FGS News
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."
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.
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Presents the “Cultural Legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun” Exhibition for the Lunar New Year
FGS Toronto March 6, 2024 In honour of the anniversary of the passing of the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto has launched the “Cultural Legacy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun” exhibition for the Lunar New Year. This exhibit features Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy Before and Post-Surgery Works, spanning from 1953 to 2022, coinciding with the Compassionate Life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun Exhibition. Starting on February 9th, the exhibition is displayed on the second floor inside the Buddha’s Cultural Museum. All descriptions are provided in both Chinese and English, to introduce the legendary life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and his cultural accomplishments achieved through profound literary cultivation and the dissemination of Buddhist teachings. Additionally, visitors also experienced virtual tours of the Fo Guang Shan Temple at the “Journey to the Buddha Land” exhibition inside the Conference Room on the second floor during the Chinese New Year. Using AI technology, visitors virtually explored inside the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the Sutra Repository, and the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum which are located thousands of miles away, irrespective of geographical limitations.
Professor Zimei Deng's Lecture in Toronto Explores Humanistic Buddhism
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto April 2, 2024 On March 17th, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed Professor Zimei Deng, a distinguished scholar from Fo Guang University's Buddhist Studies Center and the Fo Guang Shan Institute of Humanistic Buddhism, for a lecture on "Venerable Master Hsing Yun and My Study of Humanistic Buddhism." The event, which attracted over 80 attendees both in-person and virtually, underscored the widespread interest in Venerable Master Hsing Yun's teachings and the principles of Humanistic Buddhism. Professor Deng commenced the lecture by sharing personal anecdotes of his encounters with Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the revered founder of Fo Guang Shan. These anecdotes left an indelible mark on Deng, which not only deepened his respect for Venerable Master's wisdom and compassion but also highlighted the Master's support during Deng's early struggles with research funding and academic recognition. Deng admired Venerable Master Hsing Yun's forward-thinking approach to Buddhism, crediting him with offering invaluable guidance for navigating life's challenges. Professor Deng traced his scholarly journey, referencing seminal works such as "A New Biography of Master Taixu" and "Contemporary Trends in Humanistic Buddhism." His research, which applies sociological theories to the study of Buddhism, has significantly influenced the perception and propagation of Humanistic Buddhism across Asia. Central to Deng's discussion was Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy that "Buddhism is essentially Humanistic Buddhism," emphasizing the need for Buddhism to adapt to modernity. He elucidated how academic exploration and dialogues surrounding Humanistic Buddhism have not only provided theoretical support but have also shaped governmental policies, facilitating a broader developmental scope for Buddhism in the contemporary world. During the interactive Q&A session, attendees expressed a keen interest in reconciling traditional Buddhist practices with modern life. Professor Deng advocated for a balanced approach, suggesting that Buddhist principles of meditation, awareness, and wisdom could offer solace amidst today's fast-paced lifestyle. He encouraged young Buddhists to deeply engage with their studies and draw inspiration from Venerable Master Hsing Yun's visionary outlook. The lecture concluded with heartfelt gratitude from Venerable Chueh Fan, who presented Professor Deng with "The Biography of Master Hsing Yun" as a token of connection and shared mission. Dr. Henry Shiu, Assistant Professor at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, praised the lecture for fostering enriching dialogue and diverse perspectives on Humanistic Buddhism among attendees.
