Time: March 12, 2019 
Source: Cultural Quality Education Office 
Author: Ma Ruiping

Chen Guying, a well-known international scholar and professor on Taoist culture in Peking University's Department of Philosophy, was invited to give the Centennial Jinan Culture Quality Education Lecture on March 7. Prof. Liu Wenjing of JNU's Law School hosted the lecture on the theme of Lao Tzu’s and Zhuang Tzu's thought on March 7.

Chen interpreted Lao Tzu's and Zhuang Tzu's thought in depth, exploring it through four aspects: a brief introduction to the Taoist school; the function and characteristics of Tao; Lao Tzu, the beginning of Chinese philosophy; and philosophies of life in Zhuang Tzu's fables. Tao, which represents the origin of heaven and earth and the root of all living things, has four more important connotations: it gives birth to everything on earth; integrates countless lives into the universe, where all the creatures are interdependent; changes constantly over time; and can broaden horizons and enrich spiritual world.

(At the lecture)

Chen is not only a researcher of Taoism, but also a practitioner who associates real life with academic research. He encouraged young people to read more classics, especially works of Lao Tzu and Zhuang Tzu, masterpieces of Chinese civilization that have enlightened successive Chinese generations on the truth of life. He also advised students to internalize the classics in their daily lives to cultivate wisdom and virtues.

The Centennial Jinan Cultural Quality Education Lecture opened the Traditional Chinese Culture Lecture Series, totally eight lectures been held so far.  It was intended to optimize the design of lecture content; guide teachers and students to develop correct conceptions of history, nationality, state and culture; and continuously enhance the sense of belonging, identity, dignity and honor of the Chinese nation.