North America

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Fo Guang Shan and the centennial of its founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, under the theme “60 Years of Passing the Lamp, Honoring a 100-Year Legacy,” Austin Xiang Yun Temple held a Buddhist lecture on July 11, 2026. The temple invited James Chao, International BLIA Lecturer and Senior Chairman of the Board of Westlake Corporation, to present a talk titled “Practicing Humanistic Buddhism in Everyday Life.” Approximately 60 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds attended the event.

The 35th Overseas Chinese Choirs Festival was held on July 4 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, bringing together 14 Chinese choirs and more than 520 performers in a celebration of music, friendship, and cultural heritage. Under the baton of conductor Monie Leung, the Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto Choir had the honor of leading the singing of O Canada to open the concert. The choir then presented selections from Sounds of the Human World, including I Vow, Great Dharma to the West, and Light of Hope, sharing the Dharma through music and inspiring audiences with messages of compassion, peace, and hope.

On July 4, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto welcomed 11 participants—including two who travelled from Ottawa—for an English Half-Day Meditation Retreat themed "Find Peace in Every Step." Designed for people seeking greater balance in everyday life, the retreat offered a welcoming space to slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and discover how mindfulness can be lived beyond the meditation cushion.

The Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Toronto Young Adult Division (YAD) organized its first Adopt-a-Park cleanup initiative on May 30 at Lake Aquitaine Park, bringing together 13 young volunteers in a collective effort to care for the local environment and serve the community.

As the semester at Fo Guang Austin Academy came to a successful close, the Steel Tongue Drum class held an outdoor field session on the afternoon of January 10, 2025. Organized by Instructor Wang Nuan, 17 students were led to the Quince Restaurant by the Austin lakeside for hands-on practice. Venerable Yongjia and Venerable Yisong were also invited to accompany and guide the group, bringing spiritual encouragement and blessings to the learning experience.

On the morning of December 20, 2024, during the Saturday English Dharma Service, the Austin Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) solemnly held the 2026–2028 President and Board of Directors Installation and Handover Ceremony. In an atmosphere that was both dignified and warm, the outgoing and incoming boards completed the transition smoothly, symbolizing an important milestone in the BLA’s tradition of continuity and renewal.