Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Reading Group Facilitator Training Cultivates a New Atmosphere of Literary Enrichment

From April 25 to 26, 2025, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted a "Humanistic Buddhism Reading Group Facilitator Training" to cultivate facilitators, foster a vibrant reading culture, and promote the reading habits of Buddha’s Light members. The training was conducted by Venerable Chueh Pei, Secretary-General of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters and Executive Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Reading Association. Nearly 200 participants from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Canada, and Detroit, USA, attended the training, which included both beginner and advanced levels.

Spiritual GPS Guides Fo Guang People in Toronto Toward Inner Freedom through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness

After an eight-year hiatus, Venerable Chueh Pei, Secretary-General of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) World Headquarters, visited Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. On April 25, 2025, she delivered an inspiring Dharma talk titled "Spiritual GPS – The Four Foundations of Mindfulness to Guide You Home." The event drew nearly 320 participants, with over 200 attending in person and 117 joining online.

Toronto Delegation Strengthens Dharma Mission at Buddha’s Light North America Fellowship Meeting

From April 18 to 20, a delegation of ten members from the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter, led by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and Venerable Ru Zhong, traveled to the JW Marriott Conference Center in Austin, Texas, to participate in the 2025 BLIA North America Fellowship Meeting. Nearly 500 Buddha’s Light members from 26 chapters across North America gathered to deepen their understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and to exchange ideas.

Breaking New Ground: Historic Bhikkhuni Presentation at Trinity College Symposium

In a landmark moment for interfaith academic dialogue, Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, became the first Buddhist bhikkhuni (fully ordained nun) to deliver a formal scholarly presentation at Trinity College, University of Toronto. She was invited by Provost Dr. Nicholas Terpstra to speak at the academic symposium held on April 16, themed “Women, Prophecy, and Political Theology in the 15th–17th Century.”

BLIA Toronto Recognized by Peel Regional Police for Support of 2024 Winter Toy Drive

On April 16, 2025, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter was honored by Peel Regional Police with a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative plaque, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the 2024 Winter Toy Drive. The certificate expressed heartfelt thanks, noting that BLIA Toronto’s support brought joy and renewed hope to countless families during the holiday season.

Finding Direction in a Digital Age: Toronto Youth Draw Strength from Buddhist Wisdom

On April 13, Venerable Miao Guang, Deputy Director of the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, led an inspiring English Dharma talk with 32 young people at the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Held in the temple’s conference room, the heart-to-heart session featured a warm and interactive Q&A format, offering thoughtful reflections on the challenges youth face in an era defined by artificial intelligence and globalization.

Temple News

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Fo Guang Shan Toronto Devotees Celebrate “Bring Home the Fo Guang Big Buddha” Ceremony with Joyful Reverence

On October 20, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the “Bringing Home the Fo Guang Big Buddha” ceremony following the Great Compassion Repentance Service, commemorating Guanyin Bodhisattva’s renunciation. Fourteen devotees gathered before the Buddha with sincere reverence, they formally registered to bring a Fo Guang Buddha statue into their homes. Venerable Chueh Fan offered a Dharma talk highlighting the importance of this meaningful moment, encouraging participants to welcome the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion into their daily lives.

Fo Guang Shan Toronto Reception Volunteers Strengthen Skillful Means and Wisdom in Service

On October 20, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a comprehensive training seminar for its reception volunteers, aimed at enhancing skillful service through compassion and wisdom. A total of 31 volunteers from the temple, Markham Buddha’s Light Centre, and Waterloo Buddha’s Light Centre participated, including several new members. The seminar provided training in key areas such as reception etiquette, temple tours, tea-serving demonstrations, and ceremonial procedures, helping volunteers embody the principles of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Four Givings—with a special focus on giving joy and confidence to others.

Fo Guang Shan Toronto Youth Commit to Self-Awareness and Buddhist Practice

On October 19, the inaugural session of the Fo Guang Shan Toronto Youth Academy opened with an inspiring ceremony at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Twelve young participants from Canada, China, Taiwan, and India gathered to start on a journey of self-discovery through Humanistic Buddhism. The group includes university students and working professionals such as doctors, engineers, programmers, and managers, with an average age of 25.

University of Toronto Museum Studies Students Explore the Depths of Buddhist Art and Culture at Fo Guang Shan Temple

On October 15, a group of 25 students from the University of Toronto Mississauga's Museum Studies program, led by Professor Li Lan, visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto as part of their course curriculum. The visit aimed to enhance their understanding of Buddhist architecture, art, and culture while fostering intercultural exchange. It also highlighted the spirit of Venerable Master Hsing Yun in promoting Buddhism through art in modern society.

Venerable Hui Zhao Illuminates the Wisdom of The Platform Sutra at Fo Guang Shan Toronto: Integrating Ch'an into Daily Life

On October 12, 2024, Venerable Hui Zhao, Deputy Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, visited Fo Guang Shan Toronto to deliver an enlightening lecture on The Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. Drawing on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s interpretation in The Complete Works, the event attracted nearly 400 participants from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit, and beyond, with many joining online.