The Lantern Festival, traditionally marked by lantern viewing and sweet dumplings, also holds special significance for the Fo Guang Shan community as a time to remember Fo Guang Shan Founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. On March 3, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a Lantern Festival Food Offering Dharma Service and shared the traditional Yangzhou dumplings, symbolizing blessings from the Venerable Master’s hometown. The gathering offered devotees a warm opportunity to reflect on the Master’s compassion and share in the joy of the Dharma.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan explained that Yangzhou dumplings originate from the hometown of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and represent a heartfelt blessing he wished to share with all. As participants enjoyed the dumplings, they were encouraged to remember the Master’s kindness and dedicate the merits to family and friends, savoring the moment with gratitude.

Although the event took place on a weekday, many visitors came to the temple on the fifteenth day of the lunar month to participate in chanting and spiritual practice. Following the Dharma service, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan led the assembly in viewing the video “An Honest Revelation – An Open Letter,” allowing participants to listen to the Master’s final words of guidance.

The video reflected on the Master’s life journey—through war, imprisonment, and illness—yet unwavering in his vow to promote Humanistic Buddhism. He expressed his aspiration to continue serving as a monastic in future lives, dedicating himself to bringing peace and happiness to people around the world. The scenes of his compassionate work and historical footage deeply moved many viewers.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan reminded the audience that the most meaningful way to honor the Master is to practice Humanistic Buddhism in daily life. In a world facing uncertainty, she encouraged everyone to uphold the "Three Acts of Goodness," do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts, becoming sources of light that bring kindness, peace, and hope to society.

Participants also shared heartfelt reflections. BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer Sue Hutchison expressed gratitude upon seeing the commemorative stamp marking “60 Years of Passing the Lamp and Honoring a 100-Year Legacy,” noting that the Master’s teachings continue to guide the Buddha’s Light community. Visitors from diverse backgrounds shared that the ceremony brought them a sense of calm and inspiration, renewing their aspiration to uphold and share the spirit of Humanistic Buddhism.

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