On May 2, 2025, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed federal chaplains Marianne Hoffer and Esra Aksu from the Grand Valley Institution for Women (GVI), strengthening an ongoing interfaith dialogue that began earlier this year with chaplains from Maplehurst Correctional Complex. The visit aimed to deepen understanding of Buddhist outreach practices and explore potential collaboration in providing spiritual care within correctional institutions.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan received the guests alongside Venerable Zhi Guan, Venerable Ru An, and long-time Buddha’s Light member Stephanie Hong, who has been active in prison chaplaincy work. The visit included in-depth discussions on spiritual support methods for inmates—ranging from one-on-one counseling and meditation guidance to organizing faith-based group activities. Central to the exchange was a shared commitment to helping inmates rediscover hope and rebuild their inner lives through spiritual growth.

Chaplain Esra Aksu, the first Muslim female chaplain in Canada’s military system, shared her extensive experience working with diverse communities in both military and correctional contexts. She emphasized that a chaplain’s mission is not to convert, but to walk with others in empathy and compassion. Aksu expressed a deep appreciation for Buddhist teachings, particularly mindfulness and meditation, and voiced strong interest in expanding Buddhist spiritual care within GVI.

Marianne Hoffer spoke of her admiration for the temple’s serene environment and commended the dedication of its monastics and volunteers. Both chaplains welcomed the possibility of incorporating Buddhist resources into their chaplaincy work.

Venerable Chueh Fan introduced the Four Objectives of Fo Guang Shan, established by the founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun: to propagate Buddhism through cultural activities, nurture talent through education, benefit society through charitable programs, and purify minds through spiritual cultivation. She reaffirmed the temple’s commitment to prison outreach as a key expression of Humanistic Buddhism, offering continued support through monastic visits, volunteer mentorship, and Dharma-based programs.

As a gesture of goodwill, the Abbess presented each chaplain with Blueprint for Humanistic Buddhism (English edition) and a French-language One-Stroke Calligraphy keepsake.

The visit concluded with a shared vision forfuture collaboration, including providing multilingual Dharma texts, audio-visual materials, and organizing cultural events to help inmates find inner peace and renewal through spiritual practice.

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