Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Reading Time: 2 minutesChinese Neo-Confucianism was the focus of the “Unity of Knowledge and Action: Exploring the Origins of Chinese Neo-Confucianism” Guizhou Study Tour, which concluded on July 14 at the Confucius Academy in Guiyang. This event marked the end of the International Confucian Association’s 2024 Sinology Youth Scholars Study Camp, wrapping up an enriching 8-day exploration of this philosophical tradition.
Beginning on July 7, 22 young sinology scholars from 15 countries across five continents embarked on this journey. Starting in Longchang, the site where Wang Yangming first achieved enlightenment, the scholars followed in the footsteps of the revered sage through the picturesque mountains and rivers of the region. This immersive experience allowed them to retrace Wang Yangming’s psychological journey and gain a profound understanding of the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism.
Guiyang, a city where natural scenery and splendid culture complement each other, offers participants the opportunity to appreciate its ecological beauty and experience the dynamic vitality of Guizhou as it modernizes.
French scholar Lin Sanzhe was captivated by Guiyang’s natural beauty, while Australian scholar Tommy Tan expressed deep admiration for the sage Yangming’s spirit of seeking truth in adversity. Anil Paudel from Nepal was deeply moved by Wang Yangming’s perseverance in spreading his doctrines despite challenging environments.
The successful hosting of the sinology camp exemplifies Guiyang Confucius Academy’s efforts in transforming and utilizing Guizhou’s Yangming Culture. It also serves as a vibrant practice in promoting traditional Chinese culture worldwide and facilitating mutual learning among global civilizations.
Li Jingjing, director of the office of Guiyang Confucius Academy, shared the original intention behind planning the activity: Yangming’s enlightenment at Longchang represents a pinnacle in Chinese Neo-Confucianism. The hope is that the sinology camp would help young scholars gain a deeper understanding of the origins and peak of Chinese Neo-Confucianism.
The sinology camp’s curriculum was meticulously designed to connect Yangming culture with the history and culture of Guizhou province and its capital, Guiyang. Participants experienced the charm of Chinese Neo-Confucianism and Guizhou through a variety of courses. These included the core curriculum “Enlightenment at Longchang: Exploring the Origins of Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism,” feature supplementary courses “Colorful Guizhou, Cool Guiyang,” experiential courses “Unity of Knowledge and Action: Applying What We Learn,” and exchange courses “Thought Provocation: Learning from Each Other.”
The study routes were carefully planned, with one main line leading participants to fully understand Yangming’s wisdom and realm. Three auxiliary lines showcased the ecological beauty, cultural charm, and contemporary development of Guizhou. Through the study tour, participants gained both knowledge and emotional rewards.
At the camp’s closing ceremony, Dai Jianwei, Director of the Cultural Communication Center of Guiyang Confucius Academy, expressed hope that participants would internalize the essence of the Yangming School of Neo-Confucianism and manifest it in their actions. This would help them become knowledgeable sinologists who present a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China to the world.