On October 13, 2024, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony, led by Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. A total of 316 participants completed the solemn ritual, with 280 pledging to uphold the Five Precepts and 26 taking refuge in the Triple Gem. Participants ranged in age from 2 to 86, representing a diverse assembly united in their commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

The ceremony was attended by devotees and monastics from Fo Guang Shan branches across North America, including New York, New Jersey, Seattle, Orlando, and several Canadian cities such as Ottawa, Edmonton, and Montreal temples. Their collective presence underscored the significance of the event in spreading Humanistic Buddhist values across communities.

In his Dharma talk, Venerable Hui Zhao emphasized the transformative power of the Triple Gem Refuge and the Five Precepts, referring to the precepts as “five great acts of giving.” Quoting Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, he explained that “precepts are a symbol of freedom.” He encouraged attendees to use the precepts not only as personal protection but as a way to create harmony in families and stabilize society.

Highlighting the impermanence of life, Venerable Hui Zhao urged participantsto release attachments and live mindfully in the present. He invited them to embrace the principles of Humanistic Buddhism and follow the Bodhisattva Path by practicing the “Three Acts of Goodness” (good words, good deeds, good thoughts) and the “Four Givings” (giving joy, hope, convenience, and confidence).

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, explained the procedures of the ceremony, reminding participants to focus both body and mind. She emphasized the rarity of the opportunity to take refuge and precepts, encouraging everyone to approach it with mindfulness.

To ensure the ceremony's smooth execution, Venerable Yung Ku, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, led the rehearsal. Participants were guided through the protocols with care, learning how to maintain dignity and mindfulness throughout the ritual.

Following the ceremony, Venerable Chueh Fan delivered the closing remarks, noting that this was the first refuge-taking and precepts ceremony at Fo Guang Shan Toronto since 2017. She encouraged participants to integrate the Dharma into their daily lives by regularly visiting the temple for teachings,services, and group cultivation activities.

The event was marked by moments of deep reflection and joy. Among the participants were parents of monastics, such as the mother of Venerable Nengxu, who shared that while she initially felt reluctant about her daughter becoming a nun, her experience with the Dharma has since brought her comfort and admiration for Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassionate mission. Similarly,the mother of Venerable Nengyi expressed joy, knowing that her daughter is committed to spreading the Dharma through the temple’s global network of over 300 branches.

The ceremony also attracted younger participants, including 12 members of the Toronto Fo Guang Youth group, such as Joe Li and Stephanie Huang. These young volunteers, active in temple activities and online courses, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to take refuge and uphold the precepts.

More than ten local Western devotees also participated, sharing that theywere drawn to the temple by its teachings on Humanistic Buddhism and the compassion of the monastics.

The ceremony saw many families participating together, exemplifying the generational transmission of faith. One family of four, led by Linli Tian, prepared for the event by practicing how to wear their robes the night before,experiencing what they described as “Dharma joy.” Another young participant,Mengting Qu, along with Fo Guang University intern Xinyi Qiu, expressed thatthe precepts not only serve as a foundation for Buddhist practice but also asessential principles for becoming good people.

The ceremony concluded with participants joyfully receiving certificates, symbolizing their commitment to the Buddha’s teachings. The temple also gifted attendees books by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, including The Meaning ofTaking Refuge in the Triple Gem, Humanistic Buddhism: Precepts,Meditation, and Wisdom, and Where is the Way? Humanistic Buddhism for Everyday Life.

This successful event marked not only a renewal of vows but also ameaningful step for many in their spiritual journeys, inspiring them to return frequently to the temple and continue cultivating the Dharma in their lives.

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