Hello, I’m Liang Jie. I’m delighted to recommend Cheng Qing’s new program, Relief for Life: Forty Introductions to Buddhism, which I have long anticipated.

I met Cheng years ago when he was known for political philosophy and Chinese intellectual history. He later turned decisively to Buddhist study and practice, which made me admire him and wonder what led to the change.

Everyone interested in Buddhism must ask why study and practice it. Ge Zhaoguang’s three-volume History of Chinese Thought ends with late-Qing intellectuals turning to Buddhism.Kang Youwei, Tan Sitong, Wang Kangnian, Xia Zengyou, Liang Qichao, Zhang Taiyan, Shen Zengzhi, and other leading scholars all did so. This was no accident; understanding it is essential to Chinese intellectual history.

Consider several scholars I admire.

First, Zhang Taiyan. Imprisoned at thirty-six in the Subao case, he read Yogācāra texts and awakened to Mahayana teaching. He became an ardent advocate, even reading Zhuangzi through Buddhism. Late in life he elevated Confucian learning above Buddhism, but Buddhism remains a key to his thought.

Second, Zhang Dongsun recalled discovering philosophy at sixteen through Awakening of Faith and the Śūraṅgama Sūtra, joyfully seeking the universe’s secrets. Reading this, I sought the books myself.

While studying in Japan, however, he began doubting Buddhism. He used William James’s psychology of religion to examine religious experience, and later became closer to Bergson while continuing Buddhist discussion.

Third, Xiong Shili left politics at thirty-five to study with Ouyang Jingwu, then shocked Buddhists with New Treatise on Consciousness-Only, a new philosophy in Buddhist language audaciously signed ‘created by Xiong Shili.’ His teacher fiercely condemned it.

A fellow student wrote Refuting the New Treatise; Xiong replied with Refuting the Refutation. Late in life this fiery thinker returned to Confucianism, wrote major works, and worshiped Confucius, Wang Yangming, and Wang Fuzhi until 1968.

As a young man I was moved by these stories and repeatedly entered and left Buddhism. Stranded in India by the pandemic, I missed a Buddhist pilgrimage train, but later explored Chan cases with friends on Zoom. That too was an indescribable affinity.

In any event,studying Buddhism is difficult and practicing it harder. It is a demanding road requiring affinity and courage.Now we are fortunate to hear Cheng Qing at Vistopia. How far we travel depends on each person’s courage.

Enough from me; let us hear Relief for Life: Forty Introductions to Buddhism.