Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Toronto held its 2025 Humanistic Buddhism Courses opening ceremony on March 9, marking the start of a new semester. Following the Sunday Dharma Service, over 80 instructors and teaching assistants gathered to receive their appointment letters and certificates of appreciation. The temple expressed gratitude to its dedicated educational team, which upholds Fo Guang Shan’s mission of “fostering talent through education.” The academy continues to promote the ThreeActs of Goodness and Four Givings,enriching lives and advancing the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “What the Buddha taught, what is essential to human beings, what purifies, and what is virtuous and beautiful.”

Venerable Zhi Guan, superintendent of the Temple, introduced the temple’s spiritual care programs, volunteer training, and academic collaborations, encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning. “Life has its limits, but learning isboundless,” she remarked, emphasizing the integration of educationwith daily life, the arts, and faith. The Spring session offers a diversecurriculum in Buddhist studies, meditation, creative arts, and youth education,with courses available in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English to accommodate students from various backgrounds. Key Buddhist courses include HumanisticBuddhism Series – Buddhist Management, Introduction to Buddhism, Buddhism in Every Step, Lotus Mornings, and meditation classes in both Mandarinand English respectfully, providing a well-rounded approach to theory andpractice.

Venerable Ru An, director of the Social and EducationDepartment, introduced an array of creative arts and skill-basedprograms. Students can explore traditional arts such as Ikebana,calligraphy, Chinese painting, guzheng, and erhu, or engage in wellness-focused activities like yoga, tai chi, and Yongchun Kung Fu classes. With 21 courses available, students can cultivate skills whiledeepening their understanding of Buddhist wisdom. The children and youth programs include the Chinese school, Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class, Buddha’s Light Scout Group, and Dragon & Lion DanceTeam, fostering personal growth and character development. Senior learners can participate in the Senior Activity Program, promoting continuous learning and community engagement.

During the ceremony, the temple honored Ken Choi, Commissioner of the Fo Guang Scout Group, along with the scoutleadership team, for their dedication to youth education. TomLy, coach of the Fo Guang Dragon & Lion Dance Team, and hisassistant coaches were also recognized for their contributions. The teachers and assistants of the Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class recited their teaching vows before the Buddha, pledging touphold the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings inguiding young learners.

In closing, Venerable Ru Zhong, superintendent of the Temple,expressed gratitude to all educators, emphasizing that education is a powerful force in spreading the Dharma. She encouraged students to cherish learning opportunities, apply Buddhist teachings indaily life, and practice kindness and generosity. Through education, minds can be purified, and together, a pure land on earth can bebuilt.