On the evening of April 12, Professor Zheng Binglin, a famous expert on Dunhuang Studies and Director of Research Institute of Dunhuang Studies, Lanzhou University delivered a speech named “Misty Hopes—Dream Interpretations and physiognomy in Dunhuang Folk Custom” in Zijingang Int’l Conference Center. Professor Zheng, based on his research for many years, reviewed the studies on dream interpretations and physiognomy in the books of Dunhuang studies. He pointed out the function and significance of Dunhuang literature in deepening the studies of ancient Chinese history and culture, perfecting the books of dream interpretations in China and boosting personal cultivation. It is the 47^th of the lectures of “Zhejiang University Oriental Forum”, and Professor Lu Xiangqian at Dept. of History, ZJU chaired and commented on the lecture.

Fortune books, covering 13 aspects, e.g. dream interpretations, physiognomy, building custom and divination, are of the biggest number in the non-Buddhist Dunhuang literature. Professor Zheng said the dream interpretations and physiognomy were actually the summary of knowledge and experience of ancient people. In addition, we could clearly sense that the books of dream interpretations and physiognomy are actually the condensation of life regulations and social experience of ancient people, and on the other hand, these orderly regulations and experience improved the individual conduct and norms accordingly.

In the lecture, Professor Zheng Binglin, referring to his own experience, highlighted his opinion of “demons inferior to good administration and bizarre dreams inferior to good deeds”, which won recognition from the audience. Professor Zheng also answered questions from the audience and thought highly of the quality and capacity of students of ZJU.