On November 1, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the Buddhism in Every Step – Half-Day English Retreat, themed The Heart Sutra and Daily Life. Designed to help participants discover peace and wisdom in the present moment, the retreat integrated meditation, chanting, and calligraphy, offering a warm and insightful encounter with Humanistic Buddhism. Twenty-six English-speaking participants joined this meaningful day of calm reflection and spiritual nourishment.

The retreat began with participants setting aside their phones and digital devices, allowing the mind to settle into stillness. Through “Fo Guang Mindful Exercise,” they gently aligned body, breath, and mind before chanting the Heart Sutra in English and engaging in seated meditation. The Meditation Hall was filled with an atmosphere of serenity and mindful awareness.

In the Dharma session Living Wisdom from the Heart Sutra, Venerable Ru An drew from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s The Heart Sutra and the Buddhist View of Life, explaining that prajñā—true wisdom—is not remote or abstract, but alive within daily living. Through relatable examples, the Venerable shared how compassion and insight can transform life’s challenges, revealing the sutra’s timeless message of “transcending all suffering.”

During the mindful lunch, participants observed gratitude and reflection on the interdependence of all conditions. The afternoon Mindful Calligraphy session, led by Venerable Zhi Shen, invited participants to contemplate Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words—“I am a Buddha,” “Avalokiteśvara,” and “Fearless in the World.” Under the guidance of instructor Yau Wai Li, each brush stroke became an exercise in mindfulness, stillness, and concentration.

The retreat concluded with a dedication of merits. Participants expressed heartfelt appreciation for the temple’s thoughtful guidance and the opportunityto connect with Buddhist practice in a meaningful way. “I especially enjoyed the meditation. Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words made Buddhism feel close to life—practical and inspiring,” shared Max. Anand, a local yoga teacher, reflected that the retreat resonated deeply with his values and expressed his wish to continue attending future sessions. Many echoed this gratitude, finding that every mindful breath, movement, and word revealed the true essence of practice in everyday life.