Fo Guang Shan Toronto Launches Spiritual Care Training Program to Inspire Compassionate Service

On March 8, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto’s Spiritual Care Team officially launched its 2025 Spiritual Care Training Series with an inaugural session on “Active Listening Techniques.” The training, held at the temple, aimed to strengthen participants' core skills in spiritual care and attracted 23 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including experienced volunteers, graduate students from the University of Toronto, legal professionals, and those involved in senior care. The next three sessions will delve deeper into communication skills, empathy, compassion, ethics, and self-care.

University of Toronto Students Explore Humanistic Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan Toronto

On March 1, 37 students from the University of Toronto’s Peer Support Network visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto to gain insights into Humanistic Buddhism. The visit featured an introduction to Buddhist etiquette, an overview of Fo Guang Shan’s history, interactive experiences, and a guided temple tour, providing students with a deeper understanding of the temple’s role in promoting social care and mental well-being.

FGS Toronto Hosts Volunteer Tea Gathering to Celebrate Dedication and Dharma Bonds

To express gratitude for the dedication of volunteers during the Lunar New Year festivities, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a New Year Volunteer Tea Gathering on February 23, 2025. The event welcomed over 250 Fo Guang members from 24 volunteer groups and various subchapters of BLIA Toronto to the Five Contemplations Hall for an afternoon of appreciation, Dharma joy, and cultural performances.

Fo Guang Shan Toronto Meditative Moment Art Exhibition Blending Art and Mindfulness

On the afternoon of February 23, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the opening ceremony of the Meditative Moment contemporary art exhibition, welcoming over 50 guests. Among the distinguished attendees were Bonnie Brown, former Director of Economics for the City of Mississauga; Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto; BLIA Toronto Chapter President Mabel Lam; and featured artist Warren Hoyano. Together, they celebrated the integration of art and mindfulness.

FGS Toronto Hosts Educational Talk on Mind-Body Balance Through Calligraphy

The first educational talk of 2025, titled "Exploring the Path to Mind-Body Balance Through Calligraphy," was held on February 22 at the Buddha’s Light Centre in Markham. Organized by the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto Social and Educational Department and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Markham subchapter, the event featured Mr. Henry Ho, an experienced calligraphy artist, as the guest speaker. Nearly 60 calligraphy enthusiasts attended the talk, which explored the relationship between calligraphy, Tai Chi, and the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), emphasizing the practice of calligraphy, Tai Qi cultivation, and mental focus.

Toronto Junior School Students Explore Buddhist Culture at Fo Guang Shan Toronto

On February 20, a group of 50 visitors, including five teachers and fourth-grade students from Branksome Hall Junior School in Toronto, led by teacher Marianne Long, visited Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. They were warmly welcomed by FGS Toronto Superintendent Venerable Zhi Guan, Venerable Ru An, and volunteer tour guide Jesse Chung.

Temple News

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The Pure Land Is Here and Now: Fo Guang Shan Toronto’s Eight Precepts Retreat Inspires Joy in Practice

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.

Fo Guang Shan Toronto Launches 2025 English Dharma Practice: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Humanistic Buddhism

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.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Participates in University Interfaith Conference

On March 20, Emmanuel College at Victoria University, University of Toronto, hosted a two-day interfaith conference titled "Transforming Wounds into Wisdom: Interreligious Perspectives on Moral Injury Through a Buddhist Lens." Led by Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg, Principal of Emmanuel College, the event was organized by Dr. Henry Shiu and Dr. Jennifer Bright. Over 50 scholars and religious leaders participated both in person and online to explore the intersection of moral injury and Buddhist teachings. In her opening remarks, Dr. Kim-Cragg reflected on Emmanuel College’s efforts in interfaith dialogue and highlighted the significance of the college’s Buddhist studies program, which marks its tenth anniversary this year.

Toronto Buddha’s Light Children’s Dharma Class Begins Nurturing Wisdom and Kindness

The 2025 session of the Buddha’s Light Children’s English Dharma Class officially began on March 9, with classes held at both the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto in Mississauga and the Buddha’s Light Center in Markham. This semester’s theme, Shine Bright and Grow Wise!, attracted 35 children aged 5 to 12, eager to explore Buddhist teachings in an engaging and supportive environment.

FGS Toronto Launches 2025 Humanistic Buddhism Courses Promoting Lifelong Learning

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Toronto held its 2025 Humanistic Buddhism Courses opening ceremony on March 9, marking the start of a new semester. Following the Sunday Dharma Service, over 80 instructors and teaching assistants gathered to receive their appointment letters and certificates of appreciation. The temple expressed gratitude to its dedicated educational team, which upholds Fo Guang Shan’s mission of “fostering talent through education.” The academy continues to promote the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings, enriching lives and advancing the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “What the Buddha taught, what is essential to human beings, what purifies, and what is virtuous and beautiful.”