On January 11, 2025, the BLIA Toronto Da Tzu 2nd Subchapter hosted a special event titled The Beauty of Fo Guang in the Conference Room of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Featuring volunteer experience sharing and aphotography appreciation session, the gathering brought together nearly 25 members and photography enthusiasts in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

The event opened with remarks from Subchapter President Annie Du, who introduced its purpose and inspiration. She highlighted its alignment with the 2025 BLIA Global Photography Contest, The Beauty of Fo Guang: Coexistenceand Co-Prosperity, which invites participants to capture moments of beauty and inspiration that reflect the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism in daily life.

Members and volunteers shared heartfelt stories from their experiences serving at the temple. Weihua, Qian, Meihong, and Lily spoke about their personal journeys, emphasizing the fulfillment and growth they have gained through their volunteer service.

The photography appreciation session featured insights from Tiger Chen, an experienced photography enthusiast and head of the temple’s IT team. He provided practical tips on capturing details and developing an artistic eye,encouraging attendees to participate in the photography contest. Following this, Congzhou presented an introduction to photography techniques, integrating Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, impermanence, and meditative concentration. His discussion offered a unique perspective on how Buddhist wisdom can enhance the art of photography.

As the first gathering of 2025 for the Da Tzu 2nd Subchapter, the event wasboth inspiring and unifying. Reflecting on the experience, Lily shared that ithighlighted many moving moments while deepening the sense of belonging among volunteers.