Partings are a natural part of life. One snowy winter, Master Hong Yi’s close friend Xu Huanyuan stood outside his door, saying only, “My family has lost everything. May we meet again.” Then he left in tears, without even stepping inside.
Master Hong Yi stood in the snow for an entire hour, watching his friend’s fading figure. Without a word, he returned home, closed the door, and asked a companion to play the piano. With tears in his eyes, he wrote these timeless lines:
“Outside the pavilion, by the ancient road, green grass stretches to the sky. I ask you, when will you return? When you come, do not hesitate.”
This song is not just about saying goodbye to a friend—it is about letting go of a chapter of life. We all need to learn how to part gracefully. No need for long speeches or desperate pleas. A simple “until we meet again,” spoken with sincerity, can warm the coldest of winters. Life is full of meetings and separations—that is its nature. So cherish every encounter, and honor every farewell.