The second session of the 2025 BLIA North American Guest AdministratorTraining Seminar was held on June 4–5 at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, drawing nearly 100 participants from BLIA chapters in Ottawa, Montreal, andToronto. Led by ten experienced instructors from Fo Guang Shan Taiwan, the two-day immersive training aimed to enhance the quality and spirit of temple hospitality through detailed instruction in etiquette, reception protocol, and Humanistic Buddhist values.

The program focused on upholding the distinguished image of the “Pink Ladies”—a title affectionately given to BLIA’s trained hospitality volunteers known for their grace, professionalism, and heartfelt service. Training covered every aspect of presentation, including grooming, attire, poise, tea service, seating manners, and award presentation etiquette. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants cultivated both external polish and inner confidence.

Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included Venerable Yung Ku, Deputy Secretary-General of BLIA World Headquarters (America East); Venerable Chueh Chung, Director of the Secretariat, BLIA World Headquarters; Venerable You Rong, Deputy Secretary-General of BLIA Chunghua Headquarters; Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto; Ms. Mabel Lam, President of the BLIA Toronto Chapter; and Ms. Shuzhen Wu,Chief Coordinator of the Guest Administrator Group, BLIA Chunghua Headquarters.

Venerable Yung Ku commended the instructors for their long-standing dedication and referenced a teaching from Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun: Buddhists can teach through example. Venerable You Rongechoed this spirit, urging participants to become “seed instructors” who passon the light of the Dharma. “Wearing the hospitality uniform is more than asymbol of identity,” she said. “It is a vow to embody Buddhism through every action.”

President Mabel Lam emphasized that BLIA’s hospitality is deeply rooted inspiritual practice and compassion, a quality recognized on the international stage, where members were honored as the “Pink Ladies of Fo Guang Shan” at the United Nations.

At the closing ceremony, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan praised the trainees’ dedication, reminding them that hospitality is a form of Dharma transmission—where understanding and practice must go hand in hand.

To conclude the seminar, a heartfelt teacher appreciation banquet was held. Participants expressed gratitude through musical performances from the Soundsof the Human World series, honoring instructors who have devoted decades to selfless service. One instructor reflected, “Being touched is momentary, but inspiration lasts a lifetime.”

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