Toronto Fo Guang Members Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Dharma and Fellowship

Culture

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 25 with an outdoor Dharma talk and reading gathering, bringing together more than 100 participants for an evening of Dharma, music, mooncakes and fellowship in the temple’s Chan garden.

Led by BLIA Lay Dharma Teacher Sue Hutchinson, the program, “Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” explored the teachings of Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun through readings, music and group discussions. Participants of all ages gathered around a campfire beneath the evening sky, sharing tea and mooncakes while reflecting on Humanistic Buddhism.

The event marked the first time in the temple’s 30-year history that a Mid-Autumn celebration combined a Dharma talk with a reading gathering. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, shared her joy in finally holding the long-envisioned gathering following renovations to the Chan garden. She thanked volunteers for preparing mooncakes, tea and decorations, and encouraged everyone to continue supporting Humanistic Buddhism and creating opportunities for more people to encounter the Dharma. The evening opened with a “Passing the Light” activity, inviting participants to share reflections on spiritual mentors and the role of faith in their lives.

Drawing from Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Mid-Autumn teachings, Hutchinson invited participants to “learn from the moon,” reflecting on its qualities of brightness, completeness and constancy. She also introduced the Master’s One-Stroke Calligraphy and writings from his later years, highlighting his lifelong compassion and dedication to sharing the Dharma.

Participants then listened to “Sounds of the Human World” songs before joining Mandarin, English and Cantonese discussion groups. Through the lyrics and readings, they explored how changing perspectives, mindful observation, non-attachment and gratitude can be practised in everyday life.

Ken Su, Vice President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, shared Mid-Autumn greetings and recited Su Shi’s classic poem Shui Diao Ge Tou (Prelude to Water Melody). The evening concluded with songs about the moon, warm wishes and a shared sense of reunion and Dharma joy.