FGS News
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.
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.
" TBIF " English Lecture: Buddhism in a Technologically Advancing World
Ching Pan April 10, 2024 Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple hosted the "Thank Buddha It’s Friday” (TBIF) English monthly lecture on March 29, featuring Ven. Jue Wei, Director of the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Nan Tien Institute in Australia. The lecture, titled "Buddhism in a Technologically Advancing World." About 40 attendees from Australia and North America attended. Ven. Jue Wei led the discussion on the mindful use of technology to nurture Bodhicitta and foster a compassionate world (MettāVerses). Ven. Jue Wei invited the participants to contemplate on their daily screen time and social media usage, reflecting on its impact on mental and interpersonal well-being. Participants expressed fatigue and decreased concentration and yet struggled to detach from it. Ven. Jue Wei then explained the concept of the "Attention Economy," where social media platforms constantly feed tailored information and products to users based on algorithmic analysis, creating addiction while fostering an illusion of control. "Attention and mindfulness are crucial," Ven. Jue Wei emphasized. In the rapidly changing technological era, not all impacts are negative. By applying Buddhist principles of impermanence, interdependence, non-self, and dependent origination, emptiness, individuals can make informed choices regarding their relationship with technology. Ven. Jue Wei encouraged attendees to focus their attention on the "Four Immeasurables" of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, constituting a "Buddhist-Inspired Attention Ecology" aligned with the Mahāyāna principle of benefiting all beings. By cultivating Bodhicitta and utilizing technology to propagate Buddhism, Buddhists can then contribute positively to the society and create a compassionate world (MettāVerses). "Metta" in Pali, commonly translated as "loving-kindness" or "universal love." It refers to the genuine, unconditional benevolence and goodwill towards all beings. In alignment with the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, who defines compassion as selflessness, genuine care, and mutual assistance, Ven. Jue Wei regarded the "compassionate world" (MettāVerses) as an antidote to the violence and discrimination prevalent in today's online environment, encouraging solidarity among attendees. Peter Meluso, an attendee with a Master's degree in Business Administration, found the lecture enlightening. Noting Ven. Jue Wei's own MBA degree, he inquired about applying Bodhicitta in profit-oriented marketing. Ven. Jue Wei stressed the importance of ethical conduct, conscience, and moderation, advocating for the Circular Economy principle in marketing to balance profitability with societal well-being. Peter expressed gratitude for the insightful response.
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.
Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony in Ottawa New Life is born at Easter
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa April 9, 2024 On March 31st, during the Canadian Easter long weekend, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa held the "Fo Guang Shan Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony ." Over 30 individuals of all ages, ranging from the very young to the elderly, took refuge and became devoted Buddhist laypersons. In the presence of over 30 Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) members and relatives, the preceptees sincerely followed Ven. Yung Ku, the abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Ottawa, in taking the Triple Gem refuge and receiving the blessings of the holy nectar. The preceptees conducted themselves with utmost respect, making the ceremony solemn and extraordinary. Among the 30 new preceptees, their ages ranged from 5 to 79 years old. Some were college students who traveled from Queen's University, others were mothers who took refuge with their children, and there were also those who took refuge on behalf of their beloved family pets. “Do I need to become a monastic after taking refuge?” “Why should I take refuge if I can still learn Buddhism without taking refuge?” In response to these questions from the public regarding taking refuge in the Triple Gem, Ven. Yung Ku patiently addressed everyone's doubts and concerns during the "Good Morning Fo Guang" program. An online briefing was conducted on March 28th to provide an explanation of the ceremony procedures. During the refuge ceremony, Ven. Yung Ku explained that taking refuge means relying on the Triple Gem. The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are invaluable spiritual treasures. Before we embark on the path of learning Buddhism, our lives are bestowed upon us by our parents. However, after taking refuge, we nurture our Dharma bodies through sincere study in accordance with the guidance of the Triple Gem. Fo Guang Shan is a bodhisattva temple that embodies the concepts of right understanding, right view, and right faith in Buddhism. Ven. Yung Ku hopes that everyone can study with a peaceful mind, gradually cultivate their aspirations, consider Fo Guang Shan as their spiritual home, and make frequent visits to it. Ban Tongyan, whose Dharma name is Hai Yue, is a student at Queen's University. With the help and support of Ven. Miao Rang and other venerables, she established the BLIA club on campus. She expressed gratitude to all the Dharma friends she encountered that offered her guidance. She hopes to fully comprehend every word spoken by the abbess and will hold it close to her heart. Furthermore, she aspires to use the Triple Gem – the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – as guides and to diligently study and practice Buddhism, and uphold the teachings in her life. Zheng Xiang, whose Dharma name is Hai Xian, is a member of the Buddha's Light Choir. She not only participated in the Triple Gem Refuge Ceremony but also officially became a member of BLIA. Hai Xian shared, "When the abbess presented me with the refuge certificate and blessed me with the holy nectar, tears welled up in my eyes. In my heart, I couldn't help but think, 'It feels so good to be home!' Taking refuge in the Triple Gem is like 'being reborn,' and from now on, I have faith in life. There is a light illuminating my heart and I vow to follow the teachings earnestly from this day forward."
