Interviewer: Yuqing Zhang
Editor: Jimmy Zhao
Kong Linmin is the 76th-generation of Confucius, a philosopher and teacher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His thoughts on ethics, good behavior, and moral character were written down by his disciples in several books, the most important being the Lunyu), a calligrapher, and an academician of the Beijing Contemporary Calligraphy and Painting Academy. Many of his works can be found in the Russian World Calligraphy Museum.
©Retrieved from: http://www.kfarts.com/plus/showphoto.php?aid=13467
Mr. Kong moved to Moscow in 2015, which is not easy for an old man who has spent most of his life living in China, especially when he doesn't speak Russian. The reason he moved to Moscow was simple: to take care of his grandson. His son had studied and worked in Moscow, and got married also had a child here. Like most traditional Chinese parents, he left his familiar life without hesitation and came to unfamiliar environment to experience a new and different culture. In him, you can see the shadow of a typical Chinese person deeply influenced by Confucianism.
- Have you been able to adapt to the culture and life in Moscow since youve been here for a few years?
- I have not faced any difficulties adapting. The climate here is similar to that in China. Furthermore, Russian people have a strong tolerance for foreign cultures, I also have a fondness for Russian culture, such as oil painting, music and more. So I enjoy living here.
- Did you experience anything during your time in Moscow that left a deep impression on you?
- I feel that the people here are very friendly since I came here. The simplest example, one time I drove to the supermarket, it was snowing in winter, the road in front of the supermarket was slippery, I couldn't drive out at all. A taxi driver came over to help me without me having to go find him, he saw it and came over to help me push the car. And when I went to other places to participate in activities, I couldn't find my way out of the subway, when you ask other people, they not only tell you, they may not understand you, but they will take you there.
- As an inheritor of Confucius, a major cultural and philosophical figure in China, does the title of descendant of Confucius serve as a pressure or motivation for you?
- For example, when I participate in an event in Moscow and participants find out that I am a descendant of Confucius, many people come to talk and take photos with me. So as a descendant of Confucius, you must first have a deep understanding of Confucian culture. You need to be able to communicate the core values of Confucianism to those who are not familiar with it. You have to keep learning and improving, which is a pressure. But as a Chinese person, it is also a responsibility and duty to spread the main cultural and philosophical ideas of China, and I am willing to be such a cultural messenger.
- In addition, as a calligrapher, what kind of work have you done in the cultural exchange between China and Russia?
- The Beijing city government previously invited me to participate in a cultural exhibition held in Moscow. The exhibition included calligraphy, painting, traditional Chinese medicine, and so on. After I went there, I found that they all liked calligraphy very much, and the number of people visiting the calligraphy exhibition was the biggest one. So I started a calligraphy class, teaching some Russians who were interested in calligraphy. I also often get invited to participate in calligraphy exhibitions and I think these are all great cultural exchange activities.
- Through your experiences in recent years, what do you think is the most effective way for organizing cultural exchange activities between China and Russia?
- Currently, the main focus is on organizing more performances. I think the best way is to have some interaction, for example in calligraphy, I not only write for them to see, but also give them a brush and paper, let them experience it themselves, and have them write something by hand. This way is also better. Additionally, holding some lectures and discussions, face-to-face communication will be better.
- You have been committed to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Russia for many years. Do you have any insights? Do you have any experiences you would like to share with us?
- President Xi Jinping (President of China) said at the One Belt One Road Forum in 2017: 'Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.' The foundation of national interactions is mutual understanding and trust between the people. From cooperation and mutual benefit to continuous development, this is the foundation for strong interactions between the two countries, relying on culture as the link. For example, many Russians have come to understand Chinese culture through me, and I have also met many Russian friends through various activities and become friends with them. As journalists, you have a responsibility and duty not only to spread Chinese culture abroad but also to introduce Russian culture in China. Many people in China do not understand things like the weather, culture, and lifestyle here and still hold old stereotypes. Your job is to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries.
