Sat, Feb 14
|Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
Five Lectures on Learning Buddhism
Led by Ven. Yan Wu. The aim of Buddhist practice is to awaken wisdom and compassion - to free ourselves from delusion and to benefit all beings. True learning manifests in a peaceful mind and a life of service, guided by clarity and kindness.
Time & Location
Feb 14, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST
Room Chapel, 427 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X6, Canada
About the Event
These classes include sitting meditation, moving meditation, lectures, and Q&A sessions. The event will be conducted in English and attended in person.
Course outline:
Lecture 1: Religion and Buddhism
Lecture 2: The Right View of the Dharma
Lecture 3: Humanistic Buddhism
Lecture 4: Buddhism in Daily Life
Lecture 5: The Practice of Buddhism
Guided by Ven. Yan Wu, immerse yourself in traditional wisdom and learn how to apply its timeless principles to your contemporary life.
Study the foundational teachings of Buddhism, drawing inspiration from the guidance of Master Sheng Yen.
Discover how the profound wisdom of the Buddha can help you cultivate clarity, confidence, and joy in your everyday experience.
Master Sheng Yen (founder of Dharma Drum Mountain) often emphasized the practical application of Chan (Zen) Buddhism for modern people, focusing on cultivating a calm, clear mind amidst a busy life.
His teachings provide a bridge between ancient wisdom and the pursuit of clarity, confidence, and joy:
On Clarity (Mindfulness & Focus)
"If moment by moment you can keep your mind clear then nothing will confuse you."
"I follow four dictates: face it, accept it, deal with it, then let it go."
On Confidence (Strength & Resilience)
"Do not ask for less responsibility to be free and relaxed—ask for more strength!"
"To take on anything, one must first be able to let go. One is truly free who can take on and let go of anything in peace."
On Joy (Gratitude & Compassion)
"Kindness and compassion have no enemies; wisdom engenders no vexations."
"Cultivate a big heart—but a small ego."
Try to cultivate this attitude in life: if I can have what I want, that’s good; if I can’t, that’s fine too. This will help us turn our suffering into joy, and live a happier life." Dates:
2/7, 2/14, 3/14, 3/28, 4/25, 5/16, 6/6,
7/11, 7/25, 8/22, 9/26, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5
Schedule:
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Eight-Form Moving Meditation
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Sitting Meditation
2:30 pm - 2:50 pm Walking Meditation
2:50 pm - 3:00 pm Break
3:00 pm - 3:40 pm Lecture
3:40 pm - 4:00 pm Q&A
Email Contact: program@ddmbaontario.org
About Ven. Yan Wu
Driven by a "Beginner’s Mind," Venerable Yan Wu joined the Dharma Drum Retreat Center in 2021 after years of intensive cultivation at Dharma Drum Sangha University. A specialist in bridging ancient Chan wisdom with modern living, he is known for his systematic "Science of Mindfulness"—an approach that makes deep meditation accessible and practical for today's world. Whether through melodic chanting or silent retreat, he offers a compassionate presence for all those seeking a spiritual home.