Learn from Tibet: How did Qi Baishi, a heavy smoker, quit smoking?

Qi Baishi was a heavy smoker when he was young. Whether carving, writing poetry or painting, he always hums and smokes a hookah before starting work. It is said that he also learned this from his master, Zhou Zhimei, who is a skilled sculptor. After his carving, people, flowers and birds are lifelike. But this man is a heavy smoker and often says that as long as he is a heavy smoker, he can carve good flowers. Therefore, Qi Baishi spends a lot of money on cigarettes every month to honor him, and he has developed the habit of smoking.

Through the guidance of famous teachers and hard self-study, Qi Baishi became increasingly proficient in sculpture, painting, poetry and calligraphy. Finally, he became a master of poetry, calligraphy and painting in modern China, and did not smoke for decades.

How did Qi Baishi change from an old smoker to a non-smoker? Here is another vivid story.

When Qi Baishi was young, in order to study poetry and study hard, he invited his friends Luo and Li to form the "Luoshan Poetry Society". One day, when the poetry club got together, when Qi was talking about poetry papers, he proposed to draw up several social rules of "self-cultivation, ambition and family". Therefore, some people put forward "no gambling", "no whoring", "no drinking" and "no smoking" ... Qi Baishi agreed with the previous items, but disagreed with the "no smoking" item.

While the argument was still pending, Li Deyun, who loves joking, suddenly stood up and said, "Actually, smoking is not a bad thing. It is the way for sages to see the classics for a long time. Confucius also likes smoking. " Hearing this, everyone was surprised and asked him where he was from. Li Deyun said, "Excuse me, everyone, who is the most loyal disciple of Confucius here?" Everyone said, "Mr. Wang Lao, a former Qing Dynasty juror, of course. Kong's memorial tablet is still enshrined in his main hall, and he worships frequently. "

Li Deyun said, "Yes, didn't you see the couplets on both sides of his Confucius memorial tablet?" Wang Zhongyan said hastily: "That couplet is: tea and cigarettes treat people; Improper pen and ink. " Li Deyun said, "It is said that Mr. Wang Lao followed the teachings of Confucius. Anyone who asks him to write a book for him must give cigarettes as a gift, otherwise he will be "excused." There has been a saying since ancient times that good things in the world will be effective in the next life. A good teacher makes a good apprentice. If Confucius was not addicted to cigarettes, his disciple Wang would not be so reluctant to part. " Hearing this, everyone understood his intention and couldn't help laughing.

Qi Baishi knew that this was Li Deyun's couplet with Wang Ju, which was far-fetched. He laughed at him for learning to smoke from his master, but they also meant well. I hope he can quit this bad habit. So, he also smiled and said, "You sincerely advised me to give up smoking, so be it. I will definitely make up my mind to quit it from today. " In the past, poetry and painting relied on smoking, and later he was asked to come from his stomach, "he said, taking out his carefully crafted pipe and cigarette case from his pocket, throwing it into the stream without hesitation, and taking a pair of couplets for quitting smoking: cigarettes come up from the water; Poetry comes from the stomach.

Since then, Qi Baishi really quit smoking. From here, we can also see the perseverance and determination of this master of art.