Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa Vegetarian Food Fair Press Conference: Enhancing Joy through Sensory Experiences

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa
July 18, 2024

Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa held a press conference on June 13th to promote to the community, the "Fo Guang Vegetarian Food Fair" scheduled for July 7th 2024. The attendance of notable figures including Binbin Yang楊彬彬, editor of Health Times; Ding Mansu, host of Rogers TV's "Reflections of China"; Li Jingmei , marketing manager of Ottawa Zine; and, Wang Yang , a local social media personality.

The press conference was moderated by Lydia Wang, Coordinator of Culture and Education. Venerable Yung Ku, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, along with key members of the International Buddha's Light Association (BLIA) Ottawa Chapter—including Vice President Lu Lu,  Treasurer Felicia Xie; CK Chong, the president of the Bodhi Subchapter and chief organizer of the Food Fair, and Du Zheng, the chief organizer of the Three Acts of Goodness Cup basketball tournament — collectively described the highlights of this year's Fo Guang Vegetarian Food Fair to the media representatives.

In addition to continuing their support for the "Vege Plan A" and the global charitable run "VEGRUN," and, initiating environmental tree-planting activities under the slogan "You Run, We Plant", this year's most significant features include the concurrent hosting of the "Three Acts of Goodness Cup" friendly basketball tournament, and photography exhibition of Tsai Jung-feng, titled "India's Village of Hope: Illuminating the Spiritual Light in Darkness."

Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, once remarked, "Basketball is the most compassionate sport." The principles of adhering to rules, respecting opponents, and having the courage to admit mistakes align with Buddhist beliefs. Through basketball, one can cultivate personal virtues like gratitude, courage, agility, and cooperation. Guided by this philosophy, the inaugural "Three Acts of Goodness Cup" friendly basketball tournament aims to foster positive connections and use sports as a medium for propagating the Dharma, thereby expanding community engagement. Du Zheng, the Scout leader and chief organizer of this friendly tournament, provided details about the basketball competition.

Renowned Taiwanese photographer Tsai Jung-feng will showcase the activities of "Village of Hope" educational project of the Buddha's Light International Association World Headquarters in Chennai, India. Through his keen sensitivity and compassionate heart, he has visually captured countless narratives and stories of individuals facing hardship. Dozens of these poignant photographs will be exhibited in the main hall.

This year's Fo Guang Vegetarian Food Fair will feature nearly a hundred varieties of vegetarian delicacies, with an emphasis on creating an "immersive experience". Media representatives were offered tastings of kantodaki, tornado potatoes, vegetarian bums, Sichuan-style skewers, Vietnamese lemongrass vegetarian dishes, and an array of Southeast Asian desserts. Various hand-shaken beverages, Non-Self tea, and peach gum-snow fungus dessert soup were also available. The on-site preparation of okonomiyaki filled the air with an enticing aroma, prompting immediate consumption.

The attending media representatives expressed both joy and anticipation. BinBin Yang, editor of Health Times, specifically commented: "I'm delighted today. This year's menu has more diverse, with distinct flavors, and the on-site preparation adds to the ambiance. I believe this year's fair will attract even more participants than last year."