02.12.26 @2:59pm Wow…read morethis temple is nice. The minute i drive in already free the energy and peace. I would definitely recommend a drop by visit.

I was amazed with the grandeur of this beautiful oasis's…read more There are gorgeous green manicured gardens, the whole place was spot less. I enjoyed the tranquility sitting by the pond and got to enjoying listening to the water. Entry was free and you have an opportunity to donate. There is ample parking and they have a cute little store. The staff was really nice and my 1hour stay visit was memorable. This is a great place for families to come and visit and learn together.

Great place for meditator whether beginner or advanced practitioners!read more

* Temple at the heart of the community *…read more This area of Vancouver has seen a lot of change over the years, and a lot of displacement. One of the major groups that used to inhabit the area were the Japanese before World War II. They were interned and had their property and businesses taken away during the War, yet the area is still called Japantown by many. There are many remnants of the Japanese community if you look around carefully. Everything from the Japanese names in mosaic tile in front of many of the modern day non-Japanese businesses to the historical connection between the Japanese community and the neighbourhood. The Powell Street Festival highlights the community each year, and one of the things I appreciate about it is how the Japanese community is so good at integrating all members of the current community in the area. Everyone is welcome, and many aspects of the festival are designed to share both the Japanese culture and other cultures. It has a true community building feel to it. The Vancouver Buddhist Temple is at the heart of the festival and opens its doors. There was a nice ikebono display, some historical photo displays, a shiatsu clinic, and a table from the Japanese consulate explaining their various offerings. Just outside the Temple's doors the festival fills up the nearby streets and Oppenheimer park. You can find everything from a spam musubi booth to freshly made yakisoba to okonomiyaki to takoyaki to karaage, etc. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz_photos/vancouver-buddhist-church-vancouver?select=RVMiB7J595daOBluQvHb6A#RVMiB7J595daOBluQvHb6A The organizers setup everything from multiple music stages, story telling, walking tours of the neighbourhood and its history to cross-cultural tours focusing on the various groups of the area besides the Japanese (history of the Chinese, Indian, and First Nation activities in the area's history). There were also activities for all ages including even a suikawari game. (A Japanese game similar to hitting a pinata while blindfolded, but instead you hit a watermelon.) Many festivals around Vancouver are filled with the same typical corporate sponsors (I'm looking at you big banks and radio stations). None of those were in sight here. It was a very community feel overall, and made for a very nice day. All coordinated via the Vancouver Buddhist Temple headquarters! This Temple is truly at the heart of the multi-ethnic community that this area is.

What a wonderful place. Friendly people and a beautiful antique altar from Japan. Offering Dharma…read moresessions and a place to unwind.

The right Zen temple for people who live in urban area. They have ZEN YU: Young Urban Zen which…read morehappens every Monday evening. Every Wednesday is also sitting that are lead by Teacher Kate and Michael and inspiring Dharma Talks. They are both really great teachers! Once a while, they and sometimes their teacher Norman Fisher also lead retreats( like 3 days, 7 days). They also have practice period in Sep and Oct which help everyone gets prepared for the longer retreats.

This review pertains more to the annual TJ Festival but also some comments about the temple itself…read more I've been to the Temple multiple times in the past. They're a Taoist temple tucked away in a Burnaby neighborhood. The community consists of largely Taiwanese people. What i always liked about the temple is that they're not overly pushy for people who aren't believers of Taoism. Whenever I go, I'd take a packet (free) of the blessed rice (raw) home. It was my first time at the Festival and i was pleasantly surprised. As mentioned above, the temple population is mostly Taiwanese people. However, a lot of the stands and vendors consisted of local organizations. This tells me that the Temple has done a great job of establishing their community presence. There were quite a lot of vendors, and tailored to different age groups, community and interests. There was definitely something for everyone. There was also a live band stage. I would definitely come back again next year.

Low-key Taoist temple tucked away in Burnaby. Most of the community is Mandarin-speaking, but the…read morevolunteers and staff also speak English and are super kind and welcoming. Calming vibes soon as you walk in with no pressure to pray (they offer incense sticks), donate, or do anything specific, you can just do/participate as much or as little as you want here. They also offer: -Classes -Informational brochures (e.g., community programs, senior assistance) -Annual "TJ Fest" that shuts down the block with food, performances, music, and family-friendly activities. -Free community fridge. -Religious services Free parking lot attached to the temple, and lots of free street parking.

The Evergreen Taoist Church of Canada is not your everyday temple, or at least not in Thailand or…read moreMalaysia. The Evergreen Taoist Church of Canada is located on the third floor of 223 Keefer Street. All are welcome. You do not have to be Taoist to go and you are not required to give money, but some change is highly appreciated. The people in the Evergreen Taoist Church of Canada do not speak a lot of English, but some other people may. Feel free to ask questions. Just inside the door, is a cabinet that has fortune telling sticks. Feel free to open the top part of the cabinet and get a cup of the sticks. Knee and pray to God, Buddha, other deity and shake the cup until one stick falls out. Take the number on the stick and open the top drawer of the cabinet. Get the paper with the number of the stick and read your fortune. This is a good time to donate some change... The papers cost money.... You can take pictures inside the temple, but respect others. And as always, Have Fun!!!

If you are Taoist or are curious about Taoism, this temple is an excellent place to check out. We…read morewent here as part of a Chinatown tour and I am glad we did. The place can be a bit smoky from the incense burning but there's a person attending to the place and she was available to answer any questions in English. You could also try your luck at fortune telling. Just grab a canister filled with sticks and shake until 1 stick falls out. Look for the number on the stick and look it up in the nearby cabinet. Your fortune awaits on the piece of paper with your lucky number on it. No money is necessary but donations are always welcomed. =)

A place where you are in the company of Holy Monks, a place where you come out feeling happy, a…read moreplace where you feel respected and wanted, a place where food is served with love affection and care. A place where you can try to look within yourself, namely your own divinity.

Tight cramped quarters that holds an amazing myriad of goodies not just for worshiping Buddha. But…read morealso for Ying Yang, Feng Shui, items to ward off evil and items to bring good luck etc. The husband and wife team that run the store are very sweet and helpful. If they don't have what you're looking for, they can direct you to a place that might. I've been to like stores that are bigger and have more pizzazz ... but I've found things at this tiny little store I've never seen or found elsewhere. And the price is RIGHT!

The non plus ultra for the Buddha Worshipping set…read more There is literally nothing you need that you can't find here They have an excellent selection of statuary and an amazing selection of joss items for your ancestors. There are few places in the lower mainland you can find the "Hellboros" your father always loved! Also a full variety of incense styles and holders... Worth the trip!