FGS News
Three Acts of Goodness Children Blessing Ceremony: Planting Seeds of Kindness with Music and Laughter
Christina April 2, 2024 On March 24th, the Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple held the "2024 Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) Children Blessing Ceremony," with 18 kids aged 0 to 12 participating. Nearly 60 parents, relatives, and friends attended. Through games, singing, and blessings, the children were brought closer to the teachings of Buddhism. The ceremony began in the dynamic game area, featuring with educational board games, art and physical movement. Both adults and children participated eagerly, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cheers and laughter. The English version of the song "Seek Refuge in the Triple Gem" was sung for the first time, with the original Chinese composition by Most Venerable Hsin Ting. It is adapted into a simplified English version for the benefit of English-speaking children. Sherwood, a YAD member, led the vibrant singing, eliciting laughter from attendees and volunteers alike. Despite the continuous drizzle on the day of the event, Venerable Miaozang remarked that the teachings of Buddhism were akin to the gentle rain, nurturing the hearts of people. The love and care parents show to their children resemble the compassion of Buddhas and bodhisattvas towards all beings. Hosting the Children Blessing Ceremony aims to sow seeds of kindness and beauty for the next generation. The "Do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts" helps children cultivate compassion and establish positive connections as they grow. Accompanied by their parents, the children received purification water from the venerable one by one. A girl named Juliet, after receiving her prayer beads, spontaneously hugged the venerable, spreading warmth to everyone. Juliet's father, Moises, mentioned that their family lived near the temple and always saw the venerables smiling during their walks. Upon knowing about the event, he immediately registered. He praised the ceremony for its warmth, particularly the catchy tune of "Seeking Refuge in the Triple Gem," which made it easy for children to remember. He hoped his daughter would grow up safely and happily and appreciated the positive impact of the temple on the community. BLIA member Dong Yang, accompanied by his wife and their 16-month-old daughter, Amy Yue Yang, attended the blessing ceremony. He emphasized that as parents, providing the best for the next generation is not just about material wealth but also passing on faith and fostering a harmonious family environment. He also expressed his hope that his daughter would grow up within the Buddhist community, cultivating compassion and accumulating blessings and wisdom.
Toronto YAD Presents White Elephant Training Lessons: Passing the Torch of Humanistic Buddhism
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto March 27, 2024 On March 3rd, the Fo Guang Shan Temple and the BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) jointly launched the "BLIA White Elephant Training Lessons." These courses were designed by the BLIA Radiant Lights Subchapter to help youths who are new to the temple become familiar with FGS and the BLIA YAD and to enhance team spirit. The goal is to facilitate the transmission of knowledge and the inheritance of Buddha's teachings through the sharing and guidance of senior youth. The Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan and Superintendent Ven. Zhi Guan of FGS Toronto, hope that BLIA youths cultivate joy and confidence, and improve teamwork and self-growth through the training lessons. As exemplary BLIA youths, the White Elephant training sessions are expected to embody the spirit of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, which means persevering through difficulties and challenges in various activities. The BLIA White Elephant Training Lessons consist of eight sessions that cover various topics such as the structure of the Monastery, the YAD, and the BLIA organization, teamwork, introduction to Dharma, Buddhism etiquette, Sounds of the Human World and Buddhist chanting, and other relevant topics. The Deputy President of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, Kim Chan, Keven Chen, and the director of the BLIA Toronto Chapter, along Stacey Tran from the White Elephant, were invited to teach young adults. During the first class, Keven Chen and Stacey Tran provided a history of the BLIA YAD and explained the establishment process offices in Toronto. They guided everyone to understand the heritage and development of both FGS and the BLIA YAD in Toronto. The six principles of the YAD delineated the direction for young people to strive for improvement and provided the basis for initiating activities. These principles include "Three Acts of Goodness, Four Givings, and Five Harmonies", which establish behavioural and life standards for young people. The two White Elephant officials also encouraged the young people to be hardworking and diligent in their practice. Kim Chan shared insights into "Venerable Master Hsing Yun's Propagation Journey," beginning with the profound vow to continue as a monk lifetime after lifetime, which deeply touched the youths. Subsequently, a visit to the special exhibition "The Cultural Legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun" at the Buddha's Cultural Museum allowed the youth to delve into the Master's teachings through self-exploration and sharing. Through learning and understanding the propagation journey, the youths expressed deep admiration for his century-long commitment to spreading Dharma. Kim Chan utilized images to help the YADs comprehend the grand design