The Buddha’s Light Center in Waterloo, Canada, held its bi-monthly “Tea & Life” dialogue on November 22, focusing on how the Buddhist teaching of causes and conditions can support a positive approach to life. The session wasled by Venerable Zhi Guan, Director of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, together with Stephanie Hong, Head of the FGS Toronto Spiritual Care Group. Twelve English-speaking participants from the local community attended.

Stephanie opened the program by helping participants distinguish between “causes” that arise from one’s own intentions and actions, and “conditions” that develop from external circumstances. By recalling personal accomplishments, participants reflected on how individual effort and supportive conditions work together to shape life experiences and how clarity of mind helps one navigate pressures beyond one’s control.

Venerable Zhi Guan further explained dependent origination through the metaphor of a seed—representing the “cause”—which requires sunlight, water, soil, and time as “conditions” for growth. She encouraged patience when causes and conditions have not yet matured. In response to a participant sharing her challenges as a single mother, Venerable Zhi Guan referenced the true story behind the film The Dumpling Queen, emphasizing how courage, effort, and resilience can transform adversity.

A paper-weaving activity guided by Stephanie invited participants to recognize their strengths and challenges and to reflecton how mindset shapes one’s responses. During group sharing, many expressed renewed resolve to face life with clarity and confidence. Program organizer Cindy Choi noted that whole some conditions can be createdthrough small acts of kindness, allowing positive affinities to flourish.

Since its launch this summer, “Tea & Life” has steadily grown into a warm, reflective space for dialogue, mindfulness, and community connection within the Toronto–Waterloo region.