FGS News
Traveling throughout South Asia with a Compassionate Heart and Vows, The ten-thousand mile bhikkhuni goes to Ottawa
Grace Zhang, The Life News Agency April 1, 2024 Venerabble Chueh Cheng, the head abbess of the Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand-India Region of Fo Guang Shan monastery, traveled to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa to give a lecture, "The Pioneer’s Trail: Spreading Humanistic Buddhism Far and Wide,” on March 17th. 2024. Venerable Yung Ku, the abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, Venerable Miao Mu, the superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Montreal, other venerables and close to 200 devotees joined the lecture in person and online. Simultaneous translation in English and Cantonese was provided to facilitate the participation of community residents. Venerable Chueh Cheng took time from her busy schedule to give a lecture tour in Canada after participating in a UN conference in New York City. Due to time constraints, she could only arrange two lectures in Toronto and Ottawa. Chuan Shan Ye, the president of Montreal Chapter of BLIA, along with 10 chapter members, traveled to Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa to listen to the Dharma teachings. First, Abbess Venerable Yung Ku introduced Venerable Chueh Cheng, who has dedicated herself to propagating Buddhism for 16 years in South America and Malaysia. Currently, she serves as the Vice Secretary-General of BLIA Headquarters for the Southeast Asia region. With unwavering determination, she follows in the footsteps of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, in promoting Humanistic Buddhism. She truly is the great king of vows as she spreads the seeds of compassion, vows, wisdom, and courage to various parts of the world. During the two-hour lecture, Venerable Chueh Cheng led everyone on a journey from the "Sons of Zu Lai" in Brazil to the "Village of Hope" in India, from the post-war reconstruction in Afghanistan to the Institute of Humanistic Buddhism in Pakistan, and from the Dong Zen Temple in Malaysia to the Village of Happiness. These were all sanctuaries of Humanistic Buddhism. Despite the Venerable Chueh Cheng's calm and gentle demeanor, the difficulties and challenges encountered along the way were beyond imagination. Whenever faced with obstacles, she recalled the teachings of the Venerable Master, "tolerance of non-arising dharmas, following the causes and conditions." The prayer beads and a simple bowl of plain noodles in broth signify Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s compassion for sentient beings and his unsurpassed Vajra-like mind. Venerable Chueh Cheng mentioned that the construction of Fo Guang Shan Temple in Ottawa is currently underway. Although the current environment may seem desolate, under the guidance of Abbess Yung Ku, it will surely be transformed into a solemn Dharma center. The vast forest surrounding the temple also provides an excellent setting for large-scale meditation retreats. If everyone actively supports and participates in this endeavor, witnessing the transformation of the temple from nothingness to fruition, it will create a stronger sense of belonging and a feeling of home. Abbess Yung Ku extends a heartfelt invitation to Venerable Chueh Cheng to once again visit and preside over meditation in the forest when the construction of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa is completed. During the lecture, Venerable Chueh Cheng led everyone in reciting the verse of Master Taixu, "I am the future of Buddhism!" as a source of self-inspiration. Devotee Helen Ge was deeply moved by Venerable Chueh Cheng's adherence to the teachings of the Venerable Master, her embodiment of compassion as a driving force for vows, and her unwavering perseverance even in the face of unbearable circumstances as the center for Dharma, all for the sake of promoting Humanistic Buddhism. Hui Li admired Venerable Chueh Cheng's profound love and compared her to a contemporary Master Xuanzang, bringing light to lives struggling in darkness. When seeing Abbess Yung Ku, with head held high, persevering through the icy world for temple construction, and Venerable Chueh Cheng standing firm in the endless yellow sands, radiating boundless compassion for sentient beings, Richard Li couldn't help but be amazed and firmly believed that the aspirations of these two great kings of vows will surely be successfully fulfilled.
