Leo Xie
June 7, 2023

In view of the circumstances during the pandemic, the youth at Fo Guang Shan didn’t have many opportunities to return to the temple to learn about Buddhism or to volunteer. The Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held a long-awaited event: “How Have You Been?” - Youth Academic Tea Gathering at the Water Drop Tea House on the afternoon of May 20th, 2023. Students of the Fo Guang Youth Academy were invited to share their current progress as well as their ideas to propagate the Dharma.

FGS Toronto has hosted “Fo Guang Youth Academy” four times.  After graduating from the program, students volunteered as part of the Dharma Service Unit, Translation Team and Chinese School. Many of them also registered for the online Buddhism courses from FGS Tsung-Lin University and Nan Tien Buddhist College.

Hillary(middle) shared her experiences with translation and interpretation work at the temple. photo／The Life News Agency

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, Superintendent Venerable Miao Mu, Venerable Man Long, and Venerable Ru An attended the event to welcome the students back. The Venerables also expressed their gratitude for the Youth Academy, which brought everyone together. As every student is a force that passes down the faith, they hope that each student will open their mind and share innovative ways to propagate the Dharma in both Chinese and English.

Zhe Wang(middle) shared that he’s known Fo Guang Shan since Second-Year in University, and has since joined Fo Guang Club and Youth Academy. photo／The Life News Agency

The attendees cherished this in-person gathering. 14 students shared experiences about their studies, work and family. They all agreed that getting to know Fo Guang Shan, learning about Buddhism, and studying at the Youth Academy were important milestones in their lives.

Ami(right) shared her study experiences at FGS Short Term Monastic Retreat as well as Nan Tien Buddhist College. photo／The Life News Agency

Fourth Youth Academy student Zihe Wang(right) shared that he is happy that he joined the Fo Guang Shan family. photo／The Life News Agency

The words of Venerable Master Hsing Yun may seem simple, but it takes daily practice to understand their profound meanings.  The Dharma gave students the courage to face the ups and downs of life and helped them gain an understanding of impermanence as well as causes and conditions. The students also expressed their willingness to return to the temple in person to continue their studies.

In her closing remarks, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan said that the Dharma brought us together. She hopes that every student remembers their initial aspirations, persists in practicing Buddhism in their daily lives, and leaves a mark on their faith.

The temple also prepared snacks and gifted the students with Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s books “Between Ignorance and Enlightenment” and “Pure and Innocent Like the Heart of a Newborn.”

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan(middle) giving the students Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book, “Pure and Innocent Like the Heart of a Newborn.”photo／The Life News Agency

Students are happy to receive a copy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s book. photo／The Life News Agency