BLIA Toronto Scarborough First and Second Subchapters hosted a joint Sutra Transcription event at Markham Buddha’s Light Centre on March 24th, 2024, offering an opportunity of cultivation for members who were unable to attend the Dharma Service at the FGS Temple of Toronto in the morning due to travel challenges. Many members began their day with the Great Compassion RepentanceDharma Service at the temple before rushing back to partake in the SutraTranscription session, cherishing this chance to practice together. In total,52 members and friends participated. 

Venerable Ru An, the guiding venerable of the Scarborough subchapter, started the session and guided the participants to meditate to relax their bodies and ease their minds. After reciting the sutra, participants picked up their pens and started writing and practising morality, stillness and wisdom with much focus and concentration. Following the transcription, Venerable Ru An led the reciting of “A Prayer for Those Who Transcribe Sutrasand Hear the Dharma”, as taught by the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. 

Venerable Ru An explained that the practice of the middle way is the essence of the Heart Sutra. Through “giving up” and"letting go”, we can reduce greed, aversion and ignorance in our daily experience. This realization is key to one’s spiritual practice. She also shared a story from Venerable Master HsingYun’s Bodhi Light Tales “The story of a silver coin” as a reflection of how we can change our destiny by transforming our life from one of seeking to giving. This is how we practice the Master’s teachings of the principles of the Four Givings. 

After the transcription, participants enjoyed refreshments prepared by the subchapter, embracing the joy of giving and aspiring to live by the principles of the "Four Givings." The event concluded with participants departing with renewed joy in the Dharma. 

The presidents of the Scarborough first and second chapters, Kelly Xu and Kam Wong, expressed gratitude to members for their active participation and support, hoping to continue attracting individuals to the Buddhist Light Association and promote Humanistic Buddhism through such meaningful activities.