A Journey of Enlightenment and Growth- FGS Toronto Hosts the Commencement Ceremony for the 2024 Humanistic Buddhism Courses and Universal Tea Gathering
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto March 28, 2024 After the conclusion of the 2024 Spring Festival celebrations, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held its Commencement Ceremony for the 2024 Humanistic Buddhism Courses, followed by a Volunteer Tea Gathering on the afternoon of March 2nd. The event aimed to express gratitude to all supporting groups and volunteers, while also marking the beginning of the 2024 Humanistic Buddhism Courses. Over 160 volunteers attended, eager to embrace the intellectual and spiritual enrichment promised by the New Year." The event began with the Humanistic Buddhism Courses Commencement Ceremony. Venerable Chueh Fan, the Chancellor of the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Courses, encouraged the dedicated volunteers to deepen their engagement with Buddhist studies. She highlighted the temple's commitment to offering a wide range of courses designed for enhancing wisdom and skills through continuous learning and study of the Dharma. She emphasized the temple's dedication to providing diverse courses aimed at enhancing wisdom and skills through continuous learning and the study of Dharma. Of particular note was the announcement of a new initiative: a 40-minute Buddhist etiquette class after the Sunday Dharma Service, tailored to guide beginners in their understanding of Buddhism. Venerable Ru An, Director of Social Education, presented the "Practice the Buddha’s Way Passport," explaining its purpose and practicality in monitoring progress in Buddhist cultivation. Betty Young, leader of the Social Education team offered instructions regarding course registration and attendance procedures, guaranteeing a seamless educational journey for all students. A video lecture selected from the Venerable Master’s “One Hundred Lessons on Monastery Language and Affairs” series was presented, emphasizing the significance of the “Universal Tea Gathering” as a platform for community building, exchange, and talent demonstration. Following this, the sharing sessions by all Venerables highlighted the achievements of various teams during the Spring Festival events, showcasing the harmonious collaboration among volunteer groups and monastics. These efforts vividly illustrated the profound impact of volunteerism at the temple, characterized by joy, dedication, and a selfless commitment to service. As volunteers rejoiced in exquisite tea and snacks, highlights from the Spring Festival activities were showcased, celebrating the teamwork and perseverance that contributed to the event's success. Speeches and musical performances by various volunteer team leaders conveyed deep gratitude for the collective effort, resonating with all present and earning enthusiastic applause. The communal singing of "My Hometown is at Fo Guang Shan" served as a heartfelt expression of solidarity and support for the temple and its community. In her concluding remarks, Venerable Chueh Fan reflected on the volunteers' pivotal role in enhancing the temple's environment, expressing hope that the insights gained would be deeply integrated into daily practice. This aspiration aligns with Master Hsing Yun's vision of "Coexistence and Co-prosperity," as shared at the 2023 BLIA General Conference. The gathering concluded with warmth and joy, all participants joined in a collective aspiration of Buddha's Light Shines Universally.
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.
Nurturing Families - TAG School Opening Ceremony
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 25, 2024 Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) School of Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple welcomed the spring semester with an opening ceremony on March 3, 2024. More than 200 teachers, students, and parents gathered in the Auditorium for the celebration which featured highlights from previous semesters, a Fo Guang Shan knowledge quiz, the presentation of Appointment Letters to volunteer teachers, and an introduction to the upcoming semester's curriculum. Following the ceremony, students and parents engaged in fun-filled, interactive activities and shared the anticipated excitement for the new semester. Ven. Hui Cheng, the Guiding Venerable for TAG School, extended a warm welcome to students upon their return and urged them to carry forward the Three Acts of Goodness—performing good deeds, speaking kind words, and cultivating positive thoughts—in their daily lives. Additionally, classes for Preschool, Kids, Junior, Youth, and Parents were also announced. And, everyone was invited to attend the collective spring outing on April 7th, with special surprise guests. Ven. Hui Cheng urged parents to actively join the parent classes, emphasizing parents are the ‘true teachers’ of their children. Thus, they should not only teach their children the Three Acts of Goodness but also become examples themselves, so the whole family can practice together. New parent Austin Minnich was grateful for the opportunity his family had together as they visited Buddhist temples in Korea and created unforgettable memories. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he vowed to take his daughters, Ava and Amelia, to a temple to learn Buddhism. Through research online, he discovered that Hsi Lai Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the United States with excellent children's classes, and he was delighted to enroll his daughters. He hoped, by practicing TAG teachings, they would be nurtured with kindness and compassion, and grow into outstanding, wise young women. Kennedy Hart, a 16-year-old, who was a student in the youth class four years ago, has now stepped into the role of assistant teacher. She believes that TAG thinking and actions have become an integral part of her life. Through two years of volunteering, she has grown significantly, particularly in the ways of learning how to take on more responsibility. Graciela, a new kids’ class assistant teacher, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about Buddhism through a Chan meditation experience during camp at Hsi Lai Temple last June. Not only does she volunteer herself, but she also influenced her nephew to enroll in TAG School. She shared her belief that TAG philosophy transcends religion and ethnicity and is something everyone needs. Buddhism can benefit every child in school and at home, and she encourages everyone to learn Buddhism. Ten-year-old Steven Zhao, a kids’ class student for the third semester, has already witnessed significant changes since joining TAG School. His mother, Celine Huang, is delighted to see improvements in their parent-child relationship, as well as Steven's newfound sense of dedication and respect. After he completed one semester, he began to volunteer in the Main Shrine every week, where he welcomes visitors in both Chinese and English and provides answers to questions regarding Buddhism. Guests at the ceremony included Alex Wu, President of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, and president of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter Elder Advisor Committee, Zhao Linfeng, who presented Appointment Letters to volunteer teachers. The opening celebratory ceremony infused hearts with vitality and joyful anticipation of another growth-filled semester about to unfold. Parents looked forward to their children continuing to learn and to grow taller and wiser during springtime, as the seeds of Buddhism are nurtured within and shared with families, friends and spread throughout the world.
