FGS Toronto
January 15, 2024

To infuse the joyous spirit of Lunar New Year reunions into the lives of international students studying in Canada, Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple of Toronto organized a year-end gathering on the evening of January 6th, 2024. A total of 106 international students from four Canadian universities and the University of Michigan, United States, participated, expressing their gratitude for this unique cultural experience.

A total of 106 international students from four Canadian universities and the University of Michigan, United States, participated, expressing their gratitude for this unique cultural experience. photo／FGS Toronto

Venerable Chueh Fan led everyone in lighting candles for blessings and reciting "A Prayer to Broadly Form Good Affinities," written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. photo／FGS Toronto

The festivities began with a guided tour of the temple, exploring key areas such as the Main Shrine, Water Drop Teahouse, meditation hall, library, Buddha’s Cultural Museum, and the conference room. At each location, students explored Buddhist etiquette, the meaning of the "Water Drop," experienced meditative concentration, participated in film and book discussions, and learned about the stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the history of FGS. This immersive experience provided participants with valuable insights into the temple's culture. Following the tour, attendees gathered in the Dining Hall, where three lively performances captivated the audience.

The festivities began with a guided tour of the temple, Ven. Ru Zhong guided the "Short Film Discussion". photo／FGS Toronto

Students experienced meditative concentration at the Meditation Hall. photo／FGS Toronto

Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of FGS Temple of Toronto, expressed gratitude to the Venerables, members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA), Buddha's Light Clubs, and volunteers for their support of the event. The Abbess introduced thoughtful gift bags on each participant's seat, containing items such as Venerable Master Hsing Yun's book "The Way of Self-Learning," a notebook with Venerable Master's calligraphy, a calendar, and a thermos cup. This gesture symbolized the temple's care and blessing to all.

Ven. Miao Tsun introduced the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. photo／FGS Toronto

Ven. Man Long introduced the Story of Fo Guang Shan. photo／FGS Toronto

The event showcased a wide variety of engaging performances, including a piano and pipa duet, heartfelt singing and more. Alec, Vice President of the University of Toronto Buddha's Light Club; Tao Xu, President of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Club; and Yolanda, President of the Laurier University Buddha's Light Club, presented highlights of the 2023 activities and expressed their gratitude for Venerable Master Hsing Yun. They emphasized upholding the "Three Acts of Goodness" and the "Four Givings" in their aspirations for future service.

As a cultural tradition for the New Year, the Temple prepared red envelopes for all students, distributed by the Abbess and all Venerables. These red envelopes not only contained traditional New Year's money but, more importantly, the words of wisdom from the Venerable Master, adding an extra excitement to the event. Recipients eagerly anticipated discovering the words of wisdom they would receive.

As a cultural tradition for the New Year, the Temple prepared red envelopes for all students, distributed by the Abbess and all Venerables. photo／FGS Toronto

Recipients eagerly anticipated discovering the words of wisdom they would receive. photo／FGS Toronto

The University of Toronto Buddha's Light Club concluded the event with a grand chorus of "Love and Peace." President Shannon expressed her gratitude to Venerable Master, the Temple, Abbess, Venerables, and everyone involved in the planning process.

In closing, Venerable Chueh Fan led everyone in lighting candles for blessings and reciting "A Prayer to Broadly Form Good Affinities," written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Fo Guang Shan. The students were moved to tears, deeply appreciating the global outreach of Humanistic Buddhism and Venerable Master's contributions. They are grateful to the FGS Temple of Toronto for bringing people together.

The students joyfully shared the "Venerable Master's words of wisdom" that they received. photo／FGS Toronto