On March 8, following the Light Offering Inauguration Dharma Service, the calligraphy exhibition “Dharma Teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Classical Chan Poetry— Kai Ming Calligraphy Exhibition” officially opened at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. The exhibition features works by calligrapher Kai Ming Chui (徐啓明).The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew nearly 400 participants, including Dharma service attendees both onsite and online, as well as about 80 of the artist’s students.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan expressed appreciation for the opportunity to host the exhibition, praising Chui’s strong humanistic background and his dedication to cultural education. During the preparation process, Chui studied numerous works by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Though living overseas, he remained deeply connected with the Master’s teachings, translating them into calligraphic expression.

Venerable Chueh Fan noted that the exhibition took nearly a year to prepare. Marking the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the centennial of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s birth, the exhibition highlights the Master’s Dharma teachings alongside classical Chan verses. She also emphasized that Buddhist practice is not limited to Dharma services; lectures, exhibitions, music, andeven vegetarian living can all become meaningful forms of cultivation in daily life.

Chui shared that the exhibition arose from a meaningful meeting with the Abbess. The exhibition presents 50 calligraphy works, with all but one newly created for this event. The pieces draw upon Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma teachings, Chan sayings, and classical poetry. He noted that Chan verses have inspired him since his youth and have remained a source of reflection for more than fifty years.

During the guided tour, Chui explained that each brush stroke carries its own elegance and discipline. Through a range of calligraphic styles—including regular script, semi-cursive script, and bronze inscriptions—he invites viewers to experience both the artistic beauty of Chinese calligraphy and the wisdom conveyed through the Dharma.

Community leaders and Kevin Cao, President of the Buddha's Light International Association Toronto Chapter, who attended the opening praised the exhibition for promoting Chinese cultural heritage and providing a meaningful platform for cultural exchange.

During the ceremony, Chui presented calligraphy works to the temple and distinguished guests. The temple reciprocated with a calligraphy scroll by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and special calligraphy cards featuring Dharma phrases were distributed to attendees.

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