On August 30, 2025, the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden of Canada was filled with auspicious solemnity, resonating with chanting and ceremonial music. In this sacred ground where Eastern and Western wisdom and faith converge, venerable Dharma masters, honored guests, devoted supporters, and community leaders from across Canada gathered to witness a milestone event—the Beam-Raising Ceremony of the Grand Archway and the plaque unveiling ceremony marking the collaboration between Trent University and Wutai Shan.
In the morning, the majestic archway was ceremoniously raised amidst the chanting of the Buddha’s name, symbolizing the solid foundation of the Dharma and the enduring continuity of its lineage. Shortly thereafter, the unveiling of collaborative plaques between Trent University and Wutai Shan took place at the Shancai Hall, signifying a historic moment where Buddhist culture and modern education join hands, reflecting the harmony of wisdom and compassion.
This day of dual celebration not only carried forward the legacy of Buddhist architectural traditions but also marked a new beginning in the cultural exchanges between East and West.
Solemn Beam-Raising · Auspicious Gathering
At 10:00 a.m., guests and devotees gradually arrived at the central plaza of the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, where a red carpet was laid out and ritual instruments were fully prepared. From above, aerial footage swept across the construction site, capturing both the grand hall and the mountain gate in their entirety—a magnificent scene. Benefactors donned ceremonial sashes, while the assembly of faithful gathered with reverence and anticipation. At exactly 10:00 a.m., the sound of drums and music filled the air, creating a festive yet solemn atmosphere. At 10:30 a.m., the host formally announced the commencement of the Wutai Shan Canada Beam-Raising Ceremony.
Venerable Dayi, together with fellow Dharma masters, performed the purification rites, sprinkling consecrated water upon the beam and its surroundings. As the chanting of the Buddha’s name resounded, guests and devotees joined palms in reverence, filling the atmosphere with purity and auspiciousness. Upon completing the purification, the Venerable stepped forward to the main beam and inscribed calligraphy upon it. With bold, flowing strokes—like dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing—he infused the beam with blessings of auspicious vows and the wisdom of the Dharma.
Afterward, the Venerable delivered a Dharma teaching on the meaning of the beam-raising, explaining that the lifting of the main beam symbolizes the firm foundation of the monastery and the enduring presence of the Buddha’s teachings in the world. Amidst the resonant chanting of Buddhist hymns, representatives of both Tibetan and Theravāda traditions took turns to recite sutras and offer prayers. The solemn cadence of their voices blended into a sacred chorus, enveloping the assembly in an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.
The most exhilarating moment soon arrived. As the crane slowly lifted into motion, the main beam—wrapped in auspicious red silk—rose gradually under the watchful gaze of the entire assembly. From the ground, upward camera angles captured the beam’s steady ascent, while aerial views framed the rising beam together with the gathering below in a striking panorama. As the beam aligned and locked seamlessly into the supporting columns, the structure stood firm and complete. In that very instant, thunderous applause erupted, the chanting of the Buddha’s name resounded throughout the grounds, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and reverence. By 11:30 a.m., Dharma masters and distinguished guests gathered before the Grand Archway for a commemorative group photo, forever capturing this historic moment.
Education in Partnership · Wisdom and Continuity
Following the solemn beam-raising ceremony, guests proceeded to the Shancai Hall. At 11:45 a.m., the plaque unveiling ceremony marking the collaboration between Trent University and the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden of Canada was held with great dignity. President Cathy Bruce and Venerable Dayi jointly unveiled two plaques: the “Trent University Global Exchange and Cooperation Office at Wutai Shan” and the “Trent University Teaching and Practice Base at Wutai Shan.”
This milestone stands not only as a testament to the partnership between education and Buddhist culture, but also as a symbol of the harmony between wisdom and the human spirit. Both sides share a clear vision: to build bridges for cultural and academic exchange, to foster dialogue between Buddhist philosophy and modern scholarship, to cultivate talents who embody both compassion and wisdom, and to contribute—through the peaceful spirit of Buddhism and the social responsibility of education—to harmony in society and peace in the world.
During the plaque unveiling ceremony, Venerable Dayi delivered an address, emphasizing the profound significance of collaboration between Buddhist culture and education. President Cathy Bruce, in her remarks, highlighted that this partnership would provide young students with fertile ground where wisdom and spirit may grow together. Her foresight and vision were warmly commended by all attendees.
On this occasion, Venerable Dayi and representatives of Trent University exchanged commemorative gifts, symbolizing the lasting bonds of this meaningful cooperation. Guests and devoted supporters then gathered before the plaques for group photos, collectively bearing witness to this historic moment.
A Double Celebration · A Legacy to Last
From start to finish, the entire gathering was imbued with solemn dignity and harmonious joy, honoring Buddhist rituals while also reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange between East and West. From the majestic raising of the Grand Archway’s beam to the unveiling of the educational partnership, this day of dual celebration not only displayed the grandeur of the Buddhist tradition, but also marked a new chapter for the flourishing of Buddhist wisdom in Canada and for the advancement of intercultural collaboration.
The successful completion of the Wutai Shan Canada Beam-Raising Ceremony together with the Trent University plaque unveiling will surely be recorded in history as a shining milestone in the integration of Buddhist culture and education. May the merits of this event be dedicated to the Dharma realm of the ten directions: may the monastery flourish, the light of the Buddha shine ever brighter, heavenly beings rejoice, the nation prosper, and may all sentient beings attain abundant blessings and wisdom.
By Journalists Shengji Lin and Haoyang — Reporting, Photography & Editing, Easycan Inc.