On February 14, 2024, the Buddhist Association of Canada, the Buddhist College of Canada, and Emmanuel College of Victoria University at the University of Toronto jointly signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to offer a continuing education program in practical Buddhist studies in Canada. Simultaneously, the President of the Buddhist Association in Canada and Abbot of Cham Shan Temple, Ven. Dayi Shi, announced the establishment of the Buddhist College of Canada.

The Buddhist College of Canada marks the first partnership between a Buddhist college and a higher education institution in Canadian history, pioneering both Buddhism and Buddhist education in Canada.
Victoria University, renowned globally for its higher education, hosts Emmanuel College, a leading theological school founded in 1928 with a nearly century-long history. Emmanuel College’s context, within the University of Toronto, shapes its mission to deeply engage students in their religious and spiritual traditions.
The signing ceremony took place in the historic building at Emmanuel College, where faculty and students gathered in the large conference hall to witness the event. Ken Chan, the Chief Administrative Officer of Victoria University, HyeRan Kim-Cragg, the Principal of Emmanuel College, and Venerable Dayi Shi, the President of the Buddhist College of Canada and the Buddhist Association of Canada, endorsed the ceremony.

Ken Chan emphasized that Emmanuel College’s partnership with the Buddhist Association of Canada underscores the college’s commitment to fostering harmony and understanding among diverse communities. He stated, “Through this endeavor, we embrace the profound principles of Buddhism and reaffirm our commitment to cultivating respect, inclusivity, and compassion in society.”

HyeRan Kim-Cragg expressed during the signing ceremony that this marks the inception of the first-ever Buddhist Continuing Education Program in the college’s history. She was deeply moved by Ven. Dayi Shi’s vision to establish a Buddhist educational institute aimed at nurturing talents within the Buddhist community, prompting a personal visit to the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden to deepen her understanding of the initiatives undertaken by the Buddhist Association of Canada.

Ven. Dayi Shi expressed profound joy, marking a significant milestone in his life’s journey. He has long aspired to establish a Buddhist College in Canada, and with the robust support from Emmanuel College of Victoria University, this vision has materialized. Together, they have launched the Buddhist Studies program, with Emmanuel College instructors conducting classes at the serene Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada.

Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Ven. Dayi shared, “Today marks a pinnacle of happiness as the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada has received an occupancy permit from the government and is officially open to the public in 2024. This development is particularly gratifying as it enables us to establish an institution of higher learning dedicated to nurturing Buddhist talents, disseminating the wisdom of the Buddha, and spreading the teachings for the benefit of all sentient beings.”

On the same day, Ken Chan proudly revealed a significant development: the Buddhist Association of Canada has generously established “The Venerable Dayi Shi Scholarship” at Emmanuel College. This scholarship marks the college’s inaugural offering, to be awarded annually to two Emmanuel College students with exceptional academic standings in the Buddhist focus.

Ven. Dayi drew upon his own journey to reflect on the motivation behind establishing the scholarship, recounting his years of study and teaching at the Minnan Buddhist College in China, followed by further education in New York. He emphasized the importance of nurturing talent in Buddhist studies and urged perseverance, focused study, and the application of acquired wisdom for the benefit of all sentient beings.

On the day of the signing, Emmanuel College embraced diversity by hosting a Lunar New Year event, welcoming attendees to celebrate, regardless of their observance of Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, or the God of Fortune Day. Amidst the festivities, heartfelt wishes were extended for the success of the newly established Buddhist College of Canada, envisioned to foster international Buddhist talents and make a lasting impact on the history of Canadian Buddhism. The College’s inaugural program is scheduled to commence in September 2024, with global student recruitment underway. For further information, please visit the official website of the Buddhist Association of Canada.