On the evening of July 4, the Markham Subchapters 1, 2, and 3 of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter co-hosted an online Dharma discussion titled “Exploringthe Dharma with Ease.” The session featured Venerable Ru Sing, the subchapters' monastic advisor, and was conducted in a Q&A format to address practical questions about Buddhist cultivation.

A total of 31 participants, including subchapter presidents, committee members, and general members, joined the session, which was marked by warm interaction and filled with Dharma joy.

Venerable Ru Sing opened by illustrating the difference between personal practice at home and group cultivation at the temple. She likened collective practice to “a bundle of chopsticks that cannot be easily broken,” emphasizing the strength of shared energy and mutual support in helping practitioners deepen their faith and commitment.

She stressed that the foundation of cultivation lies in regulating the body, speech, and mind. Practitioners should remain mindful of their behavior, speech, and thoughts in order to gradually remove the roots of afflictions, greed, anger, and ignorance, and transform habitual tendencies through consistent effort.

In response to a question about meditation, Venerable Ru Sing recommended beginning with natural nasal breathing and maintaining present-moment awareness. For lay practitioners who have received the Bodhisattva precepts, she encouraged the integration of a vegetarian lifestyle, chanting of sutras, and recitation of mantras to embody the spirit of compassion and mindful living.

She also highlighted the importance of participating in temple group practices, which provide a conducive environment for developing concentration, purity of mind, and alignment with the compassion of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. These group sessions help practitioners detach from external distractions and deepen their spiritual connection.

Quoting Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, she reminded participants to affirm their faith in their own Buddha nature with the phrase, “I am a Buddha.” This mindset, she explained, fosters inner joy, confidence, and a radiant presence that naturally draws others closer to the Dharma.

Venerable Ru Sing concluded by praising the dedication and enthusiasm of the Markham members, encouraging everyone to continue cultivating the path together in harmony and collective progress toward enlightenment.

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