During her visit to Toronto to deliver a Buddhist lecture at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Jue Ji, Director of Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple (Texas) and a PhD graduate of the Centre of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong, visited the University of Toronto on December 1. She was accompanied by Venerable Zhi Guan and Venerable Zhi Shen of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto.

The delegation met with Dr. Jizhang Yi, Interim Director of the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice at Trinity College, University of Toronto, as well as Dr. Henry C. H. Shiu, Professor in Chinese Buddhist Studies at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. The discussion focused on past academic collaborations in Buddhist studies, the future direction of the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice, and preparations for an international academic conference scheduled for next year.

Trinity College recently established the Institute for Humanistic Buddhist Thought and Practice and plans to host its inaugural international academic conference in May. During the visit, Venerable Jue Ji shared perspectives on advancing Humanistic Buddhism research with incontemporary academic frameworks and toured Trinity College and the Institute’s offices. Dr. Yi, who has been appointed a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University under renowned comparative religion scholar Professor Francis X. Clooney, expressed his hope that Humanistic Buddhism research would gain broader international visibility and foster sustained interreligious academic dialogue.

The delegation also visited Emmanuel College, a college of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, a member of the Toronto School of Theology, and the largest theological school associated with the United Church of Canada. Dr. Shiu shared his academic journey and current teaching, noting that he now offers applied Buddhist studies courses that encourage students to engage Buddhist thought in relation to contemporary life.

Guided by Trinity College administrative assistant Gabriela Phnho, the delegation toured the campus, chapel, and library, including a special viewing of rare 14th-century manuscripts that highlighted the enduring legacy of historical scholarship.

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