TBC STANDS WITH THE ASIAN COMMUNITY
We at The Beijing Center (TBC) are all deeply disturbed by the recent violent outbreak against Asian Americans, and we are horrified at the continued unfolding of racially motivated acts of hate and violence. As we collectively continue to battle against the ongoing pandemic, an increase in violence and additional deaths points to the need to expand the awareness of bias and discrimination that is still very much present in our societies.
HOW TOMBSTONES ARE HELPING UNCOVER THE JESUITS’ HISTORY IN CHINA
As an international academic institution with a Jesuit spirit, TBC is actively welcoming inspired and knowledgeable authors, business professionals, and scholars. On January 7, 2021, we had the pleasure of welcoming Chinese author and academic, Dr. Chen Xinyu. Formally educated at Renmin University of China and Sapienza University of Rome, Dr. Chen is currently engaged in the comparison of Chinese and Western philosophy and the archaeological study of Chinese and foreign tombs at the Beijing Administration Institute.
CHINESE ETHNICITIES: THE HAN
A lesser-known aspect of China is that it is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries. In addition to the Han, China officially recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups. A small number of Chinese nationals consider themselves members of non-officially recognized groups, for example, the Jews, Japanese, Oirat, Tuvan, etc. Throughout much of recorded Chinese history, the concepts of nationality, culture, and ethnicity were not exceptionally distinct.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND AT TBC: POTLUCK AND SERVICE LEARNING
In Chinese culture, the occasion on which people give thanks with family is the Mid-autumn festival. Chinese New Year also celebrates similar concepts, but with emphasis on family reunion and setting precedents for prosperity in the year ahead. However, it is also said that the modern Chinese are the only non-North Americans who celebrate western Thanksgiving.
SINGLES’ DAY: CHINESE YOUTH AND THE LARGEST SHOPPING HOLIDAY IN THE WORLD
In traditional Chinese culture, family units are highly valued. Although resulting in positive phenomena such as strong family bonds across generations, family units can also lead to stress among those of “marriageable age.” Combined with the modern demands of education, employment, and a gradual change in attitude, more Chinese youth choose to delay marriage or remain single. And thus, with the rise of a massive group of well-educated and self-sufficient Chinese youth, the world’s biggest retail holiday was born: Singles’ Day.
IN CONVERSATION WITH ANCIENT CHINESE PHILOSOPHERS
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for our students here at TBC. Despite just having handed in a bunch of midterm papers, the late nights are making a reappearance for some last-minute STEM course studying. In the hectic run-up to Thanksgiving, be sure to take a moment, breathe, and be present. In the words of Confucius: “wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” Let’s look at some Chinese philosophical ideas and how they can be applied to our lives today.
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY: THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDER OF THE FORBIDDEN CITY
The Forbidden Palace is an architectural wonder and the first recognized Chinese World Heritage site. Constructed in 1420, in the early Ming Dynasty, it is by far the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, covering a total of 180 acres. Today, it is the most valuable piece of real estate in the world, worth around 70 billion dollars. Due to its size, the Forbidden Palace is also referred to as the Forbidden City.
THE STORY BEHIND CHINA’S MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Thousands of years ago, on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Lunar calendar, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty lit incense in honor of Chang’e, goddess of the moon. As the legend goes, Change’e was once the beautiful wife of the hero, Hou Yi, who was gifted an elixir of immortality by a being who admired him.
TALKING CHINA WITH MICHAEL SCHUMAN
Michael Schuman is a journalist and author who has lived and worked in Asia since 1996. His new book is his third about Asia. The earlier works are “Confucius and the World He Created” (Basic Book, 2015) and “The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia’s Quest for Wealth” (HarperBusiness, 2009). Mr. Schuman has been a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and Time magazine. He currently is a contributor to The Atlantic, Bloomberg Opinion, and other publications. He has a Master in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
TBC STANDS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY
As a Jesuit educational establishment founded on the premise of multicultural engagement and bringing people together – regardless of ethnicity or race – all of us here at TBC are deeply saddened by the injustice against the Black community. While the whole world is going through an extremely challenging time with the pandemic, a heightened level of support and peace is necessary, yet the ongoing problem of racial disparity has added to an already blazing fire.
