In response to the "2022 Fo Guang Shan North America One Day Retreat," a total of 105 people in Toronto signed up to participate, of which 66 returned to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to practice, while therest practiced at home through the Internet.

The One Day Retreat consisted of various types of chanting and cultivation, including Buddha’s Light Samadhi Practice, sharing the Story of Fo Guang Shan, Eighty-eight Buddhas Repentance, Combined Practice of Chan and Pureland, and Walking Meditation.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, reminded everyone to cherish the precious opportunity to discover inner peace and to make good use of time to cultivate mindfulness. In the section of “Story of Fo Guang Shan,” the Abbess shared stories and wisdom of the founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.  She encouraged everyone to practice the “Four Givings,” which is one of the vital foundation in the development of Fo Guang Shan. It is a practice to benefit both self and others, for only by giving the best of ourselves to others, do we truly experience joy.

At the end of the retreat, Venerable Chueh Fan emphasized, "Today, not only 105 people who signed up for the retreat are practicing, but all volunteers who served at the Dharma Service Unit, Reception Unit, IT Team, AV Team and so on, are also practicing and cultivating.”  

She pointed out, "The purpose of cultivation is not only benefiting oneself but also others. Cultivation is to exercise skillful means and wisdom to guide the next generation and to pass on faith and legacy. Let's take the Bodhisattva vow, cultivate the Bodhi mind, take action and practice the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. I wish everyone could share the Dharma joy of today's cultivation with family."

Four Givings

To Give Others Faith, To Give Others Joy,

To Give Others Hope, To Give Others Convenience

~ by Marian Zhang