The Department of Buddhist Studies’ “Buddhist Art Lecture Series” for the Spring Semester of Academic Year 114 has continued to captivate audiences with a rich array of lectures. Following the highly acclaimed talks “Reflections of Clouds and Water: The Origin and Transformation of the Water-Moon Guanyin in Dunhuang” delivered on March 30 by Associate Professor Chien Pei-chi of the Department of Chinese Literature at Providence University, and “Celestial Palaces: The Gateway to the Pure Land in Cave 275 of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes” presented on May 13 by Dr. Chien Li-kuei, the series welcomed another distinguished scholar on June 3. Professor Lee Yu-min, Adjunct Professor at the Graduate Institute of Art History at National Taiwan University, delivered the third lecture of the semester under the title “Transformative Guanyin: The Many Forms and Images of Avalokiteśvara.”

Professor Lee has devoted many years to the study of Buddhist art and East Asian art history. Through a wealth of visual materials and engaging explanations, she guided faculty members and students into the diverse world of Guanyin imagery. By tracing the evolution of Avalokiteśvara’s representations across different historical periods, regions, and cultural contexts, the lecture illuminated both the compassionate spirit embodied in Guanyin devotion and the aesthetic significance embedded within Buddhist art. Participants were also able to experience the enduring vitality of Buddhist artistic traditions across time and space.

The lecture attracted a large audience of students and faculty members, filling the venue to capacity and generating an enthusiastic response that reflected the community’s strong interest in Buddhist art and Guanyin culture. Professor Kuo Feng-yen personally welcomed Professor Lee and accompanied her throughout the event, contributing to the warm yet distinguished academic atmosphere of the lecture.

Through the continued organization of this lecture series, the Department of Buddhist Studies seeks to invite scholars and specialists from diverse fields to guide students in exploring Buddhism through the perspectives of art, faith, and culture, thereby broadening their humanistic vision and aesthetic appreciation.