Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Eight Precepts Retreat - Cultivating Connection and Mindfulness

On November 25th, 2023, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the Eight Precepts Retreat, presided over by the Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan. The retreat featured a Buddhist lecture titled "The Crossroads Life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun," aimed at learning from the wisdom of Venerable Master, how through his self-cultivation and fostering enduring connections with people, events, and places within a traditional environment. The lecture sought to inspire attendees to seamlessly integrate the Dharma into their daily lives. A total of 121 participants, including 4 youths from the Buddha's Light Club of the University of Toronto and 20 youths under 35 years old, received the Eight Precepts.

Peace and Joy Creative Lantern Painting Activity for Fo Guang People

FGS Temple of Toronto hosted the "Peace and Joy Creative Lantern Painting" activity on November 19th in support of the 2024 Lantern Painting Competition at Fo Guang Shan Temple. Over 150 participants of various age groups joined the activity, including Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class, FGS Toronto Chinese School, Toronto Buddha’s Light Scouts, FGS Toronto Lion and Dance Team, Toronto YAD, and Fo Guang people. The Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Chueh Fan praised the enthusiasm of all, anticipating that it would contribute to the festive atmosphere of Lunar New Year at Fo Guang Shan Monastery.

University Students Experiencing Humanistic Buddhism and Culture

On November 18th, a group of 20 young students from the Buddha’s Light Clubs at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University visited the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. The Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, encouraged the students to explore the history of FGS and understand Venerable Master Hsing Yun's aspirations. During the introduction, Venerable Chueh Fan introduced FGS's four objectives, emphasizing the significance of Education and Culture.

BLIA Toronto 9th Advisor Committee Election

The 9th Advisor Committee Election of the Buddha’s Light International Association Toronto Chapter was held at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto on November 8th, 2023. The event was presided by Venerable Chueh Fan, the Monastic Advisor of the Toronto Chapter, President Mabel Lam, and Deputy Directors of the committee, Candy Huang and Winnie Kwong.

A Drop of Water: The First Chan and Tea Ceremony Organized by the BLIA Toronto English Subchapter

The BLIA Toronto English Subchapter on Nov 11th organized the first Chan and Tea Ceremony. The event attracted 33 participants and most were new members. It began with the participants paying close attention to their breath, Venerable Ru An led then led them to taste the tea with a quiet heart and to drink the tea with a calm mind. She also taught them to contemplate the similarity between the act of tasting tea and the meditative state; starting from preparing the tea, savouring, smelling, observing, and noticing the subtle change in the taste of the tea.

Promoting Three Acts of Goodness without Playing Trick

On October 29th, the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto Chinese School and Children’s English Dharma Class co-hosted a Halloween celebration with the theme of “Promoting Three Acts of Goodness, No Tricks.” The event was an opportunity to educate kids about the importance of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness while promoting the virtues of truthfulness, kindness, and beauty.

Temple News

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Toronto Buddha’s Light Scouts Launch Winter Clothing Drive for Diabetes Research Support

Toronto, Jan 21 — In a bid to provide warmth to those in need and support Diabetes Canada, the Toronto Buddha’s Light Scouts have initiated a winter clothing drive. The "Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings Clothing Drive " running from January 13th to 21st, calls on BLIA Toronto Chapter members and community residents to participate. The clothing drive achieved significant success, coordinated by the Venture Scouts, collecting 8 large boxes of clothing. This collective effort symbolizes the repurposing of quality garments for a noble cause.

Gratitude and Joy: Annual Gathering of Toronto Buddha's Light Members

On January 20th, members and volunteers of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter gathered at the Garden Banquet & Convention Centre in Brampton for the BLIA Toronto 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Volunteers' Dinner. The event brought together 651 BLIA members, showcasing their talents and welcoming the year 2024.

Wilfrid Laurier University Buddha's Light Community Club Established

The Buddha’s Light Community Club of Wilfrid Laurier University (WLUBLCC) in Waterloo received official approval from the student union on January 8th, 2024. Enrollment began on January 17th during the university’s club day. Special guests, Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Ven. Zhi Guan, the Temple’s Superintendence, gave support and provided guidance. Ms. Li Li, the president of the Buddha's Light International Association Waterloo subchapter, and Tao Xu, president of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club, joined the enrollment team to introduce the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the principles of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings to university students.

FGS Toronto Celebrates Dharma Day by Nurturing Talents: Presents the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award to University Students

January 14th, Toronto - Despite freezing temperatures, over 500 members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, also known as Dharma Day. The event, held on January 14th, featured the Celebration of Dharma Day Service, the presentation of the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award, the return of the Sami “Good Affinity Little Novice” piggy bank, and the sharing of Laba Porridge.

FGS Toronto International Student Year-End Gathering: Gratitude to Venerable Master Hsing Yun

To infuse the joyous spirit of Lunar New Year reunions into the lives of international students studying abroad, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto organized a year-end gathering on the evening of January 6th, 2024. A total of 106 students from four Canadian universities and the University of Michigan participated, expressing their gratitude for this unique cultural experience.