English
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA,) on May 15th, 2022, Fo Guang Shan Temple and BLIA of Toronto grandly held a symposium named “Rise with Spirit and Soar High - BLIA: Retrospections.”
Betty Young, the host, interviewed five guests to retrospect how they initiated the relationship with BLIA and share their volunteer experiences at the association. The guests included Stanley Kwan and Glenn Chan, Chapter Advisers, Mabel Lam and Kim Chan, the President and Vice President of BLIA Toronto, and Fabian Yu, the Director of BLIA Toronto. Nearly 400 in-person and online attendees learned about the works of the BLIA Toronto chapter for the community and the prospect for future directions.
Stanley Kwan, the Chapter Adviser who had led BLIA into the mainstream community, believes that Humanistic Buddhism should be well spread and known in the community. Glenn Chan, who had served BLIA for 12 years as President in the past, and now became the Chapter Adviser, shared how he learned “Respect and Tolerance” as a mission taught by Venerable Master HsingYun. Mabel Lam, the current President of BLIA, and the Committee Director of the United Nations Committee of Buddha's Light International Association said, "Since BLIA joined the United Nations in 2006, we have been working with global groups to achieve and promote 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs.) In June of this year, BLIA will promote the VEGRUN online road running event." She invited everyone to participate in this event to benefit the community.
Vice President Kim Chan said that being guided by Venerables and senior volunteers, youth members of BLIA learned a lot throughout activities, especially "To give others confidence,” which is the practice of the creeds of “Four Givings.” Fabian Yu, the Director of BLIA, quoted the teaching from Venerable Master Hsing Yun, “A temple is a gas station for spiritual cultivation." He realized that the Dharma teachings by Venerables and the smiles of volunteers, all lead people to learn about the practice in daily life. He hopes that he can continue to learn self-improvement and influence his companions.
The Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Chueh Fan, with the quote “Never forget our initiative mind,” reminds members to give our heartfelt thanks to the Master for founding Fo Guang Shan and BLIA. In conclusion, she led everyone to listen to the discourse given by the Master to review the purpose and concept of the establishment of BLIA.
~ By Ben Fung
