In the history of modern Chinese culture, there is a versatile all-rounder, he is proficient in calligraphy, music, painting, acting, and was praised by Lin Yutang as "the most peculiar and independent person in our era", Feng Zikai even described what he did in his life. Even Lu Xun was happy for half a year because he got one of his words. This legendary figure is Master Hongyi - Li Shutong.
However, people admire his talent and often fail to understand the frustration and sadness he experienced. The CCTV documentary "A Generation of Master Li Shutong" records his life of exile in detail.
In just over 60 years of life, Li Shutong has experienced national turmoil, wars, and tragedies of family ruin, family death, and separation of relatives and friends. However, even in the face of such difficult circumstances, he never felt sorry for himself. On the contrary, he turned all his suffering into a boat that crossed by himself, and lived his life to the extreme and wonderful.
Through this documentary, you can understand a truth: there has never been a real desperate situation in life. As long as we can endure hardships, endure hardships, and go with the flow, we will be able to turn danger into safety and find a new turning point in life.
Episode 1:Zhumen Gongzi
Li Shutong, born in 1880, was born in Tianjin into a famous family. His father, Zeng Zhongjinshi, later became the richest man in the local area, and became friendly with officialdom such as Li Hongzhang. Uncle Li, who has been brilliant since childhood, was taught by celebrities and showed amazing talent. Like many of his peers, he was determined to make a name for himself and serve his country. However, the times were turbulent and setbacks shattered his ideals.
He admired Xinxue, but the imperial examination still won the rank of eight shares, and he failed three times; He supported Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao's reforms, but the changes failed, and he suffered from **, so he had to move his family to Shanghai. At that time, most of the wealthy people fled overseas, but Li Shutong did not escape, but was determined to succeed in his studies, inspire the people's wisdom, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the country.
He applied for the Shanghai New School, studied hard, and mastered Japanese and English within a year. Later, he founded the "Shanghai Society" and set up free cram schools so that the people at the bottom could also receive education. In addition, he led by example, resolutely resisted stereotypes, and held a simple and civilized funeral for his mother, which caused a local sensation. Through the spread of new ideas and customs, he has influenced generations of people.
In life, everyone will experience ups and downs and turbulences, but when faced with the same circumstances, people have different choices. Some people passively accept the mercy of fate and live in chaos; And some people have the courage to challenge and try to change their destiny. Maybe you're going through a low point in your life right now, but no matter what, don't give up easily. Keep trying, do your best, and maybe you can break through the difficulties and move towards success.
Episode 2: Pioneers of the Art Sea.
Voltaire once said: "There can be no great cause without experiencing great difficulties." In the process of Li Shutong's pursuit of his career, darkness and loneliness became part of what he had to experience.
After the defeat of the First Sino-Japanese War, with his love for the country, Li Shutong decided to go to Japan to study advanced theories in order to realize his dream of literature and art to help the world. However, the road is not smooth. The art field in the country is almost blank, and everything has to start from scratch. Alone in a foreign country, he has to face a heavy academic load, and he is always concerned about the country and the people.
The night was long, and the loneliness was unbearable. There are no relatives, no friends, just a yellow lamp and a scroll. However, he endured loneliness and began his own learning journey. He studied hard, tutored Japanese, and taught himself fine arts. No matter the heat or the cold, he never stopped studying hard. In addition, he also writes articles part-time, discusses current affairs, compiles magazines, acts in dramas, etc., and uses 12 points of earnestness to improve his talent.
Eventually, he became the best of his class and won praise from his teachers. André Gide said: "Man needs to go through difficulties, because it is in difficulties that he can find himself. "Suffering is a test that life has to go through. If you have not experienced darkness, how can you firmly pursue the light? If you haven't experienced loneliness, how can you silently cultivate your talents? When you're struggling and confused, don't give up. As long as you have the courage to try, not afraid of difficulties, and take one step at a time, you can gradually get closer to your goal.
Episode 3:Xingtan celebrities
Uncle Li's story after returning to China became the third episode of the documentary.
In 1911, Uncle Li returned from studying abroad, but encountered revolutionary turmoil, and the family's million-dollar foundation was burned. In order to make a living, he was only offered to teach at a normal school in Zhejiang.
This once beautiful son-in-law is now wearing simple clothes and teaching knowledge to students. He knew he was lucky to have a job in those turbulent times.
He not only did his best to teach and educate people, but even sponsored poor students. Under his careful teaching, a number of famous artists emerged. Cartoonist Feng Zikai, master of Chinese culture Pan Tiantao, ** Wu Mengfei ......All of them were his students. Li Shutong also has the title of "Xingtan Celebrity".
Li Shutong's experience tells us that no matter what the situation is, people always have to look forward.
Take a long-term view and let the past become the past so that life can be restartedFrom now on, be a person who can afford to take and put down, look down on gains and losses, and not be afraid of success or failure. In this way, life can open up more possibilities.
Episode 4:Nanshan Lonely Minister
Li Shutong has experienced many identities, however, despite Li Shutong's success in education, he has always felt helpless in his heart. Under the influence of a joke from a friend, he decided to let go of the distractions of the world and become a monk. Since then, there is no longer Li Shutong in the world, only the mage with the legal name "Hongyi".
Venerable Hongyi retreated behind closed doors, traveled and lectured, and taught the Dharma to people. After experiencing the baptism of the world, he finally found inner peace and contentment.
His life tells us that even in the face of adversity, as long as we have hope and perseverance, we can still find another possibility in life. May we all clear the fog of life and keep the clouds open and see the moon.
At the end of his life, Master Hongyi left four big words: "Sadness and joy".
These four short words profoundly interpret the true meaning of life, and it is also a portrayal of many people's lives.
Life is like a magnificent epic, with joys and sorrows, laughter and tears. It won't go exactly the way we want it to, neither as good as we want it to be, nor as bad as we fear.
However, it is important that we approach whatever life brings to the fore with an optimistic mindset. Such a mentality is enough to keep us strong through the ups and downs of life.
In the days to come, let us relax and look down on the world. Don't let yesterday's pain haunt today's mood, but embrace tomorrow with enthusiasm and hope.
Firmly believe that every suffering will be rewarded, and every question will have the best answer. Although the journey of life is tortuous, as long as we move forward bravely with an open-minded heart, we will eventually usher in a beautiful other shore.