of the Triple Gem Mountain of the FGS. She guided them through some open-ended questions to encourage them to explore more and gain a deeper understanding of both FGS and the Master's path of Dharma propagation. This sparked a desire in everyone to make a pilgrimage to FGS in Taiwan. In the third session of the "Sounds of the Human World" course, Ven. Zhi Guan gave a brief introduction to the concept of Music Dharma Propagation by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. This inspired young adult Buddhists to learn from Buddha and develop compassion and skillfulness. Later, Keven led the group to learn and sing the “Song of Fo Guang Shan.” The course, marked by its compact yet enriching nature, fostered an atmosphere of lively engagement, underscoring the vibrancy and hope inherent in promoting Buddhism among the youth through localized efforts. All sixteen participants hailed the training as a rare opportunity for growth, drawing inspiration from predecessors like Kim Chan, who joined BLIA in 1997, Keven Chen, who joined the BLIA Youth Division in 2005, and White Elephant Stacey Tran. They recognized their shared mission of upholding the legacy of Humanistic Buddhism.
Buddha’s Light Shines Warmly Upon Women & Children Displaced by Fire in LA County Shelter Home
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 19, 2024 After flames engulfed the first floor of Lydia House, a shelter home supported by Long Beach Rescue Mission for women and children who have already faced extreme difficulties in their past were forced to evacuate—nearly 50—on December 22, 2023. The Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Long Beach Subchapter, together with the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA), Hacienda Heights Women's Club, and Safer Hacienda Heights united in a common cause, on the morning of January 21, 2024, outside Hsi Lai Center, to bring hope and warmth back into the lives touched by tragedy. With compassionate-filled hearts, monastics and BLIA members from Hsi Lai Temple, and community members responded to the donation drive. Within five hours, over 1,000 packages of precious goods were collected—enough to fill two trucks! The fire not only took away a safe refuge for many, but the first floor also served as a warehouse for necessities and supplies, exacerbating the challenging situation even more. Gifts of clothing, blankets, hygiene products, toys, and books were donated and far exceeded the needs of the Long Beach Rescue Mission, bringing much-needed relief and joy to the displaced women and children. The surplus was distributed to the New Hope Rescue Center and other shelters, extending the impact of the generous donations. HHIA board member Andrea Gordon expressed genuine admiration for all the generous donations; thanking Hsi Lai Temple for providing a convenient venue for the donation drive and praising the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter and Long Beach Subchapter for all their hard work collecting, sorting, and delivering, not only material packages but also “hope” to numerous children and women.
Bridging Wisdom: UC San Diego Receives Buddhist Literature Donation
FGS Hsi Fang Temple March 6, 2024 UC San Diego, ranked among the top 50 universities globally, received a donation of 108 Simplified Chinese versions of "The Complete Works of Ven. Master Hsing Yun" along with about 50 English translated books by the founding master of Fo Guang Shan. On February 28, Ven. Miao Zang together with Assistant Professor Aftab Jassal from the Anthropology Department, sharing on the theme "Complete Works of Ven. Master Hsing Yun – Buddhist Wisdom for Daily Life and Study", towards 30 students and professors. Aftab began by introducing "Dependent Origination and Emptiness" through the Diamond Sutra, explaining how the concept of "self" leads to anxiety, fear, anger, etc., which are the roots of suffering. He elucidated how understanding the wisdom of emptiness can help us comprehend and practice the teachings of "Dependent Origination and Emptiness" as realized by Buddha, through reading the works of Ven. Master Hsing Yun. Ven. Miao Zang then elaborated on four categories of reading the Ven. Master's works: Humanistic Buddhism and Daily Application, Sutras and Commentaries, Wisdom in Daily Chan Practice, and Wisdom in Social Issues. She cited examples such as "The Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha" which depicts the humanity of Buddha and his interactions with the community, "Four Insights for Finding Fulfillment" which helps broaden our perspectives to see the truth on Dependent Origination and Emptiness, and " Pick it Up! Chan Stories to Inspire" which illustrates the compassion and wisdom within the Chan practice. For those interested in understanding how Buddhism views contemporary issues, "Life" would be a good book to start with. All these books are available at the UCSD library. Professor Emeritus Richard Madsen expressed his delight at the addition of Buddhist literature to the library’s collection, stating it aids students in contemplating the truths of life. Librarian Sarah A. Buck Kachaluba thanked Hsi Fang Temple for donating the "The Complete Works" and encouraged students to come and utilize the resources. Students inquired about delving deeper into meditation. Ven. Miao Zang recommended two books, "Calm Mind Perfect Ease" and "Meditation and Wisdom," for further reading, and welcomed them to participate in meditation courses at Hsi Fang Temple. After the lecture, students expressing that after attending the session, they felt Buddhism integrating into their lives and expressed an interest to delve deeper into Buddhist concepts and explore the Ven. Master's works.
