The reluctant master

By Xiao Dao (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-13 08:51

"One thing about Ji that deserves our admiration is that he never fears to tell the truth. He speaks out what he thinks," says Zhao.

In 1998, Ji published Memoirs from the Cowshed (Niupeng Zayi), a resonating book recording his experience in the "cultural revolution" (1966-76) and reflection on the turmoil.

"This small book is written with tears and blood," he wrote. "It is my biggest joy to finish it when I am alive. It is the best gift I can give to the young generations."

In the "cultural revolution", Ji thought of committing suicide once after suffering terrifying torture.

He survived and worked as a concierge of students' dormitory. During that time he finished the translation of Ramayana, often working secretly on paper slips.

In Cowshed, Ji calls for those who have experienced the "cultural revolution" to reflect on their past and inner world, and learn a real lesson from the turbulent decade.

"I have a strong faith that if the process of such a disaster is truthfully recorded, it will be a mirror for our great nationality," he once said. "To look at ourselves in the mirror often will be very beneficial."

Chen Pingyuan, professor of Peking University, says the book reveals his reflection on politics. "He is never restricted to his major. We miss such scholars who focus not only on academics, but also social and political reality," Chen says.

Ji won affection from general public also for his unassuming personality and humility.

Twenty years ago, a freshman, busily going through enrollment procedures on his first day at Peking University, ran into an old man on campus. In a frantic rush, he asked his senior to look after his luggage.

When he remembered his luggage hours later he rushed back and found the old man sitting by his bags in the searing sun and reading a book.

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