On the morning of July 9th, 2023, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the "Lotus Sutra's Universal Gate Chapter Dharma Service and the Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem Ceremony."  Nearly 150 people witnessed the Taking Refuge Ceremony, where 53 participants took refuge in the Triple Gem and formally became Buddhists. Among the participants, half were young people under the age of 30. The ceremony was simultaneously translated into English and Cantonese for participants who needed interpretation.

All the participants arrived and registered eagerly to join the Dharma service. Together, they respectfully recited the Lotus Sutra's Universal Gate Chapter on Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, allowing them to experience the magnificence and power of collective cultivation. The Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, in both Mandarin and English, explained the significance of taking refuge in the Triple Gem and guiding the 53 aspiring Buddhists through the ceremony. 

During the Ceremony, Venerable Chueh Fan led the congregation and recited "A Prayer for Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem."  The Abbess also explained, "Venerable Master Hsing Yun says that taking refuge in the Triple Gem is the starting point to be a Buddhist, and upholding precepts is the practice of the Buddha's Way."  She said, "After taking refuge, you should pay respect to the Buddha, listen to the Dharma, honour the Sangha, practice the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings, and cultivate the Ten Virtuous Deeds."

Among the participants taking refuge in the Triple Gem, there were couples, mothers and daughters, groups of classmates, and the whole family together. A young Buddhist, Qing Tan, took refuge along with her three nephews. Tyrie Norris and his wife Charoo, both took refuge last year, they specially brought their 10-month-old daughter, Aiona to take refuge in the Triple Gem. The whole family participated in the ceremony with Dharma joy.

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