This spring, I got the chance to help out with organizing art exhibitions at DRBU. The art we displayed included things like calligraphy, ceramics, paintings, and poetry. But what struck me most was the incredible effort and skill put into each piece. The artists, mostly students, faculty, and staff didn’t just make things; they brought out feelings, thoughts, and even moments of insight and understanding of their mind through their work. At the exhibition, there I saw an artwork that showed a parent hugging two kids in the middle, protecting them from a messy scene around them. Flames in orange and dark shapes represented life’s hard parts, while the parent’s hug and a green glow showed love and hope. The artist’s careful details, especially a bony figure in the flames, showed their skill. This painting made me feel deep things about life—darkness and light, love’s strength, and our determination to protect loved ones. It wasn’t just an artwork anymore for me; it was a deep look into being human.
So, making art isn’t just about putting colors on a canvas or shaping clay or arranging words – it’s like looking into a mirror that reflects who we are and what life is all about. It’s a way to explore our inner world and make sense of the world around us. As a wise man once said, studying art is like studying ourselves, and by understanding ourselves better, we can find peace and clarity in our lives.
At DRBU, art is a big part of the learning and growing experience. The university, founded by Venerable Master Hsuan Hua, believes in integrating spiritual teachings into everything they do. Whether it’s meditating, studying, or making art, the goal is always the same – to help students understand themselves better and find peace within. DRBU’s commitment to arts workshops and creative endeavors serves as a catalyst for personal growth and spiritual awakening. Whether it’s through pottery classes, poetry readings, or music performances, students are given the opportunity to tap into their innate creativity and express their deepest emotions in a safe and nurturing environment.
When I learn calligraphy or work with clay, I am encouraged to really focus on each stroke or movement, to be present in the moment and appreciate the process rather than just rushing to finish. Even something as simple as arranging flowers becomes a way to connect with the beauty of the natural world and understand the fleeting nature of life.
In everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the spiritual dimension of our existence. But at DRBU, art serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and wonder that lie within each of us. It’s a reminder that we are not just physical beings, but also spiritual beings.
The connection between art and spirituality is something that has been recognized for centuries. From ancient cave paintings to poetry that speaks to the soul, art has always been a way for people to connect with something beyond themselves. And by being creative, by exploring our artistic side, we can learn to see the world in new ways and understand ourselves better in the process.