Venerables Visit Just Food community Farm in the Ottawa Greenbelt
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa April 11, 2024 On March 28, a group of nine people, including Venerable Yung Ku, abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, along with superintent Ven. Zhi Yin, other venerables and groundskeeping volunteers went to the Just Food community farm in the Ottawa Greenbelt. The group was led by Wu Chen, a student from Algonquin College’s Business Agriculture program. During the Chinese New Year, Wu Chen and her roommates, Emma and Iris, who are studying carpentry, visited the temple to participate in activities and Dharma services. They had conversations with the venerables about their respective majors and learned that Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa had established a "Happy Farm" since 2023. Upon receiving an invitation from the advising venerable, they eagerly joined the team of farm volunteers and enthusiastically contributed to planning the 2024 planting schedule. In order to assist the venerables with the understanding of agricultural cultivation, Wu Chen organized this visit. Sun Shan and Li Bo, who were her previous working partners in Beijing, led a guided tour of the farm. During the farm tour, the venerables and volunteers were presented the concepts advocated by Just Food, and that Just Food is committed to improving food production and distribution efficiency through sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on fostering community engagement and providing training opportunities. Although they couldn't witness the early spring crop plantings and the farm's breeding and planting experiments firsthand, Sun Shan and Li Bo's introductions inspired the group with the passion and philosophy of "Just Food Urban Agriculture" towards sustainable agriculture and food safety. Coincidentally, during the visit, the group had the opportunity to meet Erin O'Manique, the executive director of the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard and a member of the board of directors of the Ottawa Food Bank. Sun Shan and Li Bo, who were her previous working partners in Beijing, led a guided tour of the farm. photo／The Life News Agency During this visit, everyone profoundly realized the importance of Ottawa Greenbelt. This vast green space serves as not only a vital natural resource for the city of Ottawa but also as a key factor in maintaining ecological balance and sustainable development of the entire region. The Ottawa Greenbelt is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes, while also providing many important ecosystem services, such as water conservation, air purification and carbon absorption. Protecting and preserving the Ottawa Greenbelt is crucial for ensuring the health and prosperity of local communities, which also echoes the sustainable development concept advocated by Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA). This visit not only provided the venerables and volunteers with a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture but also laid a solid foundation for the "Happy Farm" to learn from the practices of "Just Food Urban Agriculture." Through collaborative efforts, the venerables and volunteers firmly believe that they can contribute even more to the sustainable development and food safety of the communities near Richmond which will further advance the progress and prosperity of the society.
Over Ten Thousand Individuals Celebrate the Spring Festival at Fo Guang Shan Toronto
FGS Toronto February 19, 2024 On February 10th, 2024, Toronto experienced an unexpected warmth, drawing families from all walks of life to the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto to celebrate the festivities of the Chinese New Year. With temperatures reaching a pleasant 10 degrees Celsius, over 10,000 individuals gathered to mark the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Upon arrival, visitors eagerly engaged in cultural events, such as ringing the Happiness Bell and capturing moments with auspicious dragons and the wishing tree at the temple's entrance. Inside, the temple buzzed with activity as crowds participated in traditional ceremonies and performances. Distinguished guests, including Canadian Member of Parliament MP Leah Taylor Roy and Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Toronto Mr Cheng Hongbo, Consul Cang Litong from Overseas Chinese Affairs, Richmond Hill Councillor Castro Liu, and Oakville Councillor Scott Xie, graced the event with their presence, offering their respects and extending New Year's greetings to the community. During the celebration, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan delivered an inspiring Dharma Talk, emphasizing the significance of paying respect to the Buddhas and making vows for the new year. She highlighted the importance of diligence and cultivating joy to attain happiness and peace. MP Leah Taylor Roy and Consul Cheng Hongbo expressed wishes for prosperity and unity in the community, praising FGS for its commitment to cultural understanding and community service. The festivities featured performances by the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team, with blessings distributed by the God of Wealth. Visitors also received auspicious "red envelopes" containing Dharma teachings and auspicious blessing symbolic items. The festive event at FGS Toronto was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of cultural heritage and community spirit, uniting diverse individuals to welcome the New Year with auspiciousness and joy.
