On the evening of Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Yuanguang Art and Cultural Center of Yuanguang Zen Monastery hosted the fourth session of its online extension lecture series for the second half of the year. The center specially invited Assistant Professor Feng-yen Kuo from the Department of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University as the keynote speaker to deliver an in-depth guided lecture entitled "An In-Depth Exploration of Cave 254 of the Northern Wei Dynasty in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves."

Dr. Kuo holds a Ph.D. in Archaeology and Museology from the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, specializing in Buddhist art, cave archaeology, and iconography. Grounded in rigorous and solid academic research, Dr. Kuo guided the online audience through a comprehensive analysis of Cave 254, detailing its spatial layout, mural compositions, and Buddhist iconographical thought, while leading participants to appreciate the profound meaning and artistic beauty of medieval Buddhist statuary and painting.

Conducted online via video conference, the lecture quickly reached its maximum capacity of 100 participants upon opening, with an overflowing waiting room and an enthusiastic response from attendees. Despite feeling slightly under the weather, Dr. Kuo devoted herself entirely to the lecture, utilizing detailed handouts and rich study notes to guide the audience in exploring the mysteries of cave temple art.

The Department of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University has long been committed to promoting and deepening the study of Buddhist culture, doctrine, and art. Moving forward, the department will continue to foster in-depth dialogues between Buddhist scholarship and the general public through interdisciplinary collaborations and diverse curricular offerings.

Event Recap

• Lecture Title: An In-Depth Exploration of Cave 254 of the Northern Wei Dynasty in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves

• Organizer: Yuanguang Art and Cultural Center, Yuanguang Zen Monastery

• Keynote Speaker: Assistant Professor Feng-yen Kuo (Department of Buddhist Studies, Fo Guang University / Ph.D., School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University)

• Date & Time: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 19:00 – 21:00

• Format: Online Lecture