Manitoba Buddhist Temple Editor's Blog

Social Networking and Buddhism

2008-08-01T13:57:18-05:00

Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference." ...There's lots to see and do, so take your time, meet some new friends, and share your Buddhist Way of Life.

Buddhism and the Environment

2008-07-29T14:41:23-05:00

As we all try to do our part for the environment, many of us ask what is the Buddhist perspective? The Ecological Buddhism Project hopes to provide a Buddhist response to the concerns that many of us have to the climate change crisis.

Buddhism in a Global Age of Technology

2008-07-27T21:06:24-05:00

A distinguished scholar of Buddhism, we are fortunate that Lancaster has made available his entire one-hour lecture on the history of Buddhism and its future in the age of technology.... Lancaster explains the path Buddhism took through Korea, on its way to Japan, as opposed to how many historians thought, that it was spread from China.

Obama Buddha

2008-07-26T09:21:47-05:00

What I did note is that there were a number of Buddhists blogs, organizations, and individuals who see Buddhism in Obama's approach to listening, problem solving, patience, tolerance, and so on. -The Original Black Buddha ...It’d be great to have a president for once who practiced right speech, right actions, right intentions and right livelihood, as Buddha taught.

Funeral Buddhism

2008-07-14T18:17:59-05:00

But that expression also describes a religion that, by appearing to cater more to the needs of the dead than to those of the living, is losing its standing in Japanese society.-New York Times And that may be true for North America as well.... -Ryoko Mori, Chief Priest at the 700-year-old Zuikoji Temple in northern Japan Temples throughout North America are constantly trying to find the balance of cultural traditions from Japan, while at the same time, trying new ideas to make Buddhist practice more relevant in today's world.

Itadakimasu

2008-07-10T20:20:48-05:00

This is because the sutras are the sacred words of the Buddha, and by holding them above our heads we symbolically and physically receive them from something or someone greater than us. When we say “itadakimasu” before a meal, we are acknowledging in a similar way, but this time with our speech, that we are “receiving something from above.

Bad Buddha

2008-06-24T21:46:54-05:00

I think that, while Ryu is probably a bit brash and simplistic for someone out there looking for thick, heavy philosophic discussions, he is a fresh, very palatable speaker and keeps his audience well-entertained during his show while dishing up a good tutorial on the thought school and giving you something to think about at the end of the day. ...I don't believe in the importance given to the confusing messages that have been added to the Buddha's words over the past twenty-six centuries -- karma, reincarnation, transmigration, enlightenment as an "escape" of anything, etc. I'm also an ex-stand-up comedian, so don't take anything I say too seriously.

Former BCC Bishop dies

2008-06-17T21:16:32-05:00

...He would eventually retire as the minister of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, but continued to be the resident minister of the Pearl City Hongwanji Mission.

Jodo Shinshu Online

2008-06-05T09:24:59-05:00

As one response to their growing interest, the Honpa Hongwanji (Mother temple in Japan) has established a correspondence course which provides, especially for those who do not have access to temples nearby, with basic knowledge of Jodo Shinshu. In addition, this correspondence course also aims to provide those individuals, who have already joined Jodo Shinshu temples as members, with opportunities to deepen their understanding.

Buddha’s Teachings Significant in Troubled Times

2008-05-18T00:13:42-05:00

New York -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his Vesak Day message said the Buddha’s timeless teachings of peace, compassion and love for all living beings should inspire the efforts to address the broader challenges confronting our world -- in peace and security, in development and in the protection of our environment. ...The Secretary General recalled that this year, the observance of Vesak falls at a time of profound loss.“Cyclone ‘Nargis’ has devastated Myanmar, while a massive earthquake has ripped through southwest China.

Birth of the Buddha Celebration

2008-05-06T21:22:37-05:00

Join us for a celebration of the birth of the Buddha!... The program includes a Parade of Lanterns, spiritual dance and music and features a Dharma Talk by Sensei Ulrich.

Canada Honours Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi

2008-05-05T20:37:14-05:00

Suu Kyi's first cousin Sein Win accepted the honour Monday on her behalf as the coastal nation in Southeast Asia reels from a deadly cyclone. It's feared that up to 10,000 people died in the devastating storm, and thousands of people desperately need clean drinking water, food and shelter.

Jodo Shinshu BTC AGM

2008-04-28T21:05:46-05:00

The newly renamed Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada held their 2008 annual general meeting at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple on April 25-27th. ...Some of the many people that were married by Sensei Ikuta The weekend closed with a closing service on Sunday followed by a discussion on "Greening the Environment and Buddhism" led by Dr. Leslie Kawamura of the University of Calgary and the Jodo Shinshu BTC-Living Dharma Centre.

