On the afternoon of December 22,2024, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted its annual “Year-End Cleaning Day.” Led by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, the event brought together monastics and more than 250 volunteers for a meaningful day of service. Volunteers, divided into 16 teams, worked together to clean the temple’s four floors, including the Main Shrine, corridors, Tea House, Buddha’s Cultural Museum, Dining Hall, Conference Room, Meditation Hall, and washrooms. Thanks to their teamwork and dedication, the temple was thoroughly cleaned in just 3.5 hours, leaving it spotless and ready to welcome the New Year with a refreshed and dignified atmosphere.

The day began in the Main Shrine, where Venerable Chueh Fan led everyone in reciting the Heart Sutra. She then read the “Prayer for Our Volunteers” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, in both Chinese and English to ensure all participants could appreciate the significance of their service. In her remarks, Venerable Chueh Fan shared her happiness in seeing everyone bring their own cleaning tools and treat the temple as their home. She encouraged volunteers to see the act of cleaning as a way to purify their minds, turn challenges into wisdom, and bring this sense of peace and joy back to their families.

Under the guidance of Venerable Ru Zhong, the temple’s Superintendent, volunteers divided into groups and went totheir assigned areas. Monastics and team leaders guided tasks such as cleaningceilings, air vents, light covers, window frames, walls, furniture, carpets,and floors. The volunteers’ careful attention to detail ensured that everycorner of the temple was addressed, enhancing its beauty and tranquility.

This year’s event welcomed a diversegroup of participants, including young people and families. Yutong Li and GangYang, students from the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), joined the Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) to help clean the Buddha’s Light Cultural Museum. They found the experience well-organized and rewarding. Young volunteers Michelle Tian and Michael, from the temple’s Children’s English Dharma class, worked alongside their parents to clean tables and chairs in the Conference Room, demonstrating a touching spirit of family teamwork. Similarly, Derek and his family of four from BLIA Scarborough subchapter went above and beyond by helping clean the ceiling in the Conference Room after finishing their assigned tasks.

Zhen Zheng, a committee member of the Da Tze subchapter, shared her thoughts on the event. She was deeply touched by the number of young participants and families taking part. She noted that the cleanup was not just a physical activity but also a spiritual practice and a meaningful way to pass on Buddhist teachings. Through this service, the seeds of Dharma were planted in the hearts of children, making the day even more significant.

The event ended with volunteers enjoying sweet snacks and desserts specially prepared by the temple. These treats nourished their bodies and lifted their spirits, leaving everyone with asense of accomplishment and happiness. Volunteers departed with hearts full ofjoy and gratitude, ready to embrace the New Year with renewed energy and purpose.