How “Chinese” is Chinese modernity? What constitutes Chinese culture? Whoever deals with China today will sooner or later come up against these questions. For China has become much more “Chinese” in the last ten years than its socialist state constitution would suggest. Supported by the highest authorities, traditional culture in China is celebrating a comeback. The consequences can be felt in all areas: Chinese born after 2000 are dressing in Song-era garb, museums are opening all over China, the center of Chinese scholarship is back in China (not in America or Taiwan), and Chinese from all walks of life are showing a new self-confidence.
This return to their own culture follows a pattern that goes back to Confucius. The interplay between Confucianism and rivaling schools of thought of faith such as Daoism and Buddhism has shaped the course of Chinese history. One understands China, when one takes this historical experience seriously. It shapes the Chinese dialogue with the West until today. This requires a basic knowledge of Chinese history, thought and language.
The three introductory workshops have different emphases:
Workshop Chinese History: The focus is on the historical experience, which is strongly influenced by Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. The reaction to the West as well as today’s return to tradition can thus be seen in a different light.
Workshop Chinese Language: Basic knowledge of the Chinese language is indispensable for understanding China. Basic concepts and daily manners, the beauty of Chinese poetry and the depth of its thought cannot be separated from Chinese characters.
Workshop Chinese Thought: The foundations of the Chinese worldview were formed in China between the 6th and 3rd centuries B.C. The five classics reflected ideals that subsequently exerted an influence on Confucians, Daoists, Legalists and Mohists alike. Only with the reception of Buddhism in the 5th century new impulses expand the range of reflection. The interaction of the three great schools Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism shaped China until the arrival of the West.