Buddhist Way of Life

2008-04-14T20:46:17-05:00

Ogui Socho of the Buddhist Churches of America makes a very special appearance on this internet video on the DharmaNet web site.... Also find out why he was "kicked out" of his first temple in the United States and how he eventually overcame that setback to become the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America.

Hanamatsuri Celebrates Buddha’s Birth

2008-04-09T22:51:01-05:00

He remembered Shan-tao (Zendo), a Chinese Pure Land teacher, who stated that sharing one's faith with others is the true way to express one's gratitude for the Buddha's compassion. ...In this way Hanamatsuri, the festival of flowers, will not merely be an annual event, but an expression of the meaning of our lives.

Tiger Wood's Secret

2008-04-05T23:41:45-05:00

This is an excerpt from an article from the UK Times web site: Woods does not talk much about the fact that he meditates, something he learnt from Kultida, his mother, who is a Buddhist. “In the Buddhist religion you have to work for it yourself, internally, in order to achieve anything in life and set up the next life,” he said.

Dharma Realm

2008-03-24T22:34:17-05:00

Harry Bridge of the Lodi Buddhist Church and Dr. Scott Mitchell of the Institute of Buddhist Studies on Buddhism and Jodo Shinshu. ...He recently completed his doctoral studies at the Graduate Theological Union; his dissertation, Taking Refuge in the Dharma: post-colonialism, ritual theory, and American Buddhist studies, examines the role of role of ritual within American Buddhist communities, challenging the orientalist assumptions of current scholarship.

A Monk's Struggle on the Cover of Time Magazine

2008-03-19T22:22:24-05:00

"Since China wants to join the world community," the 14th Dalai Lama said as I was traveling across Japan with him for a week last November, "the world community has a real responsibility to bring China into the mainstream." The whole world stands to gain, he pointed out, from a peaceful and unified China—not least the 6 million Tibetans in China and Chinese-occupied Tibet.

The Dali Lama, the Torch and Steve

2008-03-11T22:31:21-05:00

Steve Varon is a businessman from New York with a vision and a goal of having the Dali Lama carry the Olympic torch during the Beijing Olympics later this year. If you know even the slightest bit about world politics, you know that the concept of the Dali Lama participating in an Olympics being held in China is difficult to conceive.

Barack Obama, An Inspiration to the World

2008-03-02T09:19:18-06:00

Like the Buddha, Barack Obama learned in his early adult years as a community organizer that poverty is the root of much suffering in the world. He saw how poverty seeps into people's lives like a poison that drives people into a life of crime and overall suffering.

And the Survey Says...

2008-02-26T00:38:12-06:00

For Buddhists, the data show "convert Buddhist communities face a significant challenge in engaging their children and keeping them in the tradition," said Thomas Tweed, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ...Luis Lugo, director of the Pew Forum predicts that as world religions such as Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism will continue to grow in the USA through immigration and conversion, workplaces, schools and eventually the courts will face increasing challenges over religious accommodation.

How to Cook Your Life

2008-02-25T01:38:44-06:00

In How To Cook Your Life, Dörrie enlists the help of the charismatic Zen Master Edward Espe Brown to explain the guiding principles of Zen Buddhism as they apply to the preparation of food as well as life itself....

Kind Words from Dr. Kawamura

2008-02-17T20:27:14-06:00

The service itself was very impressive in that it was not centered around the Sensei only, but members (both children and adults) led the sangha in various aspects – leading in the Trisarana, leading in the incense offering, reading of the Juseige in English prior to the chanting of it led by Sensei Ulrich. ...This brochure is a “work in progress” in that it contains some information about the structure and working of the LDC, but hopefully it will prompt comments from the members of the BCC at large so that when the brochure reaches its more mature state, it will contain the information that responds to the members’ wishes.

Faith in the City

2008-01-20T14:02:16-06:00

Last Thursday night, more than 150 people packed the 60-year-old Buddhist Church near the Health Sciences Centre for an introduction to Buddhism, the first stop on a six-session interfaith course co-sponsored by the University of Winnipeg and the Manitoba Interfaith Council. ..."You're here because there's a grassroots interest in this, it's a lay movement," the former Methodist minister turned Buddhist sensei told the audience during the three hours of chanting, singing, explanations, and questions.

