Letter to Chen Mingshu
(June 12, 1950)

Source: Shuxin, p. 380.

According to the source, Chen (1889-1965) was at the time of this letter a member of
the Central People’s Government Council and a member of the Standing Committee of
the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the KMT. (See text Sept.21, 3

APRIL — JUNE 1950 / 107

1949, note 1.) For more biographical information on Chen, see text June 9, 1957,

note 5.

Mr. Zhenru:'
I have availed myself of the opportunity to briefly read your great work,”

but since I have not studied it in great detail, I would not dare to propose any
opinions of my own. I only think that certain viewpoints therein can and need
to be further thought out and discussed. When I have time I shall take up the
discussion with you. I have held it for some time and apologize for being so
tardy in responding.
I respectfully convey my regards and best wishes for your health and well-

being.

Mao Zedong

June 12

Notes

1. Zhenru is Chen’s zi (honorific name). See text Oct. 15, 1949, note 1, for this usage. The
name reflects Chen’s identity as a Buddhist and is the Buddhist term (or rather, one of the Budd-hist terms) for Buddha, meaning “The Truth that is as it is.” It is the Chinese translation of the
Sanskrit term Bhutatathata.

2. According to the source, this refers to a book that Chen wrote on the teaching of Buddha and
that was sent to Mao for perusal and critique.