From March 21 to March 24, 2024, DKU Professors Hwa Yeong Wang and James Miller, along with two Religious Studies students, Caroline Moon and Mateja Bokan, traveled for an enriching educational journey to Wuhan University, followed by a visit to the sacred Daoist Wudang Mountain. This trip, organized by the Humanities Research Center, was aimed at deepening students’ understanding of Confucian and Daoist philosophies through direct engagement with cultural practices and scholarly discussions.
The trip began at the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University, where a conference on Confucian philosophy took place. Over two days, the attendees participated in seminars and interactive sessions that examined the complexities of Confucian thought. Scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, and the United States presented ideas highlighting the relevance of Confucian values for issues of gender and family in contemporary China.
Following the conference at Wuhan, the journey continued to Wudang Mountain, known for its profound historical association with Daoism as the cradle of Taichi. There, the group had the unique opportunity to observe Daoist rituals firsthand, offering a glimpse into the
contemporary practice of Daoism. Particularly impactful was the interaction with local monks who shared insights into the Daoist way of life, emphasizing the philosophy’s core values of harmony with nature and the pursuit of spiritual balance.
This educational trip not only broadened the students’ academic horizons but also allowed both the students and faculty to experience the living traditions of Confucianism and Daoism. The interesting discussions at Wuhan University and the spiritual engagements at Wudang Mountain deepened all participants’ appreciation of these philosophical traditions and their enduring relevance in shaping cultural and ethical paradigms in China.
