BEFORE THE LIGHT

A nun, enthusiastic about the arts but even more passionate about Buddhism, promotes Humanistic Buddhism and uses art as a guide on her journey to propagate Buddhism.

At the onset of the Covid pandemic, the crew embarked on a journey with Master SHIH Kuan-qian to India, seeking an authentic experience of Buddhism at Ajanta Caves. Through in-depth interviews with scholar Dr. Elise Anne DEVIDO and contemporary artist HU Jun-jun, the director explores his understanding of the religious reformation of Mahayana Buddhism in Taiwan. The film also highlights Master SHIH Kuan-qian’s feminine qualities of wisdom and courage as she pursues Buddhist virtues and arts, along with her journey to establish the Chue-Feng Arts Centre.