FGS Insight Newsletter

BLIA Toronto Mississauga Subchapter 3 and 4 - 2022 Annual General Meeting

On Saturday afternoon, December 17, BLIA Toronto Mississauga Subchapter 3 and 4 held their annual general meeting at FGS Temple of Toronto. There were 165 people who attended the event.

BLIA Toronto Da Tzu Subchapters Joint Annual General Meeting

As the year 2022 and the pandemic coming to an end, the three BLIA Toronto Da Tzu Subchapters are making great efforts to bring a variety of activities to members, both online and in person.

BLIA Toronto North York Subchapter 1 and 2 - 2022 Annual General Meeting and Tea Gathering

On the afternoon of December 17th, BLIA Toronto North York Subchapter 1 and 2 held the 2022 Annual General Meeting at Markham BLC. 35 members and guests attended this in-person event in excitement.

“The votes are in!” - 2022 BLIA of Toronto Board of Directors Election

On December 4th , the election of Board of Directors of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter took place at Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto.

Buddha’s Light Children Growing Strong and Resilient with Buddha Dharma

Children from Buddha’s Light Toronto Children Dharma Class who successfully completed the 2022 Fall semester at both the Markham and FGS Temple of Toronto campuses attended the graduation ceremony at the respective locations.

Helping to Spread Warmth by Donating Toys to the Salvation Army

The Buddha's Light Choir of Toronto responded to the invitation from Dolce De Soleil Music Group to support the Toy Mountain Campaign with the Salvation Army

Temple News

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BLIA Toronto North York Subchapters Host Anti-Fraud Seminar to Promote Right Understanding

On October 26, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a public seminar on “How to Prevent Fraud”, organized by the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto North York First and Second Subchapters. The keynote speaker, Detective Constable Barry Zhang from the Toronto Police Service, introduced the concept of online fraud and outlined common scam types such as online shopping, romance, and parcel delivery scams. He emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs, seeking help promptly, and reporting incidents to the police.

University of Toronto Graduate Students Visit Fo Guang Shan Toronto to Explore Humanistic Buddhism

On October 18, forty Master’s and Doctoral students from the Department for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to gain deeper insight into Humanistic Buddhism and Buddhist temple culture. The group was warmly welcomed by Venerable Ru An and senior volunteer Martyn Knowles, who led a guided tour introducing the founding history of Fo Guang Shan, its development in Toronto, and the lifelong vow and vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

FGS Toronto’s Spiritual Care Team Launches Youth Program on Emotional Awareness and Mindfulness

On October 18, the Spiritual Care Team of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto launched its first youth-focused workshop titled “Heart-to-Heart: Emotional Awareness and Mindfulness.” Nearly ten young participants joined an inner journey of self-discovery guided by Christine, a registered psychotherapist, and Belinda, a student in the Master of Arts in Buddhist Spiritual Care (MABSC) program at the University of the West. Venerable Ru Zhong, Superintendent of FGS Toronto, shared insights on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, encouraging youth to meet emotional challenges with openness, compassion, and the wisdom to transform their thoughts.

BLIA Scarborough Subchapters Engage in Sutra Transcription to Cultivate Concentration and Experience the Joy of Ch’an

On October 18, the First and Second Scarborough Subchapters of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter held a joint Sutra Transcription Practice at the Buddha’s Light Center in Markham. Led by Venerable Zhi Shen, the event gathered 66 participants, including Second Subchapter President Kam Wong, First Subchapter Vice President Stella Ng, BLIA Toronto Board Committee Member Betty Young, Supervisor May Ho, as well as BLIA members and friends.

Fo Guang Shan Toronto Launches Male Prison Outreach Program

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto has launched its first male prison outreach program, extending the temple’s humanistic and spiritual care service to Maplehurst Correctional Centre in Milton. On October 15, Stephanie Hong, Head of the Buddha’s Light Spiritual Care Group, attended the facility’s Prison Volunteer Training Session, which introduced participants to the correctional environment, inmate behavior, service guidelines, and safety procedures. Eight volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds took part in the session.