Li Zijian, a painter living in the United States, remembers Master Xingyun: Promoting Buddhism through literature and art to help the exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations

　　China News Agency, Changsha, February 12th, title: Li Zijian, a painter living in the United States, remembers Master Xingyun: promoting Buddhism through literature and art to help the exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations

　　Author Zhang Xueying Liu Chenlu

　　"Building a symphony orchestra, a rap troupe, and an art gallery... In Master Xingyun's eyes, the spirit of kindness and beauty can be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people through literary and artistic works. Therefore, he has used literature and art to promote Buddhism throughout his life, and has boosted Eastern and Western civilizations. Exchange and learn from each other." Li Zijian, an American painter and curator of the Li Zijian Art Museum, expressed his remembrance and condolences to Master Xingyun when he accepted an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Agency in Changsha on the 12th.

　　On February 5th, Venerable Hsing Yun, the founding head of Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan and founder of the International Buddha Light Association, passed away in Kai Shan Liao, Chuan Deng Lou, Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung.

　　Recalling his acquaintance with Venerable Xingyun, Li Zijian called him a "guide", and bluntly said that without Master Xingyun, he would not have achieved what he is today.

　　Li Zijian introduced that he and Master Xingyun met in Xilai Temple in Los Angeles, USA in 1991.

At that time, Li Zijian was just an ordinary member of many painters living in the United States, often worrying about his livelihood.

　　Master Hsing Yun noticed the humanity and compassion expressed in Li Zijian's paintings, and immediately decided to advance 500,000 US dollars to support his free creation of 100 works, and lent him his half-mountain house in Hacienda Heights, hoping that he could devote himself to painting, Rediscover the style of painting.

　　"Humanity is Buddha-nature, and human accomplishment is Buddhahood. If you can paint good works for the world, you are helping us to spread Buddhism." To this day, Li Zijian is still deeply moved when recalling Master Xingyun's words.

　　With the help of Master Hsing Yun, Li Zijian began to look for the value of "self" in art. "Humanity and Love Li Zijian Oil Painting World Tour Exhibition" also deeply touched Chinese and Western audiences with its profound themes of the times and exquisite artistic language. More than 70 exhibitions have been held in more than 30 countries and regions including the United States, Germany, and France, and the tour journey can circle the earth three and a half times.

　　In May 2014, Master Xingyun dragged his sick body to Changsha, Hunan, and personally laid the foundation for the construction of the Li Zijian Art Museum, and presented a large number of classics and calligraphy. The precious wealth of future generations.

　　"Without Master Xingyun, I might have followed the old path of painting, selling paintings, and becoming famous. But under the influence of Master, I pay more attention to social responsibility rather than personal gains and losses." Li Zijian said that he has donated the Li Zijian Art Museum To the country, it promises to be permanently free and open to the public.

　　"Master Xingyun often said that we should do the career of entering the world with the spirit of being born in the world." Li Zijian said that he will continue to use his artistic behavior to practice the great concept of "practicing Buddha".

(over)