Education

Humanistic Buddhism Courses

Discover Humanistic Buddhism at FGS Toronto — Nurturing Talents Through Education, Deepening Dharma Understanding, and Enriching Daily Life.

Overview

Courses and Programs Offered

The Avatamsaka Sutra says, “Of all offerings, the offering of Dharma is the highest.”

The Dharma guides us to navigate life with wisdom, peace, and ease, transforming daily challenges into opportunities for growth.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun established “Nurturing Talents Through Education” as one of Fo Guang Shan’s four foundational objectives. FGS Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Courses offer diverse programs in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese to cultivate mindfulness and wisdom.

Dharma & Meditation Classes

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Mississauga Campus · Markham Campus · Online Zoom

  • Buddhism Courses (English, Mandarin, Online)
  • Buddhist Philosophy & Sutra Studies
  • Meditation Courses & Guided Practice (Friday & Thursday)
  • Meditation Retreats (One-Day / Half-Day Retreats)
  • Zen Cuisine & Mindful Living
  • FGS Toronto Youth Buddhist Academy

Interest & Cultural Classes

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Mississauga Campus · Markham Campus

  • Yoga & Mind-Body Wellness (Modified Yoga)
  • Creative Handicrafts (Practical Crochet)
  • Traditional Musical Arts (The Art of Guqin)
  • Floral Design & Culture (Ikenobo Ikebana)
  • Senior Activity Program (Evergreen Club)
  • Women’s Fellowship & Cultural Activities
Course Inquiries: For course related inquiries, please contact us by email at education@fgs.ca or call (905) 814-0465.
Cultivation & Study

Dharma & Meditation Classes

Deepen your understanding of Buddhist philosophy, sutra teachings, and mindfulness practice. Offered in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese across Mississauga, Markham, and Online.

Online Registration for Dharma Courses

Please note: All Chinese Dharma classes across Mississauga and Markham share one combined registration form. English Dharma classes have a dedicated Mississauga registration form.

English Dharma and Meditation Classes Poster
English • Mississauga

English Dharma and Meditation Classes

Offerings: Guided Meditation (Wed 7:30–8:30 PM) · Lotus Mornings Study Group (Sat 10 AM–12 PM) · Saturday Meditation Retreat (9:30 AM–2 PM)

Campus: Mississauga Campus (In-Person)

Focus: Cultivating wisdom and inner peace. Beginners welcome!

Sunday Dharma Lecture Series Poster
Mandarin / English • Mississauga

Sunday Dharma Lecture Series: Buddhist History, Core Teachings & Overview

Instructor: Venerable Zhi Guan (知觀法師)

Schedule: Sundays, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026 · 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Language: Mandarin (English Translation Available)

Location: Mississauga Temple (In-Person)

Thursday Online Dharma Class: Pure Land Poster
Mandarin • Online (Zoom)

Thursday Online Dharma Class: Pure Land — Maitreya Pure Land

Instructor: Prof. Xuemei Wang (王雪梅 教授, Northwest University)

Schedule: Thursdays, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 2026 (6 sessions) · 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Format: Online via Zoom

Wednesday Online Dharma Class: Ten Great Disciples Poster
Mandarin • Online (Zoom)

Wednesday Online Dharma Class: The Ten Great Disciples of the Buddha

Instructor: Venerable Yong Kang (永康法師)

Schedule: Wednesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 2026 (6 sessions) · 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Format: Online via Zoom

Chan Mind Cooking Poster
Mandarin • Mississauga

Chan Mind Cooking: Healthy Vegetarian & Chan Lifestyle

Instructor: Venerable Yong Kang (永康法師)

Schedule: Thursdays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026 · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: Mississauga Temple (In-Person)

Chinese Meditation Poster
Mandarin • Mississauga

Chinese Meditation: Chan in the Present Moment

Instructor: Venerable Ru Xin (如欣法師)

Schedule: Fridays, Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 27, Dec 4, 11, 18, 2026 · 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Mississauga Temple (In-Person) · Fee: $30 (BLIA Members $20)

Introduction to Buddhism Poster
Cantonese • Markham

Introduction to Buddhism (佛法概論)

Instructor: Venerable Zhi Shen (知慎法師)

Schedule: Tuesdays, Sept 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 2026 · 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Markham Buddha's Light Center, 230 Denison St (In-Person)

Thursday Meditation Poster
Cantonese • Markham

Thursday Meditation: Chan in the Present Moment (週四禪修)

Instructor: Venerable Ru An (如菴法師)

Schedule: Thursdays, Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026 · 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Markham Buddha's Light Center · Fee: $30 (BLIA Members $20)

Arts, Wellness & Culture

Interest & Cultural Classes

Explore mindfulness through body movement, artistic expression, and cultural traditions. Note that Mississauga and Markham interest classes have two separate registration forms.

Online Registration for Interest Classes

Please use the dedicated link below according to your preferred campus location:

Mississauga Campus Programs

Tuesday Modified Yoga Poster
English • Mississauga

Tuesday Modified Yoga

Instructor: Lorrie Dyck

Schedule: Tuesdays, Sept 1 – Oct 20, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Fee: $50 (BLIA Members $40)

Focus: Move with the breath, improve flexibility and strength, find balance in life. Beginner friendly!

Creative Crochet for Everyday Life Poster
Cantonese & English • Mississauga

Creative Crochet for Everyday Life (實用鉤織創作)

Instructor: Stella Ng

Schedule: Tuesdays, Sept 1 – Oct 20, 2026 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Fee: $50 (BLIA Members $40)

Focus: Create practical, charming pieces for everyday use or heartfelt gifts.

Guqin Art Poster
Mandarin • Mississauga

Guqin Art: Exploring Traditional Guqin Music (古琴)

Instructor: Cuiying Feng (馮翠英老師)

Schedule: Wednesdays · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Year-Round Registration)

Fee: $150 (Limited capacity)

Focus: Finger technique, performance artistry, and traditional cultural spirit.

Markham Campus Programs

Ikenobo Ikebana Poster
Mandarin & English • Markham

Ikenobo Ikebana: Where Chan Meets the Beauty of Nature (池坊華道)

Instructor: Tina Wong (Over 20 years in Ikenobo; Director of Ikenobo Toronto Chapter)

Schedule: Fridays, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 2026 (8 sessions) · 10:20 AM – 12:20 PM

Location: Markham Buddha's Light Center, 230 Denison St

Fee: $70 (BLIA Members $60)