On March 29, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held an Eight Precepts Retreat, drawing 150 dedicated participants from Toronto and Detroit, USA. Despite freezing rain and unpredictable weather, attendees remained steadfast in their spiritual pursuit. Among them, 62 were Bodhisattva Preceptees, and 66 were Five Preceptees. The retreat emphasized Pure Land practice, seamlessly integrating Dharma learning with application through activities such as temple chores, Chan and Pure Land practice, and the Buddha’s Light Samadhi Practice. A special Dharma lecture on Pure Land practice was delivered by Venerable Chueh Fa, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Chung Mei Temple in Houston, USA.

The Eight Precepts ceremony was presided over by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Toronto. She explained that the precepts were established by the Buddha to offer lay practitioners an opportunity to experience monastic life for a day. By upholding the precepts and cultivating meditative concentration, and wisdom, participants could purify their minds and plant the seeds of liberation. She urged attendees to observe the precepts until sunrise the following morning and to embrace the joy of the Dharma, echoing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching: “The happiness from Chan and the joy from the Dharma found in the Buddha’s teachings are already too much to enjoy.” Venerable Chueh Fan emphasized that observing the Eight Precepts is a rare and precious opportunity, inspiring participants to integrate the essence into daily life for lasting well-being.

In the afternoon Dharma lecture, Venerable Chueh Fa delivered an insightful and practical discourse on Pure Land practice, beginning with the origins ofthe Amitabha Sutra. Using relatable examples, she guided attendees on incorporating the mindfulness of Amitabha Buddha into daily life to cultivate blessings and wisdom. She emphasized that the Pure Land is not a distant realm but arises from a pure mind: “Have you mapped out your spiritual path? If you aspire to attain Buddhahood, you must make a vow now, earnestly recite the Buddha’s name, and practice the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Givings.” Encouraging perseverance in practice, she added, “Dripping water wears through stone—determination leads to success.”

Following the lecture, participants engaged in Chan and Pure Land practice, reciting the Amitabha Sutra and circumambulating while chanting the Buddha’s name. The evening practice session featured the Fo Guang Samadhi practice and concluded with the recitation of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer to Amitabha Buddha, invoking aspirations for the eradication of past karma, the cultivation of wholesome roots, the reduction of afflictions, and the strengthening of spiritual resolve.

Many participants shared reflections on their retreat experience. Golden Wu, a first-time young adult attendee, shared, “I wanted to experience monastic life and find stillness amid daily complexities. Venerable Chueh Fa’s teaching that practice is not about having time but about determination deeply resonated with me.” Volunteer Hongyu Zhang remarked, “This retreat helped me integrate the precepts into every moment of daily life and solidify my practice.” Xiaoying Zhang realized that “true practice is not about seeking peace for oneself but wishing for all beings to be free from suffering.” Xiaoying Jiao was moved by Venerable Chueh Fa’s explanation of Nagarjuna Bodhisattva’s realization of Pure Land practice, understanding that compassion and care for all beings are as natural as eyelashes protecting the eyes, unseen yet ever-present. Inspired, she vowed to be more diligent in her Buddhist studies.

Ling Xiao observed, “The virtue of collective cultivation enhances individual practice,” and vowed to cherish future group cultivation opportunities. Aiqing Liu reflected, “This day of practice reminded me to cherish my connection with the Dharma—this is the greatest happiness in life.”

With their minds purified through practice, participants experienced the joy of the Dharma, realizing that the Pure Land exists in the present moment.