THE 410TH ANNIVERSARY OF MATTEO RICCI’S DEATH
Four hundred and ten years ago on May 11, 1610, the world lost a leading facilitator in the development of intercultural communication, and in turn, solidified his reputation and legacy as the founder of cultural exchange between China and the West. Italian Jesuit missionary, Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), broke the ideological barriers between China and the West through equality and friendship.
GOLDEN WEEK IN THE GOLDEN COUNTRIES OF LAOS AND THAILAND
After embarking on the Silk Road, going on a trip consisting of living out of your backpack, eating street food, and always being on the move, I knew this is how I wanted my Golden Week to pan out. As the semester hurled its way closer to Fall Break, me and a few others came to the same conclusion: we wanted to travel as far and as efficiently as we could. So, on September 26, four of my good friends and I took a short Didi to the Beijing Airport and began our adventure backpacking through beautiful Laos and Thailand.
ANTONIO SPADARO: SEEKING HARMONY IN A GLOBAL AGE
Last Sunday (June 23) The Beijing Center (TBC) hosted Dr. Antonio Spadaro, SJ, an Italian writer and Editor-in-chief of La Civiltà Cattolica and organizer of the China Forum for Civilization Dialogue, to discuss how dialogue and encounter are essential elements for moving toward global friendship and cooperation as China emerges as a global leader.
MATTEO RICCI’S TOMB VISIT
Some Ricci scholar students and a theology-religions class at TBC visited Matteo Ricci’s tomb in Zhalan Cemetery. The cemetery is located in the heart of Beijing on the Haidan district side, in the “backyard” of a Communist Party school. It was a bit strange in the beginning to think about why and how did Matteo Ricci and a few others ended up in a cemetery on a school’s campus, but the history that lies within the tombs are unique and interesting to why it is where it is. The students had an amazing tour guide that gave us the background and history of why Matteo Ricci is so important to China.
MATTEO RICCI: LETTERS FROM CHINA
Last Friday (April 12) TBC hosted a panel discussion on the letters of Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) in association with the release of a new publication from The Beijing Center Press. Scholars from East and West assembled in the Anton Library with more than 40 in attendance. Moderated by Professor Thierry Meynard from Sun Yat-Sen University, the panelists explored how Ricci can teach and inspire engagement and dialogue in relations between China and other societies today. The panel considered a variety of subjects and examined the implications of Ricci’s letters for cross-cultural dialogue.
UIBE SPRING CULTURAL FAIR 2017
“Where are you from? I love your outfit! May I take a photo with you?” Chinese students prodded me in the crowds while I laughed – I wore nothing special. Only my hijab.
CELEBRATING QINGMING JIE AT MATTEO RICCI’S TOMB!
Although to the best of my knowledge none of this year’s Ricci class has any actual ancestors buried in China, we did visit something of an honorary ancestor: Matteo Ricci. Over the last year we’ve traced his life, voyaging from Rome to Beijing, seeking fame, fortune and adventure (or at least successful research projects). Thus, it was fitting that we should pay our respects at his grave in Beijing over the Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节, Qingming Jie) weekend.
EMPEROR QIN’S TERRA COTTA ARMY (秦陵兵马俑)
For many years now, I have been building up a bucket list. Learn Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Gaelic, Portuguese, etc. Go to every Disney Park in the world. See the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Eat at restaurant in France that has three Michelin Stars. The list keeps growing with each passing day and I wonder if I will ever complete it; however, just recently, I checked a big one off that list on my trip to Xi’An (西安): I saw Emperor Qin’s Terra Cotta Army (秦陵兵马俑).
PODCAST: A SPOTLIGHT ON THE BEIJING CENTER, WITH JIM CAIME ON LIMITLESS LAOWAI
“The way of looking at the world can be so different, and there isn’t one right way. There is a beauty in the other, and there is a beauty in the Chinese way of approaching life.” – Jim Caime
CHINESE NEW YEAR: YEAR OF THE MONKEY
2016 is the year of the monkey and London held quite a celebration for this Chinese New Year. People of all ages and backgrounds were in attendance and it was exciting to experience the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia. With events being held in Trafalgar Square and nearby China Town there was an abundance of things to see and do, as people rang in the new year.