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

Author: Chen Huijian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The most authoritative, authentic, and heart-stirring biography of Master Hongyi to date! A labor of love by the "Pioneer of Hongxue and Child of Buddhism," Chen Beijian. 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 romance and poetic 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 Shucun, with the dharma name Yanyin and the title Hongyi, 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 ordination, he renounced worldly ties and devoted himself to rigorous spiritual practice until his death in 1942. He was not only a genius in the history of art but also a highly respected monk in the history of modern Buddhist law.
The Intersection of Joy and Sorrow is Chen Huijian's representative work. Chen Huijian's writings are pure literature, depicting life and thought, focusing on the life of the subject and recreating their way of living to give readers a sense of "being there." Of course, literary writing requires all 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 romance and poetic 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 was. At least, outside the walls of Master Hongyi's temple, I am so humble.
—Eileen Chang
Naive yet perfect, as if it came naturally from the heavens. To receive a handscroll by Master Li—how fortunate!
—Lu Xun (handwritten)
I have received your letter and agree with your words. In literary matters, the person is paramount. A foundation in traditional studies is excellent, but mere knowledge without personal cultivation will never suffice. The ancients said: "A scholar must first cultivate character before pursuing art." These are words of profound insight.
—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 reflects purity. 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.)