-Seeing- Su Dongpo in Hainan Dongpo Theme Library

Recently, the Hainan Dongpo Theme Library opened its doors in Haikou, attracting many fans of Su Dongpo, who eagerly explored ancient texts, admired his poetry, and delved into his cultural impact while sharing diverse interpretations of this remarkable figure.

Su Dongpo, a literary giant of the mid-Northern Song Dynasty, excelled in poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting. He also made significant contributions to fields like agriculture, hydraulics, and medicine, becoming known for his wisdom and humanistic ideals. Across the centuries, people from various backgrounds have praised his spirit and legacy.

With a collection of over 9,000 volumes, the Hainan Dongpo Theme Library immerses visitors in a rich literary environment. The library boasts ancient texts, classic works, research papers, journals, art, calligraphy related to Su Dongpo, and historical writings that contextualize his contributions in both ancient and modern scholarship.

Professor Shu Dagang, chief expert at the Hainan Dongpo Culture Research and Communication Center and a humanities professor at Hainan University, highlighted the library’s comprehensive resources, stating, “This extensive collection allows readers to interpret Su Dongpo from various perspectives.” He noted that the enduring admiration for Su Dongpo by scholars and the general public alike stems not only from his artistic achievements but also from his noble character and dedication to the people.

Su Dongpo’s rich life experiences, marked by political ups and downs, taught him valuable life lessons. Throughout both joy and adversity, he maintained an optimistic spirit, exemplified by his famous line “a rain-soaked cloak is enough for a lifetime,” reflecting his resilience and creativity during challenging times.

Shu shared that during his exile in Danzhou from 1097 to 1100, Su documented his difficult living conditions through poetry and prose, portraying his remarkable spirit and determination amidst hardship. Even after his return from exile, he expressed his positivity by stating, “I bear no grudges against the hardships of the south, for this journey is the most extraordinary of my life,” emphasizing his bold literary style and transcendent perspective.

Furthermore, Shu emphasized that while many perceive Su Dongpo primarily as a poet, he was also an accomplished scholar with significant works in classical texts like “Yizhuan,” “Shuzhuan,” and “Lunyu Shuo,” collectively referred to as the “Three Books of Hainan.” He valued these texts highly, considering them vital to his life’s work. They provide a comprehensive resource for scholars and readers studying the “Shu Learning” of the Northern Song period.

In Shu’s view, Su’s academic approach combined practical wisdom with emotional insight, as evidenced by his writings in “Zhongyong Lun,” where he argues that human emotions are fundamental to understanding virtues and vices. Reading Su’s works offers a unique glimpse into a multifaceted intellectual.

The library’s opening coincides with the exhibition of rare ancient texts, including “Dongpo Title and Postscript,” “Dongpo Book Transmission,” and “Collected Poems of Su Wenzhong.” Notably, the two-volume “Overseas Collection of Su Wenzhong” encapsulates Su’s works from his time in Danzhou, serving as a crucial window into his life in Hainan and the region’s ancient culture.

Li Gongyu, vice president of the China Su Shi Research Society, pointed out that discussions about Su’s accomplishments in Danzhou typically focus on his poetry and contributions to agriculture, education, and medicine. However, the critical “Three Books of Hainan,” which he himself valued highly, have received little attention from researchers.

“During his time in Danzhou, Su completed the ‘Three Books of Hainan,’ while also writing numerous historical critiques and political commentaries—sixteen of which are included in the ‘Overseas Collection of Su Wenzhong,'” said Li. He refers to these as the “Sixteen Essays from Danzhou,” emphasizing their scholarly importance, yet lamenting their lack of academic recognition and public awareness.

According to Li, the “Sixteen Essays” represent Su Dongpo’s commentary on historical facts and events, revealing insights into governance and statecraft as he systematically distilled his thoughts during his later years.

Using “On Fan Zeng” as an example, Li elaborated that this essay, written while Su was exiled in Danzhou, includes the thought-provoking line, “Things must first decay before worms are born,” which still bears relevance for modern governance.

“In everyone’s heart, there exists a reverent, trustworthy, and lovable image of Su Dongpo,” said Li. The ancient texts at the Hainan Dongpo Theme Library offer scholars an opportunity to encounter the most authentic representation of Su Dongpo while also inspiring readers to explore the depths of Dongpo’s spirit.

Visitor Zhang Wenxuan expressed that Su Dongpo’s life exemplified a love for living and an ability to adapt to different circumstances. Through Su’s writings, readers can find connections with their own inner selves.