶口倒出的茶水，在青花盖碗上空划出一道弧线，水柱声与檐角风铃声相和悦耳。琥珀色的茶汤里，千年茶韵悠悠。茶香裹着老成都的慢时光，峨眉甘露与碧潭飘雪在盖碗中舒展，沉淀的不仅是茶味，更是巴蜀人家的闲适与安逸。

The buildings in Kuanzhai Alley, from brick-walled wooden buildings to Bashu folk courtyards, show the historical and cultural features of old Chengdu everywhere, and are full of the flavor of the market. Walking into the time-honored "Keju Teahouse", I sat at the sandalwood table. The tea poured out from the long-mouthed copper kettle of the tea master drew an arc above the blue and white covered bowl. The sound of the water column and the sound of the wind chimes on the eaves were harmonious and pleasant. The amber tea soup has a thousand-year-old tea charm. The tea fragrance wrapped the slow time of old Chengdu, and the Emei nectar and Bitan snow stretched in the covered bowl. What was precipitated was not only the taste of tea, but also the leisure and comfort of the Bashu people.

　　抛开繁忙的生活，把心境留给舒适与享受。走累了，我在宽窄巷子路边的竹椅上躺下，仰望星空，繁星点点之下，“舒耳郎”用鹅毛棒轻轻拂过耳道，酥麻感从耳膜传导，仿佛电流突然游走周身，让人于不觉之间身心放松，体验极致的舒适感。

Leave the busy life behind and leave the mind to comfort and enjoyment. When I was tired, I lay down on a bamboo chair on the side of Kuanzhai Alley and looked up at the starry sky. Under the stars, "Shuerlang" gently brushed the ear canal with a goose feather stick. The tingling sensation was transmitted from the eardrum, as if the current suddenly traveled through the body, making people relax physically and mentally without realizing it, and experience the ultimate comfort.

　　宽窄巷里，游人们尽情享受着惬意的时光，欣赏风物，购买礼物，品尝小吃。我随人流漫走，进到一家隐匿在巷子深处的“听香川菜馆”。一进门，一幅精致的铁花雕屏映入眼帘，小院是典型的川西原著民居风格，青砖灰瓦，承载着老成都人的记忆与情怀。繁体的“听香”招牌古朴隽秀，与隔壁的“莲花子”古铜器店相得益彰，既接地气，又氤氲着仙味。跨进月洞门，八仙桌上方的鸟笼里传来画眉的清啼，我微微心动，忆起春天走在田间小路上享受这耳福的况味。庭院墙角的芭蕉林和翠绿楠竹，在月辉下阴影婆娑，暗香浮动。泛着月白光的太阳伞下，十几张方桌错落有致，洒下柔和的灯辉，现代与古雅交融，营造出舒适的用餐氛围。游客们聚集在此，喝着啤酒，听着音乐，品尝川菜，体验老成都悠闲的生活情调。

　　In Kuanzhai Alley, tourists enjoy a relaxing time, appreciate the scenery, buy gifts, and taste snacks. I followed the crowd and walked into a "Tingxiang Sichuan Restaurant" hidden deep in the alley. As soon as I entered the door, an exquisite iron flower carved screen came into view. The courtyard is a typical Sichuan-Western original residential style, with blue bricks and gray tiles, carrying the memories and feelings of the old Chengdu people. The traditional Chinese "Tingxiang" sign is simple and elegant, which complements the "Lotus Seed" antique bronze shop next door. It is both down-to-earth and full of fairy flavor. Stepping into the moon cave door, the clear cry of the thrush came from the birdcage above the Eight Immortals Table. I was slightly moved, and recalled the taste of walking on the field path in spring to enjoy this ear blessing. The banana forest and green bamboo in the corner of the courtyard wall are dancing in the moonlight, and the fragrance is floating. Under the moonlit parasols, dozens of square tables are arranged in an orderly manner, casting soft lights, blending modern and ancient elegance, creating a comfortable dining atmosphere. Tourists gather here, drinking beer, listening to music, tasting Sichuan cuisine, and experiencing the leisurely lifestyle of old Chengdu.

