On the afternoon of February 23, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the opening ceremony of the Meditative Moment contemporary art exhibition, welcoming over 50 guests. Among the distinguished attendees were Bonnie Brown, former Director of Economics for the City of Mississauga; Venerable Zhi Guan,Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto; BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam; and featured artist Warren Hoyano. Together, they celebrated the integration of art and mindfulness.

The exhibition showcases works by local artist Sonja Hidas, who explores reflections on life through contemporary art. With a connection to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto spanning nearly 20 years, Hidas has contributed as both a yoga and drawing class instructor, fostering an appreciation for the aesthetics of daily life and artistic culture.

Venerable Zhi Guan emphasized the role of art as a bridge to the mind and spirit. She highlighted that the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, prioritized propagating Buddhism through culture, one of the temple’s Four Missions. She noted that culture transcends time and space, resonating deeply with people, and that appreciating art encourages self-reflection and inner purification.

Sonja Hidas shared insights into her creative journey, expressing gratitude to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto for the opportunity to exhibit her work and convey reflections on life through art. She pointed out that her surname, Hidas, means "bridge" in Hungarian, reinforcing Venerable Zhi Guan’s message that art serves as a connection between the mind and spirit.

During a guided tour, Hidas provided in-depth interpretations of two representative works. Letting Go features blue circular patterns that invite viewers to explore their inner world. “When you gaze at this painting, what you see is not the artwork itself but a reflection of your inner self,” Hidas explained. Beneath the canvas lies a previous painting, symbolizing the release of the past. Below this piece, a collection of seashells gathered over the years was displayed, which visitors were encouraged to take with them—a metaphor for the continuous cycle of collecting and letting go in life.

Another artwork, Names and Identity, explores self-identity through abstraction. “When we are born, our names are given to us by others, yet they become an integral part of our identity,” Hidas reflected. The piece serves as a reminder that while all individuals share the same fundamental nature, names and labels shape personal narratives.

Meditative Moment offers more than just a visual experience—it is a journey of inner exploration. Through the profound meanings embedded in each artwork, visitors are invited to engage in a meditative and artistic encounter, deepening their connection with both art and mindfulness.