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.
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.
Three Acts of Goodness Children Blessing Ceremony: Planting Seeds of Kindness with Music and Laughter
Christina April 2, 2024 On March 24th, the Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple held the "2024 Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) Children Blessing Ceremony," with 18 kids aged 0 to 12 participating. Nearly 60 parents, relatives, and friends attended. Through games, singing, and blessings, the children were brought closer to the teachings of Buddhism. The ceremony began in the dynamic game area, featuring with educational board games, art and physical movement. Both adults and children participated eagerly, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cheers and laughter. The English version of the song "Seek Refuge in the Triple Gem" was sung for the first time, with the original Chinese composition by Most Venerable Hsin Ting. It is adapted into a simplified English version for the benefit of English-speaking children. Sherwood, a YAD member, led the vibrant singing, eliciting laughter from attendees and volunteers alike. Despite the continuous drizzle on the day of the event, Venerable Miaozang remarked that the teachings of Buddhism were akin to the gentle rain, nurturing the hearts of people. The love and care parents show to their children resemble the compassion of Buddhas and bodhisattvas towards all beings. Hosting the Children Blessing Ceremony aims to sow seeds of kindness and beauty for the next generation. The "Do good deeds, speak good words, think good thoughts" helps children cultivate compassion and establish positive connections as they grow. Accompanied by their parents, the children received purification water from the venerable one by one. A girl named Juliet, after receiving her prayer beads, spontaneously hugged the venerable, spreading warmth to everyone. Juliet's father, Moises, mentioned that their family lived near the temple and always saw the venerables smiling during their walks. Upon knowing about the event, he immediately registered. He praised the ceremony for its warmth, particularly the catchy tune of "Seeking Refuge in the Triple Gem," which made it easy for children to remember. He hoped his daughter would grow up safely and happily and appreciated the positive impact of the temple on the community. BLIA member Dong Yang, accompanied by his wife and their 16-month-old daughter, Amy Yue Yang, attended the blessing ceremony. He emphasized that as parents, providing the best for the next generation is not just about material wealth but also passing on faith and fostering a harmonious family environment. He also expressed his hope that his daughter would grow up within the Buddhist community, cultivating compassion and accumulating blessings and wisdom.
FGSITC Buddhism Friendship Scholarship: Nurturing Global Youth in Dharma Propagation
Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple April 1, 2024 Fo Guang Shan International Translation Center (FGSITC) and the AJ Wang Foundation have been collaborating since 2023 to offer the "Buddhism Friendship Scholarship" to outstanding bilingual students from colleges and high schools in Southern California. On March 16, 2024, marking the second year of collaboration, FGSITC hosted its first workshop of the year at the FGS Hsi Lai Temple. The workshop aimed to enhance the twenty-six participants’ understanding of the translation center and leverage their diverse expertise in propagating Dharma while emphasizing the internationalization of Buddhism. Venerable Yi Chao, the executive director of FGSITC, introduced the center and the scholarship's objectives. Founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in 1996 at Hsi Lai Temple in the United States, FGSITC aims to realize Venerable Master's vision of "letting the Dharma stream flow across all five continents." FGSITC, in collaboration with all of the publishing houses under the FGS system, has translated and published Buddhist classics and series in twenty-one languages. Not only have these publications received awards, but they have also been designated as textbooks by university professors. FGSITC provides free public access to its publications and has established a website that facilitates the global dissemination of Humanistic Buddhism. It serves as a platform for participants to showcase their diverse talents in the hope that they will become vital forces in the propagation of Buddhism. Venerable Yi Chao also expressed gratitude to the scholarship provider, the AJ Wang Foundation, founded by Alice and JP Wang. Shigu Amanda Ling from FGSITC and Echo Tsai, the coordinator of the Scholarship Counseling Committee, welcomed the participants. The committee members who attended were seven professionals from various fields, all expressing high enthusiasm for serving and welcoming participants. Participants from 2023 shared their reflections on the "Buddhism in Every Step” English Booklet Series authored by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. The themes covered the Four Noble Truths, Buddhist perspectives on time and space, Buddhism and psychology, etc. The evaluations conducted by Venerable Yi Chao, Venerable Miao Hsi, Venerable Miao Zhong, members of the Scholarship Counseling Committee, and the new 2024 participants were based on presentation and organization, knowledge, audience engagement, and