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa Offers Compassionate Support Amidst Tragedy
Wen Guo, The Life News Agency May 17, 2024 On April 2nd 2024, the monastics of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa and Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), visited a Sri Lankan temple of the Buddhist Congress of Canada, to donate $2,000 in support of the sole surviving member of a Sri Lankan family affected by an unfortunate incident that occurred in Ottawa on March 6, 2024. The donation was presented by Venerable You Wang of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, Felicia Kho, treasurer of the BLIA Ottawa Chapter, Nancy Zhang, president of BLIA Ottawa South Subchapter, and Kwok Chun Suen and Tim Wang, members of the South Subchapter. Ven. Bhante Suneetha, a Theravada Buddhist monk from the Buddhist Congress of Canada, received the donation. Venerable Suneetha stated that the funds would be used directly to support the affected Sri Lankan family, to help them overcome their difficulties. The Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa and the BLIA Ottawa Chapter did not hesitate to extend a helping hand in the face of this tragedy. These organizations did not only send monastics and BLIA members to the memorial service, but they also expressed their emotional support and condolences to the affected family through substantial support. Venerable Suneetha of the Buddhist Congress noted that such direct acts of kindness would bring warmth and hope to the family, and demonstrate the unity and compassion of the community. Venerable Suneetha, who has been propagating the Dharma in the Ottawa region for over 10 years, has always strived to actively promote interaction and solidarity among religious communities. Venerable Suneetha became acquainted with the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa at the "Vesak Day on Parliament Hill" event that was hosted by Member of Parliament Chandra Arya in 2023. He was subsequently invited to attend the "Venerable Master Hsing Yun Memorial Concert" on August 4th in same year. Venerable Sunneetha expressed deep appreciation for Fo Guang Shan's approach in propagating "Humanistic Buddhism." Although this meeting was prompted by a tragedy, Venerable Suneetha hoped there would be more exchanges with Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa in the future to increase understanding of the Buddhist faith in the Ottawa area, and, to do so again during this year's Vesak Day celebrations.
Hsi Fang Temple Honored with President's Volunteer Service Award for Service at Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple May 17, 2024 On April 30th, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony, Venerable Miao Zang and Venerable Zhi Ching, Dharma propagation volunteers Denny and David from Hsi Fang Temple, were invited to attend. Approximately over a hundred people attended the event. Since 2021, Hsi Fang Temple has been leading a team of Dharma propagation volunteers, regularly visiting the base to spread the Buddha’s teachings, lead meditation sessions, and conduct the Triple Gem Refuge ceremony to provide spiritual support to the recruits. In 2023, Hsi Fang Temple served at the base for over 100 hours, and the services of the venerables and volunteers were recognized, earning them the President's Volunteer Service Award. Every Sunday morning, there are 11 religious organizations, including Hsi Fang Temple, are there to conduct Sunday services. At MCRD, among all categories of volunteers, religious ministers collectively served for over 11,000 hours in 2023, topping all categories, with an impressive 62 individuals receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award. Brigadier General James A. Ryans II, Commanding General of MCRD, delivered a speech expressing gratitude and acknowledging the volunteers' dedication, which greatly contributes to the recruits' mental and emotional stability, enabling them to complete rigorous training. He emphasized the importance of "serve those who serve."
