To provide a sense of home and comfort to international students away from their families during the Lunar New Year while introducing Buddhist values, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the 2024 Year-End Reunion for International Students on January 11. The event brought together 88 students from universities such as the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University, and the University of Guelph for a festive evening filled with cultural experiences and Humanistic Buddhist teachings.

In her welcome remarks, Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, referred to the temple as the students’ “home” and encouraged them to nurture gratitude and kindness in their lives. As tokens of blessing, she gifted each student meaningful items, including books authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, red envelopes, festive couplets, and Dharma words.

Organized by the University of Waterloo Buddha’s Light Community Club, with support from the University of Toronto Buddha’s Light Club and the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD), the event began with guided tours of the temple. Monastics introduced students to meditation, Buddhist philosophy, temple etiquette, and the life and teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The tour covered key temple areas, including the Main Shrine, Meditation Hall, Buddha’s Cultural Museum and Library, offering acomprehensive introduction to Humanistic Buddhism.

Student leaders, including Liying Jie from the University of Waterloo and Alec Zhang from the University of Toronto, shared reflections on the past year’s activities. They highlighted the importance of promoting the "Three Acts of Goodness": doing gooddeeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts, and fostering a spirit of giving. Their heartfelt performance of One for All symbolized their hopes for continued personal and collective growth.

The celebration also featured a vibrant lineup of performances. The "Toy Band" from the University of Waterloo set the tone with a lively medley of songs, followed by the elegant traditional Chinese dance Red Horse, which showcased cultural grace. The stirring song Wan Gu Cui Sha (The Winds of War) conveyed emotions of resilience and courage, while a spirited rendition of Galway Girl brought the audience to their feet, clapping and cheering.

Participants enjoyed a delicious vegetarian feast prepared by the Temple, exchanging Lunar New Year greetings in a warm and lively atmosphere. Students also engaged in the “Positive Forecasts for Life” Dharma word sharing activity, exchanging wisdom and insights from the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

The evening concluded with a Light Offering Ceremony led by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan. Under the glow of the Buddha’s Light, students lit their inner lamps, pledging to carry forward wisdom, compassion, and positivity into the new year.

Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, the monastics, and the dedicated volunteers for creating such a meaningful and memorable event. The reunion left them inspired and connected, ready to embrace kindness and contribute positively to their communities in the year ahead.