On July 4, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and the University of Toronto signed a preliminary funding agreement to establish the Institute of Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice. The signing ceremony, held at Fo Guang Shan Temple, was officiated by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and Dr. Nicholas Terpstra, Provost of Trinity College, University of Toronto.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in integrating Humanistic Buddhism into Canadian higher education. The institute will focus on academic research, interreligious dialogue, and the global promotion of Humanistic Buddhist values. It seeks to foster collaboration among the University of Toronto, the Fo Guang Shan University Consortium, and international partners through joint research, course development, academic exchanges, and publication initiatives within the Toronto School of Theology network.

Following the signing, Dr. Terpstra, accompanied by Ana White, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Affairs, and Professor Dr. Jizhang Yi, toured the temple with Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan. The abbess introduced the temple’s library and public reading spaces, emphasizing the importance of the 395-volume Complete Works of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the expanding scholarship on Humanistic Buddhist theory and practice.

The ceremony opened with a video presentation outlining the vision of Fo Guang Shan’s founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, for the next 50 years. The video highlighted global initiatives in education, culture, youth engagement, and social welfare, including the Sons of Zu Lai Project in Brazil, the novice monk academy in India, and the Nan Hua Performing Arts Group in South Africa.

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan also showcased the temple’s broader involvement in cultural and youth programs, such as the Buddha’s Light Cup University Basketball Invitational and the International Buddha’s Light Youth Conference. She expressed hope that this partnership would strengthen the connection between Trinity College and global communities while expanding the reach of Humanistic Buddhism through academic and cultural exchange.

Dr. Terpstra expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and praised the temple’s embodiment of Humanistic Buddhist values. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will evolve into one of North America’s leading graduate programs in Buddhist studies. As a gesture of goodwill, he presented a vibrant orchid as an offering to the Buddha.