In order to let the international students who are studying abroad in Canada to enjoy the festive season together, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the "2022 International Students’ Year-End Gathering" on December 24th. A total of 120 students from various local universities, namely, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and Queen’s University have gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto for a reunion dinner.

The International Students’ Year-End Gathering was jointly organized by the University of Toronto Buddha’s Light Club and the University of Waterloo Buddha’s Light Club. The leaders of these two clubs had started making preparations for this event for at least a month. Through the efficient communications and collaborations, both teams have strived for a smooth and successful year end event.

The event commenced with the prayer to the Buddha and subsequently the students were led in the guided temple tour which was conducted in Mandarin and English respectively. This was to promote the interactions within the students from various universities and also to let the students better understand of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the teaching of Venerable Master Hsing Yun as well as the concepts of Humanistic Buddhism.

The fantastic musical performance kicked off the dinner reception. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed the students’ participation despite the heavy snow.  Kevin Cao, Vice President of BLIA Toronto Chapter encouraged the students to fulfill their dreams. In addition, Shannon, Jaelyn, and Melissa who are the Presidents of Buddha’s Light Clubs of the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and Queen’s University respectively have reported their annual activities. They hope that the members will think out of the box with their New Year resolutions.  They have also reminded all the members to maintain their enthusiasm towards Buddhism and to pursue a bright future.

On that night, the ambience was like a home celebration of Chinese New Year. It was so cozy and homey. There were wonderful performances, including the violin performance of “Falling Leaves Returning to Roots”.  Everyone was mesmerizing the melodious sound of the violin. Another band, “The Crew"; performed dances with a combination of some lovely and lively songs. In addition to the dance performance, the organizer played a few songs from “Sounds of The Human World” which comprises “Buddha in Your Heart” and “Fulfillment of Wishes”.  All the participants sang “Good to Have You” and conveyed their most sincere gratitude and best wishes to everyone.

At the end of the performance, Venerable Chueh Fan led all participants for li ght’s offering and hoped that everyone shall attain family harmony, world peace and joy. All students expressed their sincere gratitude to the Venerables and BLIA members for their guidance and assistance .
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Translated by Jim Maa

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