To express gratitude for the dedication of volunteers during the Lunar New Year festivities, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a New Year Volunteer Tea Gathering on February 23, 2025. The event welcomed over 250 Fo Guang members from 24 volunteer groups and various subchapters of BLIA Toronto to the Five Contemplations Hall for an afternoon of appreciation, Dharma joy, and cultural performances.

The gathering featured an array of festive refreshments, blessing bags prepared by the Temple, and engaging performances by different volunteer groups. Through artistic expressions and heartfelt sharing, attendees reinforced the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings, strengthening their Dharma bonds in a spirit ofunity and joy.

As part of the program, a video from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One Hundred Lectures on Monastic Affairs was played, emphasizing the significance of tea gatherings in modern Buddhism.The video highlighted how such gatherings foster communication, interaction,and deeper connections within the Buddhist community.

Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of the temple, delivered remarks on behalf of Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, acknowledging the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to embodying Buddhist values. She encouraged them to continue their Bodhisattva practice, serving as role models of Humanistic Buddhism and contributing to a more compassionate and harmonious society.

The event commenced with a dynamiclion dance performance by the Fo Guang Dragon & Lion Dance Team, instantly elevating the festive atmosphere. Coach Tom Li expressed appreciation for the monastery’s role in promoting Chinese culture and providing a platform for young talents to engage in traditional arts.

A series of well-orchestrated performances followed, each reflecting creativity and devotion. Li Sun, president of BLIA Toronto Da Tzu subchapter, recited Can Time Heal Everything?, as a heartfelt tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Karen Mark, pianist of the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir, performed a solo of New Year’s Wish, filling the hall with a serene ambiance. Leung Hung Lo, leader of the Maintenance Team, uplifted the crowd with his rendition of Happiness Year After Year, while the Environmental Protection Team presented A Walk Through Life, symbolizing resilience in the face of challenges.

Adding to the artistic depth, guqin teacher, Ms Feng, performed Listening to the Rain in the Mountains, and the Waterloo Subchapter presented a bamboo flute performance of Longing for Spring Breeze, infusing the gathering with an air of Ch’an. Other standout performances included the Transportation Team’s rendition of Fo Guang Members Around the World, reinforcing their collective mission in spreading the Dharma, and a witty crosstalk act by the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Divisionthat had the audience in fits of laughter. The Hospitality Team closed the program with an emotional rendition of My Hometown is Fo Guang Shan, evoking deep sentiments of connection and belonging.

The event concluded with a New Year recap video produced by Fo Guang University interns Leo Wei and Max Li. The video documented volunteers’ efforts throughout the festive season, from pre-New Year preparations to the Offering to the Buddhas and Celestial Beings Dharma Service, leaving attendees inspired by the collective spirit of giving.

In her closing remarks, BLIA Toronto President Mabel Lam expressed profound appreciation for the volunteers’ selfless dedication. She emphasized that every act of perseverance and effort is a step toward self-transcendence and a manifestation of the Dharma in the world. Encouraging Fo Guang members to pass on this spirit to future generations, she underscored the importance of nurturing compassion and wisdom in society.

The gathering concluded with acollective singing of Let Me Say Thank You, led by the monastics. Venerable Ru Zhong, the temple’s Superintendent, gave special recognition to all the volunteers who contributed to the event, particularly those who meticulously prepared the tea and refreshments. Filled with gratitude and blessings, attendees departed with a renewed sense of fulfillment and joy.

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