Exploring the Localization of Humanistic Buddhism in Canada

The 40th of Fo Guang Shan Srimala Buddhist College North America Study Tour arrived at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on November 11. This year’s visit coincided with Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of FGS Toronto, returning to Taiwan to attend the Fo Guang Shan University Presidents Forum. Embracing this meaningful affinity, the Abbess and Venerable Zhi Zhu, Director of Srimala Buddhist College, personally led 12 students to Toronto, marking the first stop of their ten-day learning journey across Canada.

The program offers students a broad introduction to the development of Humanistic Buddhism in Toronto, featuring courses on Buddhist fundamentals, One Hundred Lessons on Monastery Affairs, the lives and legacy of eminent monastics, spiritual care, and environmental sustainability.Their itinerary also includes visits to Buddha’s Light Centres in Markham and Waterloo, the University of Toronto, the CN Tower, and national museums—allowing students to explore Canadian culture while deepening their understanding of Humanistic Buddhism’s localization.

The opening session, “Humanistic Buddhism in Canada,” was presented by Venerable Chueh Fan, who shared the temple’s history and the collaborative efforts of monastics and lay Buddhists in community service, cultural exchange, and education. A documentary highlighting more than 30 years of temple development provided students with a vivid understanding of the localization journey. The Abbess shared that whenever she assumesresponsibility at a new temple, she seeks out its history—listening to longtime volunteers and reading Venerable Master HsingYun’s Diaries to trace the Founder’s footsteps in the region.

Students were introduced to all monastics and toured the temple grounds. During the sharing session, each student spoke about their personal connection to Fo Guang Shan—whether encouraged by family, inspired to shift from career-building to spiritual growth, or touched by a volunteer’s warm and simple greeting, “Welcome home.”

Stephanie Hong, Head of the Buddha’s Light Spiritual Care Team, offered an introduction to spiritual care, emphasizing attentive, non-judgmental listening and the importance of caring for one’s own well-being before caring for others.

In the “Green Earth Lecture,” horticultural expert and Fo Guang member Mr. Ruilong Fang discussed sustainable living and environmental policies in Taiwan and Canada, and highlighted the ecological significance of Canada’s 160 species of maple trees.

The group also visited the Markham Museum, an open-air heritage site featuring more than 30 preserved historic buildings—including an 1824 log house—offering an engaging glimpse into the city’s transformation from rural farmland to a modern urban center.

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