Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies

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My German Mother’s Story

Dr. Alexander Feng – My German Mother’s Story • March 23, 2014

Photo courtesy of Dr. Alexander Feng

Born in Guangzhou (Canton), China, Dr. Alex Feng is the son of Elizabeth Bruckman and Wei Ren Feng. His parents met in Berlin when his father was studying for his doctorate in International Law and then changed to Philosophy.

Elizabeth was the oldest of two daughters and met Wei Ren after she earned a degree in business administration and was working. The unique relationship of this German woman and Chinese man in the 1940s created a nurturing and provocative environment for their son.

Elizabeth and Wei Ren left Germany for China, then Taiwan, and eventually, during the Cultural Revolution, to the United States. Dr. Alex Feng was immersed in Daoism from childhood through his father’s teachings and was taught languages, culture and music by his Mother. He was trained by his father, Dr. Wei Ren Feng, well-known scholar and spiritual leader who is descended from a long lineage of Daoist philosophers, scholars and healers. The elder Dr. Feng, Grand Master Feng, and his extensive lineage of masters tutored Master Alex Feng who was ordained in the family tradition of Zhi Daoism in the 1970s. Elizabeth was a linguist and a healer who worked as a docent for Chinese cultural sites.

Dr. Alex Feng completed his doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine and extensive study in the martial arts. He opened Zhi Dao Guan, the Taoist Center in 1972 as a realization of his and his father's dream of a center for the physical, healing and spiritual arts.

Dr. Feng talks about the life and accomplishments of his Mother and share his perspective on this interesting couple and family.