身教胜言:功夫如何让世界读懂中国(3)
Dmitrii also learned more about Chinese culture. He now knows that the Bao Quan Li (抱拳礼), where the left hand covers the right fist, symbolizes humility and harmony. The Wu Xing Quan (五行拳) mimics the forms and spirit of nature, reflecting the cosmic view of "the unity of man and nature." The concept of Zhi Ge Wei Wu—which translates to "stop the war, become a martial artist"—points to the pursuit of peace. These cultural concepts, which cannot be conveyed through language alone, have quietly become part of his understanding through the concrete form of martial arts.
There are many foreign youths like Dmitrii who have entered Chinese culture by learning kung fu. While they may not yet precisely understand the martial philosophy behind each movement, they feel a harmonious unity of body and mind through the practice of lowering shoulders and elbows, and managing their breathing. This cultural resonance achieved through physical memory makes kung fu a "world language," helping people from different cultural backgrounds find a unique way to dialogue with Chinese culture.
As the interview concluded, Dmitrii said, "I will continue to learn Chinese kung fu!" In his determined eyes, we saw the powerful force of civilization being transmitted outward. In an era filled with divisions, Chinese kung fu, with its unique inclusivity, builds a bridge for dialogue between different civilizations. It doesn't ask practitioners to abandon their own cultural identity but invites them to create a shared space of understanding through the interaction of body and mind. This might be the precious contemporary value of Chinese kung fu: beyond language and movements, it provides humanity with a way to communicate without translation and offers new solutions to shared human dilemmas through ancient and profound Eastern wisdom.


