Nearly 80 BLIA members and temple supporters gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on June 27 for the 2026 Lifestyle Seminar, Family First Aid & CPR Experience. Jointly organized by Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Scarborough Subchapter 1 and Subchapter 2, the seminar aimed to strengthen participants' first aid knowledge and emergency response skills while fostering compassionate service within the community.

The seminar was hosted by Scarborough Subchapter 1 President Holly Cheng and Subchapter 2 President Kam Wong, with Monastic Advisor Venerable Ru An in attendance. Personal Support Worker (PSW) and Basic Life Support instructor Peter Lam, drawing on more than 30 years of experience in first aid and CPR instruction, led participants through practical demonstrations and hands-on training.

Lam began by explaining the different types of traumatic bleeding, the body's response to blood loss, and the proper emergency treatment for severe bleeding. After demonstrating wound dressing and bandaging techniques, participants practiced the procedures themselves to develop essential first aid skills.

One of the seminar's highlights was the hands-on CPR training session. Lam introduced the fundamentals of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including chest compressions and rescue breathing, before guiding participants through practice using CPR manikins. He also demonstrated the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), giving attendees the opportunity to build confidence through supervised practice.

Participants remained actively engaged throughout the seminar, asking thoughtful questions and practicing each technique with enthusiasm. Lam's clear explanations and patient instruction created an interactive learning environment that was both practical and rewarding.

In her closing remarks, Venerable Ru An thanked Lam for sharing his valuable expertise with the community. She noted that learning first aid is not only a life-saving skill but also a meaningful way to care for others while protecting oneself. She explained that this reflects the Humanistic Buddhist ideal of putting compassion into action in everyday life—a principle emphasized by Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She also encouraged everyone to remain curious, embrace lifelong learning, and strengthen their communities through service.

The seminar concluded with Venerable Ru An and the two subchapter presidents presenting Lam with a token of appreciation on behalf of the organizers. Participants left with practical life-saving skills, greater confidence in responding to emergencies, and a renewed commitment to serving others with compassion.

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