Francis Wong
December 11, 2023

On 30 November, Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia and New Zealand presented the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art to The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. The Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Adam Lindsey, accepted the donation on behalf of the gallery. Approximately 20 people and representatives from the gallery, including Carol Cains, Senior Curator of Asia-Pacific Art, and Elizabeth Little, the Library Manager, witnessed the ceremony

Representatives from the gallery show the Hsing Yun’s Dharma Words. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Man Ko expressed gratitude for the kindness and beauty of the land and culture of Australia, as appreciated by Fo Guang Shan's founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Man Ko indicated that Fo Guang Shan has established 10 temples, 4 Buddha’s Light International Associations Chapters, and Nan Tien Institute in Australia. Nan Tien Institute is currently the only institution in Australia offering degrees related to Buddhism. The presentation of the English edition of the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art is part of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wish to contribute to Australia's diverse culture through art, culture, and education. It is hoped that by understanding the different cultures, people can foster inclusivity and harmony.

Venerable Man Ko says that the presentation of the English edition of the "Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art" is part of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s wish to contribute to Australia's diverse culture through art, culture, and education. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Youji from Nan Tien Art Gallery pointed out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's primary hope for the publication of the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art was to put on record Buddhist arts from around the world and provide foundational material for Buddhism and art. This encyclopedia, organised into 8 categories and 20 volumes, is the world's first comprehensive Buddhist art encyclopedia, with historical and artistic significance, as well as educational and cultural value in the contemporary context.


Adam Lindsey expressed gratitude for the precious gift of the English edition of the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art, stating that it holds significant meaning for the gallery. The detailed information from years of research will offer rich educational resources to the gallery's team and the visitors of the library with the largest art collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Growing up in Wollongong, Adam Lindsey acknowledged Nan Tien Temple's positive impact on the community. He expressed appreciation for the temple for opening its doors to the local community and conveyed heartfelt thanks on behalf of Wollongong citizens. Adam also hopes for future collaboration with Nan Tien Art Gallery, including the possibility of exhibiting Buddhist artifacts from the National Gallery of Australia's collection in Nan Tien Art Gallery.

Following the ceremony, Carol Cains, Senior Curator of Asia-Pacific Art, led the Nan Tien Temple delegation on a tour of the gallery's exhibition.

Carol Cains, Senior Curator of Asia-Pacific Art, leads the Nan Tien Temple delegation on a tour of the gallery's exhibition areas. photo／The Life News Agency

Carol Cains, Senior Curator of Asia-Pacific Art. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Man Ko thanked the gallery for its warm reception and acknowledgment of Buddhist art. She hoped that the book donation would not only enrich the gallery's collection but also inspire the cultural and artistic community in Australia. In addition, she anticipates that this book presentation marks the beginning of friendship and collaboration, with a commitment to further cooperation and exchange to promote the interaction and growth of Buddhist art and Australian artistic culture.

Venerable Youji from Nan Tien Art Gallery points out that Venerable Master Hsing Yun's primary hope for the publication of the "Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art" was to provide foundational material for Buddhism and art. photo／The Life News Agency

Adam Lindsey expresses gratitude for the precious gift of the English edition of the "Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art." photo／The Life News Agency

The National Gallery of Australia is one of Australia's most important art institutions, housing a collection of over 160,000 artworks spanning Australian, Asian, European, and American art, providing visitors with a diverse and enriching artistic experience. 

Venerable Man Ko presents "Humanistic Buddhism: Holding True to the Original Intents of Buddha." photo／The Life News Agency

The English edition of the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Art. photo／The Life News Agency