　　我在芭蕉林下找到一张桌位，服务员迅即送上清凉的冷饮和精致的菜单，耳边同时传来萨克斯的轻悠音乐。晚风拂过，心旷神怡。雅璇点了几道传统川味特色菜：呛锅鲈鱼、麻婆豆腐、大刀回锅肉、鸡丝凉面、红油凉拌鸡、翡翠芦笋，还有一份精致的小吃攒盒。每一道菜都是精心烹制，味道鲜美独特，让人口舌生香。川菜的魅力，就见诸于麻、辣、咸、甜、苦、香、酸的釜中交织，泛滥于每个人的三寸味蕾变幻。人生百味，食物千奇，口舌之乐，是几人可以说得清，道得明的。美食是生活的滋味，是天道的酬酢，是人类的智慧，也是活着的美好。

　　I found a table under the banana trees, and the waiter immediately brought me a cool drink and an exquisite menu, while the gentle music of the saxophone came to my ears. The evening breeze blew by, and I felt relaxed and happy. Yaxuan ordered several traditional Sichuan specialties: hot pot sea bass, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork with a big knife, cold noodles with shredded chicken, cold chicken with red oil, emerald asparagus, and an exquisite snack box. Each dish is carefully prepared, with a delicious and unique taste that makes people's mouths fragrant. The charm of Sichuan cuisine is seen in the interweaving of numbness, spiciness, saltiness, sweetness, bitterness, fragrance, and sourness in the pot, which overflows into the changes of everyone's three-inch taste buds. Life is full of flavors, food is a thousand wonders, and the joy of the tongue is something that few people can explain clearly. Food is the taste of life, the reward of heaven, the wisdom of mankind, and the beauty of being alive.

　　走出听香川菜馆，夜色已深。小巷深处，青砖黛瓦下，古朴的屋檐挂满大红的灯笼，古色古香，幽远而又耀眼。街市上，商铺的吆喝声和艺人的弹唱声依然不绝如缕。我沉浸在宽窄巷的夜色里，思如飞蓬御风而行。

When I walked out of Tingxiangchuan Restaurant, it was already dark. Deep in the alley, under the blue bricks and black tiles, the simple eaves were hung with red lanterns, ancient and charming, distant and dazzling. In the street market, the shouts of merchants and the singing of artists were still endless. I was immersed in the night of Kuanzhai Alley, and my thoughts were like flying puffs flying in the wind.

　　“心若窄时宽亦窄，心若宽时窄亦宽。”宽是一种智慧，是一种包容，它能让你心胸开阔，朋友遍天下；窄则是一种专注，一种深沉，它能让你精益求精，成为行家里手。宽窄之道，是人生的自我修行，是对立统一的哲学体现。宽窄互补，是天道的基石；宽窄平衡，是和谐的源泉。一个社会既需要广阔的包容性，也需要规范的秩序性。

"If your heart is narrow, then your mind will be narrow; if your heart is broad, then your mind will be broad." Broadness is a kind of wisdom and tolerance, which can make you open-minded and have friends all over the world; narrowness is a kind of concentration and depth, which can make you strive for excellence and become an expert. The way of broadness and narrowness is the self-cultivation of life and the philosophical embodiment of the unity of opposites. The complementarity of broadness and narrowness is the cornerstone of the way of heaven; the balance of broadness and narrowness is the source of harmony. A society needs both broad tolerance and standardized order.

　　夜已深沉，我们驱车半小时，穿过灯火阑珊的成都市区，来到远离喧嚣的郫县小乡村——浣花溪村，住进中铁文旅春台悦康养山庄。乡村的夜晚，没有城市的喧嚣，没有生活的烦恼，只有大自然的宁静与纯粹。

It was late at night. We drove for half an hour, passing through the dimly lit urban area of Chengdu, and arrived at Huanhuaxi Village, a small village in Pi County far away from the hustle and bustle, and stayed in Chuntaiyue Health Resort. In the countryside at night, there is no hustle and bustle of the city, no worries of life, only the tranquility and purity of nature.

　　夜色渐浓，我独自坐在露天阳台上，欣赏乡村的夜景。春风拂面，繁星点点，远处的蛙声和蟋蟀声此起彼伏，仿佛在诉说着乡村的宁静与美好。思绪随着晚风飘荡，融入这孤寂而深邃的夜色。

As the night deepened, I sat alone on the open-air balcony, enjoying the night view of the countryside. The spring breeze blew on my face, the stars twinkled, and the sounds of frogs and crickets in the distance rose and fell, as if telling the tranquility and beauty of the countryside. My thoughts drifted with the evening breeze, blending into this lonely and deep night.

　　第二天清晨，大地被一层薄雾轻纱笼罩，远处的山峦若隐若现，宛如一幅淡墨山水画。我从睡梦中醒来，步出住处门外，走向田野。乡村的早晨，烟霭如黛，色彩淡雅，构成了一幅宁静而美丽的画面。泛青的油菜田散发着淡淡的油菜籽清香，紫藤架下，紫藤花如风铃般轻轻摇曳，花瓣随风飘落，平添一份浪漫与遐想。

The next morning, the earth was covered by a thin layer of mist, and the mountains in the distance were looming, like a light ink landscape painting. I woke up from my sleep, walked out of the door, and walked towards the fields. The morning in the countryside is misty and elegant, forming a peaceful and beautiful picture. The green rapeseed fields exude a faint rapeseed fragrance. Under the wisteria frame, the wisteria flowers swayed gently like wind chimes, and the petals fell with the wind, adding a touch of romance and reverie.

