Offering to the Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dedicated to World Peace

March 1, 2026

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held its 2026 Offerings to the Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service on February 27 and March 1. The ceremony was presided over by Venerable Yung Ku, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa. Over the two days, nearly 700 participants joined both in person and online to take part inthe solemn ritual of inviting the Buddhas, making offerings to the Triple Gem, and expressing gratitude to the Dharma protectors.

Having previously served as abbess of the Toronto temple, Venerable Yung Ku shared that accepting the invitation to preside over the service felt like “returning in gratitude.” She expressed appreciation for the Toronto temple as a place that nurtured her spiritual growth and praised the dedicated participation of devotees from Detroit, Montreal, and those attending online.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan welcomed Venerable Yung Ku and thanked her for traveling to lead the ceremony. She also encouraged participants to remain mindful and grounded, gathering their body and mind and cherishing the present moment.

Accompanied by the resonant chanting of Buddhist hymns, offering attendants dressed in traditional Chinese and Korean attire respectfully presented exquisite offerings according to the ritual sequence. Through mantra recitation, purification rites, and reverent prostrations, the assembly paid homage to the Buddhas with single-minded devotion, dedicating the merits to world peace and harmony in society.

In her Dharma talk, Venerable Yung Ku explained that the ceremony symbolizes welcoming honored guests, reminding participants that sincere intention is the greatest offering. She encouraged everyone to maintain purity of mind, remain mindful of body, speech, and thought, and cultivate gratitude while sharing the precious gift of the Dharmawith others.

This year’s attendants came from the temple’s Lion and Dragon Dance Team, Scouts, and BLIA Young Adult Division, reflecting the transmission of faith across generations. Youth leader Joe Li prayed for peace and harmony among cultures, while second-generation member Amy Lin dedicated her aspirations to personal growth and service. First-time participant Isaac Gong described the ceremony as deeply inspiring, resolving to cherish blessings and continue supporting the temple in the year ahead.

Youth volunteers assist as offering attendants, respectfully presenting exquisite offerings.
The 2026 Offerings to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto was presided over by Venerable Yung Ku (center), Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa.
Offering attendants and service volunteers pose for a group photo with FGS Temple of Toronto Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan (center).
Volunteers from the offering preparation team carefully prepare delicacies for the Offerings to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians ceremony.
Amid the gentle chanting and music, devotees respectfully present exquisite offerings.
Youth attendants respectfully present offerings during the ceremony.
Venerable Yung Ku performs the offering ritual.
Monastics and devotees participate reverently in the Offerings to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto.

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