Event Archives
August 14, 2024
Supporting the Buddhist Education Foundation of Canada: Integrating Buddhism into Psychiatry
Ifeng.com published news from the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry
Ven. Xin Yin was invited to deliver the closing prayer at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, marking a milestone in integrating Buddhism into psychiatry. The Buddhist Education Foundation of Canada fellowship supports award-winning psychiatry residents in exploring and clinically applying Buddhist teachings to alleviate mental and emotional suffering. It is hoped that, through ongoing collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry, the foundation will continue to promote greater mental and physical well-being for all.
Community attendees at the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry celebration
Display at the University of Toronto acknowledging BEFC's support for Buddhism and Psychiatry studies
Close-up of U of T acknowledgment display for BEFC
Ven. Xin Yin with professors and BEFC Chair, Chris, at donation presentation
Ven. Xin Yin delivering the closing prayer
October 7, 2023
From Strangers to Neighbors
The Mahayana Pure Land Temple, RCCG Christ’s Tribe Church, University of Toronto Buddhist Student Association, and Christ's Tribe Student Club at Toronto Metropolitan University collaborated on an interfaith event promoting spiritual and mental health, with the venue sponsored by the University of Toronto Multifaith Centre.
The Passing Lotus Light between Ven. Xin Yin and Pastor Adebola Ajagunna symbolizes cultural and religious harmony
Interactions among students from different universities for the exchange of ideas
The harmonious interactions between students from different universities and participants from the church and temple
Event Participants
August 20, 2023
Developing Spiritual and Mental Health from Heart Sutra and Calligraphy
Promoting Harmonious Multiculturalism Through the Heart Sutra: A Connection Across Various Cultures, Including Calligraphy, Education, and Spiritual Care.
The event centered around the theme of the Heart Sutra, aiming to promote spiritual and mental well-being. It featured panel discussions with Buddhism professors from the University of Toronto and Seneca College, offering insights on integrating Buddhism into daily life. Additionally, Buddhist chaplains, also registered psychotherapists, guided Master of Pastoral Studies students in facilitating mindful writing exercises for participants. An exhibition showcasing scriptures related to the Heart Sutra complemented the event.
Event Organizer – Ven. Xin Yin and Monastic Guests Supporting Cultural Harmony
Educational Panel Discussion: Dr. Glen Choi, Dr. Henry Shiu, PhD Candidate Barbara Hazelton
Interfaith Spiritual Insights: Bhikkhuni Sister Tinh Guang, Pastor Adebola, Father Darlington
Participants in the Heart Sutra Mindful Writing Workshop
Mindful Writing Practice – Participant and Father Darlington
September 10, 2022
Spiritual and Mental Health Starts with Community Ministries
Ministry Partners from diverse backgrounds, including University of Toronto professors, a Catholic Father, a Christian priest, a Buddhist chaplain, a Muslim Imam, and representatives from Diverse Spirituality (2SLGBTQI+), united to promote spiritual and mental well-being, with a focus on inclusivity, multi-faith harmony, and multiculturalism.
Each partner hosted booths offering spiritual and mental counseling aligned with their faith traditions, integrating psychotherapeutic approaches to educate and support participants on spiritual and mental care.
Ministry Partners from different faiths
Educational and Spiritual Care Advisors
Letter from Prime Minister; Mayor of Stouffville, Organizers – Ven. Xin Yin and Dr. Henry Shiu
Ven. Xin Yin with Ministry Partners
Participants at the Event
Recap of Activities at the Ministry Partners’ Booths
September 25, 2021
Chaplaincy Endorsement Ceremony
The Chaplaincy endorsement ceremony, acknowledging Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) students for completing their internship at our Temple and obtaining their MPS degree, was attended by a professor from Emmanuel College, University of Toronto.
Ven. Xin Yin presented the Certificate of Buddhist Chaplain to the first student who completed her internship at our temple and obtained her Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, with Professor Henry Shiu as a witness
Two Master of Pastoral Studies students (Buddhist Focus), received endorsement as Buddhist chaplains
May - August, 2021
Donating KN95 Masks to Hospitals and Communities During the Pandemic
The monks from Chongqing Huayan Temple diligently prepared and dispatched the masks.
Our temple's charitable initiative, as reported on ifeng.com, received support from Chongqing Huayan Temple in China to export 10,000 KN95 masks to Canada, alleviating a portion of the mask shortage during the pandemic's peak. This effort underscores both humanitarian aid and the promotion of cultural harmony and mutual support.
Representative from United Health Toronto (UHN) to pickup masks
Delivered masks to York Regional Police
Representative from West Park Healthcare Centre to pickup masks
March – October, 2021
Distributing Herbal Tea
The charitable initiative of our temple, as reported on ifeng.com, involved distributing free traditional Chinese herbal soup as a preventive measure amid the epidemic. Our effort was to extend support and compassionate care to individuals in the midst of these challenging times.
Traditional Herbal Tea
Distributing Chinese traditional herbal soup to individuals
Distributing Chinese traditional herbal soup to Senior Homes
January 11, 2020
Hart House in the University of Toronto
Buddhist Hospice & Palliative Care Event hosted by Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism
Ven. Xin Yin lectured on Buddhist supportive chanting at Hart House event in the University of Toronto
Met Roshi Henderson and Chris Ng, the chair of Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism, at Hart House event
Ven. Xin Yin met his disciple, an endorsed Buddhist chaplain at our temple, at the Hart House event
September 29, 2019
Contextual Education Practicum first workshop – Buddhist Elderly Reunion at our Temple
In September 2019, Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto reached a significant milestone by including temple as a practicum site for Buddhist students participating in the Contextual Education course. This groundbreaking development stands as the first of its kind among recognized North American universities, where a theological course incorporates a temple for practical experience.
Practicum student’s first workshop: Reuniting with Joy - Buddhist elderly and monastics at our Temple after long-time absence
Practicum student’s first workshop: Reuniting with Joy - Group walk for elderly in the yard
Practicum student’s first workshop: Reuniting with Joy - Elderly attended the temple ritual after long-time absence
September 14, 2019
Toronto Zen Centre
Buddhist Counselling Courses Promotion Event by The Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism
The Buddhist community met together to support the Toronto Centre for Applied Buddhism’s endeavors in promoting Buddhist counseling, which took place at the Toronto Zen Centre.
Ven. Xin Yin, Dr. Jeff Braff (Ven. Lobsang Yonten), and Master of Pastoral Studies Students from University of Toronto
Ven Xin Yin and other chaplains
Ven. Xin Yin concluded the event at the Toronto Zen Centre with a prayer