Propagation Activities
Dharma Talks
When we make an effort to practice the Buddha’s teachings, it is more than taking Refuge in the Three Jewels, taking Precepts, consuming a vegetarian diet, participating in Dharma services, reciting Sutras and Praises, or chanting the Buddhas’ names. While it is important to practice the Dharma once one becomes officially a Buddhist, it is even more crucial to learn the meaning of fundamental principles of the Dharma that underlies the practice. Without the correct understanding of the Dharma, our practice would simply be a blind engagement in ritual procedures, leading to ignorance in the Buddha’s teachings. Hence, attending and listening to Dharma talks are a means of helping us to learn about the Dharma, enabling us to develop a proper knowledge in the exposition of the Dharma, and reversing superstitions of unfounded myths to right understanding. From Dharma talks, at the most elementary level, we learn about the truth of suffering and happiness in human existence, that is, impermanence. When we have the basic understanding of the Buddha’s teachings, we then can have a clear direction in practice on the Bodhi path.
Dharma Talks: In-Temple
The Liang Huang Talk Series
To complement the annual observance of the Jeweled Repentance of Emperor of Liang Dharma Service, we invite Dharma Masters from overseas to present Dharma talks for public participation.
Topic: Summary and Fundamentals of the Sad-dharma Pundarika Sutra (a.k.a The Lotus Sutra) Speaker: Ven. Hongyi (Taiwan, in graduate studies in Buddhism at Huafan University) Date: June 22 to June 28 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Topic: Synopsis of The Jeweled Repentance of Emperor of Liang and the Practice of Samatha and Vipasyana Speaker: Ven. Dacan (Taiwan, Former Assistant Professor at Huafan University)
Topic: Synopsis of The Jeweled Repentance of Emperor of Liang and the Practice of Samatha and Vipasyana Speaker: Ven. Dahui (Taiwan)
Topic: Summary and Fundamentals of the Sad-dharma Pundarika Sutra (a.k.a The Lotus Sutra) Speaker: Ven. Hongyi (Taiwan, in graduate studies in Buddhism at Huafan University) Date: June 22 to June 28 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
June 17 – 25, 2017
Topic: The Three Studies
Speaker: Ven. Jianzong, Abbot of CK Temple
Guest Talk Series
Learning the Dharma teachings is a compulsory and necessary component of Buddhist practice. To enhance learning opportunities for lay disciples, we also invite guest speakers to give Dharma talks and welcome public participation.
Topic: Avalokitesvara’s Development and Symbolism in Artistic Images Speaker: Ven. Guanche, Taiwan
Topic: Nagajuna’s Concept of Emptiness Speaker: Professor Henry Shiu (Professor at the University of Toronto)
Topic: Essentials on the Perfection of Chan Practice Speaker: Ven. Daji
Topic: Avalokitesvara’s Development and Symbolism in Artistic Images Speaker: Ven. Guanche, Taiwan
July 2015
Topic: The Sequential Order of the Buddha’s Sadhana
Speaker: Ven. Dongheng
CK Temple Sunday Talk Series
CK Temple’s Abbot Ven. Jianzong discourses regularly on Sundays, as timing permits, on an ongoing basis. The current discourse is on the Commentary on the Contemplation of Infinite Life Sutra.
Sunday afternoon, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Speaker: Ven. Jianzong, Abbot of CK Temple
Dharma Talks: Off-Temple
Ven. Jianzong has been invited occasionally to be a guest speaker at special events. The more memorable events were the lecture on the “Three Studies” presented at Emmanuel College and the “Dialogue of the Three Buddhist Traditions” delivered at the Toronto City Hall.
Ven. Jianzong was giving a lecture on the “Three Studies of Buddhist Education” to graduate students and the public, at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto. Topic: Buddhist Education – the Three Studies Location: Emmanuel College, The Chapel, 3rd Floor, U of T 75 Queen’s Park Crescent East
Ven. Jianzong was giving a lecture on the “Three Studies of Buddhist Education” to graduate students and the public, at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto. Topic: Buddhist Education – the Three Studies Location: Emmanuel College, The Chapel, 3rd Floor, U of T 75 Queen’s Park Crescent East
March 2, 2017
Ven. Jianzong was giving a lecture on the “Three Studies of Buddhist Education” to graduate students and the public, at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto.
Topic: Buddhist Education – the Three Studies
Location: Emmanuel College, The Chapel, 3rd Floor, U of T
75 Queen’s Park Crescent East
October 22, 2016
Ven. Jianzong was invited to speak at the Third Annual Dialogue of the Three Traditions in “Physical and Mental Health through Meditation” at the Toronto City Hall.
Topic: Meditation for Physical and Mental Health
Location: Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square
Sunday Dharma Instruments and Music Class
Dharma instrumental music is a distinguished and special aspect of the Chinese Buddhist tradition. It serves as a backbone for Dharma services and ritual ceremonies. We hold Dharma instruments class regularly on Sundays to provide an opportunity for lay disciples to learn how to play Dharma instruments. It is a means of engaging them in group practice, helping them to develop a greater interest in participating in Dharma services, and at the same time, gain a deeper understanding in Buddhist music.
Sunday Dharma Instruments and Music Class
Dharma instrumental music is a distinguished and special aspect of the Chinese Buddhist tradition. It serves as a backbone for Dharma services and ritual ceremonies. We hold Dharma instruments class regularly on Sundays to provide an opportunity for lay disciples to learn how to play Dharma instruments. It is a means of engaging them in group practice, helping them to develop a greater interest in participating in Dharma services, and at the same time, gain a deeper understanding in Buddhist music.