Yang Sheng - The Chinese Way to Wellness

In collaboration with the Speak Mandarin Campaign (SMC), Confucius Institute teamed up with selected partners including the National Library Board, Renhai Clinic, Eu Yan Sang and My Paper to organize a series of talks and seminars on “Yang Sheng-The Chinese Way to Wellness”. This was aimed at popularizing use of the Chinese language and its inimitable approach to health and wellness among Singaporeans.

Addressing different topics centered on “Yang Sheng” and the Chinese culture, 5 reputed personalities of this field spoke to a 200-strong crowd of participants on 10 January 2009 (Saturday) at the National Library. They formed the bulk of the audience who enthusiastically conveyed their appreciation through frequent bursts of applause. 

Dr Koh Hock Kiat, Director of Confucius Institute, NTU spoke on the topic entitled “Confucius and the Secret to Good Health.” A distinguished scholar of Chinese literature and philosophy who also teaches at the National Institute of Education, NTU, Dr Koh provided a valuable insight on “Yang Sheng” as derived from Confucianism. Confucius, who was historically one of China’s most influential philosophers, lived to a ripe old age of 73, a considerable lifespan during that period. He was also famed for being a ceaseless advocate and known practitioner of personal self-cultivation. As such, his teachings as recorded in the Analects of Confucius have indisputably provided a wealth of guiding principles toward adopting a holistic lifestyle to all.

Other esteemed speakers including Mr Raymond Lo, Professor Lu Zhaolin, Dr Hong Hai and Christopher Cullen dealt with topics relating to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consisting of the Five Elements - metal, water, fire, wood and earth, the Chinese Way of “Yang Sheng” emphasizing mind over body, the Science and Philosophy behind the Chinese Perspective on Health and lastly, Joseph Needham’s work on Chinese Physiological Alchemy.

Please find the books recommended by Dr Koh for references as follow:

1.    The Analects of Confucius Selected by Dr Koh Hock Kiat （《孔子论语精华》许福吉编选， 新加坡玲子传媒私人有限公司， 2007年8月） $15 ( Please approach Miss Li Cailing, email: cailing@ntu.edu.sg for purchase)

2.    Rediscovering Confucianism (by TorbJorn Loden, Global Oriental Ltd, UK, 2006) www.globaloriental.co.uk

3.    The Analects (Library of Chinese Classics Chinese- English) China, Hunan People`s Publishing House, 2003