Yu Guan

Author: Xu Dishan / Fu Guangming (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Classics are the treasures left behind by time, portraying and interpreting human nature. The significance of classics lies in their enduring relevance, remaining an unchanging landscape on the bookshelves of readers across generations. In the ever-changing flow of time and life, classics are the words, sounds, and expressions that have conquered time. Those sincere statements, those fearless cries, those reflections on the human spirit awaken our past aspirations, inspire our present courage, and free us from vanity and doubt about the future. These images of wise figures and timeless words purify our souls, our spirits, and teach us what can be missed but never forgotten, what is fleeting yet invaluable.
The authors included in "Insights from Masterpieces of Fiction" are all pioneers and collectors of modern Chinese literature, as well as experimenters and innovators in various new artistic forms. No wonder Shi Zhecun, when speaking of the artistic explorations of his younger contemporaries who emerged after the 1980s, particularly their attempts at "avant-garde" modernist techniques like symbolism, impressionism, and stream of consciousness, once dismissed them with a hint of pride, saying, "All of these, we did in the 1930s, and even better than they did. It’s nothing new."
Indeed, every era deserves its own literature. But classic literature belongs not only to its time but also to later generations of readers who can appreciate and share in its artistic beauty. Xu Dishan was deeply influenced by Buddhist thought in his early years. His early short stories often feature backgrounds from Southeast Asia, imbued with exotic charm, intricate plots, and a romantic atmosphere. His novel Yu Guan, published in 1939, depicts the savior spirit of Yu Guan, a Christian who bravely spreads the teachings of Christ’s love in the face of violent soldiers. Yu Guan, a widow who converted to Christianity, tirelessly travels to spread the gospel, ultimately vowing to cross the ocean alone despite others’ objections. Due to his profound understanding and dedication to Buddhist philosophy, Xu Dishan could interpret it from a philosophical height, enlightening readers with rich and profound life wisdom.
Xu Dishan was a distinctive and uniquely styled writer who emerged during the May Fourth Movement. His novel The Bird with Two Lives was published in the revised Story Monthly. His collection of essays and short stories Echoes from an Empty Mountain was one of the earliest collections of its kind after the May Fourth Movement, serialized in the Story Monthly from 1922. He was one of the founders of the most influential literary group in the history of modern Chinese literature—the Literary Research Association. In the early days of modern literature, he introduced fresh and unique themes, conducted distinctive artistic explorations, and left a lasting impact. The renowned writer Shen Congwen once remarked in the 1930s, "In China, using the lives of special ethnic groups outside the dominant religion as the basis for creation, and employing the profound wisdom and clarity of Buddhist scriptures to demonstrate the beauty and elegance of prose—wherein poetry is not lacking—is one of the essential qualities that elevates prose to a harmonious realm. This harmony refers to blending Christian love, Buddhist enlightenment, modern civilization, and ancient emotions into a seamless whole without forced contrivance." (Shen Congwen, On Lu Hua Sheng)
In the early stages of the May Fourth Movement, Xu Dishan’s works, whether in fiction or essays, undoubtedly played a role in advancing modern Chinese literature.