visual aids. Awards were given to the top three presenters based on these criteria. Venerable Miao Zhong guided the participants in "Buddhist Etiquette," where, to the sound of the bell, they practiced joining palms, prostrating, and bowing while maintaining mindfulness and regulating their breathing. Teacher Jo Ho from Buddha's Light Hsi Lai School taught "Unlock Your Buddha Nature Through AI Drawing," emphasizing Venerable Master's teaching that "I am the Buddha." Participants communicated with AI to draw the image of Buddha as perceived in their minds. This session sparked discussions among participants about the impact of AI on their lives. During the ice-breaking session, participants got to know each other through mutual interviews, accompanied by laughter. Finally, participants opted to join different teams, including translation, media production, and skit creation, hoping to utilize their expertise in collective brainstorming and creation during the subsequent three workshop sessions. Coordinator Echo Tsai expressed her delight in seeing that half of the 26 participants in the 2024 program had returned from the 2023 cohort to attend once again, which she considered an excellent affirmation for the counseling committee. New participant Jia Li Wang expressed gratitude for the tailored curriculum catering to the needs of youth, stating that Humanistic Buddhism brings optimism to life and provides practical guidance. Another new participant, Guan Yi Chang, who aspires to become a psychology professor, expressed that Buddhism stabilizes the mind and is closely related to psychology; she looks forward to more profound learning during the workshop.
Venerable Jue Cheng Inspires Toronto Buddhist Community with Global Humanistic Buddhism Journey
Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto April 1, 2024 March 16th, 2024 at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Jue Cheng, the Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan's branch temples in Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Thailand, delivered an inspiring lecture with her profound insights on the global journey of Humanistic Buddhism. The event, hosted by the FGS Temple of Toronto in collaboration with the BLIA Toronto chapter, attracted over 300 attendees from Toronto and Detroit, both in-person and online. In the lecture titled "The Pioneer's Trail: Spreading Humanistic Buddhism Far and Wide," attendees were privileged to witness the culmination of Venerable Jue Cheng's extensive travels and experiences, which she eloquently shared to shed light on the transformative power of Humanistic Buddhism in various corners of the world. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Toronto, who expressed deep gratitude to Venerable Jue Cheng's dedication to sharing her wisdom, despite her demanding schedule, including participation in the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, resonated deeply with the audience. She particularly thanked Venerable Jue Cheng for bringing the precious photos from the Hope Village in India, highlighting the impact of education on the lives of the impoverished. During her lecture, Venerable Jue Cheng provided insights and explanations about the achievements and reactions from local communities to the efforts and projects undertaken by Fo Guang Shan and the BLIA (Buddha's Light International Association) in countries such as India, Indonesia, and Afghanistan. She discussed the positive outcomes, challenges faced, and the impact of these initiatives on the respective regions. Her narratives, enriched with personal anecdotes and touching videos, underscored the core mission of spreading and preserving Humanistic Buddhism in diverse cultural contexts. Drawing from the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Jue Cheng emphasized the importance of perseverance, self-awareness, and compassion in navigating life's challenges, such as in India, Indonesia, and Afghanistan, including the establishment of the Hope Village and humanitarian relief efforts. Her insights, coupled with Venerable Master’s guidance, provided attendees with invaluable tools for personal growth and societal contribution. In according with the Venerable Master's teachings, Venerable Jue Cheng spoke on the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the power of transformation through self-awareness and compassion. Venerable Master Hsing Yun's advice on adopting a mindset of "going with the flow" was particularly impactful when Venerable Jue Cheng was planning to launch the educational project in the Hope Village in India. She receives the Master's encouragement symbolized through 20 pieces of precious One Stroke Calligraphies "Buddha" from the Venerable Master. A poignant highlight of the event was Venerable Jue Cheng's recounting of her visits to Pakistan, where she lauded local efforts in preserving Buddhist heritage. Through her experiences, she illustrated the profound impact of Buddhism in fostering hope and resilience amidst adversity. In closing, Venerable Jue Cheng urged attendees to embody the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and become beacons of Buddhism through love and compassion. Following the lecture, she engaged in a heart-to-heart session with the BLIA Young Adult Division, fostering connections with the younger generation. The event concluded with a shared dinner and singing, symbolizing unity and fellowship within the Buddhist community.
