On September 27, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a solemn and joyful Buddhist wedding for BLIA youth member Victoria Pan and Derek Clayton, presided over by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. In the presence of more than 40 family members, friends, and BLIA representatives, the couple pledged to build their home on the Three Acts of Goodness—doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts.

In her Dharma talk, Venerable Chueh Fan reflected on the meaning of family in Humanistic Buddhism, encouraging gratitude to parents, care for relatives and friends, and mutual support through life’s challenges. The Abbess also thanked Victoria for her contributions at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped move the Lunar New Year Fair online so the community could remain connected to the Dharma from home.

From the program and floral décor to refreshments, the wedding reflected the collective effort of Fo Guang Shan’s monastics and BLIA members. Derek expressed heartfelt thanks, noting he felt the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness throughout the day. Victoria, moved by the temple’s thoughtfulness, recalled first encountering Buddhism during her university years and joining the BLIA Young Adult Division: “Each time I return, everyone greets me with ‘You’re back!’—it feels like coming home.”

Victoria’s mother, Xiaoming Pan, serves with the BLIA Richmond Hill subchapter, while her father, Dezhang Pan, has long volunteered at the temple, sharing calligraphy during Lunar New Year. He called the ceremony especially meaningful and thanked the Venerables and BLIA members for their care. Fo Guang people from BLIA Toronto, subchapter representatives, scouts, and volunteers attended to offer their blessings.