This Gaopeng team-building activity brought us to the former residence of Wang Yangming in Yuyao. Prior to this, all Gaopeng employees had gained an initial understanding and appreciation of Wang Yangming's philosophy of the mind, and deeply regarded it as a goal for learning and self-cultivation. The purpose of this activity was to gain an in-depth understanding of Wang Yangming's chronology, and from the long river of history, see the birth of the philosophy of the mind and comprehend the doctrine of innate conscience.
The former residence is located at the northern foot of Longquan Mountain in Yuyao's urban area, west of Wushengmen Road in the city's traditional historical district, and north of Yangming West Road. At the gate stands an archway inscribed with 'Xinjian Bo' (Count of Xinjian), a title conferred by Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty for Wang Yangming's suppression of the Prince Ning rebellion. Passing through the archway is Yangming Square, in the center of which stands a full-length bronze statue of Wang Yangming.
A group photo of Gaopeng in front of the bronze statue. The former residence has a history of more than 500 years. Although it has undergone many renovations and expansions over the years, its overall layout has not changed greatly. Gaopeng colleagues came to the place where Wang Yangming was born and lived, with reverence and excitement in their hearts. Inside the residence, records of Wang Yangming's life, works, doctrines and legacy comprehensively displayed the life of a thinker, philosopher, writer, calligrapher and military strategist.
Before the gate: the antique charm of Wang Yangming's former residence. Prior to this visit, we all had some understanding of Wang Yangming's life: the miraculous birth auspiciously heralded by clouds, his mischievous youth, his determination to become a sage, his failures in the imperial examinations, his suffering as an official, and ultimately his enlightenment at Longchang. The doctrines of 'extending innate knowledge' and 'unity of knowledge and action' were by no means armchair theories. Wang Yangming often lectured to people, thus gaining students everywhere. Later, when he was reappointed by the imperial court, he repeatedly performed meritorious service in battle. For the state, he contributed to the country; for posterity, he left behind precious doctrines. He truly deserved the 'Three Immortalities'—establishing virtue, establishing achievement, and establishing words were all supreme.
Within the residence, a line-engraved portrait of Wang Yangming. Unconsciously, we spent a whole morning touring the former residence in its entirety. On the basis of our previous understanding, we gained a deeper appreciation of Wang Yangming's legendary life. To further elevate the insight and significance of this activity, in the afternoon we contacted the management of Longquan Mountain Park and opened the Gaopeng 'Extending Innate Knowledge' lecture hall at the Yangming Academy.
Yangming Academy. Because the opportunity was very rare, all Gaopeng employees made full preparations. Five 'masters' (lecturers) told the story of Wang Yangming's life at different stages, comprehending the background and development of the philosophy of the mind from his complete biography. The afternoon activity was divided into two parts. The first was the lecture. Five Gaopeng employees gave detailed lectures on five stages: young Wang Yangming, the imperial-examination Wang Yangming, the persecuted Wang Yangming, the enlightened Wang Yangming, and the meritorious Wang Yangming. This corresponded to what we had seen and learned in the morning, and also served as further deepening.
During the lecture. In the final session, Gaopeng people read together the 'Song of Joyful Learning'. As the song says, 'Joy is learning; learning is joy.' Resolving to learn is not limited to Wang Yangming's philosophy of the mind. Gaopeng people will truly value the study of traditional culture. Through the practice of 'unity of knowledge and action', we will temper our will, reshape our values, thus becoming more complete individuals and making contributions to the company and society.
Longquan Mountain and the Five-Star Red Flag in the same frame. With the song still echoing in our ears, the activity came to a successful conclusion. All Gaopeng people, filled with insights, stepped onto the journey ahead.
