From April 25 to 26, 2025, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a "Humanistic Buddhism Reading Group Facilitator Training" to cultivate facilitators, foster a vibrant reading culture, and promote the reading habits of Buddha’s Light members. The training was conducted by Venerable Chueh Pei, Secretary-General of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters and Executive Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Reading Association. Nearly 200 participants from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Canada, and Detroit, USA, attended the training, which included both beginner and advanced levels.

The two-day training featured a rich and engaging curriculum. The first day opened with the advanced session, beginning with an icebreaker activity led by Venerable Chueh Duo, BLIA Chunghua Vice Secretary-General, allowing participants to introduce themselves and quickly establish a warm and interactive learning environment. This was followed by a video featuring Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding Master of Fo Guang Shan, who emphasized the transformative power of reading. Venerable Master Hsing Yun stated, "Reading can refine one’s character and increase wisdom. True reading progresses from listening, contemplating, practicing, and to realizing, thereby transforming oneself and enhancing the quality of life."

Using Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s writings as the foundation, Venerable Chueh Pei demonstrated how to guide discussions through the four stages of reading. She instructed facilitators on posing open-ended questions, inspiring critical thinking, and fostering a spirit of listening, respect, and inclusiveness. She emphasized that successful facilitators must guide meaningful discussions, encourage self-reflection, and be attentive to participants' emotional needs.

In a practical exercise, participants worked with the song "Turning" from the Sounds of the Human World collection, practicing how to naturally lead small group discussions. In the afternoon, participants brainstormed strategies for addressing challenges such as participant turnover, scheduling conflicts, and language barriers, creating a lively and collaborative atmosphere.

On the second day, beginner-level participants were divided into groups to simulate the establishment of new reading group. Each group developed group name, mission, vision, and slogan, showcasing impressive creativity and teamwork. Examples included the "Active Senior Reading Group" for seniors, the "Wellness Reading Group" focusing on health and wisdom, the "East-West Reading Group" connecting readers from various cities, the youth-led "Academy Buddy Reading Group," and the English-speaking "Beautiful Mind Reading Group."

Throughout the sessions, Venerable Chueh Pei guided participants in using Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s writings and the Sounds of the Human World series to foster inner dialogue and personal growth. During a mock discussion on the writing “Doing Battle with Yourself,” participants shared personal stories of transformation, illustrating how reading and reflection helped them overcome ego and mend family relationships.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, concluded the training by expressing heartfelt gratitude to Venerable Chueh Pei and the training team. She encouraged participants to apply their newfound skills within their own reading groups. As a special gift, each participant received a book authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, bringing the two-day training to a joyful and inspiring conclusion.