On the afternoon of July 26, the Da Jue First Subchapter of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter presented the “Chan Music, Chan Joy” concert at the Dining Hall of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Led by Subchapter President Veron Wang, the event welcomed nearly 30 BLIA members and music enthusiasts for an uplifting afternoon of musical expressionand tribute to the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Under the theme “Sound of the Human World: Revealing the Melodies of Joy,” the concert featured a carefully curated repertoire of nearly 15 songs performed in Mandarin, English, Cantonese, and Taiwanese. The program reflected the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism, using music to convey gratitude, joy, and the timeless message of the Dharma.

Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, commended the collective planning behind the concert and highlighted its role in enriching cultural life at the temple. She emphasized the importance of music as a bridge to spread Humanistic Buddhism and encouraged more participation from other subchapters and community members in future events inspired by the Sound of the Human World series.

A highlight of the program was a lively performance by the “Toy Band” from the University of Waterloo, whose three dynamic songs energized the audience. Members of the Buddha’s Light Choir also performed, using contemporary melodies to honor the compassion and vows of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

Rachel Zhang, a finalist in the 2020–2021 Sound of the Human World Global Music Competition, performed The Buddha is in My Heart and LittleLeaf in the Wind from the musical Vast Starry Sky, expressing themes of personal growth and spiritual awakening. Keven Chen, Advisor of the Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD), presented Harmonize and Pilgrimage, bringing youthful energy and sincerity to the stage.

John Lu, Advisor of the Da Jue First Subchapter, delivered three reflective pieces, including Life is But a Dream, combining vocal technique with heartfelt emotion. Choir members Liqing Lu and Miranda Chu offered additional selections from the Sound of the Human World repertoire, while an impromptu performance of Friend by BLIA Toronto board member Mr. Lo added a warm, memorable conclusion.

The event closed with a group performance of The Song of Fo Guang Shan. Venerable Zhi Guan encouraged all attendees to embrace music as a means of calming the mind, cultivating joy, and bringing the Dharma into everyday life.

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