3. Our Peking University Professors

By Adrienne Patel, Art Instructor
Ronald E. McNair Sixth Grade Center
University City School District

The opportunity to spend a week on campus at Peking University was one of the highlights of the China 2002 experience.

June 20

Professor Zhang Xiu-cheng from the Department of Philosophy at Peking University gives us a warm welcome. Professor Zhang is Director of the International Exchange Program and he will see to it that everything runs smoothly during our stay on campus.

In the afternoon, we visit the Summer Palace. When we return to campus, Professor Zhang has arranged a Peking Duck Banquet for us. We are treated to succulent morsels of Peking duck and an array of culinary treats that are a feast for the eyes as well! We are totally surprised when Professor Zhang showers us with gifts--Peking University tee shirts, pins, tote bags, and our very own student identification card!

Now we are officially PKU students!

June 22

Professor Yang Li-wen and Professor Zhang Xiang-long (R)

Professor Yang Li-wen from the Department of History gives an incredible lecture entitled "Introduction of Characters of Chinese History and Culture." Professor Yang's wealth of knowledge covers many areas such as comparative research in cultures. He tells us that Chinese monks reached America successfully in AD 412-413. I also learn that Monk Hui Shen spent 41 years in America (AD 458-499).

Professor Yang surprises me when he tells us that he has a degree in African-American Studies and that he spoke at my alma mater, Fisk University, during the 1970s. Professor Yang has also translated Dr. John Hope Franklin's books into Chinese!

June 23

Professor Zhang Xiang-long from the Department of Philosophy gives us an insightful introduction to Confucius and Chinese civilization. Not only does Professor Zhang introduce us to the Analects but he shows us how these concepts permeate his everyday experiences.

Professor Zhang Xiang-long briefly talks about The Book of Changes and the hexagram "Peace," very good hexagram?where earth is above heaven.

June 24

Professor Yang Xin and Professor Zhang Xiu-cheng

Professor Yang Xin from the Department of Philosophy gives a lecture on the architecture of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. I learn that the number nine is a magical number in China?an Imperial number! Professor Yang tells us that last year, an American student discovered that in the Forbidden City there are 12,654 dragons: a multiple of 9 x1406 (the date that the Forbidden City was built).

June 25

Professor Yang Xin introduces us to the art of calligraphy. Professor Yang is 80 years old and a fireball of energy and creativity! He has visited Taishan (a mountain many Chinese consider sacred) more than 36 times and has climbed the 7000 steps. He has a deep respect and love for Taishan and an example of his calligraphy is carved in stone on the mountain.

Professor Yang shares with us the thoughts and inspirations for his calligraphy scrolls. He is so focused "in the moment" that I am moved by his presence! His work flows from his heart, his inspiration.

He talks about "Spring," a character that he produces each year and that is created in just one stroke. He shares a proverb: "Gracefully executed work can stir imagination." He says, "The Spring Fairy brings green to the world. When I do the Spring piece, I get a lot of inspiration from it. Each year, if you write Spring you will not get old because your heart will not get old. The branches of the willow are moving in the spring wind."

Professor Zhang Xiu-cheng invites us to a Farewell Banquet at an elegant restaurant furnished with imperial style antiques and grandeur. A gentle rain falls as we sit under a yellow canopy--the emperor's color. Red lanterns emit a hazy glow like myriad fireflies in the misty night. The food is exquisitely served to us by hosts and hostesses costumed in embroidered silk robes. We are served imperial delicacies shaped like pomegranates, peaches, apples, and Buddha's hands. Each is tinged with a delicate pastel tint and each symbolizes a special good fortune.

After our dinner, Professor Zhang presents us with our Peking University Graduation Certificates. In my eyes, there are tears. "Memories collected and farewells given." I remember these words: "In the meeting, In the experiencing, That is where the fortune is fruitful."

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