Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple
Temple·Canada·20th century·True Buddha School
The Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple is a Chinese Vajrayana Buddhist temple located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, established in 1984. It serves as a center for the True Buddha School, a global organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu. The temple is notable for its eclectic shrine featuring Buddhist deities alongside figures from Chinese folk religion and Hinduism, and it hosts various ceremonies and meditations.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1984 through private donations.
- ›Part of the global True Buddha School organization.
- ›Features an eclectic MIX of Buddhist, Chinese folk, and Hindu deities on its shrine.
- ›Offers regular ceremonies such as homas, sadhana meditations, and blessing rituals.
- ›Has an estimated 1000 members and 10 ordained members (3 monks, 7 nuns).
- ›Renovated and expanded in 2010, with Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu consecrating the premises in 2012.
Important Relationships
- Sheng-yen Lu
- Lifelike Statue of Sheng-Yen Lu
- Statue of Bodhidharma
- Statues of Yamantaka and Acala
- Statue of Guanyin
- Statue of Amitabha Buddha
- Statue of Maha Mayuri
- Statue of Ragaraja
- Shrines For Chinese Animal Horoscope Protectors
- Shrine For the Local Earth God
- Shrines For Hindu Deities
- Traditional Chinese Ancestral Shrine
- Renovation and Expansion of Premises
- Consecration Ceremony Performed By Grandmaster Sheng-Yen Lu
Chinese Buddhist, Vajrayana Buddhist
About Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple
The Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple is a significant center for Vajrayana Buddhism in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1984, it was founded through the collective efforts of individuals dedicated to practicing and spreading the teachings of Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu, the guru of the True Buddha School. The temple's name, "Pai Yuin," meaning "White Cloud," was personally designated by Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu.
History and Organization
Built entirely with private donations, the Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple is an integral part of the True Buddha School, a global organization with over 400 chapters and branches worldwide, predominantly in Asia. The temple underwent a renovation and expansion in 2010, which enhanced its main hall and shrine. In August 2012, Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu visited to conduct a consecration ceremony for the renovated premises.
Religious Practice and Deities
The temple accommodates an estimated 1000 members and hosts a variety of religious activities. These include homas (fire offerings), sadhana meditations focusing on practices like Guru Yoga and Personal Deity Yoga, mantra chanting, and bardo deliverance ceremonies for the deceased. Blessing ceremonies are also performed for purification, harmony, enrichment, and protection.
The shrine at Pai Yuin Temple is notable for its eclectic array of statues, blending Chinese, Tibetan, and Japanese Buddhist styles, alongside figures from Chinese folk religion and Hinduism. Prominent Buddhist figures include Guanyin (Avalokitesvara) and Amitabha Buddha, alongside statues of Sheng-yen Lu for visualization enhancement, Bodhidharma, Yamantaka, Acala, Maha Mayuri, and Ragaraja. Subsidiary shrines feature protectors of the Chinese animal horoscopes, the local earth god (Tudigong), and Hindu deities like Ganesh, Prithvi, and Brahma, which are frequently sought for worldly enrichment.
Temple Life and Services
The temple maintains a community of 10 ordained members, comprising 3 monks and 7 nuns, with 2 holding Acharya status. Beyond public ceremonies, these ordained members conduct funeral services and traditional Chinese practices such as Joss Stick divination and consultations for auspicious dates. On days featuring ceremonies, the temple generously offers a complimentary vegetarian (vegan) lunch to all attendees. Chinese New Year is the temple's busiest period, drawing hundreds of visitors.
The Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple is open to the public seven days a week, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, serving as an active center for Buddhist practice and community engagement.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple founded?
The Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple was built in 1984. It was established through the dedicated efforts of a small group seeking a place to practice and propagate Buddhism as taught by Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu.
What is the significance of the name "Pai Yuin"?
The name "Pai Yuin" was bestowed by Grandmaster Sheng-yen Lu. It translates literally to "White Cloud" and is the designated name for the temple.
What kind of deities are venerated at the temple?
The temple's shrine features an eclectic collection of statues. These include Buddhist figures like Guanyin and Amitabha Buddha, as well as Bodhidharma, Yamantaka, and Acala. Additionally, it incorporates protectors from Chinese animal horoscopes, local earth gods, and popular Hindu deities such as Ganesh and Brahma.
What types of ceremonies are held at the temple?
The temple conducts various ceremonies, including homas (fire offerings), sadhana meditations, mantra chanting, and bardo deliverance rites for the deceased. Blessing ceremonies are also performed for purification, harmony, enrichment, and protection.
Is the temple open to the public?
Yes, the Calgary True Buddha Pai Yuin Temple is open to the public seven days a week. Visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Does the temple offer vegetarian meals?
On days when ceremonies are conducted, the temple provides a complimentary vegetarian (vegan) lunch for all attendees. This is a common practice to support participants.
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