On November 7, Rev. Dr. Christopher Brittain, Dean of Divinity at Trinity College, University of Toronto, visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to gain insights into Humanistic Buddhism and explore potential collaborative initiatives. He was joined by Dr. Jizhang Yi, Adjunct Professor and Fellow in Religious Philosophy, and graduate student Miao Lin. The delegation received a warm welcome from Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, along with Superintendent Venerable Zhi Guan, Venerable Ru An, Social Education Department Supervisor, and University of Toronto alumna Cindy Choi.

From November 1 to November 3, the 6th Meadowvale Scout Group (Buddha’s Light Toronto Scouts) gathered at the historic Blue Spring Scout Camp near Milton for a memorable fall camp. Designed to develop outdoor skills and promote teamwork, the event was organized by dedicated Scout leaders and enthusiastically attended by the scouts, leaving all participants with lasting memories.

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.