Shirley Hu and Qiao Ri Li
September 6, 2023

On August 22nd, 2023, the first semester of the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto Senior Class concluded successfully after eight weeks of learning.

On August 22, 2023, the first semester of the Senior Class at FGS Temple of Toronto concluded successfully with 26 participants performing two heartfelt songs: “Fo Guang Four-Line Verse” and “We are all Fo Guang People.” They expressed their unwavering faith in “Humanistic Buddhism”, and profound gratitude for the enriching experience. (Photo by Tracy Liu)

The class comprised of 26 participants, all aged 65 and above. This course focused on the literary work “Hundred Paths to Happiness” by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, encompassing eight core themes: “Opening the Vision of the Heart,” “Navigating Life in Old Age,” “Cultivating A Life Enriched by Literature,” “Unveiling Ancestral Wisdom,” “Embracing the Joys of Living,” and “Fostering Universal Happiness.”

Guided by Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, alongside seven other Venerables, established a profound connection with students through weekly Buddhist teachings. With patience and compassion, the senior attendees collectively learned and explored the secrets to a happy life in their golden years. It is important to note that growing older does not inherently result in diminished happiness.

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, guided the senior students of the Songhe Class, facilitating their sharing and discussion of the secrets of happiness. (Photo by Zhuanbo)

The curriculum of the FGS Toronto Senior Class extends beyond the opportunity to learn about the Dharma and receive guidance from the Venerables on the “Hundred Paths to Happiness.” It also serves as a platform for open communication and the sharing of insights. Within these interactive sessions, students learned to cultivate open-mindedness, compassion, and mindfulness in their daily interactions, thereby fostering inner tranquillity and peace by relinquishing attachments.

Guided by the Abbess, Venerable Chueh Fan, excerpts from “Hundred Paths to Happiness” were featured to guide senior students to learn and explore the secrets of a happy life in their golden years. (Photo by Tracy Liu)

In addition to the core teachings, the weekly themes offered a range of activities including Ikebana floral art, spiritual care, senior exercises and health, smartphone application usage, crafting ice-skin mooncakes, Sutra transcription, a special discussion on senior pensions and housing subsidies, and learning inspiring songs from “Sounds of the Human world” written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.

In addition to the core teachings, the weekly themes offered a range of activities including Ikebana floral art practice.  (Photo by Zhuanbo)

These activities collectively empowered the senior learners to grasp the significance of maintaining physical and mental well-being, integrating spiritual practice into their daily lives, and staying informed on pertinent social welfare matters.

The first semester of the Senior Class at FGS Temple of Toronto featured an informative lecture on “Retirement Funds and Welfare Subsidies” presented by Michelle Poon, a social worker from Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association (Photo by Tracy Liu)

During the concluding session, 26 senior participants from different linguistic backgrounds (Mandarin, Cantonese, and English) united and performed two heartfelt songs: “Fo Guang Four-Line Verse” and “We are all Fo Guang People.” Additionally, five student representatives expressed unwavering faith in “Humanistic Buddhism” and heartfelt gratitude for this enriching experience. With the presence of the Dharma and the guidance of all Venerables, it was evident that, regardless of the aging process, happiness can always accompany the journey of life.

Participant Annie Leung shared the Cantonese group discussion results to the delight of all attendees (Photo by Tracy Liu)

91-year-old Grandma Lucy Huang stated, “I eagerly anticipate every Tuesday’s  Senior Class.  Despite my old age, being part of the class imbues me with a youthful spirit.” Fan Zuolin also shared the bountiful rewards and benefits she gained from the eight-week journey, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Buddhist teachings, guidance, and volunteer dedication.  Xie Jianxin expressed that learning Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s  “The Song of Ten Practices” helped him understand that practice should be integrated into daily life.  Zhang Chengyi conveyed profound gratitude, finding solace in the eight-week learning and connecting with fellow participants, which helped him to overcome the pain of loss and rediscover hope in life.

91-year-old grandma Lucy Huang joyfully shared her learning experience (Photo by Zhuanbo)

Zhang Chengyi expressed profound gratitude, finding solace in learning the Buddhist principles of “One Hundred Methods for Happiness” and connecting with fellow participants, which helped him overcome the pain of loss and rediscover hope in life (Photo by Zhuanbo)

Venerable Chueh Fan concluded the journey with compassionate teaching, applauding the senior participants as outstanding contributors to various aspects of society. Each student in the class radiates vitality and spreads joy. The Abbess emphasized the importance of maintaining a youthful outlook, consistently showcasing individual strengths, and embracing the enrichment offered by new knowledge through mutual learning. She warmly encouraged the students to return to the temple every Tuesday as the temple fosters a positive connection and extends a warm welcome to individuals seeking to learn about Buddhism.

Venerable Chueh Fan graciously presented the book “One Hundred Methods for Happiness” to the Songhe Class students. Her encouragement motivated them to continue their journey of learning and fostering happiness in their golden years. (Photo by Zhuanbo)