Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Celebrates Dharma Day Through Education and Culture

January 5, 2025

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto commemorated the Buddha's enlightenment on January 5 with a vibrant series of Dharma Day celebration activities. These included the "Celebration of Dharma Day Service," the "Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award Ceremony," the "Good Affinity Little Novice Program," and the offering and sharing of Laba Porridge. Over 1,200 people attended throughout the day, celebrating the Buddha’s enlightenment with gratitude and joy.

In her Dharma lecture, Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, highlighted the significance of Dharma Day as one of the major Buddhist festival. She emphasized its importance in promoting culture, education, and the transmission of Buddhism. She reaffirmed the temple’s commitment to empowering youth and supporting them infulfilling their mission in life.

This year's "Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award" ceremony featured judges Steven Chan and Fabian Yu, who introduced the scholarship committee and the selection process. Steven Chan, chairman of the committee, shared his own experiences as a member of the Buddha’s Light Youth Adult Division (YAD) in his younger years and expressed his honor in serving on the committee. He thanked everyone for their support. The scholarship aims to deepen connections within the community and broaden its impact, encouraging applicants to demonstrate how they embody the core values of Humanistic Buddhism in culture, education, charity, and practice. This year, the scholarship was awarded to 10 outstanding students from eight universities, including the University of Toronto, Western University, and the University of Ottawa.

Award recipient Sandra Bojic spoke about her achievements in sports, dance, and volunteer service, expressing gratitude toher family and mentors. She emphasized the importance of giving back to society and pledged to continue contributing through her actions. Another awardee, Amy Lin, shared how participating in YAD activities helped her balance her studies and spiritual practice. She thanked her mother for introducing her to Buddhism, which has inspired her to approach life with positivity and energy.

Venerable Chueh Fan expressed her gratitude to all devotees and volunteers for supporting the temple’s cultural and educational endeavors, particularly those who, over the past 20 years, have contributed through the “Good Affinity Little Novice” program, transforming small donations into significant support. She also highlighted the importance of Dharma Day celebration series, which includes the North America BLIA Buddhism Exam, as a platform to enhance confidence and joy in learning the Dharma.

The 2024 North America BLIA Buddhism Exam, held on December 8, saw participation from over 300 members of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, including more than 150 children and youth, with outstanding results. The Toronto Chapter has excelled in participation and performance for five consecutive years, earning recognition from the North America BLIA Buddhism Exam. The award was received on behalf of the chapter by committee member Fabian Yu. Venerable Chueh Fan encouraged everyone to participate in the 2025 BLIA Buddhism Exam, study Buddhism actively, read the Collected Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, integrate the Dharma into daily life, and embody the spirit of“walking the Buddha’s path.”

A highlight of the Dharma Day Celebration series was the "Laba Porridge" offering, led by Venerable Yong Kang and a dedicated team of volunteers who began preparations at 3 a.m. Throughout the day, over 4,000 bowls of Laba Porridge were prepared and served to devotees and guests from the Greater Toronto Area. Symbolizing gratitude and blessings, the warm and nourishing porridge brought a sense of Dharma joy and warmth to all during the cold winter season.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess, presents the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award to outstanding youth recipient Sandra Bojic.
Abbess emphasizes that Dharma Day not only commemorates the Buddha’s Enlightenment Day but also serves as a crucial momentto promote culture, education, and the transmission of the Dharma. The“Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award” aims to encourage young applicants to demonstrate how they embody the core values of Humanistic Buddhism through personal efforts in culture, education, charity, and cultivation.
One highlight of Dharma Day is the offering of “Laba Porridge” to the Buddha and the community. Led by Venerable Yong Kang, the dedicated cooking team, including volunteers, began preparations at 3 a.m.and cooked over 4,000 bowls of Laba Porridge throughout the day, sharing themwith devotees and guests from across the Greater Toronto Area.
Steven Chan, Chair of the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award Committee, introduces Jada Chan, a recipient of this year’s Award and a member of the Toronto Buddha’s Light (6th Meadowvale) Scout.
Award recipient Sandra Bojic shares her achievements in sports, dance, and volunteer service during her speech, expressing gratitude for the support of her family and mentors. She highlightsthe importance of giving back to society and pledges to continue contributing through her actions.
This year’s awardees include 10 exceptional students from eight universities, including the University of Toronto, Western University, and the University of Ottawa.
On January 5, Fo Guang Shan Temple Toronto hosted the Dharma Day Celebration, attracting over 1,200 devotees to celebratethe Buddha’s Enlightenment with gratitude and joy.