Introducton to Buddhism

2008-01-09T21:39:01-06:00

Feb. 7 - Basic Introduction to Buddhism Feb. 21 - Buddhist Psychology of Mind and Meditation March 6 - Three Buddhist Meditations March 20 - Meditation Practice and Sharing Circle ...Parking behind the temple accessed by the back lane to the north of the temple, in the community, and in the HSC parking lot on the SE corner of Notre Dame and Tecumseh, as provided by a gracious agreement with the HSC for evening special events only.

Shinran and Rennyo on the Amazing Race

2008-01-07T23:48:37-06:00

This week on the Amazing Race, Jodo Shinshu Buddhists may have recognized two very famous statues. Part of this week's show was to go to the 16th century, Kita-Mido Temple in Osaka, Japan.

Where is God? CBC Series

2008-01-07T23:26:00-06:00

After chanting and readings of the Dharma (Teachings), the welcoming smell of sandalwood incense permeates my home, as it does Jodo Shinshu temples and homes worldwide. Once a predominately ethnic Japanese-based sect, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism (also called Shin) is slowly growing among those of non-Japanese descent.

Meditate Online

2007-12-30T11:21:06-06:00

Have the holidays left you more stressed, than rested? ...It includes a ringing bell and a program that automatically times the length of meditation you choose.

A Zen Life

2007-12-29T23:13:58-06:00

Interestingly, later in life Suzuki was more inclined to Jodo Shin (True Pure Land) practice on a personal level, seeing in the doctrine of Tariki, or other power as opposed to self power, an abandonment of self that is entirely complementary to Zen practice and yet to his mind even less willful than traditional Zen. ...Suzuki" is a 77-minute documentary about Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (1870-1966), credited with single-handedly introducing Zen Buddhism to the West.

2008 New Year's Message from the Bishop

2007-12-22T21:00:03-06:00

If you have a chance to see the statue of the Buddha closely, you will notice that his eyes half open and half closed, which is one of the numerous outstanding features of the Buddha, the Enlightened One. ...One of the priorities in the New Year seems to be the awareness of climate change caused by global warming which may affect the life of each one of us directly or indirectly, as we are closely interrelated to each other.

Immeasurable Light and Life - 2008 New Year's Message from the Monshu

2007-12-16T22:40:44-06:00

I recognize that the basis of Buddhism is my attainment of enlightenment or my birth of in the Pure land, and so the teaching is not a wonder drug which can immediately solve those problems.... As we have been given only limited amounts of air and water on this planet, let us make every effort to lead a moderate way of life and realize a society where everyone helps each other, so that all people are able to live life fully and with joy.

Cafe de Shinran

2007-12-16T15:22:40-06:00

Why not try a restaurant in the area called “Café de Shinran”. Patrons can enjoy organic food and the temple’s Buddhist atmosphere.

Tokyo Bouz Collection

2007-12-16T08:54:06-06:00

Jodo Shinshu Reaches Out

2007-12-15T09:43:00-06:00

This event is supposed to introduce Buddhism more casually to today’s people to make them feel that Buddhism is relevant by showing live music which is a mix of sermon and rap, bonzes’ costume display and meditation. ..."We wanted to show the young people that Buddhism is cool, and temples are not a place just for funerals," said Koji Matsubara, a chief monk at Tsukiji.

Nembutsu Chanting

2007-12-08T23:26:59-06:00

...There are times when it may feel like the practice is very goal-oriented, about trying to last the whole 24 hours, or as long as one can, and then there are times when you realise that you have completely missed the point, that no one can do this by their own, unaided.

Bombers have fan in the Dalai Lama

2007-11-10T07:23:53-06:00

"Victory to the Blue Bombers," he scribbled in Tibetan with a black Sharpie marker on some Winnipeg Blue Bomber equipment, adding his name to the lore of this city's Grey Cup-seeking CFL team. ...The exiled Tibetan leader signed the helmet and an official CFL football as he flew to Ottawa two weeks ago. READ THE ARTICLE IN THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS...

Meditation Question

2007-10-31T08:41:45-05:00

There is now money to be made, books to sell, and reputations to have; all at a great price. ...To use Buddhist meditation is to have Buddhist experiences: awareness of the universal experience of suffering, universal compassion, relativity of all our identity scenarios, oneness with emptiness, moral and ethical groundedness, nirvana (end of ignorance, hatred and greed).

Birthday Celebration

2007-10-27T13:07:30-05:00

On October 27th the elders enjoyed a delicious meal at the month end luncheon followed by cake in celebration of Mr. Hisao Kondo’s 90th birthday. Also in attendance for this joyous occasion was his wife Kay and daughters Shirley Teranishi and Brenda Marks.

