In support of Fo Guang Shan’s 2025 Lunar New Year Lantern Painting Competition and Exhibition, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a festive lantern painting event for children and youth on October 27. More than 120 participants of all ages—including children from English Dharma class, Chinese school students, Scouts, Dragon and Lion Dance teams, youth groups, and parents—gathered across two vibrant sessions to celebrate.

On October 20, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a comprehensive training seminar for its reception volunteers, aimed at enhancing skillful service through compassion and wisdom. A total of 31 volunteers from the temple, Markham Buddha’s Light Centre, and Waterloo Buddha’s Light Centre participated, including several new members. The seminar provided training in key areas such as reception etiquette, temple tours, tea-serving demonstrations, and ceremonial procedures, helping volunteers embody the principles of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Four Givings—with a special focus on giving joy and confidence to others.

On October 20, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the “Bringing Home the Fo Guang Big Buddha” ceremony following the Great Compassion Repentance Service, commemorating Guanyin Bodhisattva’s renunciation. Fourteen devotees gathered before the Buddha with sincere reverence, they formally registered to bring a Fo Guang Buddha statue into their homes. Venerable Chueh Fan offered a Dharma talk highlighting the importance of this meaningful moment, encouraging participants to welcome the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion into their daily lives.

On October 19, the inaugural session of the Fo Guang Shan Toronto Youth Academy opened with an inspiring ceremony at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Twelve young participants from Canada, China, Taiwan, and India gathered to start on a journey of self-discovery through Humanistic Buddhism. The group includes university students and working professionals such as doctors, engineers, programmers, and managers, with an average age of 25.

On October 15, a group of 25 students from the University of Toronto Mississauga's Museum Studies program, led by Professor Li Lan, visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto as part of their course curriculum. The visit aimed to enhance their understanding of Buddhist architecture, art, and culture while fostering intercultural exchange. It also highlighted the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in promoting Buddhism through art in modern society.

On October 13, 2024, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony, led by Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. A total of 316 participants completed the solemn ritual, with 280 pledging to uphold the Five Precepts and 26 taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Participants ranged in age from 2 to 86, representing a diverse assembly united in their commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.