Qiao Ri Li, FGS Toronto
January 12, 2024

On the first day of the New Year in 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Toronto resonated with joy and happiness. Accompanied by their parents and families, 108 Fo Guang babies and children, ranging in age from less than 1 to 11, gleefully took part in the "2024 Fo Guang Baby New Year Blessing Ceremony."

Nearly 400 people partook in the ceremony, signifying a joyous commencement of the journey into 2024 with quality family time. photo／FGS Toronto

Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto presided over the "2024 Fo Guang Baby New Year Blessing Ceremony." photo／FGS Toronto

Presided over by Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, the ceremony commenced with the chanting of the Heart Sutra, purification ceremony, and reciting "A Prayer for Buddha’s Light Babies and Children" by the Founder of Fo Guang Shan, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. These sacred moments bestowed compassionate blessings from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas upon the well-being and wisdom of the babies and children.

Abbess Ven.Chueh Fan conducted a purification blessing for the babies. photo／FGS Toronto

Abbess Ven.Chueh Fan conducted a purification blessing for the babies. photo／FGS Toronto

Venerable Zhi Guan adorned babies with prayer beads. photo／FGS Toronto

Following the blessing ceremony, a delightful series of parent-child games infused warmth and significance into the New Year's Day celebrations. The activities included the grabbing-the-hoop game, parent-child tossing fun, ring toss, snowball relay, musical chairs, and the intriguing "Guess Who?" game. Laughter resonated through the air as parents and children collaborated in the festivities, marking a blessed start to the joyful journey in 2024 with quality family time.

The heartwarming scenes and happiness of Fo Guang families showcased at the photo booth while taking family photos are indicative of the embrace of Humanistic Buddhism. photo／FGS Toronto

Ven.Yung Kang presented Fo Guang blessing cards. photo／FGS Toronto

The BLIA Toronto Young Adult Division members uplifted the event by donning charming cartoon costumes, embodying beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Blue Dragon, and Winnie the Pooh. Their youthful energy and enthusiastic participation not only brought smiles to both adults and children but also created an irresistibly joyful atmosphere.

The "catching the hoop" game entertained the 1 to 23 months age group. photo／FGS Toronto

The parents and children played a game of tossing, which engaged children aged between 2 and 4. photo／FGS Toronto

Among the 108 registered babies and children this year, many are participating for the first time. Some have previously attended the Fo Guang Baby Blessing Ceremony in 2017 or 2023. The heartwarming scenes and happiness of Fo Guang families showcased at the photo booth while taking family photos are indicative of the embrace of Humanistic Buddhism.

The ring toss game entertained the 3 to 5 age group. photo／FGS Toronto

The heartwarming scenes and happiness of Fo Guang families showcased at the photo booth while taking family photos are indicative of the embrace of Humanistic Buddhism. photo／FGS Toronto