“The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun” and “Ink Sea Chronicles” Exchanged as Commemorative Editions — A New Chapter in Cultural Collaboration
Venerable Yikong (right), Director of the Cultural Institute, presented the monumental “Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun” in 395 volumes as a donation; in return, Mo Hai Lou gifted the authoritative work “Ink Sea Chronicles: Research on the Connoisseurship of Classical and Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy and Painting”, authored by its founder Dr. Yeh Kuo-Hsin, the first comprehensive publication on this subject in the Chinese-speaking world.Photo／Human Realm reporter Chou Lun
[Reported by Tsao Li-Hui in Taipei]
A cultural milestone uniting the worlds of Buddhism and art! The Fo Guang Shan Cultural Institute and the Mo Hai Lou International Institute of Art Research held a grand book exchange ceremony today (30th) at the Good Knowledge Space on the 5th floor of Taipei Vihara. Witnessed by several prominent figures from the cultural sphere, the event marked a new model of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Venerable Yikong, Director of the Cultural Institute, presented the monumental Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun — a 395-volume collection encapsulating the lifelong Dharma propagation and wisdom of the founding patriarch of Fo Guang Shan. In return, Mo Hai Lou presented two sets of Ink Sea Chronicles: Research on the Connoisseurship of Classical and Contemporary Chinese Calligraphy and Painting, authored by its founder Dr. Yeh Kuo-Hsin, the first authoritative publication on art authentication and appraisal in the Chinese-speaking world. The exchange symbolizes a profound fusion of Buddhist thought and humanistic art.
A cultural milestone uniting the worlds of Buddhism and art! On July 30, the Fo Guang Shan Cultural Institute and the Mo Hai Lou International Institute of Art Research held a grand book exchange ceremony at the Good Knowledge Space, 5th floor of Taipei Vihara. Witnessed by several prominent figures from the cultural sector, the event showcased a new model of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Photo／Human Realm reporter Chou Lun
“These two monumental works represent the union of truth, goodness, and beauty,” said Venerable Yikong, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Cultural Institute, in her speech. She emphasized that this mutual exchange of classics symbolizes a deep dialogue between the Master’s Buddhist wisdom and the world of cultural arts. In particular, the Complete Works were compiled personally by the Master at the age of 90, mobilizing the collective strength of the entire Fo Guang Shan community. The collection spans Buddhist studies, humanities, education, and philosophy—truly a crystallization of contemporary Humanistic Buddhism.
“Many regard it as a treasured family heirloom, a life guide, and even a bedside book for entrepreneurs.”
Dr. Ye Guo-Shin, the first Chinese scholar to earn a doctorate in art authentication in the United Kingdom, devoted ten years to the creation of Ink Sea Chronicles. This work stands as the first comprehensive, systematic, logical, and scientific treatise on the authentication of Chinese calligraphy and painting across both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He expressed his deep honor in presenting Ink Sea Chronicles as part of the exchange.
Dr. Ye highly praised Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy, stating that it is unparalleled today:
“Though without brush tip or edge, it exudes majestic vitality—combining the strengths of both stele and model script traditions. In my eyes, he is not only a religious leader but also a great artist.”
He hopes that through this mutual exchange, the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism can be further promoted in the arts, and that Ink Sea Chronicles can serve as a bridge for Buddhist practitioners—connecting rational analysis and emotional appreciation in the realm of art collection.
The Fo Guang Shan Cultural Institute and the Mo Hai Lou International Institute of Art Research held a grand book exchange ceremony today (July 30) at the Good Knowledge Space, 5th floor of Taipei Vihara. From left to right: Liang Yung-Fei, Counselor of the Ministry of Culture; Venerable Man Qian, Abbot of Taipei Vihara; Dr. Yeh Kuo-Hsin, Founder of Mo Hai Lou; Venerable Yikong, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Cultural Institute; Venerable Jue Pei, Secretary-General of the Buddha’s Light International Association; and Su Hsien-Fa, President of the Taiwan Academy of Fine Arts. Photo／Human Realm reporter Chou Lun
Lin Geng-Ching, Chairman of Ji Yi International Art Printing, which assisted in producing both monumental works, also attended the ceremony to offer his congratulations. He expressed hope that this cultural celebration would help spread the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism to the world.
Liang Yung-Fei, Counselor of the Ministry of Culture, was present to witness the event and remarked, “These two masterpieces on life are truly awe-inspiring. They are not only Taiwan’s cultural treasures, but also assets of Asia and the world.”
Su Hsien-Fa, President of the Taiwan Academy of Fine Arts, praised Dr. Yeh Kuo-Hsin, calling him “the Henry Lee of the cultural world”, stating that “with just a glance, he can discern the authenticity of artworks—his appraisal skills are profound.”
Tsai Pi-Chung, former Deputy Minister of Justice, also delivered remarks at the event, sharing that his favorite newspaper is Human Daily: “Every word is a gem. For those seeking to understand Buddhism, Human Daily is the perfect starting point.”
The ceremony was graced by many distinguished guests, including: Venerable Man Qian, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara; Venerable Jue Pei, Secretary-General of the Buddha’s Light International Association; Venerable Miao Xi, President of Human Daily; Venerable Man Guan, President of Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise; and Venerable Miao Yun, Executive Director of Xiang Hai Culture.
Other attending dignitaries included: Wu Chao-Chun, Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare; Peng Tzu-Cheng, Director of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum; Liang Chin-Chih, Deputy Director of the National Center for Traditional Arts; and Liao Chia-Hsiang, Secretary-General of the Association of East Asian Relations.
Cultural and artistic leaders such as Chiang Ming-Hsien, former President of the Taiwan Academy of Fine Arts; Yu Wen-Mei, Chair of the Tainan Art Museum; Hsu Chih-Hsien, former Secretary-General of the Investigation Bureau; and Chi Po-Chou, Artistic Director of the Golden Horse Awards, also attended to witness this momentous occasion in cultural heritage.
Additionally, the event welcomed Chang Kuo-Tso, President of the Chinese Taipei Badminton Association; Liu Hsi-Hai, Chairman of Emperor Art Auction; Chung Fu-Wei and Chang Chung-Chieh, Chairmen of Zhitong Tech and GUS Tech respectively; as well as Lin Wei-Che, Executive Director of Ji Yi International Art Printing, and Vice Presidents Lin Bi-Ling and Lin Kuan-Min, who also joined in celebration.
Source :Human Daily
