Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 18 (Reporter Cao Dian) "From Dunhuang to the Forbidden City is a wonderful life experience. I am very fortunate to be able to serve two great Chinese world cultural heritage sites." Soong Ching Ling, Director of the Palace Museum, China Said the foundation director Wang Xudong.
At the invitation of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation's "Future Lecture Hall" event, Wang Xudong recently gave a lecture on "From Dunhuang to the Forbidden City: The Future of Tradition" in the Forbidden City.
Before serving as the dean of the Palace Museum, Wang Xudong maintained the Gobi Desert for 28 years, witnessing Mogao Grottoes from rescue protection to preventive protection, digital Dunhuang flying into the homes of ordinary people, and also helping Dunhuang culture to better go international.
Wang Xudong said that Dunhuang culture was formed on the trade exchange channel, while the Forbidden City, as a royal palace, brought together the fruits of Chinese civilization. The two have different connotations, characteristics and endowments. "But we will see many similarities in the differences. This is the charm and power of culture."
"Cultural development is inseparable from blending and mutual learning"
"In such a little oasis surrounded by the Gobi Desert, there are preserved 735 caves, which lasted from the 4th century to the 14th century. Among them, 492 caves have frescoes and colored sculptures." When it comes to Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Wang Xudong is full of affection. "It is a treasure house of Buddhist art, which has witnessed the process of Sinicization of Buddhism and the Sinicization of Buddhist art."
Wang Xudong pointed out that the birth of Mogao Grottoes was inseparable from the Silk Road, and it was through this trade road that Buddhism that originated in India reached China. "In the vast desert, all people who travel from east to west must rest in this place to provide for their daily needs. Therefore, culture will also take root in such a place where people can stay."
Wang Xudong believes that the birth of Mogao Grottoes is also inseparable from the accumulation of Central Plains culture. "After the establishment of Dunhuang County, a large number of immigrants from the Central Plains brought Confucian culture, which has been deposited here for more than 400 years. The development of culture requires the integration and mutual learning of different cultures."
"What are the similarities and differences between Dunhuang and the Forbidden City?"
In Wang Xudong's view, Dunhuang is a world of Buddhist art, while the Forbidden City is the gathering place of Chinese culture. "What are the similarities and differences between Dunhuang and the Forbidden City? I came out of Dunhuang, and my perspective may be a bit unique."
Wang Xudong believes that the emergence of Dunhuang more reflects the promotion of folk forces and cannot be separated from a religious belief like Buddhism. In the Forbidden City, it was the power of the will of the country that created this great architectural complex and created a convergence of national cultures. "Without the power of the state, our "Yongle Dadian", "Siku Quanshu", and "Integration of Ancient and Modern Books" would not be completed by the power of the people."
But at the same time, Wang Xudong pointed out that the rise of Dunhuang culture must be supported by the relative stability and prosperity of the country, and without civil power, the palaces of the Forbidden City cannot be built. "So there is the state behind the people, and the people behind the country."
"Dunhuang culture is undoubtedly the crystallization of multiculturalism. In fact, in a comprehensive view, the Forbidden City is also the crystallization of multiculturalism." Wang Xudong said that in the Forbidden City, you can see various cultural relics of different religions and countries in architecture, paintings, and utensils. The integration and display of Chinese culture also reflects the tolerance and vitality of Chinese culture.
"Cultural inheritance should start with children"
Wang Xudong said that the Forbidden City currently has many activities and online courses for young people and children, and will continue to introduce new content in the future. I hope the public can pay attention to the update of the Forbidden City website in time.
"The inheritance of culture must start with the children." Wang Xudong said that children will in turn influence adults. "If you let a child go deep into a cultural heritage site, his parents, grandparents, and other family members will pay attention to it. So we can focus on the child, and the adults will follow along to appreciate Chinese traditional culture."
"We must see the vitality of Chinese culture through these cultural relics, the kind of openness, tolerance, and respect for different cultures. Such seeds must be planted in the hearts of our children. We must respect different nationalities and different cultures before you can Acquire a new culture, and the power of this culture is endless." Wang Xudong said.
This "Future Lecture" event coincides with the arrival of the "Chinese Physician's Day". The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation has invited some medical workers who have participated in the fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic to bring their children to the Forbidden City to listen to lectures and visits. Express respect and gratitude.
"Today, my child and I have gained a lot." Huang Xu, deputy chief physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, told reporters. "My daughter is 12 years old this year, but it is the first time she has come to the Forbidden City. It’s rare to have such a chance to accompany the children to visit and learn together."
According to reports, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation's "Future Lectures" series of activities will invite foundation directors, experts and social celebrities in the fields of education, health, culture and other fields for interactive exchanges, leading the youth and children to grow in an all-round and healthy manner.