FGS Insight Newsletter

Wilfrid Laurier University Buddha's Light Community Club Established

The Buddha’s Light Community Club of Wilfrid Laurier University (WLUBLCC) in Waterloo received official approval from the student union on January 8th, 2024. Enrollment began on January 17th during the university’s club day. Special guests, Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Ven. Zhi Guan, the Temple’s Superintendence, gave support and provided guidance. Ms. Li Li, the president of the Buddha's Light International Association Waterloo subchapter, and Tao Xu, president of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club, joined the enrollment team to introduce the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the principles of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings to university students.

FGS Toronto Celebrates Dharma Day by Nurturing Talents: Presents the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award to University Students

January 14th, Toronto - Despite freezing temperatures, over 500 members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, also known as Dharma Day. The event, held on January 14th, featured the Celebration of Dharma Day Service, the presentation of the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award, the return of the Sami “Good Affinity Little Novice” piggy bank, and the sharing of Laba Porridge.

FGS Toronto International Student Year-End Gathering: Gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun

To infuse the joyous spirit of Lunar New Year reunions into the lives of international students studying abroad, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto organized a year-end gathering on the evening of January 6th, 2024. A total of 106 students from four Canadian universities and the University of Michigan participated, expressing their gratitude for this unique cultural experience.

FGS Toronto New Year Baby Blessing Ceremony: Initiating a Blessed Start to the Joyful Journey in 2024

On the first day of the New Year in 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Toronto resonated with joy and happiness. Accompanied by their parents and families, 108 Fo Guang babies and children, ranging in age from less than 1 to 11, gleefully took part in the "2024 Fo Guang Baby New Year Blessing Ceremony."

BLIA Toronto YAD Fosters Connections and Rings in the New Year

On December 23rd, the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) hosted a vibrant gathering, drawing the participation of 14 members. Venerable Chueh Fan and Venerable Zhi Guan warmly welcomed the young attendees back home.

Toronto Senior Class Dharma Assembly: Celebrating Winter Solstice

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.

Temple News

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Triple Gem Refuge Taking and Five Precepts Ceremony Held at Fo Guang Shan Toronto: A Celebration of Faith Transmission

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.

Venerable Hui Zhao Illuminates the Wisdom of The Platform Sutra at Fo Guang Shan Toronto: Integrating Ch'an into Daily Life

On October 12, 2024, Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, visited Fo Guang Shan Toronto to deliver an enlightening lecture on The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. Drawing on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s interpretation in The Complete Works, the event attracted nearly 400 participants from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit, and beyond, with many joining online.

FGS Toronto Seminar on Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem and Upholding the Five Precepts Strengthens Devotees' Faith and Practice

On October 5th, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a seminar on "Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem and Upholding the Five Precepts," featuring a special lecture by Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. The seminar offered an in-depth exploration of key Buddhist practices, focusing on those preparing for the Triple Gem Refuge and Five Precepts Ceremony scheduled for October 13th. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of taking refuge in the Buddha,Dharma, and Sangha, and of following the Five Precepts as guiding principles in their daily lives.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Promotes Humanistic Buddhism at Canada’s Largest Street Book Festival

On September 28-29, the 35th annual Word on The Street Toronto, Canada’s largest free street book festival, took place at Queen's Park in downtown Toronto. Among the many participants, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, along with volunteers from the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) English Subchapter, presented the teachings of Humanistic Buddhism. Led by Wilson Yau, the localization team leader, the group showcased books authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, published by American Buddha’s Light Publications.

BLIA Canada Choirs Join the Buddha's Light Cup Competition with Gratitude and Determination

On September 16, the Canada Choirs of the North American Buddha’s Light, led by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and guided by Venerable Ru Zhong, participated in the inaugural Buddha’s Light Cup Choir Competition in Melaka, Malaysia. The competition took place at the Encore Melaka National Theatre, bringing together 17 choirs from 9 countries, with over 900 participants in attendance.