Manitoba Buddhist Temple Editor's Blog

Living Peace

2008-10-05T09:08:20-05:00

The Tibet Center in collaboration with the Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement was proud to sponsor LIVING PEACE: Spiritual Approaches to Achieving Inner Peace, a series of seminars and workshops where teachers and leaders of different faith backgrounds will present their respective techniques for realizing inner peace.

Buddhist Economics

2008-10-03T20:55:17-05:00

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the E.

One Year Later

2008-09-25T22:51:11-05:00

Meanwhile, eight Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, released a joint-statement this week marking the anniversary of the “Saffron Revolution” by urging the people of Burma to “maintain nonviolence, determination and vigilance—despite the odds.”

Through a Buddhist Lens

2008-09-13T07:33:49-05:00

It features seven films followed by discussions led by Ministers of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism including Sensei Ulrich of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple.

Jodo Shinshu Day in Canada

2008-09-11T09:16:51-05:00

Today, if you go to internet and check Buddhism in Canada, you will be surprised to know there have been hundred of groups in many Buddhist traditions mushrooming throughout the country , which never existed 40 years ago. Therefore, I think it was a good choice to put the name of Jodo Shinshu in front to clarify our mission.

Buddha Cat

2008-09-03T19:58:17-05:00

My daughter, who recently began fostering six kittens, finds this video very amusing.

Dharma Talks on iTunes

2008-08-31T18:01:55-05:00

Sensei Siebuhr went back to school to study Japanese language and Jodo ShInshu teachings in 1991, and in 1994, received his BA in Religious Studies from California State University, Fullerton.

12 Hour Chanting Marathon

2008-08-22T14:40:49-05:00

As we read the scriptures over and over, we are also reminded of Shinran Shonin’s wish for humankind as he wrote, "May there be peace in the world and may the Buddha’s teaching spread."

The Gold Medal of Life

2008-08-21T20:14:01-05:00

If we can begin to accept this reality then we can begin to realise the importance of the Jodo Shinshu teachings for us. Even though our life may not unfold as we have planned, we are the focus of Amida Buddha's great compassion, just as we are.

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."

Buddhism and the Environment

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

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.

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

Funeral Buddhism

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

-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.

Former BCC Bishop dies

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

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.

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.

Birth of the Buddha Celebration

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

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.

Jodo Shinshu BTC AGM

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

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

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.

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.

Dharma Realm

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

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 Dali Lama, the Torch and Steve

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

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.

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.

How to Cook Your Life

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

Kind Words from Dr. Kawamura

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

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.

Introducton to Buddhism

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

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

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.

Meditate Online

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

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.

2008 New Year's Message from the Bishop

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

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

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”.

Tokyo Bouz Collection

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

Jodo Shinshu Reaches Out

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

"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.

Meditation Question

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

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.

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.

The Latest from Lethbridge

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

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.

Blessings of the Buddhas

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

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

"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.

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.

Dalai Lama to Meet Canadian PM

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

-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).

True Compassion

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

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.

Calgary Buddhist Film Series

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

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

More from the Simpsons

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

Shin Buddhist Conference in Calgary

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

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.

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.

Uma's Dad

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

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!

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.

Another Wonder

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

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

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

Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

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

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.

More from the Buddhist Churches of Canada AGM

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

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

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

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.

Temples of the Whale

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

"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."

John Safran vs God

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

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".

Jodo Shinshu High School

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

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

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

Visitors from around the World

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

This will be a place for the editors of this web site to share their thoughts, web sites, and recent news of the world.