Xuemo's Lecture at URJC Highlights the Role of Literature and Faith in Bridging Cultures

At King Juan Carlos University in Spain, award-winning author Xuemo delivered a compelling lecture titled 'The Legacy of Hexi, Reflections on Faith, and a Eurasian Dream of Peace,' hosted by philosophy professor Raúl Ramirez Ruiz. The event drew a diverse audience, sparking lively discussions on Eurasian cultural perspectives and the universal quest for peace.

Xuemo began by introducing the Hexi Corridor in western China, describing it as a living museum of early culture and a key to understanding Chinese civilization's origins. He poetically referred to the loess as 'a page of time,' each layer holding millennia of stories, thus highlighting the corridor's significance beyond its geographical boundaries.

The lecture then shifted to the role of faith in everyday life, with Xuemo outlining the three pillars of Chinese belief: Buddhist compassion, Daoist harmony with nature, and Confucian social responsibility. He contrasted this with Western concepts of God, emphasizing the depth of Tian Dao, or the Way of Heaven, in Chinese culture.

Addressing global crises such as war and the erosion of faith by scientific materialism, Xuemo advocated for literature as a means to foster peace and change. 'I cannot change the world, but I can change the hearts of those who read my books,' he stated, underscoring literature's power to influence society positively. His works, translated into 25 languages, were donated to the URJC library, further bridging cultural divides.

Xuemo also called for a revival of humanistic values in the face of scientific rationalism, arguing that while science serves as a tool, the humanities provide direction. He highlighted China's current renaissance of humanistic belief as a counterpoint to its decline in the West.

In response to a student's question about philosophy's relevance, Xuemo eloquently remarked, 'Eating keeps us alive; thinking tells us why we should live.' This statement encapsulated his belief in the necessity of spiritual existence for civilization's endurance. His idealistic vision, likened to Don Quixote's quest, resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of hope and the enduring power of humanistic and cultural values.

For those interested in exploring Xuemo's literary contributions further, his award-winning novel is available on Amazon, and more about his work can be found at www.xuemo.com.