Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Hosts Musical Tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun

February 15, 2025

Braving harsh winter weather, nearly a hundred attendees gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on February 15 for the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Memorial Concert. Organized by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir, the event marked the second anniversary of the Fo Guang Shan founder’s passing. Through music, participants paid tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, honoring his legacy and the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism.

The concert was led by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, and directed by Music Director Monie Leung. After more than two months of dedicated rehearsals, performers took the stage despite heavy snow and subzero temperatures. Among the attendees were monastics, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters Director Glenn Chan and Ida Li, along with many others who gathered in the Main Shrine to express their gratitude and remembrance through song.

The performance opened with Nature Wondrous Path, a song reflecting Venerable MasterHsing Yun’s encouragement to face life with perseverance. The uplifting piece Joyful Freedom followed, embodying the integration of Buddhist teachings into everyday life.

In a nod to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s message in hisopen letter—"A few simple words written or Buddhist songs chosen from 'Sounds of the Human World' may be sung by those who miss me."—the concert featured 15 iconic Buddhist songs, including Singing Praises to the Master, Praise the Great Master, A Life of Gratitude, Buddha in Your Heart, and Song of Sweet Dew. Under the direction of Monie, with accompaniment by pianist Karen Mark, the choir’s harmonized choral arrangements created a solemn yet heartfelt tribute.

The BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) performed a bilingual rendition of The Rhythm of Buddhist Youth, symbolizing their dedication to preserving and promoting the Dharma. They later joined the choir for Harmonize, a song emphasizing unity and the shared mission of fostering world peace and building a Pure Land on Earth.

To conclude the event, the assembly, led by monastics,chanted the Heart Sutraand recited the Prayers and Wishes for the Most Venerable Hsing Yun of Fo Guang Shan. Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, reflected on the significance of Sounds of the Human World, highlighting its role as a spiritual offering and a lasting testament to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s dedication to Dharma propagation through music. A historical video revisited how, since 1953, Venerable MasterHsing Yun composed hundreds of Buddhist hymns in multiple languages, using music as a powerful medium to spread Humanistic Buddhism worldwide.

"The Venerable Master’s impact on Buddhism and society is immeasurable," said Choir Conductor Monie Leung. "His use of music to share theDharma has brought Buddhist teachings closer to the public. Since participating in the 2024 BLIA Cup Choir Competition in Malaysia, our choir has grown stronger in both skill and confidence. This concert was not only a tribute to the Venerable Master but also a journey of growth for us all."

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir hosted the Venerable Master Hsing Yun Memorial Concert on February 15, with over a hundred Fo Guang members in attendance.
The concert opened with Nature Wondrous Path, embodying Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s spirit of “Keep going, the future is bright,” encouraging all to courageously create a bright future.
Under the direction of Music Director Monie Leung, the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir came together with dedication. The concert was not only a tribute to the Venerable Master but also a journey of growth.
The ensemble performed Life is But a Dream as a heartfelt offering to the revered Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, presented a historical video on Sounds of the Human World, guiding the audience through Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s lifelong use of music to propagate the Dharma since 1953.
Pianist Karen Mark enriched the concert’s atmosphere with her elegant and moving accompaniment.
The BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division and the choir joined voices in performing Harmonize.
The BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division presented a bilingual rendition of The Rhythm of Buddhist Youth, showcasing the younger generation’s dedication to upholding and spreading the Dharma.
The ensemble performed Prayer as a tribute to the beloved Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Monastics, Music Director Monie Leung, theToronto Buddha’s Light Choir, and the Young Adult Division gathered for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
With teamwork and dedication, the choir delivered multi-part harmonies, bringing the Sounds of the Human World to life through choral singing.
The concert featured 15 classic Sounds of the Human World songs, including Singing Praises to the Master, Praise the Great Master, A Life of Gratitude, Buddha in Your Heart, and Song of Sweet Dew.