Emmanuel College, a theological college of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, has announced a C$3 million (US$2.14 million) donation from the Buddhist Association of Canada, marking the largest gift in the college’s history. The funds will endow the Wutai Shan Venerable Dayi Professorship in Buddhist Spiritual Care, Canada’s first professorship dedicated to Buddhist spiritual care.
The new position will support a scholar who combines academic expertise with professional experience, enhancing Emmanuel’s Master of Psychospiritual Studies program, which uniquely integrates Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim perspectives. The professor appointed to the new position will focus on integrating Buddhist principles with therapeutic practices, and mentoring students to become spiritual care leaders in hospitals, schools, senior homes, prisons, and temples.
The president of Victoria University, Dr. Rhonda McEwen, expressed gratitude for the gift, stating, “I am deeply grateful to the Venerable Dayi Shi and his team for their trust in our school and their commitment to the future of Buddhist studies and spirituality.” (The University of Toronto)
The Buddhist Association of Canada explained that the endowment was aimed at ensuring that the Buddhist teachings contributed positively to society, stating: “Our mission is to help those who suffer and offer guidance toward inner peace.” The endowment’s first C$1 million was presented by Ven. Dayi Shi to Emmanuel College principal HyeRan Kim-Cragg at a reception on Wednesday evening.
The professorship is named after Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Peterborough, Ontario, which opened in April as a significant cultural and spiritual site. It also honors 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 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 multi-faith society,” said Ven. Dayi Shi. “We envision this professorship inspiring students, enlightening minds, and nurturing Buddhist wisdom to benefit individuals and communities alike.” (The University of Toronto)
As the only Canadian institution offering an accredited program in Buddhist spiritual care, Emmanuel College has expanded its Buddhist programming significantly over the past decade. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its Buddhist focus within the Master of Psychospiritual Studies program. Principal Kim-Cragg emphasized the donation’s transformative impact on Emmanuel, calling it an amazing gift that would help train students in holistic approaches to spiritual care and healing.
The college’s commitment to expanding Buddhist education was further evidenced by a C$50,000 (US$35,700) donation from the Buddhist Association of Canada earlier in 2024, 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, held at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, that explores Buddhism’s foundational principles and modern applications.
The Shi Wu De Assistant Professor in Chinese Buddhist Studies at Emmanuel, Henry Shiu, highlighted the professorship’s broader impact on Canadian society: “This gift reflects a vision for spiritual care in a diverse, multicultural society,” he said. “It strengthens the landscape of spiritual care and represents a direction in which Buddhism can grow to meet Canada’s evolving spiritual needs.” (The 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 US. According to Principal Kim-Cragg, this forum will be one of the inaugural speaking engagements for the Wutai Shan Venerable Dayi Professor of Buddhist Spiritual Care, underscoring the professorship’s role in fostering global collaboration in a multifaith environment.
Expressing her appreciation for the partnership, Principal Kim-Cragg said, “Together we are serving our community, modeling collaboration, supporting mental health, and promoting well-being for individuals and groups.” (The University of Toronto)
Ven. Dayi Shi noted: “Our collaboration with Emmanuel College is crucial because it is the leading theological school in Canada, embracing a multi-faith perspective and fostering an inclusive environment.” (The University of Toronto)
The Buddhist Association of Canada emphasized that this professorship would enhance the depth of spiritual care education available 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 strides in promoting Buddhist wisdom and spiritual care across Canada’s multicultural landscape.
See more
Buddhist Association Announces Largest Gift in Emmanuel’s History (The University of Toronto)
Applied Buddhist Studies Initiative (The University of Toronto)
Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden
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