On June 19th, led by Pastor Philip Bryant of Grace Fellowship Canada Church, a group of 20 Christians from Pennsylvania, USA, visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. The group undertook an eight-hour drive across the border to engage in a religious experience, gaining valuable insights into Humanistic Buddhism and its teachings on life wisdom. 

The event featured a rich and diverse array of activities organized by the temple. These included an introduction to Humanistic Buddhism, a temple tour, a 3D movie screening, and a Q&A session. The Abbess,Venerable Chueh Fan, distributed English booklets on topics such as "Questions on Buddhist Practice," "Humanistic Buddhism," "Protecting Our Environment," authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. 

Venerable Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of the Temple, welcomed the visitors at the Main Shrine. She provided an overview of the history, founder, and mission of Fo Guang Shan, highlighting Humanistic Buddhism’s global efforts to promote peace, education, and cultural exchange. Venerable Ru An explained the meaning of Buddha and Bodhisattva, sharing the Buddhist view of equality. Following this, volunteer Jesse Chung guided the group through the library and the Buddha’s Cultural Museum, showcasing Buddhist artifacts and a Multi-media Brushwork Art Exhibition. The group also watched the 3D movie "The Buddha" in the meditation hall, which vividly depicted the Buddha's life from his birth, renunciation, and practice to enlightenment, deepening their understanding of the Buddha’s life and his compassionate vows. The church members expressed gratitude for the visit, praising the Humanistic Buddhism centred on humanity and its blend of traditional and modern methods of propagation. 

During the Q&A session, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan engaged with the visitors, answering their questions. The members eagerly inquired about topics such as achieving a happy life, the connection between desire and suffering, Buddhist views on the afterlife, causes and effects, andthe ultimate goal of Buddhism. They were also curious about the 84,000 Dharma doors in Buddhism and how to start learning Buddhism. Venerable Chueh Fan recommended Venerable Master Hsing Yun's work "Between Ignorance and Enlightenment" as an introductory book to help them begin exploring Buddhist wisdom. 

While responding to questions, the Abbess explained Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "Four Givings" (giving others confidence, joy, hope, and convenience), the motto of Fo Guang people, and the practice of the "Three Acts of Goodness." She emphasized the application of Buddhist teachings to everyday life, illustrating through practical examples and her own experiences how selfless service to others not only benefits others but also brings personal fulfillment, true inner happiness, and accomplishment. 

Pastor Philip Bryant expressed his gratitude, saying, "We were deeply moved by the warm hospitality and the wisdom shared by the Fo Guang Shan community. This experience has enriched our understanding of Buddhism and inspired us to reflect on our spiritual practices."