Mind has an appointment

Author: Liang Yancheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: My Heart Has an Appointment is divided into four sections: "Sincere Confessions," "Ode to Love," "Sky of Humanity," and "Wanderer's Reflections." It subtly narrates familial bonds, such as, "When trees wish to be still, the wind does not stop; when children wish to care, parents are no longer there—this is the regret of the virtuous." Reading Su Dongpo's West River Moon in autumn evokes reflections on life: in the depths of despair, one firmly believes in eventual rebirth, so every step in life is not a dream but a stage of realizing one's value. During Hong Kong's fight against SARS, Dr. Xie Wanwen, a dedicated physician, tragically lost her life. Liang Yancheng wrote three essays titled Reflections Brought by Dr. Xie, filled with profound reverence, urging people to truly act, to reflect on reason and morality. As a speaker and philanthropist, Mr. Liang dedicates over one-third of his time each year to traveling worldwide, engaging with business professionals through speeches, sermons, and discussions to spread ideas, raise funds, and implement support. His global journeys have allowed him to vividly depict exotic landscapes in "Wanderer's Reflections," from the beauty of Florence to the atmosphere of Heidelberg, the ancient castles along the Rhine, and the battlefields of Belgium—all brought to life in his writing, leaving readers in awe. The resilience of Chinese civilization and society over millennia, and the Chinese nation's enduring presence in the world despite suffering, rely on the continuous and pervasive influence of Chinese culture. China's resurgence requires multifaceted efforts, and the renewal and reconstruction of its culture are a crucial part of this. Mr. Liang's study of Chinese philosophy and his founding of a Chinese culture magazine stem from this wish: "I want to help my motherland." This simple patriotism evokes a broad compassion for humanity. Establishing institutions and magazines in overseas dedicated to researching Chinese culture is an almost impossible dream. Humanities and social science research institutions and academic journals struggle for survival. Due to half a century of upheaval in mainland China, many excellent cultural traditions have been completely disrupted. The continuation of a healthy spiritual lineage overseas is rare, and it has cost Mr. Liang immense effort. With his beliefs and courage, he persists in promoting Chinese culture abroad, filled with a sense of vigilance and constant concern for his homeland, embodying a deep Chinese identity. My Heart Has an Appointment showcases his unique personal charm, inviting readers to rediscover the soul and spirit of the Chinese nation. Dr. Liang possesses a profound foundation in Chinese culture, evident in the subtleties of his writing. He discusses Confucius's ideas: "The nobleman harmonizes yet differs, the petty man conforms yet discordant," "The nobleman is dignified yet does not compete, united yet not factional," "Man is born upright." Zhuangzi's insights: "These are the changes of things, the course of destiny," "The supreme person has no dreams." Laozi's philosophy: "The Dao is nameless, simple," "The Way is eternal, nameless." Cheng Mingdao's teachings: "The eternal nature of heaven and earth is to spread all things without self," "The eternal nature of the sage is to all things without emotion." Wang Yangming's emphasis on sincerity and compassion. At the same time, he absorbs the essence of foreign civilizations: Martin Buber, Marcel Proust, Freud, Cervantes. This inclusive approach offers an inspiration for our nation's development: as we contemplate the globalized world, China must not only integrate into the Western world and become as strong as them but also strive to establish a distinct culture, building a powerful, peaceful, and benevolent China, one with greater depth. At the end of My Heart Has an Appointment, there is an interview with Jiang Deng and Liang Yancheng, where readers