　　走过紫藤架，我漫步在绿草如茵的阡陌小路上。浅浅的水塘四周，香蒲草、梭鱼草、鸢尾花、睡莲等植物簇拥在一起，五彩斑斓，鲜艳夺目。水塘岸边，垂柳依依，在微风中轻轻摇曳，宛如诗意的梦幻，令人心旷神怡。

I walked past the wisteria trellis and strolled along the green path. Around the shallow pond, cattails, pickerel grass, irises, water lilies and other plants clustered together, colorful and eye-catching. On the bank of the pond, weeping willows swayed gently in the breeze, like a poetic dream, refreshing.

　　水塘四周，规整地开辟出一大片“一米菜园”，足有三十多块小菜地，专门供住在康养山庄的老人们种菜、浇水、采摘，享受田园劳动的乐趣。每块菜地里，辣椒、茄子、豆角等蔬菜长势喜人，藤架上攀附着茁壮的菜苗。老人们成双成对，有的挥锄挖土，有的栽苗施肥，有的提水浇灌，脸上洋溢着幸福的笑容。

Around the pond, a large "one-meter vegetable garden" has been neatly opened up, with more than 30 small vegetable plots, which are specially used by the elderly living in the health resort to plant vegetables, water them, pick them, and enjoy the fun of farm work. In each vegetable plot, peppers, eggplants, beans and other vegetables are growing well, and thriving seedlings are clinging to the trellises. The elderly are in pairs, some wielding hoes to dig the soil, some planting seedlings and fertilizing, and some fetching water for irrigation, with happy smiles on their faces.

　　在一爿蚕豆地里，一串串饱满的蚕豆挂满枝头。一对满头白发的老夫妇正在收摘蚕豆，妇人把刚摘的一盆蚕豆装进塑料袋，送给旁边浇水的老大娘。男人觉得少了点，又匆匆摘下一把塞进袋里，分享他们的劳动成果。她们相互推让，脸上露出甜美的笑容，邻里间的温情在康养大家庭里流淌。

In a broad bean field, bunches of plump broad beans hang from the branches. An elderly couple with white hair are picking broad beans. The woman puts a pot of broad beans she just picked into a plastic bag and gives it to the old lady who is watering the plants next to her. The man feels that it is a little less, so he quickly picks another handful and puts it into his bag, sharing the fruits of their labor. They push each other around with sweet smiles on their faces, and the warmth between neighbors flows in the health care family.

　　游走在两边栽有银杏树的碎石小道上，仿佛置身于一个绿色的梦境。阳光透过银杏叶洒落下来，斑驳的光影映照在结满露珠的草尖上，熠熠生辉。一缕清风吹过，翠绿的扇形小叶轻轻摇曳，好似自然的交响乐在耳边低吟。一对年迈的老夫妇手牵手，在林荫小道上蹒跚前行，脸上洋溢着满足与幸福。

Walking on the gravel path lined with ginkgo trees, it feels like being in a green dream. The sun shines through the ginkgo leaves, and the mottled light and shadows are reflected on the tips of the grass covered with dewdrops, shining brightly. A breeze blows, and the emerald green fan-shaped leaflets sway gently, like a symphony of nature humming in your ears. An elderly couple walks hand in hand on the tree-lined path, their faces filled with satisfaction and happiness.

　　在宽窄巷子的热闹与乡村的宁静之间，在老人们的愉悦生活中，我感悟到了生活的智慧与人生的意义。生活，本就是一场修行。宽窄之间，藏着生活最质朴的真意。

Between the bustle of Kuanzhai Alley and the tranquility of the countryside, and in the happy lives of the elderly, I realized the wisdom and meaning of life. Life is a practice. Between the wide and narrow, the most simple true meaning of life is hidden.

　　宽，是一种包容与豁达。宽窄巷子里，来自五湖四海的游客汇聚于此，不同的语言、不同的文化在这里交织，却毫无违和感。人们在这里享受美食、欣赏表演、购买特色礼物，每个人都能找到属于自己的乐趣。这种包容，是宽窄巷子的魅力所在，也是生活的智慧。它告诉我们，世界因不同而精彩，因包容而和谐。

Wideness is a kind of tolerance and open-mindedness. Tourists from all over the world gather in Kuanzhai Alley. Different languages and cultures are intertwined here, but there is no sense of disobedience. People enjoy food, appreciate performances, and buy special gifts here. Everyone can find their own fun. This tolerance is the charm of Kuanzhai Alley and the wisdom of life. It tells us that the world is wonderful because of differences and harmonious because of tolerance.

