On April 5, 2025, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the third session of its ongoing Spiritual Care Training Program, focusing on the theme of “Empathy and Compassion.” Led by registered psychotherapists Stephanie Hong and Erica Wan, the workshop welcomed Venerable Zhi Guan and 22 members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter for reflective learning and meaningful discussion.

On April 5, 2025, six members and leaders of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) participated in the “CN Tower Climb for Nature,” a charity event organized by WWF-Canada (World Wildlife Fund Canada). Through this physically demanding challenge, the YAD team demonstrated their dedication to environmental protection and their commitment to embodying the Humanistic Buddhist values of compassion, responsibility, and active social engagement.

To help devotees deepen their understanding and practice of Humanistic Buddhism, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto invited Venerable Chueh Fa, Superintendent of Chung Mei Temple in Houston, USA, to give a special lecture on Pure Land practice on March 29. Nearly 200 participants gathered to explore how the principles of Pure Land Buddhism can be integrated into daily life.

On March 29, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held an Eight Precepts Retreat, drawing 150 dedicated participants from Toronto and Detroit, USA. Despite freezing rain and unpredictable weather, attendees remained steadfast in their spiritual pursuit. Among them, 62 were Bodhisattva Preceptees, and 66 were Five Preceptees. The retreat emphasized Pure Land practice, seamlessly integrating Dharma learning with application through activities such as temple chores, Chan and Pure Land practice, and the Buddha’s Light Samadhi Practice. A special Dharma lecture on Pure Land practice was delivered by Venerable Chueh Fa, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Chung Mei Temple in Houston, USA.

On March 28, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a Cantonese Dharma talk titled “Symphony of Life — How to Change One’s Destiny” at the Buddha’s Light Center in Markham. The special guest speaker, Venerable Chueh Fa, Superintendent of Chung Mei Temple in Houston, USA, shared Buddhist wisdom with over 260 participants attending in person and online.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto launched its 2025 English Dharma Practice on March 22, inviting English-speaking practitioners to explore Humanistic Buddhism. Led by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the inaugural session offered a half-day program featuring prayer and meditation, Buddhist etiquette, artistic expression through “Tastes of Art,” and Dharma teachings in “Buddhism in Every Step.” Over 20 participants, including families with children, attended, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment to explore Buddhist wisdom in daily life.