Venerable Zhi Guan of Fo Guang Shan Toronto Engages Students in Dialogue

The University of Toronto Buddha’s Light Club, incollaboration with the Buddhism & Psychology Student Union, hosted a seminar titled “The Core Teachings of Buddhism” on November 14 at New College. The organizers invited Venerable Zhi Guan,Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, tointroduce key concepts of Humanistic Buddhism and engage in dialogue with 22participants.

The Buddhism & Psychology Student Union has previously organized severalfaculty-led seminars with strong student engagement. For this session, the groupinvited Venerable Zhi Guan to provide a monastic perspective on Buddhistphilosophy and culture. Students posed many thoughtful questions—including whyBuddhist monastics wear yellow robes—giving Venerable Zhi Guan the opportunityto offer patient and culturally grounded explanations.

Venerable Zhi Guan began by introducing Fo Guang Shan andits founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, highlighting Humanistic Buddhism’s emphasis on wisdom, compassion, and applying the Dharmain everyday life. She noted that “Buddhism is a religion grounded in reason and insight, not blind belief,” before explaining several foundational teachings, including dependent origination, emptiness, non-self, and karma. To enhance understanding, she shared stories accessible to an English-speaking audience,such as the causality tale “A Son Reborn as a Dog,” illustrating the workings of cause and effect.

During the interactive discussion session, students explored cross-cultural and comparative topics, such as the spiritual commonalities between Buddhism and Indigenous Canadian traditions and the historical connections between Hinduism and Buddhism. The seminar generated lively and meaningful dialogue.

Sophia, a participant, shared that the session encouragedher to reflect on her relationships with others and reminded her to cultivatecompassion and awareness of cause and effect in daily life.

Max, an executive member of the University of Toronto Buddha’s Light Club, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to assist with event planning, noting that the preparation and execution deepened his understanding of Buddhism and connected him with peers who share similar interests.