To further advance the Sinicization of Buddhism in China and nourish Buddhism with fine traditional Chinese culture, the elegant gathering themed “Cultivating Buddhism through Culture, Unfolding Scrolls with Poetry” — featuring poetry cultural dialogues and handcrafting thread-bound poetry volumes — was held at Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple on the 9th. Hosted by Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and undertaken by Shanghai Juequn Poetry Society, the event centered on exchanges of poetry creation and hands-on experience in ancient thread-bound book craftsmanship. It seamlessly integrated the edification of classical verse, inheritance of traditional crafts and reflection on contemporary issues, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in poetry recitation and manual creation to appreciate the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

At the gathering, Hu Zhongxing, chief advisor of Shanghai Poetry Society and president of Shanghai Juequn Poetry Society, delivered professional comments on each original poem submitted by participants. Analyzing diction, thematic conception, imagery construction and emotional expression, he highlighted merits of the works and offered targeted advice for improvement. Under his professional guidance, participants gained deeper insight into the aesthetic essence of poetry, consolidated their accomplishment in traditional culture and drew timeless spiritual nourishment from classical literary heritage.

The event also invited Fang Qiyi, a professional ancient book restorer trained by the National Library of China, to elaborate on the origin, cultural connotations and fundamental binding techniques of thread-bound ancient books. She demonstrated onsite the whole binding process including folding pages, aligning columns, punching holes and threading bindings. Guided by the instructor, attendees hand-bound their own thread-bound books, experiencing the profound charm and enduring vitality of ancient book binding culture.

Moving forward, Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple will keep advancing the work of cultivating Buddhism through culture and innovate ways to inherit and spread traditional culture. It will launch a series of elegant gatherings and cultural activities to bring fine traditional Chinese culture from ancient classics into people’s daily lives, fostering public recognition and pride in outstanding traditional Chinese civilization.(Outlook New Era)