October 5, 2025 – Miami Association Promotes Cultural Education: FIU Faculty and Students Experience an Immersive Buddhist Art Class.

To promote Buddhist art and cultural education, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Miami Chapter held a special lecture titled “Buddhist Art and Dunhuang Aesthetics” on October 5, attracting more than 90 students and guests from the Florida International University (FIU) Department of Art. The lecture, led by Professor Lidu Yi from FIU’s Art Department, offered an in-depth exploration of the close connection between Buddhist art and Dunhuang culture. Through an immersive learning experience at the temple, participants were guided to understand the profound spiritual dimension of religious art and the diverse ways Buddhism is shared in the modern era.

Professor Yi used cave art as an example to illustrate how Buddhist scriptures express religious philosophy and historical culture through imagery. Focusing on the Yungang Grottoes and Dunhuang murals, she explained how depictions of the Buddha’s life and the Guanyin Bodhisattva’s “Universal Manifestation” were transformed into powerful visual language—showcasing how the Dharma has been interpreted across different times and regions. She emphasized that Buddhist art is not only an expression of faith but also a bridge for cross-cultural exchange, encompassing religious, social, and aesthetic significance.

FIU student Emily Beitran shared that the lecture was “extremely fascinating and inspiring,” sparking her interest in studying Buddhist cave art further and inspiring her to one day visit these sites in person. Another student, Ana Chavez, praised the association’s thoughtful organization of the event, saying it gave her a deeper appreciation for the history and beauty of Buddhist grotto art, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism.

Also in attendance were Professor Erik Larson, Chair of FIU’s Department of Religious Studies, Paul Steinsland, Technical Director of the College of Music and Performing Arts, and Professor John Bailly, a visual artist and Honors College faculty member. The professors were all deeply impressed by the temple’s design and the elegant vegetarian lunch. Professor Bailly expressed interest in holding future art exhibitions at the temple, using art as a medium to promote the humanistic spirit of Buddhism.

The lecture also served as a pre-departure cultural briefing for more than ten BLIA Miami members who will soon embark on the “Dunhuang Cultural Journey.” Through Professor Yi’s expert insights, members gained a deeper understanding of the historical background and spiritual meaning of Dunhuang cave art, adding cultural depth and emotional resonance to their upcoming pilgrimage.

Venerable Ru Yuan remarked that the lecture opened new avenues for dialogue among art, academia, and religious culture, fostering cross-disciplinary exchange and broadening students’ perspectives. Moving forward, the Miami Chapter will continue collaborating with FIU to organize more humanistic and artistic exchange programs, allowing Humanistic Buddhism to shine within modern education—serving as a source of inspiration for both creativity and the heart.