Makes a Great Bodhi Day Gift!

2007-10-26T09:55:53-05:00

Makes sure to get one for you, your friends, and your family.... Proceeds go to the BCC Sustaining Fund and the Manitoba Buddhist Temple.

The Latest from Lethbridge

2007-10-24T20:38:59-05:00

From the October issue of the Hikari - Newsletter of the Buddhist Federation of Alberta: As everyone is aware, the Taber Buddhist Church has been sold with possession by the new buyer to take place on October 1st.... The only bright spot was that The Galt Museum has indicated that it will be honoured to accept donation of the Butsudan and will develop a display where it will be available to members well into the future.

Bush Honours Dalai Lama

2007-10-17T23:47:02-05:00

Over furious objections from China and in the presence of President Bush, Congress on Wednesday bestowed its highest civilian honor on the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists whom Beijing considers a troublesome voice of separatism. READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES...

Blessings of the Buddhas

2007-10-14T22:55:14-05:00

The exhibition contains more than 500 tiny pieces from at least seven collections of supposed remains of the historical Buddha, as well as another 500 pieces from 29 famous Buddhist saints and disciples ranging from ancient times to the present. Relics of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha who lived 2,500 years ago The tour, organized by a Santa Cruz-based Tibetan monk, Lama Zopa Rimpoche, began in 2001 and was intended to end with the relics being enshrined in the heart portion of a huge, 500-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha devoted to "loving kindness" in Kushinagar, India, where Buddha discarded the last of his earthly coils.

Shaku of Wondrous Grace

2007-10-03T22:26:35-05:00

It's called "Shaku of Wondrous Grace: Through the Garden of Yoshimaru Abe" and it introduces us to a man who lived "creatively and simply" while having faith in Buddhism. "Throughout his life, it was his strong belief in his Buddhist faith, and the grace of his living that enabled Yoshimaru to not only survive, but to flourish as a uniquely accomplished and caring individual."

What Makes Monks Mad

2007-09-30T13:49:37-05:00

As they marched through the streets of Myanmar’s cities last week leading the biggest antigovernment protests in two decades, some barefoot monks held their begging bowls before them.... The monks were refusing to receive alms from the military rulers and their families — effectively excommunicating them from the religion that is at the core of Burmese culture.

Support the Monks in Burma

2007-09-24T04:37:39-05:00

Monks’ Protest Is Challenging Burmese Junta New York Times BANGKOK, Monday, Sept. 24 — The largest street protests in two decades against Myanmar’s military rulers gained momentum Sunday as thousands of onlookers cheered huge columns of Buddhist monks and shouted support for the detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. ...We wish to convey our admiration and support to the large number of Buddhists monks and fellow Dharma practitioners for advocating democracy and freedom in Burma, and would like to appeal to all freedom-loving people all over the world to support such non-violent movements.

Dalai Lama to Meet Canadian PM

2007-09-18T21:40:06-05:00

"We are against the provision of venues by foreign countries to the Dalai Lama's secessionist activities and also against foreign dignitaries meeting with him." -Statement by Chinese officials to the Globe and Mail The Chinese, who have run a behind-the-scenes campaign to prevent a formal meeting between the Tibetan leader and the prime minister, claim that the Dalai Lama is not a mere religious figure.

BCC Day - October 28, 2007

2007-09-14T20:12:51-05:00

As we celebrate the achievements of the past year, I would like to thank you, our ministers, members and friends for your extraordinary support of the Buddhist Churches of Canada (BCC). ...In 2007, we can top the $15,000 or even more if all of our ministers, members and friends participate with the BCC Service Day konshi.

True Compassion

2007-09-12T21:19:35-05:00

We further urge you to seek a way of building bridges of understanding and reconciliation with all those who have harmed us. In addition, we ask that you do everything possible to defend the safety and rights of citizens here in the United States who may be targeted because of their ethnic or religious background. Six years ago, in June 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, our Headquarters, Shinshu Otani-ha of Kyoto, Japan, issued an Anti-War Statement which reaffirmed that all followers of our tradition should do our best to work for world peace and walk the same path as all people, regardless of their ethnicity, language, culture, and religion.

Shinran Shonin - A Symbol of Peace

2007-09-11T09:34:00-05:00

The New York Buddhist Temple is led by Sensei Nakagaki. ...It is a quiet and serene ceremony that provides a place to reaffirm our commitment to building a peaceful future and to pay respect to the lost lives at the World Trade Center.

