FGS Insight Newsletter

Peel Police New Force Visit Temple

Following the easing of public health measures and restrictions in Ontario, on May 31st, 39 Recruit Constables visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to learn more about Buddhist culture and various functions of the temple. The visit was the first time Peel Regional Police resumed its temple visit for the new force since 2020, the beginning of the pandemic.

3000 Buddhists from GTA Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday

On May 28, 2022, the annual Vesak Festival 2022 was held jointly by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, West End Buddhist Temple, Cham Shan Temple, and Karma Sonam Dargye Ling. It was held virtually due to the pandemic. Over 3000 participants joined through social platforms such as Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook simultaneously. During the celebration, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, delivered his good wishes in a pre-recorded video.

Celebration of BLIA 30th Anniversary

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Buddha’s Light International Association(BLIA,) Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the BLIA Toronto Chapter arranged a special photo exhibition, and the grand opening ceremony was held on May 15th. Special guests included Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, the Director of BLIA World Headquarters, Glenn Chan, the Advisor of BLIA Toronto Chapter and Committee Member of Overseas Community Affairs Council, Zongxi You, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Chueh Fan, and the President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, Mabel Lam, to cut the ribbon together. More than 100 members participated and witnessed the celebration.

Rise with Spirit and Soar High - BLIA: Retrospections

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA,) on May 15th, 2022, Fo Guang Shan Temple and BLIA of Toronto grandly held a symposium named “Rise with Spirit and Soar High - BLIA: Retrospections.”

Celebration of Buddha's Birthday

On May 8, 2022, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the "2022 Celebration of Buddha's Birthday" event to celebrate Buddha Day. The celebration consisted of three sessions, including Offerings to the Buddha, Singing and Dancing Performance, and Bathing Buddha Dharma Service. There were over 400 devotees who participated in the celebration at the temple as well as joined online.

Aspiration to become a Buddhist and Uphold the Five Precepts

On May 7th, 2022, in Toronto, a total of 144 people joined the “2022 Fo Guang Shan Five Precepts and Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony.” To follow the COVID-19 public health measures and advice, there were 74 new Five Precepts preceptees joined the ceremony at FGS Temple of Toronto. The rest of them joined the ceremony online, including 44 renewing Five Precepts preceptees and 26 people who took refuge in the Triple Gem.

Temple News

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Fo Guang Shan Toronto Youth Commit to Self-Awareness and Buddhist Practice

On October 19, the inaugural session of the Fo Guang Shan Toronto Youth Academy opened with an inspiring ceremony at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Twelve young participants from Canada, China, Taiwan, and India gathered to start on a journey of self-discovery through Humanistic Buddhism. The group includes university students and working professionals such as doctors, engineers, programmers, and managers, with an average age of 25.

University of Toronto Museum Studies Students Explore the Depths of Buddhist Art and Culture at Fo Guang Shan Temple

On October 15, a group of 25 students from the University of Toronto Mississauga's Museum Studies program, led by Professor Li Lan, visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto as part of their course curriculum. The visit aimed to enhance their understanding of Buddhist architecture, art, and culture while fostering intercultural exchange. It also highlighted the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in promoting Buddhism through art in modern society.

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.