Program Directors: Jeffrey Dippmann, James Cook
Sponsors: Asia/Pacific Studies, Office of International Studies and Programs, History and Philosophy
The program brought a group of 20 undergraduate students to Chengdu and Shanghai China for 12 days of study and cultural exchange during Spring Break 2005. Participants began by traveling to the famed Crouching Tiger monastery, featured in the movie of the same name, and then on to the Hidden Dragon of Chinese capitalism, Shanghai. The intellectual focus of this Short-Term Seminar was on the various ways in which the Chinese traditionally understand their relationship to the earth and religious traditions. The academic component of the program focused on a 3 credit, multi-disciplinary team taught course entitled "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: From Chengdu to Shanghai." The class introduced participants to the wide range of ways in which the Chinese have traditionally understood the sacred, and their relationship to the earth. While in Chengdu (Sichuan), we experienced firsthand the intimate relationship between China's sacred geography and its people. Of particular importance was gaining an understanding of the role of mountains in both Daoist and Buddhist traditions. Accordingly, four days were devoted four days to hiking and the exploration of Emei Shan (Mt Emei), one of four Buddhist sacred mountains dotting the landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home of temple structures dating to the very introduction of Indian Buddhism into China (c. 100 CE), Emei Shan remains one of the most active sites for pilgrimage and monastic life. In addition to following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have ascended the site, two nights were spent in Buddhist monasteries . We were also fortunate to visit Azure Ram Temple , the largest and most active Daoist temple in the region, on the occasion of Laozi's birthday. After our descent, we visited Leshan, home of the Grand Buddha , the largest Buddha in the world. At 71m high, it is carved into a cliff face overlooking the meeting of the Dadu and Min rivers. Two of China's most famous Tang dynasty poets, Du Fu and Xue Tao, also called Chengdu home, and their respective parks further illustrated the close relationship between nature, religion and the aesthetic. Finally, Chengdu boasts the largest nature reserve in China, dedicated to the preservation of the giant panda. One day was accordingly set aside to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Shanghai offered a more contemporary look at Chinese sacrality. Chenghuang Miao , or City God Temple, is dedicated to the local deity and represents Chinese popular religion at its finest. Given its close ties to the Daoist tradition, City God Temple provides an excellent opportunity for comparative study. In addition, the surrounding gardens are among the oldest sections of Shanghai and illustrate the height of Ming dynasty garden design.
