Yangming culture has attracted much attention in Ningbo. [Photo by Chen Jiesheng] By Dong Na
On Oct. 31 this year, the 550^th birthday of the Chinese neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yangming was celebrated. To commemorate him, recently, the World Yangming Philosophy Conference was held in his birthplace—Yuyao, Ningbo.
Life and Thoughts of Wang Yangming
Wang Yangming (1472-1529) was a Chinese statesman, general, calligrapher, and one of China's leading neo-Confucianism philosophers. He is best known for his philosophy of "unity of knowing and acting", which can be interpreted as a denial of weakness of will.
Born and raised in Yuyao, Wang was among a handful of historic Chinese figures with high moral standards, impressive political feats, and significant intellectual contributions.
Wang was a capable official who successfully handled numerous political crises and armed rebellions during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), as well as a moral philosopher who founded an influential neo-Confucian school of thought that advocates integrating knowledge and actions. Wang Yangming is a household name among intellectuals not only in China, but also in Japan and South Korea.
Wang's Influence Resonates in Modern Times
During the Conference, researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds discussed the theories and practices of Wang's philosophy.
"His thought is practical and reveals a humanistic spirit similar to 'a community with a shared future for mankind'," said Zhu Hanmin, vice-chairman of the International Confucian Association.
"Wang claimed that social governance is based on changing people's thoughts. We can take a page from it when building a community with a shared future for mankind." Chen Zhiping, president of the China Ming Dynasty History Society, insisted that Wang's philosophy is still inspiring in modern times.
Wang believed that knowledge and action are inseparable. This way of thought has become very popular in China in recent years, with it being used to redefine the country's development, growth, and the way it sees itself in the modern world.
With more than 500 years of development, Yangming Culture is more than just a legacy of the treasure trove of Chinese history, rather a bridge for cultural exchange in the modern world.
Wang's doctrines have been discussed in detail by scholars around the world. As some experts see it, Yangming Culture can be regarded as a valuable cultural asset that China has to contribute to the world in modern days. It represents the intellectual achievements and the cultural creativity of the nation.
Ningbo Promotes Yangming Culture
Ningbo has long been committed to the research, promotion, and dissemination of Wang Yangming's ideas. Every year, a series of cultural activities are held.
In recent years, the city has renovated the Former Residence of Wang Yangming and built several landmarks to commemorate the local dignitary, including the Zhongtian Pavilion and Yangming Park.
During Ningbo (Yuyao) Yangming Cultural Week in 2021, a jade carving featuring Wang crafted by national first-class artist Yuan Jiaqi was donated to Yuyao at the launch ceremony. Carved from 1.37 metric tons of Dushan jade, it depicts the scene of Wang visiting Siming Mountain and is now being placed in his former residence in Yuyao. The week-long event included a variety of fora, seminars, and exhibitions.
In February this year, Yangming Ancient Town, a comprehensive tourism facility themed on Wang Yangming broke ground in Yuyao, as one of Ningbo's notable cultural and tourism projects.