In a bid to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among volunteers, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the 2023 Volunteer Seminar on December 9th. Nearly 200 participants from 24 diverse volunteer groups gathered for a day of insights, discussions, and shared activities.

The dynamic event provided dedicated volunteer Bodhisattvas with a platform to engage in group discussions and activities. A video presentation on volunteerism, inspired by Venerable Master Hsing Yun's 'One Hundred Lessons on Monastery Languages and Affairs,' set the tone for the day. Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan offered guidance, emphasizing the significance of volunteer service. 

Venerable Chueh Fan's keynote speech, titled 'Volunteers, My Name is Bodhisattva,' focused on the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, as the Master’s teaching is the guiding light for us Buddhists and the source of the enduring strength of Fo Guang Shan. Some of the attendees have served 10, 20 years or ever since the establishment of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. The objective of the service goes beyond assisting the temple’s development. It involves internalizing the principles of Humanistic Buddhism, purifying the heart, building skills, self-confidence, self-awareness, responsibility, and good affinities. Venerable Chueh Fan emphasized that serving others is a journey of applying and living with Buddha's teachings. 

Experienced volunteers were called upon to take the lead, guiding new comers, supporting friends and family, and collectively fortifying individual and team capabilities. Sue Hutchison, a senior volunteer from the Reception Team, shared her valuable experience during her 20 years of service. In her talk, she emphasized the importance of courage and building positive connections. She shared an example of how giving and receiving are interrelated with the example, that when you give a smile or a greeting, you are often rewarded withone as well.  

BLIA Toronto Chapter Vice President Kim Chan also shared her journey, spanning two decades, following Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teaching of 'Localization'. She expressed gratitude and a commitment to continuous learning in Humanistic Buddhism. Francis Choi, who silently dedicated over two decades to the library and the building of the temple's IT system, shared his journey. Inspired by the Venerable Master's diary, he expressed gratitude for the kindness of the Venerable Master and outlined how it propelled his enthusiasm for volunteering. He joined the volunteer team to uphold commitments and contribute his strength, firmly pledging to honour his role in service to the public and Venerable Master. 

The event concluded with interactive discussions and a tea session. The discussion was held across six main groups located in different areas of the temple. During the group discussions, the focus was on addressing major questions and explaining ways to navigate challenges. Each team clarified their responsibilities, collectively addressed the challenges they encountered while providing their services and reached a consensus. During the tea session, the Venerable Master's wisdom words from the “HumbleTable, Wise Fare” served asa guiding force, inspiring everyone to embody the Bodhisattva spirit. It underscored the notion that the true reward of volunteering lies in the acquisition of wisdom and agility. 

James,a fresh new member of the library volunteer team, described the temple as a pureland, and joy is experienced through service. Seven Young Adult Division members participated in various teams, expressing profound benefits from the enriching seminar experience. The 2023 Volunteer Seminar successfully united volunteers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a stronger sense of community and encouraging volunteers to understand and practice Dharma for the benefit of both themselves and others.