Calgary Buddhist Film Series

2007-09-10T20:31:20-05:00

In you are in the Calgary area, go, see, and participate in the Calgary Buddhist Film Series. Each film will be followed by discussion moderated by Buddhist teachers, including Sensei Ulrich of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple.

Niigata Earthquake Relief

2007-09-08T07:45:47-05:00

The earthquake created havoc to large manufacturing facilities such as Toyota, Mazda and Honda and caused minor damage to the electrical transformer at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant....

More from the Simpsons

2007-08-22T21:20:08-05:00

Here's more from the Simpsons episode, "She of Little Faith."

Shin Buddhist Conference in Calgary

2007-08-14T21:25:00-05:00

Dr. Kawamura is also the Director of the Living Dharma Centre which is a part of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada. ...He believes that living a life of gratitude throught the Nembutsu, reciting "Namu Amida Butsu" will lead you to access the truth and vitality in Shin Buddhism.

First Slurpee

2007-07-14T11:07:32-05:00

Besides sales of over 8,000 drinks per store, per month, a spokesperson for 7-11 says one of the reasons for the Winnipeg winning the title is, where else would someone be drinking a Slurpee in -40'C weather. ...Socho Koshin Ogui Sensei has been a resident of the United States since 1962, but he he seems to be enjoying his first Slurpee.

Jodo Shinshu In Montreal

2007-07-13T08:49:45-05:00

Ovolio writes in his conclusion: The difficult situation that the MBC (Montreal Buddhist Church) finds itself in today is largely a consequence of the fact that the experience and function of Jodo Shinshu in North America has been more or less the opposite of other Buddhist schools that migrated here in the twentieth century, such as Zen and Tibetan Buddhism.... However, with this experience receding further from the present reality for Japanese Canadians and turning more and more into history, Jodo Shinshu temples and churches no longer need to function as the anchors of their communities’ social life and culture.

Uma's Dad

2007-07-09T21:20:32-05:00

He's a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, and co-founder of Tibet House U.S., a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization. ...

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

2007-07-08T10:43:03-05:00

In response to Sensei's Dharma talk on "A Thousand Winds," we received this e-mail: I read through the temple website recently and was stunned to find my favorite poem!... Frye is near universally cited as the author, and her literary significance is based almost entirely upon it, but other sources, including traditional native American origins, have been suggested over the years.

Copying Sutras to Boost Brain Power

2007-07-08T08:18:45-05:00

This is an ancient practice: laypeople have been sponsoring the copying of Sutras or doing it themselves for centuries in an effort to bring about all sorts of results, medical and otherwise. ...A Ph.D. candidate in Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he is dual-trained in Buddhist Studies and American Religious History.

Another Wonder

2007-07-08T07:54:27-05:00

Here is an e-mail received this week: I would nominate the Elora and Ajanta caves in India as potential Buddhist wonders of the world. ...The other interesting feature is that is shows a transition in Buddhist thinking where originally the depiction of living beings was forbidden, and then later approved and utilized.

Seven Buddhist Wonders

2007-06-20T20:27:38-05:00

While they wait for the Afghan government and international community decide whether to rebuild them, a $1.3 million UNESCO-funded project is sorting out the chunks of clay and plaster, ranging from boulders weighing several tons to fragments the size of tennis balls. The government has also approved the proposal of the Japanese artist Hiro Yamagata to mount a $64 million sound-and-laser show starting in 2009 that would project Buddha images at Bamiyan, powered by hundreds of windmills that would also supply electricity to surrounding residents.

A Thousand Winds

2007-06-12T22:56:43-05:00

"Sen no Kaze ni Natte" has been selling incredibly well since Akikawa's appearance at last year's Kohaku Uta Gassen (New Year's program on NHK TV in Japan). ...

Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

2007-06-07T23:19:13-05:00

On June 6, the Canadian Parliament reinforced their policy on this issue, "We are very proud to announce that our motion requesting the Burmese Government to release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest was passed with the unanimous consent of the House, " said Larry Bagnell, Chairman of Parliamentary Friends of Burma. ... REM's Michael Stipe narrates this PSA for Aung San Suu Kyi, the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Our First Advertisement

2007-06-05T07:16:46-05:00

You can online order from their web site or contact: sales@bcabookstore.com or phone (510) 809-1435, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. By the way, in the bottom left corner of the web site there is an odd reminder for a Buddhist store.....