　　窄，是一种专注与深入。在乡村的康养山庄，老人们专注于自己的菜园，从播种到收获，每一个环节都倾注了心血。他们或许只种几样蔬菜，但每一样都长得茁壮，每一颗果实都饱含甜蜜。这种专注，是窄的智慧，是对生活的热爱与用心。它告诉我们，专注才能深入，深入才能收获。

Narrowness is a kind of concentration and depth. In the rural health resort, the elderly focus on their own vegetable gardens, from sowing to harvesting, and they put their heart and soul into every link. They may only grow a few vegetables, but each one grows well, and each fruit is full of sweetness. This kind of concentration is narrow wisdom, and it is a love and dedication to life. It tells us that only by focusing can we go deep, and only by going deep can we reap rewards.

　　生活，需要宽窄平衡。宽窄巷子的热闹与乡村的宁静，恰似生活的两面。宽，让我们拥有广阔的视野和胸怀；窄，让我们能够深入生活的细节，感受每一寸时光的美好。宽窄平衡，才能让生活既有烟火气，又有诗意。

Life needs a balance between width and narrowness. The bustle of wide and narrow alleys and the tranquility of the countryside are like two sides of life. Wideness allows us to have a broad vision and mind; narrowness allows us to delve into the details of life and feel the beauty of every moment. Only by balancing width and narrowness can life have both the flavor of fireworks and poetry.

　　生活，需要珍惜当下。在乡村的清晨，我看到老人们在菜园里忙碌，脸上洋溢着满足的笑容。他们或许没有太多物质财富，但每一个清晨的阳光、每一颗亲手种下的果实，都是他们生活的宝藏。珍惜当下，才能在平凡的日子里，找到属于自己的幸福。

In life, we need to cherish the present. In the early morning in the countryside, I saw the elderly busy in the vegetable garden, with satisfied smiles on their faces. They may not have much material wealth, but every morning sunshine and every fruit they planted with their own hands are treasures of their lives. Only by cherishing the present can we find our own happiness in ordinary days.

　　生活，需要与自然和谐共生。乡村的夜晚，星空璀璨，蛙声和虫鸣交织成一首自然的乐章。在这里，人与自然没有隔阂，彼此相依。清晨的田野，薄雾轻纱，花香四溢，让人感受到大自然的馈赠。生活，本应如此，与自然和谐共生，才能找到内心的宁静与满足。

Life needs to coexist harmoniously with nature. In the countryside at night, the starry sky is bright, and the sounds of frogs and insects interweave into a natural melody. Here, there is no barrier between man and nature, and they depend on each other. In the early morning, the fields are covered with mist and the fragrance of flowers is everywhere, making people feel the gift of nature. Life should be like this. Only by coexisting harmoniously with nature can we find inner peace and satisfaction.

　　在成都的这两天，我在宽窄巷子的热闹中感受生活的烟火气，在乡村的宁静中体会自然的馈赠。我看到了老人们在菜园里的专注与满足，听到了民间艺人在小巷中的欢声笑语，闻到了川菜的麻辣鲜香，也感受到了乡村夜晚的宁静与美好。

During the two days in Chengdu, I felt the hustle and bustle of life in the bustle of Kuanzhai Alley and the gift of nature in the tranquility of the countryside. I saw the concentration and satisfaction of the elderly in the vegetable garden, heard the laughter of folk artists in the alleys, smelled the spicy and fresh fragrance of Sichuan cuisine, and felt the tranquility and beauty of the countryside at night.

　　生活，或许就是这样，在宽窄之间寻找平衡，在烟火与诗意之间找到真意。它不需要太多的奢华与喧嚣，只需要一颗包容的心，一份专注的情，和对当下的珍惜。在宽窄巷子的热闹与乡村的宁静之间，我找到了生活的真意，也找到了内心的宁静。

Life, perhaps, is like this, finding a balance between wide and narrow, and finding the true meaning between fireworks and poetry. It does not need too much luxury and noise, but only a tolerant heart, a focused feeling, and cherishment of the present. Between the bustle of wide and narrow alleys and the tranquility of the countryside, I found the true meaning of life and the inner peace.

——乙巳暮春于长沙

——Late spring in Changsha in Yisi