On the afternoon of May 14th, over 30 Chinese and foreign teachers and students gathered in the academic exchange room of the International Department to participate in a unique cultural exploration event. Michael Lingham, a seasoned Australian scholar of Chinese history and culture, delivered a lecture titled "The Journey to the West of Changchun Zhenren." He provided an in-depth analysis of the legendary story of Qiu Chuji, the founder of the Quanzhen School, meeting Genghis Khan and "stopping killings with a single word," as well as the historical significance behind it. The talk guided the audience to explore the essence of Chinese culture embedded in this tale.
"You may have all watched The Legend of the Condor Heroes," Lingham began with a lighthearted tone, "but today, we’re going to talk about the real Qiu Chuji in history and his 'Journey to the West.'" As he narrated, a vivid image of Qiu Chuji gradually took shape in everyone’s minds: a Taoist priest in his seventies, embarking on a perilous journey westward for the sake of peace and faith. He advised Genghis Khan to reduce bloodshed and prioritize the welfare of the people, to some extent influencing the Khan’s governance policies and protecting countless lives during turbulent times.
Lingham further pointed out that "stopping killings with a single word" not only reflected Qiu Chuji’s noble character as a revered master but also embodied the society’s yearning for peace and stability at the time. Though this historical event occurred centuries ago, it still holds profound significance for contemporary society. It reminds us that, in any era, peace and development are the shared aspirations of humanity, and that respecting life and cherishing peace are essential paths to achieving these goals. In today’s world, despite advanced technology, wars and conflicts persist. We should therefore uphold the values of Chinese culture, advocate for peace, treasure life, and actively contribute to the shared prosperity of human society.
The lecture was met with an enthusiastic atmosphere, as both Chinese and foreign teachers and students were captivated by Lingham's engaging presentation. During the Q&A session, participants eagerly asked questions, delving deeper into the story of Qiu Chuji and its underlying cultural significance. Lingham responded warmly, sharing his belief that Qiu Chuji's story epitomizes the Chinese cultural values of "peace and benevolence"—precisely what has drawn him to Chinese culture with such fascination.
After the lecture, the audience was left wanting more, unanimously expressing how they had experienced the profound depth of Chinese culture in such a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. As Lingham aptly put it, "Chinese culture is like a book that can never be finished—every time you turn the pages, there are new discoveries and insights."
Russian exchange student Began remarked, "This kind of lecture is truly fascinating—it lets us see traditional Chinese history and culture through the eyes of a foreigner." Meanwhile, Chinese student Lin Guanghui shared, "I never expected that real historical stories could be even more moving than martial arts legends."
