For more than a decade, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto has provided individual spiritual care and small-group Buddhist study program sat a federal women’s correctional facility, offering sustained support to help incarcerated individuals stabilize body and mind. On January 28, the temple officially extended its prison ministry to the Maplehurst Correctional Complex, a provincial men’s correctional facility, marking a new milestone in its correctional outreach.

The collaboration took shape last year following a visit by two Maplehurst chaplains to the temple, where both sides engaged in in-depth dialogue on the role and significance of spiritual care within correctional settings. The chaplains noted that incarcerated individuals particularly benefit from one-on-one spiritual support and small-group engagement, which can help stabilize emotions while encouraging reflection and inner growth.

Stephanie Hong, head of the Buddha’s Light Spiritual Care Group, shared that individual spiritual care sessions provide a safe and respectful space for participants to express themselves openly and receive care, comfort, and encouragement. Many, she noted, find that Buddhist teachings enable deeper self-understanding and offer new perspectives on life’s direction and meaning. This approach reflects the core principles of Humanistic Buddhism—what the Buddha taught, what people need, and what uplifts and purifies human life.

Moving forward, the Spiritual Care Group will conduct biweekly visits to Maplehurst, offering individual spiritual care alongside planned small-group Buddhist study sessions. Through the integration of Dharma teachings and compassionate presence, the program aims to bring warmth and hope within prison walls, support inner transformation, and help lay a positive foundation for eventual reintegration into society.