Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and Martin Luther University College (MLUC) at Wilfrid Laurier University are partnering on an art exhibition exploring the connections among humanity, nature and the inner life.

On July 27, Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Venerable Zhi Guan, monastic advisor of Waterloo Buddha’s Light Center, joined staff members Cindy Choi and Stephanie Hong for a planning meeting at MLUC. They met with Dr. Mitra Barua, Assistant Professor of Asian Religions; artist Sharon Sargeant Woodley; and community exhibition coordinators Debbie Lou Lodolph and Michael Chow.

Scheduled to open on November 23, “Tree. Heart-Mind. — Coexisting” will bring Woodley’s oil paintings into dialogue with cultural works inspired by the calligraphy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Building on discussions that began in May, the exhibition will explore the interconnected relationships among people, the land and the human spirit.

Woodley’s featured series, “The Earth Does Not Belong to Us,” draws inspiration from a statement widely attributed to Chief Seattle. Reflecting the Waterloo community where she has lived for more than 50 years, her paintings explore her connection with trees, place and life.

Together, the artworks will invite visitors to reflect on the Buddhist concept of heart-mind and bodhicitta—the aspiration to awaken for the benefit of all beings. Through a non-dual perspective, the exhibition seeks to bridge the perceived divide between self and the environment.

Venerable Chueh Fan quoted Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “Do not look at my calligraphy; look at my heart.” She expressed hope that the exhibition would connect his teachings on environmental and spiritual preservation with contemporary concerns about mental well-being and ecological awareness. Tea meditation will also be included, offering visitors an experiential introduction to Buddhism in daily life.

Dr. Barua plans to integrate the exhibition and tea meditation into his courses and student assessment. Lodolph noted that MLUC, as a centre for theological education and spiritual care, is committed to fostering dialogue among faith, culture and the contemporary world.