CCTVmedium Report
To welcome the Year of the Horse (Bingwu) in 2026, Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto announced a Lunar New Year program titled “Harmony & Success”, beginning on February 8, 2026. The series features blessing services, a festive market, cultural performances, a calligraphy exhibition, interactive experiences, and a charity sale—inviting community members, families, and friends to celebrate the new year with culture, peace, and blessings.
The temple stated that the program aims to foster well-being and community harmony through a combination of spiritual rituals and cultural arts, while also supporting academic initiatives that promote Humanistic Buddhism and cross-cultural, interfaith dialogue.
Blessing Services (Key Dates)
- February 16, 2026 (Lunar New Year’s Eve): “Extended Life Blessing Service,” “New Year Incense Offering,” and the striking of the “Peace Bell” to pray for world peace, social stability, and family well-being. Blessing gifts will also be offered to visitors.
- February 17, 2026 (Lunar New Year’s Day) morning and February 22, 2026 (Day 6) morning: “Thousand Buddhas New Year Service,” followed by a festive boxed meal and sweet peace tea.
Fo Guang New Year Market
The Fo Guang New Year Market will be held on:
- February 8, 2026
- February 14, 2026
- February 15, 2026
The market includes vegetarian food, seasonal flowers, New Year gifts, Horse-themed items, Spring Festival couplets, as well as cultural experiences such as the temple’s dragon and lion dance troupe and “God of Wealth” greetings.
Arts & Culture Highlights
- February 15, 2026: Opening ceremony for the calligraphy exhibition “Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Sayings & Ancient Zen Poetry”, on display throughout the New Year season.
- February 22, 2026 afternoon: The finale New Year Cultural Showcase, featuring Chinese elegant music, dance, and diverse traditional arts—ideal for families and the broader community.
Interactive Experience: “Life Divination” Dharma Wall
A special “Life Divination” Dharma wall presents 108 wisdom sayings attributed to Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Visitors may draw a message as a New Year reflection or encouragement.
Charity Sale Supporting University of Toronto
A charity sale themed “Harmony & Success” will run concurrently in the temple hall, with proceeds supporting the Humanistic Buddhism research institute at Trinity College, University of Toronto, to advance academic exchange and interfaith dialogue.
Shuttle Bus Registration by January 23
To help the public attend the key events on February 17, 2026 and February 22, 2026, the temple will provide shuttle buses between Scarborough, Markham, and downtown Toronto. Registration is available until January 23, 2026 by phone.