Hsi Lai Girl Scouts Creatively Celebrate World Thinking Day by Showcasing Japan
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 20, 2024 Girl Scouts united together to embrace perspectives different from their own, to learn and experience various cultures, and to gather new insights to help create a world filled with peace and harmony. On March 2, 2024, the Buddha's Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts joined approximately 170 members from seven neighboring Girl Scout troops at the St. Mark's Lutheran School in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, USA, to celebrate World Thinking Day. The day promoted thinking BIG—what are small things one can do that could make a big impact on the world—and supported the theme for 2024: “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The Environment and Global Poverty.” Buddha's Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts chose Japan as their exploration country this year, delving into Japanese history, geography, culture, customs, flag, attire, cuisine, and dances. Sixteen girls adorned themselves in traditional Japanese yukata (a lightweight kimono), reflecting Japanese tradition's elegance. World Thinking Day, observed annually on February 22nd, has been celebrated by Girl Scout troops from 150 countries and regions worldwide since 1926—nearly 10 million Girl Scouts commemorate the day globally. This year, Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai Girl Scouts handcrafted 170 beautiful Japanese origami cherry blossoms to symbolize their goodwill and elegant integration of Japanese traditional culture, which seemed to receive accolades from everyone. They, along with all the other Girl Scout Troops, exhibited a friendly and enthusiastic demeanor, fully embodying the essence of their represented countries. The Girl Scouts meticulously created vibrant decorations, posters, costumes, performances, and food, representing the unique flair of seven countries—Greece, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Fiji, Ireland, and England. Meaningful group performances were presented with culturally distinctive dances from their respective countries, each earning enthusiastic applause and the delighted audience's approval. Girl Scouts collected their travel passports to visit each "country" booth and received a stamp confirming their "visit" and signifying their new understanding and appreciation of the differing cultures. Participants also immersed themselves into each culture by tasting various traditional foods, such as English afternoon tea, muffins, and gingerbread cookies; Irish Dublin cream scones; Fijian tropical fruit cups; Korean dumplings; chocolate pies; and Greek hummus dips. By exchanging gifts-of-appreciation with one another, they took home special mementos—bracelets, wristbands, masks, and other treasures. Annie Yang, attending the event for the first time, expressed her fascination with Japanese attire and dressing techniques. Molly Huang, with multiple event experiences, emphasized the happiness she feels when providing newer Girl Scouts with more practical opportunities and collaboratively completing activities after numerous communications. The World Thinking Day event not only allowed participants to experience joy but encouraged them to contemplate upon those still facing challenges and hardships, urging every Girl Scout to take action, utilizing their influence and creativity to make the world a better place.
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.
The Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year Press Conference
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 14, 2024 The anticipated Lunar New Year Press Conference was held in the meeting room, Jan. 30th, at Hsi Lai Temple prior to the celebratory Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year festivities unfolding—the media absorbed the information about various upcoming activities, exhibitions, ceremonies, and traffic and safety measures offered by the temple during the two-week Lunar New Year celebration. A total of 24 media outlets and 30 journalists attended. "May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful" were the inspiring blessings and greetings extended to all from the founding master of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The abbot of Hsi Lai, Ven. Hui Dong expressed that dragons symbolize auspiciousness in Chinese culture, and they usually roam freely among the clouds high in the sky. We are grateful the Venerable Master has blessed us all to move through life as freely as dragons and to have our everyday moments filled with auspiciousness and joy. Due to the high volume of visitors expected during the post-pandemic Lunar New Year, Abbott Ven. Hui Dong announced the temple would be open from February 10th to February 24th, welcoming all guests who drive or walk through the temple’s mountain gates, and he also encouraged the public to plan their visits to avoid peak periods. Traditionally, "burning the first incense" is burned on the first or second day of the lunar year; however, Ven. Hui Dong explained that as long as the first incense is burned during the two-week Lunar New Year celebration, it is considered “the first incense,” so everyone doesn't need to come at the same time. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Industry Station Captain Glenn Emery and California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs Captain Melissa Hammond unanimously emphasized that safety is top priority. Whether driving on the roads or strolling in the temple, everyone needs to be patient and yield to others, be cautious and aware of their surroundings to help ensure everyone can arrive joyfully and return home safely. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Glenn Emery prioritizes safety during the Lunar New Year festivities. photo/Zhang Zhicheng Melissa Hammond, Captain of the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs Area, promotes safety measures during the Lunar New Year festivities. photo/Zhang Zhicheng Ven. Hui Ze of Hsi Lai Temple announces all the transportation arrangements. photo/Zhang Zhicheng Ven. Hui Ze explained the transportation arrangements and precautions. Free parking will be provided at Puente Hills Mall, a ten-minute drive from the temple, with shuttle services. Various rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also encouraged. The president of BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, Alex Wu, assured BLIA members are ready to welcome warmly and serve the public during the festivities to help everyone have a delightful Lunar New Year experience at Hsi Lai Temple. Alex Wu, president of the BLIA Los Angeles Chapter, expresses that BLIA members are ready to welcome the public warmly and serve them. photo/Zhang Zhicheng Once the press conference was completed, all attendees happily gathered around the well-known Wishing Tree to cast their New Year wishes, riding on the red ribbons into the awaiting golden branches, seeking blessings and protection from the Bodhisattvas. A plethora of fun and meaningful activities, which include bell-ringing blessings, Homage to Thousand Buddhas Dharma Service, Light-Offering Inauguration Dharma Service, Offering to Buddhas and Celestial Guardians Dharma Service, a food fair, special exhibitions, lion and dragon dances, and more will be offered. All were welcome to celebrate Lunar New Year and receive well-wishes and blessings. Police officers and journalists gather around the Wishing Tree to cast their New Year hopes into the branches, seeking blessings from the Bodhisattvas. photo/Zhang Zhicheng Police officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs Area happily join the BLIA members after the conference. photo/Zhang Zhicheng
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended Lunar New Year celebration
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa March 11, 2024 On February 12th, the third day of the Lunar New Year, the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada hosted a Lunar New Year celebration. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accompanied by nine ministers and more than 40 Members of Parliament from across Canada, attended the event. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Ottawa was among the invited participants. Abbess Yung Ku led Venerables of FGS Ottawa, BLIA Ottawa Chapter President June Sun, and nearly 30 volunteers in joining the festivities. The Fo Guang Dharma Drum and Lion Dance team, consisting of 14 young members, delivered captivating performances that earned rounds of applause from the audience. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his gratitude for the splendid opening performance by the FGS Ottawa’s Dharma Drum and Lion Dance Team. He highlighted that the Year of the Dragon symbolizes hope, health, and strength for Canada's future, and expressed appreciation for the contributions of Asian Canadians to the beloved Canadian society. The event commenced with a performance by the young members of the FGS Dharma Drum Team, established for over two years. With rhythmic drumbeats setting the pace, the team showcased agile movements, alternating between swift and slow movements, reminiscent of seasoned warriors. The final appearance of a member holding the drumsticks high drew thunderous applause from the audience. Following this, the newly formed FGS Lion Dance Team, operating for less than 45 days, made a grand entrance. After the Prime Minister marked the lions' eyes with ceremonial dots, accompanied by the lively drum and cymbal beats, the lions performed dynamic routines, interacting with the audience, and tossing symbolic lucky candies into the crowd multiple times. Ven. Yung Ku praised the children of the Lion Dance and Dharma Drum teams for their dedication and hard work in shouldering the task of promoting Chinese traditional culture. She also noted that through this opportunity from Fo Guang Shan, they propagated the Dharma through culture, earning them the title of “young warriors achieving great feats”. Joy, the mother of Richard and Ryan, expressed gratitude to FGS Ottawa for providing a platform for the children to showcase themselves and Chinese traditional culture. Winnie, Anthony's mother, noted that besides providing each other with mutual assistance and affection, the children's bonds of friendship have also strengthened. She echoed Ven. Yung Ku’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of companionship on the journey of growing up and recognizing childhood friends as invaluable treasures. Jackie, the mother of Edison and Evan, observed a noticeable transformation in her children. As they pick up the drumsticks and stand before the drums with a serious and concentrated demeanor, it seems as though they had embraced a new sense of responsibility and honor, both towards the Dharma Drum Team and themselves. Ryshia, a member of both the Lion Dance and Dharma Drum teams, expressed that through this event, she has developed a greater sense of courage and independence.
