FGS Toronto
January 29, 2024

The Buddha’s Light Community Club of Wilfrid Laurier University (WLUBLCC) in Waterloo received official approval from the student union on January 8th, 2024. Enrollment began on January 17th during the university’s club day. Special guests, Ven. Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Ven. Zhi Guan, the Temple’s Superintendence, gave support and provided guidance. Ms. Li Li, the president of the Buddha's Light International Association Waterloo subchapter, and Tao Xu, president of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club, joined the enrollment team to introduce the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the principles of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings to university students.

Ven. Chueh Fan and Ven. Zhi Guan,  Professor D. Mitra Barua, Kang Yan, the president of The Buddha’s Light Community Club of Wilfrid Laurier University. photo／FGS Toronto

Introduce the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun and the principles of practicing the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings to university students at the enrollment site. photo／FGS Toronto

WLUBLCC is the fourth Buddha’s Light Community Club, succeeding those at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Queen's University. Kang Yan, the President of WLUBLCC and a student at Wilfrid Laurier University expressed that her inspiration to establish the club stems from actively engaging with the teachings of Buddhism and participating in volunteer service at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto. Through these experiences, she not only deepened her understanding of Buddhism but also recognized the significance of fostering a connection to humanistic Buddhism.

Venerable Chueh Fan explained the club's characteristics and the connection between Buddhism and life for students at the enrollment site, highlighting various activities of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto and Buddha's Light Centre. Professor D. Mitra Barua, a researcher in religion and culture showed support, expressed expectations for WLUBLCC to convey Buddhism's relevance to daily life.

Venerable Chueh Fan explained the club's characteristics and the connection between Buddhism and life to Professor D. Mitra Barua at the enrollment site. photo／FGS Toronto

Tao Xu, president of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club, shared his experience with Humanistic Buddhism from the Temple Retreat, encouraging support for WLUBLCC's enrollment.

Tao Xu, president of the University of Waterloo Buddha's Light Community Club,shared his experience with Humanistic Buddhism from the Temple Retreat, encouraging support for WLUBLCC's enrollment. photo／FGS Toronto

On Club Day, 20 students expressed interest in joining WLUBLCC, leaving their contact information. The club's mission is to serve as a platform that connects more local youth with Humanistic Buddhism.