On Saturday, March 25th, 2023, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and BLIA Toronto collaborated to host the Lecture Series on Humanistic Buddhism. The keynote speaker for the occasion was Chen Shu-Fen, a Lay Dharma Teacher from BLIA, who delivered an inspiring talk titled "Compassion and Buddha’s Light Spirit". She shared her affinities with Venerable Master Hsing Yun, a prominent practitioner of Humanistic Buddhism, and her lifetime role model. Despite the inclement weather conditions, a remarkable 150 people made their way to FGS Temple of Toronto for this illuminating lecture.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto delivered the opening remarks      commending Chen Shu-Fen for her more than two decades of volunteer service, including roles as leader of the Guest Services team, head of the Buddha’s Light Choir, instructor of the Humanistic Buddhism classes, and Chapter Director of BLIA Toronto. Her contributions to the temple and BLIA are evident to all, and her generosity truly embodies the essence of "Buddha’s Light Spirit" in Toronto. Additionally, Venerable Chueh Fan encouraged all attendees to continue propagating the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism.

Drawing upon her personal experiences and inspirations, Chen Shu-Fen delivered a lecture that was infused with gratitude and dedicated to three topics: 1) "Meeting Venerable Master - Extraordinary in the Ordinary," 2) "Always Remembering the Bodhisattva in Humanity - An Eternal Star," and 3) "The Everlasting Good Role Model in Life". Throughout her talk, Chen Shu-Fen paid tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan for his exceptional teachings and influence on her life.   

In her lecture, Chen Shu-Fen highlighted the key personality traits of the Venerable Master, including kindness, faith, aspiration, practice, and enlightenment; all of which are essential values for everyone to learn and emulate. She went on to explain how, despite being an ordinary person, Venerable Master was able to become an extraordinary Enlightened Monk.

In addition, Chen Shu-Fen emphasized the significance of the principles that Venerable Master followed and practiced throughout his life; namely, the "Three Acts of Goodness", "Four Givings", and "Five Harmonies". As Fo Guang students, it is essential for us to cultivate these values within our “Eight Consciousness Field” while practicing Humanistic Buddhism. By doing so, we can continue to follow in the Venerable Master’s footsteps and walk the Bodhisattva path in the future. 

In her speech on "The Everlasting Good Role Model in Life”, Chen Shu-Fen expressed her appreciation for the continued accessibility of Buddhist inspiration from the Venerable Master’s writings and speeches, even after her relocation to Toronto. In particular, the book "Humanistic Buddhism’s 100 Paths to Happiness" had a profound impact on her. It motivated her to learn how to foster empathy and compassion in challenging circumstances     ; thus allowing her to get along well with her daughter-in-law. Additionally, she discovered how to adopt a willing and dedicated attitude towards volunteering, further exemplifying the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism.

As we look back on the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, it is important for us to consider how we can carry forward his spiritual beliefs in our thoughts, words, and deeds; and, become the living embodiments of his teachings.

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Translated by: Michelle Wang

Proof read by: Steven Fung

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