On January 21, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a Media Preview & Press Briefing to introduce its 2026 Lunar New Year program series themed “Harmony & Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success.” The preview offered media representatives an early look at the Temple’s upcoming New Year celebrations, which integrate Buddhist wisdom, cultural traditions, and community engagement.

Planned in alignment with Fo Guang Shan’s Four Objectives, the Lunar New Year programs will feature blessing Dharma services, New Year incense offerings, Peace Bell ringing, performances by the Lionand Dragon Dance Team, a charity fundraising sale, and festive vegetarian cuisine—inviting the community to welcome the New Year with harmony and auspicious blessings.

More than 20 journalists from 12 Chinese-and English-language media outlets across the Greater Toronto Area attended the preview. Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and International Buddha’s Light Association Toronto Chapter President Kevin Cao welcomed the media, introduced the program highlights, and presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy New Year blessing. Media guests were also invited to take part inan interactive experience featuring “108 Tips for Life,” drawing a Dharma-inspired reflection rooted in Humanistic Buddhist wisdom.

Abbess Chueh Fan shared that although Venerable Master Hsing Yun has passed on, he thoughtfully left calligraphic New Year blessings for years to come. She noted that this year’s theme responds to a changing and often turbulent world by reminding people that harmony begins with kindness and mutual goodwill—living the wisdom of “I’m good, you’re good, everyone is good.”

President Cao highlighted the cultural, educational, and charitable dimensions of the New Year programs, including the charity fundraising sale in support of the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice. Vice President Rachel Fan further introduced the Lunar New Year Fair, shuttle services, and the inaugural Chinese New Year Cultural Showcase, featuring elegant Chinese music, dance, and traditional arts, while expressing gratitude to volunteers across logistics, hospitality, communications, and performance teams.

Media guests responded warmly to the “108Tips for Life” experience. Reporter Crystal Wu shared that the message she received resonated deeply, while veteran journalist James Lin expressed being moved by the meaning of “Infinite Life.”

Representatives from Mandarin-, Cantonese-, and English-language media attended the briefing, helping extend the New Year’s blessings to the wider community through their coverage.