三种境界 (The Three Realms)

Chinese poems in ancient lyrics figuring the three realms passed through to a success *: 1. seek, see, and set a goal "Butterfly Loves Flower" - by Yan-Shu (991~1055): "As the green trees withered in The autumn wind of yesterevening, Come up the tower alone, and Overlook the skyline a road reaching ..." 2. hard-working on it "Dwelling Phoenix Tree" - by Liu-Yong (987~1053): "No regret of the loosing clothes, And pined away for her worth ..." 3. achieve the mastery New Year's Eve in "Green-jade Desk" - by Xin-Qiji (1140~1207): "Having sought for a thousand times, Turn back to find her under eyes ..."

王国维《人间词话》 二六 古今之成大事业、大学问者必经过三种之境界：“昨夜西风凋碧树。独上高楼，望尽天涯路”，此第一境也。“衣带渐宽终不悔，为伊消得人憔悴”，此第二境也。“众里寻他千百度，蓦然回首，那人却在灯火阑珊处”，此第三境也。

* Cited by Wang-GuoWei (1876-1927): "Poetics the World", section 26; Translated in 2001 © Boathill Studio.