Amid record-breaking snowfall and bitter cold, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto observed Dharma Day on January25 and 26 through a moving act of compassion—sharing Laba congee to bring warmth and comfort to the community. As a winter storm swept across the region, with historic snowfall and temperatures plunging well below freezing, more than 200 participants still joined the celebrations both onsite and online, reflecting resilience grounded in faith and care.

In this spirit, monastics and devotees ventured out into the snow to deliver Laba congee to community members and Buddha’s Light families. Over the two days, nearly 4,000 bowls were carefully prepared and shared, each carrying blessings of peace, gratitude, and goodwill.

Preparation began a month in advance, with volunteers washing, cutting, and organizing ingredients. In the early morning hours—beginning at 2:00 a.m. on both January 25 and 26—Venerable Yong Kang led volunteers and youth in the cooking process, encouraging everyone to cherish each moment of effort and learning. Venerable Zhi Shen reminded youth assisting with photography and documentation to approach every opportunity with sincerity, emphasizing that each moment of service is a unique opportunity for growth.

Despite the severe weather, volunteers worked in close coordination—some cooking and packaging indoors, others driving carefully through snow-covered streets to deliver the congee. Youth also visited local seniors’ residences, sharing Laba congee and the story of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Many seniors expressed surprise and gratitude that such care arrived even during a snowstorm. As one resident shared, “In weather like this, a warm bowl of congee warms not only the body, but the heart.”

Through wind and snow, the sharing of Laba congee on Dharma Day stood as a quiet yet powerful reminder: compassion, when put into action, brings light and warmth—even in the coldest of times.

Dharma Day, also known as the Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month (this year on January 26).