From July 17 to 20, Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple in California hosted the 2025 Five Preceptsand Bodhisattva Precepts Retreat, along with the annual Sangha Offering Ceremony. Sixteen devotees from Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and BLIA Detroit Chapter participated in this rare and meaningful spiritual journey.

After two days of Dharma learning and repentance ceremonies, participants successfully received the Bodhisattva Precepts on July 19. Guided by Venerable Chueh Fan, the group toured Hsi Lai School, joined the Sangha Offering and the Water and Land Dharma services, and had the special opportunity to take a group photo with Most Venerable Hsin Bau, Head Abbot of Fo Guang Shan. The experience filled participants with deep joy and gratitude.

Devotees fully engaged in the retreat, gaining insight from teachings such as the Bodhisattva Precepts by Most Venerable Hsin Bau, a talk on The Spirit and Modern Practice of the Bodhisattva Precepts by Venerable Huei Kai, and additional classes by Hsi Lai Temple Abbot Venerable Hui Dong. These teachings encouraged reflection and strengthened participants' vows to cultivate on the Bodhisattva path.

Followingthe retreat, attendees joined a Dharma lecture on Sustainable Living and End-of-Life Care by Venerable Huei Kai. Christine Chen from Detroit raisedthoughtful questions on organ donation and end-of-life concerns, enriching thediscussion.

The group alsovisited the Hsi Lai Center, where Venerable Man Zhao shared the origin anddevelopment of Hsi Lai School, offering inspiration in promoting HumanisticBuddhism through education in North America.

Kiana Wong, a Toronto BLIA youth, reflected on her spiritual journey: discovering Fo Guang Shan in late 2024, taking refuge in May, and now receiving the Bodhisattva Precepts. She expressed how, despite language barriers, the Dharma resonated deeply. “Receiving the precepts aligned my life with the values I cherish,” she shared.

Other participants echoed similar sentiments. Jason Hsieh, 72, described the retreat as transformative, finally understanding the Buddha’s teaching to “take the precepts as teacher.” Many, including Sally Kwok and Teresia Tang, noted how stepping away from digital distractions enhanced mindfulness and clarity.

With hearts filled with Dharma joy, Toronto and Detroit devotees concluded the retreat inspired to uphold the “Three Acts of Goodness” and “Four Givings,” vowing to continue walking the Bodhisattva path and contribute to building a Pure Land on Earth.