Many of us, pass by Roy's Florist on our way to and from the temple. So it was a shock to hear about this weekend's fire at 710 Notre Dame Ave. We know the building from its landmark neon sign and the Japanese-Canadian mural on the side of the building. But, we also know the shop as the place where the Kaita family has worked for and supported members of our community for many years.

courtesy Winnipeg Free Press

Roy's Florist has provided flowers the Manitoba Buddhist Temple since the store opened in 1962. The flowers you see on the hondo are often donated from Roy's. They also supply bouquets for funerals, weddings and other special occasions.

We hope the Kaita family can recover from this terrible incident. Customers who want to reach current owners, Michael and Kathy Kaita can email rfltd@mts.net.

READ MORE ABOUT THE FIRE AT THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS...

Want to take a peek at a small Shin Temple in Japan? Ryokeiji Temple gives you the opportunity to do that, because most of its site has been translated in to English.

The temple belongs to the Izumoji Sect, one of the ten allied sects of Shin Buddhism in Japan. Located in the Fukui Prefecture, the temple has been in its present location for 400 years.

For over fifty years, Koju Fujieda has been the temple’s priest. He is also a Professor of English and has travelled to the U.S. and England. He has written several books including, “Dewdrops of Dharma.”

With his knowledge of both languages, he has been able translate his site for English-speaking guests. The most interesting part of the site is the Publication section. Within its folder, you will find interesting documents used to promote Buddhism to the temple’s followers. See the monthly “Dharma Cards” section that contain Buddhist sayings which are regularly sent by priests to temple members and friends. Also available is the quarterly publication, “Gunmo.” This dharma newsletter has been publishing for over 45 years.

Sensei Fujieda writes:

“Since my temple is located in the provincial area, few people visit here, except for the monthly and annual services and events.  As for English speaking guests, one or two in a few years come to the temple, mostly my friends.  So I would like a lot of English speakers to visit my web site. I would be pleased if you would tell your friends about my web site.”

Fujieda also tells us that when you visit the temple’s web site, it will not be time wasted in vain.

VISIT THE RYOKEJI TEMPLE WEB SITE...

Leading Edge Health Education Course Explores Spiritual Aspects of Care

Aboriginal, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew and Humanist will gather to explore the spiritual aspects of health care at the fifth annual Spiritual Diversity: Hope and Healing course, presented by Health Sciences Centre Spiritual Health Services and University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology.

“Healing involves the body and the spirit. It is important for health care providers to be aware of different cultural and spiritual perspectives on suffering, illness, healing, death and life,” --- Roger Armitte, Aboriginal Elder and Spiritual Health Specialist at Health Sciences Centre. 

The course is open to healthcare and social work professionals, University of Winnipeg students, community activists and volunteers, and any other interested spiritual seekers. The course may be taken for credit through University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology. Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2009, for the course beginning in September. 

This spiritual health care education program is based on principles of diversity, inclusivity, hope and healing. Students will explore their own and others’ spiritual and religious perspectives.

The curriculum combines practical and theoretical elements, featuring guest speakers from a cross-section of spiritual traditions and health care professions. In addition, students will have opportunity to be actively involved in patient care.  

Through participating in the course, past students have found deeper appreciation and respect for different traditions, a new focus for their work in the healing professions, and positive change in their relationships. 

For more information contact:
Spiritual Health Services, Health Sciences Centre
T: 787-3884
E: pfrain@exchange.hsc.mb.ca 

Faculty of Theology, University of Winnipeg
T: 786-9857 

"Fifty years after Chinese rule began, Tibet's leader is still in exile, and many fear chaos will erupt if the conflict with China isn't resolved within his lifetime." -HEADLINE FROM GLOBE AND MAIL ARTICLE

So where does that leave the people in Tibet and in the future, for Buddhism in the west? Read this comprehensive article from Canada's national newspaper. Here are some short excerpts:

In the minds of many, the Tibetan struggle and the current incarnation of the Dalai Lama, 73-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, are inextricably linked. Which is why — after a series of health scares in recent months — this year's anniversary of the Tibetan uprising is accompanied by rising concern over what might happen if the spiritual and political leader of Tibet were to die or become incapacitated before he has the chance to return home to the official residence in Lhasa he fled with his followers in 1959.

The spiritual and political ruler of Tibet through the years. First as a four-year-old peasant child about the time he was chosen Dalai Lama, as a 15-year-old wearing a gold peaked cap that is his crown and during a 1956 visit to India. Photo: Associated Press

"There's no doubt that life without the Dalai Lama, in the current state we're in, would be a terrible blow," said Lhadon Tethong, executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, one of an array of Tibetan exile groups opposed to Beijing's rule. "It's going to be awful if things are not resolved in his lifetime."

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE FROM THE GLOBE AND MAIL...