This exhibition celebrates five decades of DRBU through three commemorative seals carved by artist Karen Tseng. Drawing on Chinese seal-carving traditions while embracing contemporary influences, the designs bring together symbolism, heritage, and place to honor the University’s roots, present vitality, and aspirations for the future.
The three DRBU 50th Anniversary seals were carved by artist Karen Tseng of Cupertino. Drawing on her Chinese heritage while engaging with the present moment, she integrates Chinese and Western cultural influences in her art. Tseng has led seal carving workshops in the Bay Area since 2020 and has taught Chinese brush painting and calligraphy at FUHSD Adult School since 2022. Her works are held in the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art as well as in private collections.
The rectangular seal includes “DRBU” in both English and Chinese, along with “fifty” expressed in numerals and in classical Chinese. The character wu (五, five) appears above the number 50, while the character shi (十, ten) appears below it. The radical for shi resembles a tree, which reminded the artist of the many wooded areas on the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas campus.
The rectangular seal further references Circle, Triangle, Square, the famous 19th-century ink painting by Zen monk Sengai Gibon (1750–1837). Often referred to as The Universe, the work symbolizes the formless infinite (circle), the beginning of form (triangle), and the tangible, structured world (square).
On the side of the rectangular seal, Tseng carved the CTTB Mountain Gate. The Chinese inscription underneath reads: “City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Dharma Realm Buddhist University 50th Anniversary, respectfully carved by Karen Tseng.” The artist was inspired to also carve a square and a round seal in an Art Deco style, both reading: “DRBU 50.”
These commemorative seals honor the DRBU 50th anniversary by bringing together tradition and creativity, symbolizing the enduring roots of the University, its present vitality, and its aspirations for the future.
Exhibition Details
Location: DRBU Building, 1991 Virtue Wy, Ukiah, CA.
Open to the public: Mondays – Fridays, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm, and by appointment on weekends.