Bittersweet Intersection: The Past and Present of Master Hongyi Li Shutong

Author: Chen Huijian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The most authoritative, authentic, and moving biography of Master Hongyi to date! A heart-and-soul work by Chen Beijian, a "Pillar of Hongxue and a Child of Buddhism"! Li Shucun was one of the most talented geniuses of our time, a truly unique and reclusive individual. He once belonged to our era but ultimately abandoned it, leaping beyond the mortal world. His romantic talent led him to choose Hangzhou, a place of poetic beauty and tender emotions, even after achieving enlightenment. This choice added a new sense of pride to the Hangzhou locals, who were already familiar with the phrase "Here are the lakes and mountains, and here are the lovers of wind and moon."
Master Hongyi, born Li Chengxi, styled Shucun, and named Yanyin, was also known as Hongyi. He was born in Tianjin in 1880. For 39 years before his ordination, he was extraordinarily talented, excelling in calligraphy, seal carving, drama, poetry, music, and literature. His performance in The Lady of the Camellias pioneered Chinese theater, and his lyrics, such as Farewell, became household names across both sides of the Taiwan Strait and are still sung today. He was also the first in China to use human models in teaching, pioneering modern art education. After ordination, he renounced worldly ties and devoted himself to rigorous spiritual practice until his passing in 1942. He was not only a prodigy in the history of art but also a revered monk of Buddhist law in modern history.
The Intersection of Joy and Sorrow is Chen Huijian's masterpiece. His works are pure literature, depicting life and thought with a focus on the actions of individuals,ing their lifestyles to give readers a sense of "being there." Of course, literary writing also relies on comprehensive historical materials as its foundation, making it inevitable that the author's imagination and simulations will be included.
Li Shucun was one of the most talented geniuses of our time, a truly unique and reclusive individual. He once belonged to our era but ultimately abandoned it, leaping beyond the mortal world. His romantic talent led him to choose Hangzhou, a place of poetic beauty and tender emotions, even after achieving enlightenment. This choice added a new sense of pride to the Hangzhou locals, who were already familiar with the phrase "Here are the lakes and mountains, and here are the lovers of wind and moon."
—Lin Yutang
Don't think of me as a proud person—I never was. At least, outside the walls of Master Hongyi's temple, I am so humble.
—Eileen Chang
Simple yet perfect, as if it were crafted by nature. To receive a handwritten scroll from Master Li—how fortunate!
—Lu Xun (handwritten)
I have received your letter and read the master's words. They are truly profound. In literary matters, it is the person that matters. A solid foundation in traditional studies is ideal, but mere knowledge without personal cultivation will never succeed. The ancient texts say: "A scholar must first cultivate character before pursuing art." These are words of wisdom.
—Guo Moruo (In the spring of 1942, Guo Moruo requested a calligraphy piece from Master Hongyi, receiving a scroll inscribed with "My heart is like the bright moon, the clear pool is pure and clean. Nothing can compare to it—how can I describe it?" The scroll was signed "Moruo, for your perusal." Guo Moruo wrote this letter to express his respect to Master Hongyi.)