The Golden Light Temple(Jinguangming Temple) is one of the most famous temples at Dunhuang from the Tang and Song dynasties. This paper demonstrates the relationship between the Golden Light Temple and secular society from different aspects such as the familial background of the monks, religious ceremonies and activities, education about the temple, and mutual economic interaction. From this evidence it can be seen that the temple and civil society were completely integrated; the Golden Light Temple was deeply related to every level of life at Dunhuang and played pivotal roles in social stabilization and the promotion of development.
