Humanistic Buddhism Forum in Toronto Honors Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto
October 14, 2025

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto commemorated the birthday of its founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, with a Humanistic Buddhism Forum held on September 14 in the Main Shrine. Themed “Remembering the Teachings and Exemplary Conduct of Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” the event gathered nearly 120 Buddha’s Light members for collective practice, reflections, and musical offerings.

The forum opened with a documentary on the Venerable Master’s life, featuring interviews with Elders Venerable Tzu Hui and Venerable Tzu Jung. Through their stories of following the Master, participants were reminded of his tireless dedication to Dharma propagation and the lasting impact of his teachings.

Moderated by Venerable Zhi Guan, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the program was structured around three themes: Affinity with Buddhism, Establishing Faith, and Practicing and Spreading the Dharma in Daily Life. Dharma lecturers Winnie Kwong, Sue Hutchison, and John Lu shared their connections with the Venerable Master through long-term service, artistic devotion, and professional engagement. Humanistic Buddhism speakers, Tiger Chen, Catherine Li, Aiqing Liu, and Annie Du further reflected on how faith can be nurtured and applied in society.

Music played a special role in the forum. The Dharma lecturers offered songs from Sounds of the Human World, while BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division members Rachel Zhang and Keven Chen performed The Buddha in Your Heart and Pilgrimage, filling the shrine with heartfelt remembrance.

The event concluded with the collective singing of the Four-Line Verse of Buddha’s Light. In her closing remarks, Venerable Zhi Guan reminded participants that the Venerable Master’s teachings remain a bright lamp guiding disciples. She encouraged everyone to apply the Dharma in daily life and to carry forward the compassionate vision of Humanistic Buddhism.