Five Girl Scouts Receive Prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple March 11, 2024 The esteemed President’s Volunteer Service Award is a national honor offered to those who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteer service for 12 months. Five members—Vienna Koo Wang, Yuhan Wu, Evelyn Tse, Molly Huang and Allison Chieh—of the Buddha's Light Hsi Lai Girl Scout Troop 18894 accumulated a total of 889 volunteer hours in 2023, and were honored and awarded medals, certificates, and presidential congratulatory letters on January 28 by Hsi Lai Girl Scouts Guiding Venerable, Ven. Zhi San, at Hsi Lai Temple. Nearly 30 parents and Girl Scouts joyfully celebrated the awardees. The recipients of the Youth Group Gold Award—Vienna Koo Wang, Yuhan Wu, and Evelyn Tse—each achieved over 100 hours of volunteer service, and the recipients of the Young Adult Group Gold Award—Molly Huang and Allison Chieh—each surpassed 250 hours of volunteer service. Ven. Zhi San congratulated the girls and encouraged them to continue their commitment to deeply touching others’ lives in compassionate and significant ways. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a recognition created by the U.S. government to encourage citizens or permanent residents to volunteer. Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and overseen by the federal agency AmeriCorps, it allows certifying organizations to recognize outstanding volunteers contributing to their communities. Eligible participants range from 5 to 25 years old and can receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze Awards based on their volunteer service hours. The Hsi Lai Girl Scouts’ commitment to serving others compassionately included volunteering at Hsi Lai Temple for various events, kitchen duties, planning summer camps for children, helping out at Hsi Lai Summer School, tutoring elementary school students after school, and participating in animal shelters, county libraries, and senior centers within the community. Allison Chieh, a Gold Award recipient in the Young Adult Group, completed 313 hours of service and expressed that the volunteer process was very meaningful. Not only did it allow her to help the community, but it also provided her with opportunities to make new friends and acquire new skills. This award was her second time receiving the award, and she looks forward to earning it again next year.
BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer James Chao Presents Insights from the Diamond Sutra for Daily Life Cultivation at FGS Toronto
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto March 7, 2024 Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto was honoured to invite Mr. James Chao, the General Representative of Devotees of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, and BLIA Lay Dharma Lecturer to give a Dharma talk last Sunday, February 25th. His talk “Relevance of Buddhism in Today’s World” attracted more than 200 online and in-person participants. Thanks to Mr. Chao's diligent research and preparation, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan of FGS Temple Toronto expressed gratitude and warmly welcomed him to Toronto. Mr. Chao also prepared a valuable edition of the Diamond Sutra for distribution among the attendees. Mr. Chao first explained how he came to learn Buddhism through his mother. In the last 50 years, he had read and recited the Diamond Sutra. He suggested using the “listen, contemplate, cultivate” method to discover and explore one’s inherent Buddha nature. Try asking yourself practical questions such as “Am I happy?”, “Is there meaning in my life?”, “What are my expectations of the future?” Through these reflections, one can start to incorporate the Buddha Dharma into daily life. He told the audience to observe before responding, “Where there is Dharma, there is a way”. Listen and read the Buddha’s teachings such as the “Heart Sutra” and “The Eight Realizations of the Great Beings”. He also quoted the various chapters of the Diamond Sutra: Chapter 1: Convocation of the Assembly, Chapter 2: Venerable Subhuti’s request, Chapter 3: Subdue one’s heart to cause all beings to enter nirvana, Chapter 4: Conduct without dwelling, practice generosity without attachment, Chapter 5: All with marks are empty and false. There is a step-by-step approach to learning the Dharma, starting from the Three Dharma Seals and Four Noble Truths.
