On December 22nd, 2023, the FGS Toronto Senior Class came together for a special Winter Solstice celebration at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Classmates gathered to joyfully observe the Winter Solstice through Dharma practices.

Upon arriving at the Temple, 25 classmates, ranging in age from 65 to 95, donned aprons, masks, and gloves. They actively engaged in making "tangyuan" (dumplings) as a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards the Abbess and Venerables for their guidance and support throughout the year. 

Despite the modest size of the "tangyuan," they carried profound sentiments of appreciation. Carefully preparing both savoury and sweet flavours, the class leader, Amy Gao, represented all classmates ino ffering the "tangyuan" to the Abbess, Venerables, and volunteersduring lunch with sincere gratitude. 

Following lunch, the event featured engaging interactive sessions, including group singing of the "Ten Practices Songs" and "Our Hometown is in Fo Guang Shan." Additionally, brain-teasing puzzle activities such as "Hundred Laws, Hundred Hits," "Throw and Arrive," and "Quick Eyes and Hands" were included. Attending the event were Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto; Venerable Zhi Guan, the Temple Superintendent; Venerable Yung Kang, and the Senior Class Monastic Advisor, Ven. Ru An. 

Venerable Chueh Fan welcomed everyone and emphasized the spirit of progress based on the teachings of the Founder of Fo Guang Shan,Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The Abbess underscored the importance of a learning mindset, expressing that being a student is a blessing. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their strengths, expertise, and areas they still wished to explore. Venerable Chueh Fan urged classmates to continue with curiosity, emphasizing the concept that "learning knows no bounds." She also shared recent scientific insights on "brain usage not leading toexhaustion," expressing hope that seniors would contribute their expertise to attract more people to learn Humanistic Buddhism and discover the treasures of life. She concluded by presenting a special gift with the Venerable Master's calligraphy, "Every day is a good day," to all seniors. 

Venerable Zhi Guan, using a Buddhist story, conveyed the message that elderly individuals are treasures. She hoped that participants would actively cherish this most abundant stage of their lives. Venerable Yung Kang shared insights on maintaining mental agility and clarity, emphasizingthat age is not determined by years but by the youthful state of the mind. 

Ven. Ru An expressed gratitude for the first-ever Senior Class program this year, thanking Venerable Chueh Fan for her compassionate guidance and the Temple for providing various conveniences and assistance to the class.Ven. Ru An praised the seniors for their enthusiastic dedication, embodying the spirit of "Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings". These spirits enabled students from diverse backgrounds or facing significant life challenges to better navigate their life journeys through participation in the Class.

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