Upcoming Book Circle Discussion: January 31, 2026

On January 31, the US-China Catholic Association Book Circle will discuss Terri McNichol's article, "Re-attuning to Nature's Rhythms: The Chinese Art of Being, Relating, Acting." A long-time Book Circle participant, Terri is an award-winning artist, a Chinese art historian, and president of Ren Associates — a consulting firm dedicated to the creative re-imagining of business education. Her article is available to Book Circle participants along with a separate document of the visual images referenced in the article. 

"Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains," Zhao Mengfu, ca. 1276

As participants read and prepare for the January 31 discussion, they are invited to consider the following questions:

1) The Chinese art of the brush trains the intuitive recovery and expression of the heart-mind (see page 9). How important is the recovery of the heart-mind in your own spiritual cultivation? Have you had any experience with the brush or any other artistic medium that helps you understand this part of the article?

2) Terri quotes Schneider on page 20: ". . . only through hearing could people once again come to realize their true position in the cosmos and the meaning of the flowing order within their deepest consciousness." She shows the importance of hearing/listening in the cultivation of relationships through the story of the friendship between Boya and Ziqi (pages 15-16). The art of hearing/listening inspires great friendship. It even helps us realize the fact that we are co-creators of the universe (17). How have you practiced deep hearing/listening in your own life? Does art play a role in your practice? 

3) Acting well in an ambiguous and stressful situation is no easy matter. Terri tells the story of the Confucian artist and statesman Zhao Mengfu (25-29), whose artistic genius informs and expresses his moral ingenuity in dangerous political times. How does this story help you conceive the relationship between art and moral discernment? 

4) What questions or comments do you have for Terri?

The discussion will be held virtually via Zoom at 6AM PT / 7AM MT / 8AM CT / 9AM ET / 10PM Chinese Standard Time. If you have not yet joined us for a Book Circle discussion, please sign up for Book Circle email updates today, and invite your friends to do the same!

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