
On July 6, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed His Holiness Dr. Banasree Mahathero the 87-year-old Supreme Patriarch of the Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council. He was accompanied by Bhante Saranapala of West End Buddhist Temple, along with a monastic disciple and a lay devotee. The delegation was received by Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of the temple, and Wilson Yau, leader of the temple's Localization Team, on behalf of Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan.
Bhante Saranapala explained that His Holiness was making a five-day visit to Canada before continuing to Montreal for Dharma exchange activities. Despite a busy schedule, he chose to visit several Buddhist temples across the Greater Toronto Area to strengthen friendships among different Buddhist traditions and promote the continued growth of Buddhism in Canada through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The delegation first paid respects in the Main Shrine. Bhante Saranapala introduced Fo Guang Shan in Bengali, explaining that the order was founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and has established more than 200 temples worldwide dedicated to promoting Humanistic Buddhism through education, culture, charity, and community service. His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the temple's global mission.
Representing the Abbess, Venerable Zhi Guan presented His Holiness with commemorative gifts, including incense, an incense burner, and Canadian maple syrup. In return, His Holiness offered blessings in Bengali, praying for peace, harmony, and the continued flourishing of the Buddhadharma.
The visit concluded with group photographs in the Main Shrine and on the temple grounds, marking a meaningful occasion of friendship, mutual respect, and dialogue across Buddhist traditions.

