FGS News
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.
Toronto Educational Talk on Psychological Counseling: Nurturing Children with Love and Hope
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto April 10, 2024 On March 23rd, the Social Education Department of FGS Toronto and BLIA Da Tzu Subchapter organized an educational talk titled "Giving Children Love and Hope" at FGS Temple of Toronto. The talk was conducted by a registered social worker and psychological counsellor Ms. Zhihong Chen, and attracted 80 Fo Guang members, both in-person and online. Ven. Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of FGS Toronto, delivered a welcoming speech, sharing the educational philosophy of the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Emphasizing education based on compassion and tailored to individual needs, she highlighted Ms. Zhihong Chen's academic and clinical achievements, recognizing her contributions to the community. Ms. Zhihong Chen began by discussing the importance of self-education and social education among the four types of education. She addressed common concerns about procrastination and screen time, emphasizing its role as a coping strategy for stress. Elaborating on psychologist Erickson's "eight stages of life" growth theory, Ms. Zhihong Chen illustrated the developmental characteristics of each stage of life, along with potential challenges, using lively examples. Drawing from her own childhood experiences, she emphasized the profound impact of language on a child's growth, encouraging parents to "think good thoughts and say good words" and to pay attention to the importance of body language in communication. Addressing the question of "how to resolve conflicts between children and parents," Ms. Zhihong Chen guided parents to meet their children's emotional needs by providing companionship, love, play, praise, recognition, and apologies. She introduced the "TK model" to meet emotional needs and the "five-step communication support method" for effective communication. Attendees actively engaged in practicing these methods. She then demonstrated scenarios to help parents apply her designed "five-step communication support method" and emphasized the importance of rational analysis combined with emotional support when practicing the method. The attending parents actively participated in practicing the five-step support method. In conclusion, Ms. Chen pointed out that when we have faith, we are in the "self-actualization needs" level, and "Humanistic Buddhism" is in touch with people. Ms. Aiqing Liu, president of the Da Tzu 1 Sub-chapter thanked Ms. Zhihong Chen for her informative lecture. She encouraged attendees to apply the knowledge, nurture their families with love and joy, and grow with their children.
Setting Out on the Path of Discovery: Toronto Youth Commence Transformative Journey through Youth Temple Retreat
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto April 15, 2024 At the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the 2024 Youth Temple Retreat was held from March 29th to 31st, drawing 29 young individuals eager to immerse themselves in the teachings and lifestyle of Humanistic Buddhism. This initiative aimed to guide participants on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. The retreat commenced with an opening ceremony in the Conference Room after participants' registration on the afternoon of the 29th. Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, extended a warm welcome to the youths, many of whom were visiting Fo Guang Shan or any Buddhist temple for the first time. She commended their courage and urged them to embrace the experience with sincerity, openness and the beginner’s mind. Following introductions, participants received an orientation from Ven. Ru Zhong, detailing the camp's schedule, temple protocols, and essential information. Among the challenging requirements was the temporary surrender of their mobile phones, a rule all participants respectfully adhered to. The retreat's overarching theme, "To Know the Way," guided a diverse array of activities over the three-day temple retreat. These included immersive experiences in learning the Buddhist etiquettes, traditional temple vegetarian culinary arts, Buddhist chanting, fundamental teachings of Buddhism, meditation sessions, group discussions, teamwork and chores, special Dharma lectures, along with morning and evening chanting, provided a holistic understanding of monastic life. A highlight of the retreat was a virtual lecture by Ven. Miao Fan, director of the Humanistic Buddhism Research Institute at Fo Guang Shan. Delving into the “Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch: Daily Practice Insights.” Ven. Miao Fan skillfully intertwined the insights with personal anecdotes, resonating deeply with the participants. During the sharing session, Ven. Zhi Guan and Ven. Ru An encouraged participants to share their reflections. Xu Tao, the president of the University of Waterloo's Buddha Light Community Club, remarked on the practicality of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and practice in daily life. Many youths shared profound personal insights, recognizing that life's journey is one of self-cultivation and that the most significant transformations are those that occur within. Fule Liu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and the enlightening meditation sessions that underscored the concept of "causality" in her spiritual journey. Guidance from Ven. Zhi Guan provided clarity amidst uncertainty, fostering deep understanding. Jason Au highlighted the value of cherishing current opportunities and the importance of continuous learning and self-awakening at a young age. The retreat proved to be a transformative experience for many, providing them with not only answers to their initial questions but also with Buddhist teachings and practices they plan to incorporate into their lives moving forward, aiming for self-improvement and a deeper understanding of their life journey.
Students from Branksome Hall Girls School Learn About Humanistic Buddhism at Toronto's Fo Guang Shan Temple
FGS Toronto February 27, 2024 On February 13th, a group of 43 fourth-grade students from Branksome Hall, a distinguished girls' school in Toronto, visited the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto. Accompanied by their teachers, the students aimed to delve into the principles of Humanistic Buddhism and explore the rich tapestry of Buddhist culture. Welcomed by Venerable Zhi Guan, the Superintendent of FGS Toronto, Venerable Ru An, Director of Social Education Unit, and volunteer Martyn Knowles, the students were immersed in an experience centered around the theme "Aspiration and Dedication," in connection with the tradition of the Chinese New Year. At the temple's Main Shrine, the students were captivated by the magnificent and dignified atmosphere, learning about the Buddha's story and the importance of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness. In an interactive session facilitated by Martyn in the conference room, the concept of "equanimity" was elucidated through an animation video, inspiring the students to embrace respect and equality for societal harmony. The students eagerly posed inquiries regarding karma and etiquette during the Q & A session. Venerable Zhi Guan elaborated on the significance of the Lunar New Year greeting from the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, "May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful." She also encouraged students to express their New Year wishes and blessings by inscribing them on Bodhi leaf wish cards adorned with symbols representing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. These heartfelt messages were then hung on the wish tree, symbolizing the collective hopes and aspirations of the young visitors. Teacher Megan Currie expressed her delight, stating, "Students have gained a deeper understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and Chinese traditional culture, with the lessons on 'Three Acts of Goodness' and 'equanimity'." Currie also extended gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the temple.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Canada Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Visits Fo Guang Shan Toronto Celebrates Lunar New Year
FGS Toronto February 23, 2024 The second Day of the Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, February 11, a steady flow of visitors came to the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and pay homage to the Buddha, participating in the "Lunar New Year Dharma Service". Among them was a prominent guest, Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Poilievre was greeted by Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and Mabel Lam, President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, who led him and other guests in offering flowers to the Buddha. Venerable Chueh Fan presented gifts with Lunar New Year Greetings, the book “Buddha Land in the Human World: The Making of the Buddha Memorial Center” and Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s New Year greetings of 2024 “May You Be Free as Cloud and Water, Auspicious and Joyful” to Poilievre. As a kind gesture, Poilievre delighted attendees by singing the Chinese song "Happy New Year" in the Dining Hall, extending his wishes for happiness and prosperity to everyone. Before departing, Poilievre paused to read the explanation of the Lunar New Year Happiness Bell, solemnly ringing it three times to express his wishes for world peace, prosperity, and harmony.
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.
