On December 7, following the Sunday Dharma Service, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held its Sunday Dharma Lecture and the 2025 Humanistic Buddhism Courses Practicing the Buddha’s Way Award Ceremony. A total of 20 members received Gold and Silver Awards, recognizing their dedicated integration of learning and practice through faith, understanding, practice, and realization, bringing the Dharma into daily life in a solemn yet joyful atmosphere.

The Sunday Dharma Lecture was delivered by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan on the theme, “Venerable Master Hsing Yun on the Pure Land Path:The Three Pure Land Sutras and Making Buddha-Recitation Part of Daily Life.” More than 250 participants joined both in person and online. Venerable Chueh Fan emphasized that Buddha-recitation is not merely vocal chanting, but a mindful practice that guides the heart and mind back to their luminous, original nature. She noted that each recitation brings clarity and light, and that the Pure Land in the human realm begins in the very moment of sincere practice. Participants were encouraged to embody faith, vow, and action, allowing the Dharma to become a true source of support in everyday life.

The Practicing the Buddha’s Way Award promotes lifelong learning and the principle of integrating understanding and practice through Dharma studies, meditation programs, cultural enrichment classes, Dharma lectures, life-education talks, and volunteer service. All award recipients accumulated over 100 learning and service points during the year. In her remarks, Venerable Chueh Fan highlighted that the award affirms not only individual diligence, but also the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism, where practice extends beyond the classroom into service, reflection, and continual learning.

Awardees included both newcomers and long-time members with decades of dedication. The Abbess shared that even participants nearing 80 years of age continue their studies through in-person and online courses, finding stability and strength in the Dharma. She encouraged continued learning and service in the coming year, allowing the Dharma to illuminate daily life.

In 2025, Fo Guang Shan Toronto offered nearly 40 courses and hosted close to 20 lectures, engaging 581 participants with over 1,300 total registrations. Programs were conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English,serving diverse communities and further advancing the vision of making the Dharma a living presence in everyday life.