FGS News
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.
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.
Over Ten Thousand Individuals Celebrate the Spring Festival at Fo Guang Shan Toronto
FGS Toronto February 19, 2024 On February 10th, 2024, Toronto experienced an unexpected warmth, drawing families from all walks of life to the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto to celebrate the festivities of the Chinese New Year. With temperatures reaching a pleasant 10 degrees Celsius, over 10,000 individuals gathered to mark the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. Upon arrival, visitors eagerly engaged in cultural events, such as ringing the Happiness Bell and capturing moments with auspicious dragons and the wishing tree at the temple's entrance. Inside, the temple buzzed with activity as crowds participated in traditional ceremonies and performances. Distinguished guests, including Canadian Member of Parliament MP Leah Taylor Roy and Deputy Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Toronto Mr Cheng Hongbo, Consul Cang Litong from Overseas Chinese Affairs, Richmond Hill Councillor Castro Liu, and Oakville Councillor Scott Xie, graced the event with their presence, offering their respects and extending New Year's greetings to the community. During the celebration, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan delivered an inspiring Dharma Talk, emphasizing the significance of paying respect to the Buddhas and making vows for the new year. She highlighted the importance of diligence and cultivating joy to attain happiness and peace. MP Leah Taylor Roy and Consul Cheng Hongbo expressed wishes for prosperity and unity in the community, praising FGS for its commitment to cultural understanding and community service. The festivities featured performances by the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Dragon and Lion Dance Team, with blessings distributed by the God of Wealth. Visitors also received auspicious "red envelopes" containing Dharma teachings and auspicious blessing symbolic items. The festive event at FGS Toronto was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of cultural heritage and community spirit, uniting diverse individuals to welcome the New Year with auspiciousness and joy.
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 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.
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.
" 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.
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.
The Creative Studio Class at Hsi Fang Temple Gain Insight into News Production at CBS News 8
By Qing ling Chan Students and parents from the Creative Studio class at Hsi Fang Temple had an educational visit to CBS News 8 on May 3rd, where they gained insights into the intricate process of news production. Guided by Josh Meza from the marketing department, the group received a comprehensive overview of the various aspects involved in delivering news to the public. The visit commenced with an exploration of the control room, where the intricacies of screen broadcasting, coding, and content sequencing were elucidated by Shawn and John from the production department. The students were fascinated to learn about the dynamic nature of news production, where timely adjustments are essential to reflect evolving events accurately. Transitioning to the studio, the visitors encountered the marvel of green screen technology. Josh demonstrated how the weather forecast is often presented, showcasing the versatility of the green screen in creating immersive visual experiences for viewers. The students marveled as they witnessed firsthand the magic of the green screen, with objects such as a green sandbag and even their name tags seamlessly integrating with the news backdrop. The group was then treated to a tour of the news set, providing them with the opportunity to sit at the anchor desk and experience the perspective of news reporting. Observing the computers beneath the desk, they learned about the vital role of technology in facilitating seamless communication and information access for news reporters. In a session with a member of the digital team, the students gained insights into the modern approach to news dissemination, emphasizing the importance of understanding audience preferences and feedback. The team's efforts to leverage data analytics to optimize news distribution across various platforms resonated with the visitors, highlighting the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age. The visit concluded with a viewing of the four o'clock news broadcast in the employee lounge, where the group presented Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy blessing of “May you be free as cloud and water, auspicious and joyful” expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by Josh and his colleagues. The experience left a lasting impression on the students, with some expressing aspirations to pursue careers in news production. As they bid farewell, enriched with newfound knowledge and inspiration, the students departed with a deeper appreciation for the collaborative efforts driving the dissemination of information through the media.
