As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed 10 University of Toronto students and their professor to join the online Diamond Sutra Dharma Service held on January 30.  This was followed by a virtual temple tour guided by Venerable Ru An and English tour guide volunteer Gregg Astoorian. The students are enrolled in Historical and Cultural Studies at the U of T Scarborough campus and have been studying Buddhism this term.

During the tour, Venerable Ru An started by introducing Fo Guang Shan and its four objectives of propagating Buddhist teachings through cultural activities, education, charitable programs, and Buddhist practices. She explained that in addition to holding regular Dharma functions, the temple also implements the instructions from Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, to operate the temple like a school. This enables people from all walks of life to experience the joy and peace of the Dharma.

During the virtual tour, Gregg explained some of the symbolism in the main shrine, such as the wooden fish representing “diligence”, and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statues representing compassion and the altruistic spirit respectively. The frontline workers during this pandemic also exhibit the same spirit and vows as these Bodhisattvas.  

After a short meditation session, Venerable Ru An gave a short discourse on Diamond Sutra (based on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book “Diamond Sutra: Four Insights for Finding Fulfillment”). Real achievement, she said, does not come from calculating the amount of material things, but from making positive connections and building affinity with others in order to enhance our strength and happiness. Gregg then discussed how the teaching in the Diamond Sutra to “give without notions” relates to daily life.

Students were invited to join the upcoming English Diamond Sutra course (offered by FGS North America Humanistic Buddhism Program) and the temple’s English reading group (called Lotus Mornings) to explore deeper into the concepts of “prajna” and “emptiness”.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Balmforth asked on behalf of his students about the relationship of chanting, pure land, and cultivation.  Venerable Ru An explained how keeping thoughts of the Buddha in our minds leads to a pure mind and lessens suffering for ourselves and others.

By Florence Fung and Gregg Astoorian

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‍Picture: Dr. Mark E.Balmforth, from University of Toronto Scarborough campus, led his Historical and Cultural Studies students to attend January 30th’s Sunday Diamond Sutra Dharma service, which was followed by a virtual temple tour conducted by Venerable Ru An and tour guide volunteer Gregg Astoorian.(Provided by Fo Guang Shan of Toronto)

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