On July 1st, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the first “Canada Day Prayer & Meditation” event to mark the Nation’s 156th birthday. This cultivation gathering was conducted in English with nearly 100 devotees and BLIA members in attendance.

Atypical to celebrating the national holiday by travelling or fireworks, FGS Toronto led the congregation to pray for blessings to our Nation while incorporating elements of Ch’an and Pure Land cultivation and the Heart Connecting with the Dharma session. Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, guided everyone to chant the Heart Sutra and recite "A Prayer for Blessings on Our Nation"

Written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The congregation also chanted Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem followed by Dedication of Merits. Before the meditation session, the masses, one by one, proceeded to make light offerings.

In the Heart Connecting with the Dharma session, Venerable Chueh Fan pointed out that we are not only engaged in praying for the blessings of the nation, but also in search of tranquillity and peace for our families, friends, and community. We all yearn for coming to understand ourselves while living happily. As there are many ways to achieve such aims, it is imperative for us to create and establish positive affinities with people, the environment, and material wealth. The Buddha’s teachings of the Noble Eightfold Paths most comprehensively covered the grounds mapped in our lives journeys. Right Views will naturally lead us onto the path to happiness even in times of doubt, challenge, or simply feeling lost.

For the first time since immigrated to Canada twenty-six years ago, Mr. Liu was touched by such wondrous occasions of prayers and cultivations for blessings to Canada. He strongly felt that faith transcends the confines of geographical borders. Seeing everyone chanting in English, he also observed the importance of promoting localization and globalization of Buddhism.

Kellie, BLIA English Subchapter member, gladly expressed, “in the 24 years that I have been coming to the temple, the English chanting service is the first time I have felt included.” She remarked how much she benefited from the Dharma session. Kellie described the Dharma session at the English chanting service as “very articulated and extremely insightful.” Lastly, she commented that, “having the English Dharma service not only made the Dharma accessible but also feel connected to the Triple Gem.”

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