More from the Buddhist Churches of Canada AGM

2007-05-31T23:39:47-05:00

Led by Dr. Leslie Kawamura of Calgary, a Board of Directors was chosen to begin work on projects, programs, and activities propagating Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. ...If construction is complete on the new Buddhist temple in Lethbridge, Southern Albertans have volunteered to host the 2009 meeting with the Manitoba Buddhist Temple as a backup, if required.

The Spirit of Jodo Shinshu

2007-05-31T23:33:38-05:00

In response to this, those organizations that are importing other forms of practice - Zen-style meditations, Hindu Yoga, Western Psychology, European Japanization - seem to be doing better. ...The 13th Biennial International Association of Shin Buddhist Studies Conference will be held at the University of Calgary on August 3, 4, and 5.

Construction Zone

2007-05-29T22:28:45-05:00

To accommodate a drop-off point and special events parking, there will be a small road built to the east of the temple garage, running south to what was Winnipeg Avenue.... Don't it always seem to go That you dont know what youve got Till its gone They paved paradise And put up a parking lot And while there will be more traffic and we may lose some sunshine, it will clean up the area a bit.

Toddler's Dance Destroys Monks' Intricate Sand Painting

2007-05-24T23:34:18-05:00

Eight Tibetan monks spent two days cross-legged on the floor at Union Station, leaning over to meticulously create an intricate design of colored sand as an expression of their Buddhist faith. ...Video from the Associated Press Monks are bald, so they couldn’t rip their hair out.

Temples of the Whale

2007-05-24T09:22:37-05:00

A fisherman and his wife approached him and told of their worries, saying 'we live on catching fish and eating them and selling them - would we go to hell after we die?' "And monk Shonin said, 'if you thank them and give proper service to them, praying for the resting in peace of those fish, then there will be no problem at all'.

Vesak

2007-05-21T09:13:34-05:00

The Resolution that was adopted at the World Conference reads as follows: "That this Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, while recording its appreciation of the viscous act of His Majesty, the Maharaja of Nepal in making the full-moon day of Vesak a Public Holiday in Nepal, earnestly requests the Heads of Governments of all countries in which large or small number of Buddhists are to be found, to take steps to make the full-moon day in the month of May a Public Holiday in honour of the Buddha, who is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest benefactors of Humanity."... May 1: Sri Lanka (Vesak), Malaysia (Wesak), Cambodia (Visaka Bochea - Buddha Day), Myanmar (Kason Full Moon - Buddha Day) May 2: Nepal - (Buddha Jayanti - Buddha Day), Laos - (Vesak), India (Buddha Purnima - Buddha Day), Bangladesh (Buddha Purnima - Buddha Day) May 24: Hong Kong (Buddha's Birthday), South Korea (Seokka Tanshin-il - Buddha's Birthday), Macau (Buddha's Birthday), Taiwan (Buddha's Birthday) May 31: Singapore (Vesak), Thailand (Visakha Bucha Day) June 1: Bhutan (Buddha Day), Indonesia (Waisak - Buddha Day)

John Safran vs God

2007-05-19T09:35:31-05:00

He is the host of an 8-part TV series titled "John Safran vs God"....

Into Great Silence

2007-05-18T22:58:55-05:00

Our friends at the Cinematheque Theatre in Winnipeg invite you to see "Into Great Silence". Its the first film ever made chronicling life inside the Grande Chartreuse, one of the world's most ascetic monasteries.

Jodo Shinshu High School

2007-05-18T08:05:19-05:00

Students and faculty bow their heads before and after class, and misbehaving children must do yoga and meditation as an alternative to suspension.... Fourteen seniors will get their diplomas and chant in a ceremony at the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin temple, just steps away from a college preparatory school that taught them as much about math and science as it did about respect, gratitude and peace.

First Experience in a Jodo Shinshu Temple

2007-05-14T17:29:06-05:00

The aim of this blog is to write about different religious experiences in various churches, mosques or temples.... As the sensei said in temple, your practice should be whatever floats your boat, but I'm talking about the kind of yogi who spends 400$ on a new meditation cushion or yoga mat and another 1,500 dollars on their yoga clothes.

Thanks to Calgary

2007-05-13T09:58:34-05:00

We would also like to thank Calgary for creating at link on their web site to us. So right back at you, go to the Calgary Buddhist Temple web site for more information on Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the Calgary area.

Visitors from around the World

2007-05-12T09:58:36-05:00

In the next phase of this web site, we hope to introduce more people to the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. This will be a place for the editors of this web site to share their thoughts, web sites, and recent news of the world.