Qiao Ri Li, FGS Toronto
June 6, 2023

On the morning of May 21st, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the “2023 Celebration of the Buddha's Birthday & Singing Praises for Venerable Master Hsing Yun.” Over a thousand Fo Guang members and devotees participated in the joyous occasion to bathe the baby Buddha in celebration of the Buddha's birthday.

Over a thousand Fo Guang members and devotees participated in the joyous occasion to bathe the baby Buddha in celebration of the Buddha's birthday. photo／FGS Toronto

Amidst the majestic chants of “The Praise of the True Fragrance of Precepts,” 72 representatives from different BLIA subchapters, including male volunteers, Radiance, BLIA executives, young adults from YAD, children from Chinese School and Dharma Class, teens from the 6th Meadowvale Scout, and Dragon & Lion Dance Team, presented offerings of tea, lamps, fruits, flowers and pearls to the Buddha. The music offering featured performances by the Toronto Buddha's Light Choir, who sang “Sounds of the Human World” and recited poems as an offering to the Buddha.

BLIA Toronto YAD participated in the bathing of Buddha ritual. photo／FGS Toronto

Venerable Ru An guided the children in the bathing of Buddha ritual. photo／FGS Toronto

Representatives from BLIA Toronto YAD offered fruits to the Buddha. photo／FGS Toronto

In order to sincerely praise the Buddha, commemorate Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and offer to the public, all the participants rehearsed diligently. The Toronto Buddha's Light Choir, under the theme of “Poems and Praise to Honour Venerable Master Hsing Yun,” showcased piano performances, choral singing, duets ocarina performances for the song “Sounds of the Human World”, and recited poems included Mandarin and Cantonese readings. The chanting and praises concluded with a touching rendition of the “Farewell Song.”

Toronto Buddha's Light Choir sang “Sounds of the Human World” and recited poems as an offering to the Buddha. photo／FGS Toronto

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto delivered a Dharma talk, emphasizing that the teachings of the Buddha can serve as a form of daily medicine for our lives. Master Hsing Yun has given us the gifts of the “Three Acts of Goodness” and “Four Givings” to help us cultivate our body, speech, and mind. By practicing the three acts of goodness and giving confidence, joy, hope, and convenience to others, we also gain confidence, joy, hope and convenience for ourselves. On this auspicious day, Venerable Chueh Fan encouraged everyone to make great vows and work together to localize and establish Buddhism firmly in society.

In addition, Venerable Chueh Fan, on behalf of the BLIA World Headquarters, to present the certificate of “BLIA Lay Dharma Speaker” to Mr. Hu Chen, the President of the Daci Second Subchapter, who successfully passed the assessment. In his speech, Mr. Hu Chen expressed gratitude for the recognition from the BLIA World Headquarters. He mentioned his roles as the Subchapter President, IT Volunteer for the temple, and Discussion Group Moderator, and now adding the title of the BLIA Lay Dharma Speaker. He felt a great sense of responsibility and encouraged everyone to continue their pursuit of Buddhist studies.

Mr. Hu Chen, the president of Daci Second Subhapter, reveived the"BLIA Lay Dharma Speaker" certificatefrom Venerable Chueh Fan.   photo／FGS Toronto

Representatives from BLIA Toronto executives offered fruits to the Buddha. photo／FGS Toronto

Male volunteers offered incense to the Buddha. photo／FGS Toronto

Finally, under the guidance of the monastics, everyone devoutly bathed the Buddha, concluding the ceremony.