BLIA Toronto Held the First Post-pandemic In-person Executive Seminar

April 29, 2023

On April 29th, 2023, BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Affairs Executive Seminar '' at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. A total of 97 board and subchapter committee members attended the event.

The seminar began with a video by Venerable Chueh Pei, the BLIA World Headquarters Secretary General, explaining the right views that all BLIA members should have, the relationship between the BLIA and the temple, the BLIA's mission, and the BLIA's functions. Venerable Chueh Fan, the abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto and Monastic Advisor of BLIA Toronto Chapter, explained the concepts of  "coexistence in oneness" that BLIA members should possess in order to resolve the conflicts in the world, based on the ''being kind to others'' practiced by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. With the teachings of ''Humanistic Buddhism'', BLIA members should spread the loving-kindness and compassion throughout the world; with the spirit of ''being kind to others'', together, should make the world a more wonderful place; with the determination of ''Embracing the Dharma Realm in the Mind'', members can promote the teachings of the Buddha far and wide. She urged everyone to put these principles into practice in the Toronto Chapter's affairs.

During the discussion of how to implement the principles, the BLIA Executives were divided into four discussion groups, led by Venerable Chueh Fan, the five subchapters' Monastic Advisors, Vice President Kevin Cao, Kim Chan, Rachel Fan, and chapter Secretary Monica Kong. They had a heated discussion on the topic of ''how to plan subchapter activities''. Participants brainstormed and spoke freely. They also learned how to plan activities smoothly by understanding the various causes and conditions.

In the summary report, in addition to reporting on the main points of discussion of each group, the BLIA Executives also agreed on the importance of caring for their members, the need to promote members from "participation" to "involvement", and that leading newcomers to the right path is an art. Venerable Chueh Fan concluded that BLIA should take care of the various needs of the public and that it is a faith-based organization. Faith can enhance our personality and virtue. BLIA Executives should encourage non-Buddhist followers and friends to take refuge in the Triple Gem. Although organizing activities is hard, it can make people happy and put the concept of Humanistic Buddhism into practice. Therefore, we need to unite, coordinate, mobilize, and harmonize.

Finally, Vice President Kevin Cao thanked everyone for their dedication and commitments. There will be more in-person activities this year, so everyone should take good care of themselves in order to take good care of their members. Together, let's become happy Fo Guang members.

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On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto with a total of 97 board members and subchapter committee members attending the event. ( Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar '' at FGS Temple of Toronto. Through the video of Venerable Chueh Pei, the BLIA World Headquarters Secretary General, 97 BLIA Toronto Chapter Executives strengthened their understanding of the concept and mission of the BLIA and the relationship between the BLIA and the temples. (Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto. The Subchapters’ Monastic Advisor Miao Mu, Miao Tsun, led the group discussion(Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto. The Subchapters’ Monastic Advisor Ru Xing and Secretary General Monica Kong led the group discussion(Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto. The Subchapters’ Monastic Advisor Man Long and Vice President Kevin Cao led the group discussion(Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto. The Subchapters’ Monastic Advisor Ru An and Chapter Vice President Kim Chan led the group discussion(Photo by Harry Ho)
On April 29, 2023, the BLIA Toronto held its first post-pandemic in-person "BLIA Executives Training Seminar" at FGS Temple of Toronto. Martyn Knowles, President of the English Subchapter, represented the group to present the results of the discussion.  (Photo by Harry Ho)

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