Temple News

BLIA Toronto Hosts 2024 VEGRUN Charity Run Promoting Environmental and Community Care

The 2024 Toronto VEGRUN, co-organized by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, and the Pure Green Foundation, took place with great enthusiasm at Centennial Park with over 200 participants. Aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the event aimed to promote vegetarianism and environmental awareness under the theme of " Environmental and Spiritual Preservation," as advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. The event contributed to health, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Fo Guang Shan Volunteers Honored with the Legacy Award by Canadian Senator for Service and Dedication

On June 22nd, Canadian Senator Victor Oh inaugurated the Legacy Awards Ceremony at Markham City Hall. Special guests included Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, provincial and city councillors, Chinese community leaders from the Greater Toronto Area, prominent Chinese business entrepreneurs, and other distinguished guests.

Brampton Library Invites FGS Toronto to Showcase Humanistic Buddhist Publications

On June 22nd, Venerable Zhi Guan led a team of Fo Guang youths to the Brampton Local Author Showcase book fair. Building on the success of last year’s debut of Surmount, a magazine focused on spiritual care and mental wellbeing, FGS Toronto expanded this year’s showcase to include FGS Insight. A dedicated group of volunteers, active since the publications' establishment in 2022, has been tailoring Humanistic Buddhism to meet the needs and interests of Canadians.

Pennsylvania Christian Group Explores Humanistic Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto

On June 19th, led by Pastor Philip Bryant of Grace Fellowship Canada Church, a group of 20 Christians from Pennsylvania, USA, visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. The group undertook an eight-hour drive across the border to engage in a religious experience, gaining valuable insights into Humanistic Buddhism and its teachings on life wisdom.

“Sound of Chan, Joy of Dharma” Event Series Kicks Off at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto

On June 16th, the “Sound of Chan, Joy of Dharma” event series began in the Chan Garden at Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. Guided by Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, and in collaboration with BLIA lay Dharma lecturers, advisors, and Young Adult Division (YAD) members, the event introduced an innovative approach to spreading the Dharma and promoting vegetarianism. Bright sunlight and a gentle breeze perfectly encapsulated the gathering's theme of “Sunshine in the Heart.”

BLIA YAD Toronto Welcomes New Members: Embracing Coexistence and Co-Prosperity

On September 15, the Young Adult Division (YAD) of Toronto, part of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA), hosted a vibrant welcome event at Fo Guang Shan Temple Toronto. The gathering, titled “Coexistence and Co-Prosperity Between Buddhism and Youth”, was a celebration of past activities and an introduction to new members. Under the guidance of Venerable Zhi Guan, the temple’s superintendent and youth advisor, along with YAD Vice President Stacey Tran and other youth leaders, the day was filled with engaging activities that fostered community spirit and connection.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Participates in Peel Region Community Crime Awareness Day

The 2024 Peel Region Community Crime Awareness Day was held on September14th in Mississauga’s Chinatown, marking its debut at this location. VenerableZhi Guan, superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and BLIA Toronto Chapter Advisor Ken Choi attended the event, alongside notable figures such asMississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish, as well as officials from the Peel Regional Police and Fire Department.

Toronto Buddha’s Light Members Embraced The Vimalakirti Sutra in World Café Book Club

On the warm and sunny morning of September 1st, over 70 book enthusiasts gathered at the Main Shrine of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to participate in a World Café book club. Divided into ten groups, participants engaged in discussions in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, focusing on the works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, Cultivating Joy in the Human World: The Vimalakirti Sutra. To create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, the temple provided coffee and snacks, and copies of the Master’s works for attendees to take home were displayed on each table, building affinity and extending the joy and insights gained from the session.

Toronto Members Practice Sutra Calligraphy with Gratitude to Commemorate Venerable Master Hsing Yun

On August 25th, in honor of the birthday of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a special "Sutra Calligraphy" event, led by BLIA Toronto Chapter Advisor Betty Young. Over 120 members and devotees gathered to participate, approaching the practice with pure minds and deep gratitude. With full concentration, they meticulously copied the Heart Sutra, dedicating the merits of their practice to pray for the swift return of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and for the well-being of society and the nation.

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Unveils Immersive Multimedia Brushwork Art Exhibition

On July 28th, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto launched an immersive art exhibition titled "In All Horizontal and Vertical Directions, Wisdom Clears the Mind of Worries." Curated and designed by renowned artist Henry Ho, the exhibition reinterprets Buddhist concepts through contemporary art, featuring spatial installations, modern calligraphy, and ink art. Enhanced with slideshow projections and other visual effects, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience that fuses the true, the good, and the beautiful with profound Buddhist insights.

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