Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed more than 5,000 visitors on February 16 for its Chinese New Year’s Eve Dharma Service, marking the pinnacle of its Lunar New Year celebrations. Devotees and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered to offer incense, receive blessings, and joyfully usher in the Year of the Horse. The evening was enriched by a lively New Year Fair, lion and dragon dances, and the traditional God of Wealth procession, with a steady flow of well-wishers continuing until midnight.

At the invitation of the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, together with Temple staff Cindy Choi and five volunteers, visited the university campus on February 13 to present a cultural lecture titled “Welcoming the New Year: Humanistic Buddhism and Social Care.” Nearly 20 Master of Social Work students participated in the session.

On February 12, at the gracious invitation of Principal Fayza Prebtani, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto was honored to participate in the Lunar New Year celebration at Markham Gateway Public School as the sole invited community organization. Guided by Fo Guang Shan’s objective “propagating the Dharma through culture,” the Temple brought the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness—Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words, Think Good Thoughts—into the school community through meaningful and engaging cultural activities. More than 200 students, parents, and educators gathered to welcome the Year of the Horse in an atmosphere of joy and shared learning.

On February 10, Martin Reid, City Councillor for Ward 9 in Mississauga, hosted a Community Roundtable at Logos Baptist Church, bringing together more than 20 representatives from government, faith organizations, and community groups. The discussion centered on how faith communities can collaborate to cultivate supportive and mentally healthy environments.

On February 10, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed 50 Grade 3 students, teachers, and parents from Branksome Hall for an educational visit highlighting Buddhist culture and the values of the Three Acts of Goodness. The group was attentive, respectful, and actively engaged throughout the program, demonstrating curiosity and openness toward learning about diverse faith traditions. The delegation was received by Venerable Ru An and guided by volunteer Jesse Chung through an interactive introduction to temple life, Buddhist teachings, and a visit to the Temple library.

On February 8, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Chinese School held a vibrant Lunar New Year Cultural Experience in the Temple’s Meditation Hall, welcoming nearly one hundred teachers, students, and volunteers. Through guided presentations and interactive stations, participants explored the rich traditions and symbolism of the Lunar New Year in an atmosphere of learning and celebration.