Children & Youth “Step Up” to Participate in Buddhist Exam - Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai School
The Life News Agency March 4, 2024 Excitement and a hint of nervousness filled the air as 32 first-time exam takers, aged 5 to 19, gathered on Jan. 13th at the Buddha’s Light Hsi Lai School (BLHLS) campus to undertake the 2023 North America BLIA Buddhist Exam online. These students were thoughtfully guided and lovingly prepped by teachers, parents, and coordinators. Among the 32 exam takers, 14 were Bodhi students—individuals who had previously attended BLHLS until the age of 12, graduated, and then returned as volunteers after turning 13. With encouragement, support, and positive role models, children and youth were able to step up and successfully complete the Buddhist exam. At 9 am, students happily arrived, and were divided into four classrooms and the meditation hall—reserved for the actual exam. After setting up their online exam equipment, study groups were formed. Bodhi Coordinators Jia Li Wang and Brandon Hsu, created study guides, organized study groups, and led the youth group in a fun Kahoot! game they developed especially to review all the exam info. The children's group, led by Ms. Jo, Ms. Jane, Ms. Evangeline, and parents Gary and Anh Auyeung, were also divided into groups for reviewing and preparing for the online exam. Once ready, all the students logged on. Isaac Chen, one of the participating students, is the grandson of Carolyn Chen, who is the current BLIA president of the Hacienda Heights Subchapter. Youth group coordinator Brandon Hsu, is the grandson of elder supervisor Linda Wei. Jia Li Wang, also a youth group coordinator, has been volunteering at Hsi Lai Temple since she was 5, enjoying community service and absorbing Humanistic Buddhism with her mother. Both Brandon Hsu and Jia Li Wang shared that when they first learned about leading the youth in the Buddhist exam, they felt a sense of "pressure." However, as they faced the challenge and witnessed everyone—even the youngest—making great efforts to participate and to learn together, they were both deeply moved.
Toronto 2024 Cloud and Water Dharma Talk Series: Blossoms with Insights from Floral Wisdom
The Life News Agency May 16, 2024 The Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Chapter initiated the "2024 Cloud and Water Dharma Talk Series" on April 14th, captivating around 120 attendees with a lecture titled " Blossoms with Insights from Floral Wisdom" by Mrs. Sue Hutchison, BLIA Lay Dharma Teacher. She shared insights on integrating the aesthetics of Buddha-Dharma into daily life through the art of flower arrangement, symbolizing Buddhist cultivation. Venerable Ru Zhong, the Superintendent of FGS Toronto, commenced the event with welcoming remarks. Drawing attention to flower-related analogies abundant in Buddhism, Venerable Ru Zhong elucidated the symbolic significance of flowers, such as the purity embodied by orchids and the transformative journey mirrored in the lotus flower. Mrs. Hutchison, renowned for her role in leading the Reception Team at the Temple and teaching flower arrangement courses at FGS Toronto Humanistic Buddhism Buddhist Courses, delved into three key aspects during her presentation: the profound connection between Buddhism and flowers, the spiritual merits of offering flowers, and the inspirational teachings derived from flowers. Citing Buddhist scripture, she pointed out the symbolic representations of flowers in the Buddha’s life journey, elucidating profound teachings embedded in nature's cycles. The auspiciousness of the white lotus and the Ashoka tree welcomed the birth of the Buddha, while the withering of the sal tree upon his Nirvana speaks of Dharma. The bloom and withering of flowers portray the Four Virtues of Nirvana: permanence and impermanence, happiness and suffering, self and non-self, and purity and defilement. Exploring the benefits of offering flowers to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas as outlined in the Agama Sutra, Mrs. Hutchison elaborated on the virtues bestowed upon practitioners, including serenity, merit accumulation, and alignment with the Dharma. Reflecting on her affinity for the Japanese art of floral design, she underscored the lessons of impermanence and resilience observed through her practice, aligning with Buddhist principles. Mrs. Hutchison briefly introduced the origin of Ikenobō and reflected on her experiences as an enthusiast of the Japanese art of floral design. She learned to appreciate the beauty of all stages of life through her long-time hobby. Aged and bent branches, near-fallen autumn leaves, early spring sprouts, and even branches hit hard by wintry winds showcased unique characters and beauty. The resilience of plants demonstrates the truth of impermanence, quietly manifesting the importance of cherishing every moment. During a demonstration of Ikenobō, Mrs. Hutchison expounded on its simplicity and philosophical depth, emphasizing its harmony with the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Integrating the Five Harmonies principle into floral arrangements, she emphasized the importance of harmonious coexistence at various levels of society for global peace. Drawing parallels between the Vimalakīrti Sūtra and the philosophy of Ikenobō, Mrs. Hutchison urged attendees to perceive the world as a reflection of their inner selves, navigating life with wisdom and compassion. Encouraging mindful observation of flowers as manifestations of Buddha's teachings, she concluded with a call to cultivate positive intentions and spread loving-kindness, fostering a more beautiful and harmonious world. Through Mrs. Hutchison's insightful Dharma Talk, attendees were inspired to perceive the profound teachings of Buddhism in the delicate beauty of flowers, embracing wisdom and compassion on their journey toward enlightenment.
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.
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.
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.
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
