Li Shutong Memorial

Li Shutong Memorial is in the bosom of mountains, near Hupao Spring, a top tourist attraction in Hangzhou. There used to be a Buddhist monastery on site where Li Shutong practised Buddhism a Buddhist monk. Li was a famous artist, patriot, and eminent monk in the 20th century China.

Born in Pinghu County of Zhejiang Province, Li Shutong (1880-1942) had studied abroad in Japan. A great virtuoso of oil painting, music, modern drama and calligraphy, Li taught at Liangzhe Normal College. At the age of 39, Li suddenly gave up all his worldly concerns and converted himself to Buddhism.

He took the tonsure in Hupao Temple of the West Lake. His Buddhist name was Yanyin alias Hongyi. Later he named himself Wanqing Old Man. After outbreak of the War Against Japanese Invasion, Master Hongyi called that “Buddhists should never forget to love the country.” His appeal reverberated through China.

Li Shutong was one of the vanguards in ushering a new epoch in Chinese contemporary culture. He took active part in performance of “civil drama” (modern drama), and wrote songs to sing of beauty of the West Lake. His students include some top men such as Feng Zhikai. His seal cuttings and handwriting of Amitabha Buddhist Scripture are among the best treasure in the vast artistic collection at the Xiling Seal Society. The pagoda-shaped tomb of the Buddhist Master Hongyi stands beside the Tiger Spring pond.

Publishes at : 07-08-06 23:20

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