On October 20, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the “Bringing Home the Fo Guang Big Buddha” ceremony following the Great Compassion Repentance Service, commemorating Guanyin Bodhisattva’s renunciation. Fourteen devotees gathered before the Buddha to recite "A Prayer for the Consecration of a Newly-Completed Statue of Buddha," composed by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan. With sincere reverence, they formally registered to bring a Fo Guang Buddha statue into their homes. Venerable Chueh Fan offered a Dharma talk highlighting the importance of this meaningful moment, encouraging participants to welcome the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion into their daily lives. She noted that the Buddha’s presence promotes mindfulness, family harmony, and Buddhist values within the home.

To commemorate the occasion, each devotee placed a nameplate on their Buddha statue, capturing joyful moments with photographs and gratitude.

Since the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum launched the inaugural “Bring Home the Fo Guang Big Buddha” event in 2017, interest has steadily grown, with requests for the revered statue coming from devotees worldwide. In response, the FGS Toronto temple arranged for 14 statues and began preparations in early August.

During the ceremony, Venerable Chueh Fan led the congregation in reciting the prayer, expressing a wish that the Buddha’s presence brings blessings, wisdom, and peace wherever it resides. She further explained the symbolic significance of the Fo Guang Buddha’s right hand forming the “Lotus Mudra,” representing purity and dignity. Through this ritual, devotees received the Buddha’s blessings, deepening the Dharma’s presence within their lives and inspiring others to practice together under the Buddha’s compassionate guidance.

Participant Ditang shared her excitement, especially as she prepares to move into a new home, where she hopes the Buddha’s presence will bring stability and peace. Another devotee, Grace Ho, expressed joy in fulfilling her long-held wish to invite a Buddha statue from the Buddha Museum, praying for her family’s shared progress in Buddhist practice. Libo Luo, a former student of Fo Guang Shan’s Srimala College, fondly recalled being moved by the Buddha’s majesty at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. She expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of bringing home asacred symbol of the Triple Gem, looking forward to cultivating her practice and connecting with the Buddha’s teachings daily.

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