FGS Toronto
January 22, 2024

Despite freezing temperatures, over 500 members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, also known as Dharma Day. The event, held on January 14th, featured the Celebration of Dharma Day Service, the presentation of the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award, the return of the Sami “Good Affinity Little Novice” piggy bank, and the sharing of Laba Porridge.

On January 14th, 2024, despite freezing temperatures, over 500 members of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) gathered at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto to celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day. Photo／Harry Ho

The spotlight of the celebration turned towards the "BLIA Young Adult Award Ceremony," which took place right after the Dharma Service. Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, provided insights into the scholarship's history. Originating in 2005, the scholarship has consistently acknowledged outstanding youths excelling in academics and altruism. This year, the selection process extended to universities across Canada, resulting in the recognition of 10 exceptional individuals and each award recipient received $1000.

The spotlight of the celebration turned towards the "BLIA Young Adult Award Ceremony" which took place right after the Dharma Service. Members of the BLIA Young Adult Scholarship Committee, Steven Chan and Covina Kwan, explained the scholarship evaluation process and introduced the profiles of the 10 recipients. Photo／Tracy Liu

Award recipients, along with Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan and committee members’ group photo at the ceremony. From left to right: Committee member Steven Chan, scholarship recipients Audrey Situ, Anh Nguyen, Kelly Zhang, Ayanna Patel, Venerable Chueh Fan, Brendan Lin, Sahil Singh, committee member Covina Kwan, and Kim Chan. Photo／Harry Ho

The Abbess emphasized that the committee members of the 2023 Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award Program consisted of 4 outstanding and dedicated members of the BLIA Toronto Radiant Sub-chapter, they are Steven Chan, Covina Kwan, Fabian Yu, and Kim Chan. They have been active in YAD since a very young age, and currently are professionals in various careers.  

Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan presented the Award and the Biography of Sakyamuni Buddha, written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to Sahil Singh, a master's student at Queen's University. Photo／Tracy Liu

Recipients who come from across the Greater Toronto Area, London, Kingston, Vancouver, and Edmonton, expressed their commitment to contributing to society through their professional learning and expertise.

Audrey Situ, a recipient representative, shared her journey since connecting with Fo Guang Shan in 2017 through the "International Students Annual Gathering." She aspires to embody Venerable Master Hsing Yun's philosophy of " A Life Worth Three Hundred Years."

Audrey Situ delivered a speech after receiving the award. Photo／Tracy Liu

Venerable Chueh Fan expressed gratitude for the two-decade-long tradition of returning the Sami “Good Affinity Little Novice” piggy bank during Dharma Day. This annual act of contributing spare change and coins play a vital role in supporting the Buddha’s Light Young Adult Award and various educational endeavours, aligning with Fo Guang Shan's four objectives.

Kim Chan, Vice President of BLIA Toronto Chapter, shared her experience and emphasized the significant role of Fo Guang Shan to her in understanding life's meaning. She expressed hope for the continued spread of Humanistic Buddhism.

Kim Chan, Vice President of the BLIA Toronto and a committee member, delivered a speech. Photo／Harry Ho

In conclusion, Venerable Chueh Fan invited everyone to enjoy Laba porridge, a tradition of Buddhism at Fo Guang Shan Temples worldwide. This year, FGS Toronto provided online registration for Laba porridge and facilitated the distribution of over 3000 bowls to BLIA members and Dharma Friends, fostering connections within the community.

Dedicated volunteers worked in an orderly fashion to prepare 3000 bowls of Laba Porridge, fostering connections with members and devotees. Photo／Tracy Liu

The temple prepared Laba Porridge for all. Devotees went for refills, and some brought containers to share with friends and family at home. Photo／Tracy Liu