Melancholy and Joy Intertwined—The Past and Present of Master Hongyi Li Shutong

Author: Chen Huijian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The most authoritative, authentic, and heart-stirring biography of Master Hongyi to date! A labor of love by Chen Beijian, a "master of Hongxue and a devoted Buddhist." Li Shutong was one of the most talented geniuses of our time, a truly extraordinary 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 romance and beauty, even after achieving enlightenment, adding a new sense of pride to the Hangzhou locals, who were accustomed to the phrase "the lakes and mountains here, the wind and moon of this person."
Master Hongyi, born Li Chengxi, styled Shutong, and named Yanyin, was given the posthumous name Hongyi. He was born in Tianjin in 1880. For the 39 years before his ordination, he was extraordinarily talented, excelling in calligraphy, seal carving, drama, poetry, music, and literature. His performance of La Dame aux Camélias pioneered modern 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 ordaining, he renounced worldly ties and devoted his life to rigorous practice until his death 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. Chen Huijian's works are pure literature, depicting life and thought, focusing on the actions of a person's life anding their way of living to give readers a sense of "being there." Of course, literary writing also requires all historical materials as its foundation, so it is inevitable that the author's imagination and simulations will be added.
Li Shutong was one of the most talented geniuses of our time, a truly extraordinary 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 romance and beauty, even after achieving enlightenment, adding a new sense of pride to the Hangzhou locals, who were accustomed to the phrase "the lakes and mountains here, the wind and moon of this person."
—Lin Yutang
Don't think of me as a proud person—I never have been. At least, outside the walls of Master Hongyi's temple, I am so humble.
—Eileen Chang
Simple yet perfect, as if it were born of nature. To receive a handscroll by Master Li—how fortunate!
—Lu Xun (handwritten)
I have received your letter and agree with your words. In literature, 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 (Guo Moruo requested calligraphy from Master Hongyi in spring 1942 and received a scroll inscribed with "My heart is like the bright moon, the clear pool is pure and bright. Nothing can compare to it—how can I describe it?" The scroll was signed "Guo Moruo, for your perusal." Guo Moruo wrote this letter to express his respect to Master Hongyi.)