Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a public Buddhist forum on May 3 titled “Humanistic Buddhism — Let the Dharma Walk with You Every Day,” bringing together nearly 100 participants to explore how Buddhist wisdom can help individuals navigate uncertainty, anxiety, and the rapid changes of contemporary life.

The forum featured Venerable Miao Fan, Chancellor of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism; Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Chancellor of the Institute; and Dr. Xuemei Wang, Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Northwestern University and Distinguished Research Fellow of the Institute. The session was moderated by BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer John Lu.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, expressed appreciation to the visiting speakers and reflected that learning to apply the Dharma in daily life is a lifelong practice. Abbess also acknowledged the collective support of monastics, devotees, and supporters over the past three decades, whose efforts contributed to the establishment of the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice. She described the institute as a meaningful milestone in advancing Humanistic Buddhism within higher education and contemporary society.

Reflecting on the Buddhist understanding of impermanence, Chancellor Venerable Miao Fan explained that change should not be viewed solely as instability or loss, but also as the very condition that allows growth, transformation, and new possibilities to arise. Drawing from the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, she encouraged participants to cultivate aspiration together with action, emphasizing that “aspiration without practice becomes fantasy.” She further encouraged participants to face life with sincerity, mindfulness, and confidence, allowing themselves to become “a lamp of light” amid uncertainty.

Dr. Wang reflected on the emotional uncertainty many young people have experienced since the pandemic, particularly regarding identity, career direction, and emotional well-being. She encouraged youth to engage with Buddhist culture, foster genuine human connection beyond the digital world, and establish a “third space” outside of home, school, or work where individuals can find emotional support and spiritual grounding.

Deputy Chancellor Venerable Miao Guang shared that students at leading universities worldwide continue to struggle with anxiety, self-worth, and self-compassion. She emphasized that the Bodhisattva spirit of “relieving suffering and bringing joy” begins with caring for one’s own inner stability and cultivating inner peace.

The forum concluded with reflections on integrating Buddhist wisdom into everyday life. Deputy Chancellor Venerable Miao Guang also introduced the upcoming Fo Guang Dictionary of Buddhism English Digital Edition initiative, which aims to make Buddhist teachings more accessible through multilingual translation and digital resources, enabling broader audiences to encounter the wisdom of Humanistic Buddhism.