On April 13, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, in collaboration with the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, welcomed Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Chancellor of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, for a public Dharma talk titled “Dasabhumika Sutra: The Bodhisattva’s Joyfulness Ground.” The talk drew over 400 participants, both in person and online, including Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Toronto; BLIA Toronto Vice President Rachel Fan; monastics, and lay devotees.

Drawing from the Dasabhumika Sutra, a key chapter of the Avatamsaka Sutra, Venerable Miao Guang guided the audience through the ten stages of the bodhisattva path, from the Ground of Joy to the Ground of the Dharma Cloud. She explained that the use of the term “Abiding” (住) in the Chinese title of the sutra signifies ten crucial stages of inner stability and spiritual growth, cultivated through diligence, wisdom, and unwavering resolve, especially in the face of difficulties while spreading the Dharma.

To deepen the audience’s understanding, Venerable Miao Guang introduced the “Six Conditions for Receiving the Dharma”: faith, hearing, timing, teacher, location, and assembly. These six elements, she explained, create the ideal environment for the Buddha to share his teachings. She also used the metaphor of the bodhisattva’s radiant light, like the full moon, to illustrate how the bodhisattva shines equally on all beings, embodying compassion and impartiality.

Focusing particularly on the first stage, the Ground of Joy, she emphasized qualities such as deep faith, gentleness, openness, and the importance of letting go of anger and contention. Quoting Venerable Master Hsing Yun, she shared: “Being able to maintain joy and ease atall times and places, transforming afflictions into joy, and suffering into peace, is the true wisdom of the bodhisattva.”

To connect the teachings to everyday life, Venerable Miao Guang shared real-life stories, including that of Dr. Lewis Lancaster, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, who drew strength from the Dharma while facing illness. She also offered personal reflections from her time serving as interpreter for Venerable Master Hsing Yun, underscoring the importance of unwavering faith in one’s spiritual teacher and a commitment to daily practice.

In her closing remarks, Venerable Miao Guang encouraged everyone to embody the bodhisattva spirit in their everyday lives, whether at home, at work, or in relationships, by transforming delusion into awakening and dedicating one’s actions to benefit both self and others. She also introduced two forth coming publications, encouraging participants to continue their study and practice of the Dharma.

Attendees expressed heartfelt appreciation for the talk. Devotee Polly Tang praised the clarity and depth of the teachings, while Belinda Chen shared her inspiration to let go of attachments and cultivate a pure and joyful mind. Both expressed renewed determination to walk the bodhisattva path with faith, compassion, and perseverance.