On December 1st, 2024, following the Light Offering Dharma Service, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto hosted a Piano Donation Ceremony to honor the late Jennifer Lee, the former conductor of the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir. Jennifer’s family, including her mother, traveled from Taiwan to attend the ceremony. The donation was received on behalf of the temple by Venerable Ru Zhong, the Temple Superintendent, in the presence of the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir and 150 devotees.

Venerable Ru Zhong emphasized that the essence of life lies not in its duration but in fostering good affinities, practicing the Bodhisattva Path, and benefiting sentient beings. She praised Jennifer for her passion for music and dedication to using her talents to establish and lead the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir. Even while battling illness, Jennifer continued guiding choir members through online practices with unwavering determination, serving as an exemplary model of Buddhist cultivation within the community. The donation of the piano fulfilled Jennifer’s final wish and symbolized the continuation of her Bodhisattva spirit.

During the ceremony, a video presentation highlighted Jennifer’s contributions and achievements, offering attendees an opportunity to reflect on her remarkable journey as the choir’s leader. Sue Hutchison, Director of the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir, delivered a heartfelt speech themed “Spreading the Music and the Sounds of the Human World.” She recounted Jennifer’s commitment to Humanistic Buddhism, her involvement in radio Dharma propagation, and her role as Executive Director of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter.

Jennifer’s journey with Buddhism began when she took refuge in the Triple Gem under Fo Guang Shan Monastery’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. After immigrating to Canada, she studied music at the University of Toronto and became deeply involved with FGS Temple of Toronto. She embraced the Five Precepts and the Bodhisattva Precepts, dedicating her life to promoting Humanistic Buddhism. In 2001, under the invitation of then-Abbess Venerable Yung Ku, Jennifer assisted with establishing the Toronto Buddha’s Light Choir, volunteering as its conductor and accompanist. Her leadership transformed the choir into a vital platform for spreading the Dharma through music.

Karen, the choir’s piano teacher, performed a touching solo piece titled “Red Flowers on the Top of the Stone” to commemorate Jennifer. The choir also performed the “Buddha’s Light Four Verses” as a tribute, reaffirming their commitment to Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of propagating the Dharma through music.

In her concluding remarks, Venerable Ru Zhong noted that Jennifer’s music served as a bridge to convey the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings. She encouraged devotees to draw inspiration from her life, cultivate good relationships, and elevate the value of life through the Bodhisattva Path. Venerable Ru Zhong also urged attendees to cherishthe present moment, practice diligently within the context of Humanistic Buddhism, and create good causes and conditions in the human world.

Jennifer passed away in Taiwan on October 2nd, 2024, after battling illness. Her family shared her final wish with Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, to donate the piano that had accompanied her throughout her life to the Temple. Deeply moved by Jennifer’s legacy and her family’s generosity, the Abbess arranged a donation ceremony following the Dharma service.

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