Toronto Buddha’s Light Caring Group Resumes Lunar New Year Celebrations at Nursing Homes Post-Pandemic
FGS Toronto March 1, 2024 After a hiatus of four years due to the pandemic, the Toronto Buddha’s Light Caring Group has joyously resumed its community outreach, marking a poignant reunion for residents and staff at local nursing homes. Led by Venerable Miao Tsun, the group rekindled connections with over 150 individuals at Tendercare Nursing Home, Mon Sheong Scarborough Long-Term Care Centre, and Heritage Nursing Home in downtown Toronto on February 17th and 18th, infusing warmth and compassion into the Lunar New Year festivities. Specially invited the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team to perform contributing to a lively and heartening Chinese New Year program for seniors. Seniors eagerly gathered outside the activity room, expressing excitement at the prospect of experiencing the Lunar New Year celebrations again. The event commenced with a captivating Lion Dance performance accompanied by additional performances featuring a small dragon, youth kung-fu, and elegant fan dancing, eliciting laughter and applause from the seniors. Volunteers from the caring group then presented a series of uplifting New Year songs, fostering an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The grand final was a Light Offering Ceremony, where Venerable Miao Tsun explained the symbolic meaning of bringing light, hope, and happiness. Amidst serene chanting, seniors, staff, and volunteers offered lamps in front of the statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The caring group also prepared the Lunar New Year Greeting couplets written by the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, and auspicious red envelopes presented to all seniors. The resumption of these heartwarming Lunar New Year celebrations signifies a significant step towards reconnecting with the community.
Christian Lenten Series: Hsi Lai Temple Invited to Share Buddhist Vegetarian Culture
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple April 9, 2024 The Arcadia Congregational Church invited Ven. Hui Ze from Hsi Lai Temple to attend the Christian Lenten Series talk on the evening of March 20, 2024, delivering a talk titled "Buddhist Vegetarian Culture." The Christian Lenten Series lectures are interfaith talks live-streamed on Facebook by the Arcadia Congregational Church. This event, held during the Lenten period, invites representatives from various religions to share their dietary cultures and traditions. Groups invited include Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Before the lecture began, Ven. Hui Ze shared some vegetarian bentos prepared by Hsi Lai Temple with the attendees. Everyone complimented that it was the best vegetarian dish they had ever enjoyed, and never realized that vegetarian food could be so "flavorful." Subsequently, Rev. Jolene Cadenbach of the Arcadia Congregational Church invited Ven. Hui Ze to introduce Buddhist vegetarian culture to the attendees. Ve. Hui Ze explained that Buddhists practice vegetarianism to cultivate compassion, as they cannot bear to see the suffering of sentient beings and thus abstain from consuming their flesh. However, he also emphasized the flexibility of Buddhist vegetarianism, stating that it's not about rigid rules but about cultivating a 'pure heart.' Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, once said, "Vegetarianism is a way of life, and the essence of being vegetarian lies not in eating vegetables or meat but in possessing a 'pure heart'—a heart that is pure and compassionate." Therefore, those interested in Buddhism need not feel constrained in adapting to vegetarianism; eating purely vegetarian meals when conditions are right is also acceptable. From the perspective of history, Ven. Hui Ze mentioned that during the Buddha’s time, monastics lived by begging for alms and had to accept food equally from all, without discrimination. In modern Theravada Buddhism, monastics still practice alms-round and can eat vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. In Mahayana Buddhism, influenced by the spirit of the Bodhisattva path and the agricultural Chan culture advocated by Chan Master Bai Zhang, vegetarianism has become a common practice in Chinese Buddhism. With the trend of "veganism" prevailing in various countries in Europe and America, young people in the West adopt vegetarianism to adhere to the moral principle of non-harming and for personal physical and mental health reasons. When asked about the dining rituals and how food is prepared in Buddhist monastic communities, Ven. Hui Ze shared in details. In large monasteries of Mahayana Buddhism, like Fo Guang Shan Monastery, meals are prepared by the temple's venerables and volunteers for the assemblies. He described a unique dining method in Buddhism, the Formal Buddhist Meal, which approaches dining with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the food. After the forum, Ven. Hui Ze extended a warm invitation to all attendees to visit Hsi Lai Temple in the future and personally experience the delicious vegetarian meals served in the temple's dining hall. Attendees expressed gratitude for participating in this interfaith lecture series, which deepened their understanding and appreciation of Buddhism.
