Nearly 100 Buddhists from different traditions gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on September 10 to pray for communities affected by the recent disaster in Nepal. Organized by the West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre, the gathering brought together Buddhist temples and organizations from across the region. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, brought together Fo Guang Shan branches in Eastern Canada and BLIA chapters from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Participants recited the Heart Sutra and dedicated the merits to those affected. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, attended and thanked the Buddhist community for its compassion and support.

‍
Fo Guang Shan members from Eastern Canada were led by Venerable Zhi Shen of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and Venerable Miao Qi of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa. Addressing the gathering in English and French, Venerable Zhi Shen described Buddhist compassion as an unwillingness to see others suffer, regardless of nationality, culture or religion. Drawing on Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s teaching of “Coexistence and Co-prosperity,” she emphasized interconnectedness and the importance of safeguarding peace through respect, dialogue, fairness, harmony and human dignity. She then read Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Prayer for the Nepal Earthquake, praying for those affected to be free from suffering, for survivors to remain safe, and for the deceased to attain a favorable rebirth.
‍

Ven. Dr. Bhante Saranapala of West End Buddhist Temple and Meditation Centre noted that Nepal, home to the Buddha’s birthplace, holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide. He thanked Buddhist communities for gathering on short notice and supporting relief efforts through prayers and donations. Ambassador Paudyal said the gathering demonstrated friendship, solidarity and humanitarian concern across national boundaries. He noted that homes, schools, hospitals and water systems had been severely damaged and thanked communities for their continued support for relief and rebuilding efforts. Severe flooding and landslides struck the Himalayan region along the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, damaging villages, homes, roads, bridges and power infrastructure and leaving tens of thousands in need of humanitarian assistance. Following the disaster, Most Venerable Hsin Bau, President of the Buddha’s Light International Association World Headquarters, and Secretary-General Venerable Chueh Pei called on Buddhist communities to care for those affected and provide humanitarian assistance wherever possible.

‍