Forging a Connection with the Master Through Literature: Gathering of Toronto's Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups

October 22, 2023

On October 22, amid the beautiful Fall in Canada, the Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Association, consisting of 24 reading groups, gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. All participants studied the Dharma Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun from 'The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun together. They also conveyed their appreciation and paid tribute to the Master, drawing from his wisdom and establishing a profound connection with him.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, delivered the opening speech, acknowledging the efforts and success of the reading club, including its significant number of participants. She praised everyone for their diligence in the pursuit of the Buddha's path. The Abbess presented "The Teachings and Actions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun" to 56 attendees, with the hope that they would, in addition to reading, never forget the Master's words in "An Honest Revelation": "I hope the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism can reach every household and be embraced by everyone." She urged all to embody the Master's teachings and promote the Dharma.

This was the third reading group event for this year. Venerable Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Guiding Venerable of the reading association. Initiated the event by presenting a captivating animated video, serving as a catalyst for starting a discussion that ignited enthusiastic responses from the participants.

Following the video, attendees were divided into six groups to study articles from "The Dharma Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun" on the topics of patience, interaction with others, self-reliance,

harmony, success, and the ordinary way. Subsequently, every group designated a spokesperson to deliver a brief 5-minute presentation summarizing their insights.

Venerable Zhi Guan advised that the presentations could follow a "three-part" speaking format:

1. What does the article talk about? Summarize the content for the audience after digesting it.

2. What is the relationship between the article and me? Express how the article has influenced me and why.

3. What is the final takeaway? Share the inspiration and insights gained from the article.

Following each presentation, Venerable Zhi Guan offered comments and words of encouragement. She emphasized that during presentations, the tone should be engaging and varying, which will leave the audience a deeper impression. The content should be logically structured, starting from a summary, leading to insights gained, and extending to future aspirations.

Bi Tao Chen, leader of one of the reading groups, expressed the "three-part" speaking format is extremely helpful and she will be adopting it in the future. Ling Xiao, Vice President of Da Ci Subchapter 2, highlighted the significance of this valuable opportunity to gain insights into the thoughts and experiences of everyone through group discussions. Additionally, she emphasized that the presentation exercise had a dual benefit, fostering courage and enhancing public speaking ability.

After the event, everyone was eagerly looking forward to the guidance and training planned by Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups Headquarters in the upcoming years.

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The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. 24 reading groups, 56 participants joined the event. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, encouraged everyone to be an extension of the Master and spread the Dharma. (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. 24 reading groups, 56 participants study the 'Dharma Words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun' from 'The Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.' (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. Venerable Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the Guiding Venerable of the reading club demonstrate the “three-part” speaking format. (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. 56 participants divided into six groups for discussion. (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. Participants take part in groups discussions. (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. Participants take part in groups discussions. (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. Group representatives give presentations after the discussions (photo by William Wong)
The Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Groups gathered at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on the afternoon of October 22. Venerable Zhi Guan presenting the participants with “The Teachings and Actions of Venerable Master Hsing Yun" (photo by William Wong)

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