Emmanuel College, a theological college at Victoria University of the University of Toronto, has announced a gift of C$3 million (US$2,14 million) from the Buddhist Association of Canada, the largest single gift in the college’s history. The funds will endow the Wutai Shan Venerable Dayi Chair in Buddhist Spiritual Care, the first chair in Canada dedicated to Buddhist spiritual care.
The new position will support a scholar who combines academic expertise with professional experience, enhancing Emmanuel’s master’s program in psychospiritual studies, which uniquely integrates Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim perspectives. The professor appointed to this new position will focus on integrating Buddhist principles into therapeutic practices and mentoring students to become leaders in spiritual care in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, prisons, and temples.
Victoria University President Dr. Rhonda McEwen expressed her gratitude for the gift, saying, “I am deeply grateful to Venerable Dayi Shi and his team for their confidence in our school and their commitment to the future of Buddhist scholarship and spirituality.” (University of Toronto)
The Buddhist Association of Canada explained that the endowment was intended to ensure that Buddhist teachings contribute positively to society, stating: "Our mission is to help those who are suffering and guide them to inner peace." The first $1 million Canadian in the endowment was presented by Ven. Dayi Shi to Emmanuel College principal HyeRan Kim-Cragg at a reception Wednesday evening.
The chair is named after the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Peterborough, Ontario, which opened in April as a significant cultural and spiritual site. It also honours Ven. Dayi Shi for his contributions as president of the Buddhist Association of Canada and abbot of Wutai Shan. A monk for more than 40 years, Ven. Dayi Shi has studied both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions and is known for his dedication to Buddhist education in Canada.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that helps students navigate a multicultural and multifaith society,” said Ven. Dayi Shi. “We envision this chair inspiring students, enlightening minds, and nurturing Buddhist wisdom for the benefit of individuals and communities.” (University of Toronto)
As the only Canadian institution offering an accredited program in Buddhist spiritual care, Emmanuel College has significantly expanded its Buddhist programming over the past decade. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its Buddhist focus within the Master of Psychospiritual Studies program. Principal Kim-Cragg noted the transformative impact of the gift on Emmanuel, calling it an extraordinary gift that would help train students in holistic approaches to spiritual care and healing.
The college’s commitment to expanding Buddhist education was further demonstrated by a $50 CAD ($000 USD) donation from the Buddhist Association of Canada earlier in 35, establishing the Venerable Dayi Shi Scholarship for students pursuing Buddhist studies. Additionally, Emmanuel and the Buddhist College of Canada launched a continuing education program this fall, hosted at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, that explores the fundamental principles of Buddhism and its modern applications.
Henry Shiu, Shi Wu De Assistant Professor of Chinese Buddhist Studies at Emmanuel, noted the chair’s broader impact on Canadian society: “This gift reflects a vision of spiritual care in a diverse and multicultural society,” he said. “It strengthens the landscape of spiritual care and represents a direction in which Buddhism can grow to meet Canada’s changing spiritual needs.” (University of Toronto)
The Buddhist Association of Canada and Emmanuel College are also planning an international Buddhist forum in 2025, which will welcome delegates from Canada, China and the United States. According to Principal Kim-Cragg, the forum will feature one of the keynote addresses by the Venerable Dayi Professor of Buddhist Spiritual Care of Wutai Shan, highlighting the chair’s role in promoting global collaboration in a multi-faith environment.
Expressing her appreciation for the partnership, Director Kim-Cragg said, “Together, we serve our community, model collaboration, support mental health, and promote individual and group well-being.” (University of Toronto)
Ven. Dayi Shi noted: “Our collaboration with Emmanuel College is crucial as it is Canada’s leading theological school, adopting a multi-faith perspective and fostering an inclusive environment.” (University of Toronto)
The Buddhist Association of Canada noted that this chair would enhance the depth of spiritual care education offered to students, strengthening both Emmanuel College's Buddhist programs and its multi-faith approach to theological education, and that through these initiatives, Emmanuel and the Buddhist Association of Canada would continue to make significant progress in promoting Buddhist wisdom and spiritual care in Canada's multicultural landscape.
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Buddhist Association Announces Largest Donation in Emmanuel History (University of Toronto)
Applied Buddhist Studies Initiative (University of Toronto)
Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden
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Buddhist Association of Canada funds first Canadian chair in Buddhist spiritual care at Emmanuel College appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
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