On May 11, in a moving expression offaith, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed over 50 new disciples intoBuddhism through the solemn Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony. The event highlightedboth the rarity and deep joy of taking refuge, as participants formally pledgedtheir commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

On May 11, in a moving expression of faith, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed over 50 new disciples into Buddhism through the solemn Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony. The event highlighted both the rarity and deep joy of taking refuge, as participants formally pledged their commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Led by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan,the ceremony was witnessed by more than 150 family members and fellow practitioners. The new disciples ranged in age from 4 to 72, with nearly half under 30. Several families spanning three generations took refuge together, underscoring the intergenerational transmission of Buddhist values and traditions.

In her Dharma talk, the Abbess conveyed the preciousness of this step through the well-known parable of the “blind turtle and floating log,” emphasizing how rare it is to encounter the Dharma. Drawing from the wisdom of Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, she likened the Triple Gem to essential life systems: the Buddha as a source of light and wisdom, the Dharma as purification, and the Sangha as a field for cultivating merit.

Taking refuge, she explained, is far more than a ritual, it is a conscious and transformative step on one’s spiritual journey, akin to enrolling in school or obtaining a passport. The refuge certificate, she noted, marks the beginning of one’s path toward rebirth in the Pure Land.

Reflecting Toronto’s multiculturalism, participants came from Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, India,Bangladesh, and Brunei. To ensure inclusivity, the ceremony was conducted in Chinese, with simultaneous interpretation in English and Cantonese.

Following the ceremony, a “Taking Refuge Workshop” helped deepen participants’ understanding. Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan answered questions using references from the Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, while Superintendent Venerable Ru Zhong introduced key Buddhist terms and etiquette. Attendees practiced wearing the haiqing robe, respectful hand gestures, and prostration in small groups.

Among the youngest disciples were12-year-olds Darsh Pandya and Vincent Tran. Darsh, inspired by the temple’s English reading group, found Buddhism intellectually and spiritually meaningful. Vincent, raised in a Buddhist household, shared how the temple provided inner calm and guidance.

Melissa Grenier, a student from the meditation class, described the ceremony as an emotional turning point, finding her way home.

This rare and joyful event not only welcomed new Buddhists into the community but also reaffirmed Fo Guang ShanToronto’s mission to share the Dharma across cultures and generations.