* 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.

Ling Yen Temple is a beautiful and tranquil temple with large areas where visitors can truly emerge…read morein its peacefulness. It is definitely a place I would recommend for both devotees and non devotees to experience this beautiful Buddhist Temple located in Richmond BC.

This is my favorite temple or should I say the one that I only go to. Yes. This temple is very…read morespiritual. Its clean and nice. People here are friendly and helpful. Lots of free parking as well. They have lots of events happening on weekends. Some are quite special. Especially on Chinese Holidays or Chinese festivals etc. Lots of people would even travel very far to come here.

This is the first Kagyu Monastery in the Pacific Northwest and had its grand opening 25 July 2010…read more As you can see by the posted pictures, the interior is a beautiful shade of red but is very small in terms of the number of people whom can meditate there. There are meditation classes on Sundays at 1:30pm. This monastery is located just past the intersection of Blundell Road and No. 5 Road.

Great Tibetan Monastery that under the lineage of 17 Karmapa. They offer chanting services on the…read moreweekly basis opening for the public both in English and Chinese. The lamas sometimes give dharma talks that are helpful. Once in a while, there are big ceremonies or great masters come and give lectures.

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

I grew up with little to no church or religion exposure due to my mother growing up as a unhappy…read moreJehovah's Witness within her own family. Marrying and quitting school at an early age to get out of the house, she soon after had my sister and I and from then on avoided all religion. So understanding how foreign the whole church experience is for me, this is the one amazing place that will bring you peace if you seek it - not only for the spiritual balance - but because the people give the impression of a big family environment - a happy family environment. Chairs not pews and a uplifting and often him ours sundays at 10am service. Check them out!

What sadden me sometimes, is that churches have become a place to performed rather than fostering…read moreauthentic relationship with each other. On Sunday morning people bring their best smile, best attire and carry on pretending everything is polished and perfect. I know I was one of those people. Cityview Church is unique. People there are authentic! They are interested to know what really is happening in your life and actually has the willingness to listen. No pretense that things are perfect when it's not, and there is freedom in that. Trevor Josh, the senior pastor never put himself in pedestal and the people are being challenged, tested and growing in the Lord. It is a small church and known for it's "big heart". The congregation is consist with Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Medical Practitioners, Community Weaver and Developers, Engineers, Teachers, Retired persons, stay home moms, the waywards and in between. This congregation is very diverse, but one thing in common..."saved by Grace and loving Jesus Christ". Don't take my word as grain of salt- consider checking Cityview Church, located on 4370 Sophia Street near 28th and Main in Vancouver. For more about their teaching and beliefs visit https://www.cityviewchurch.ca/sunday-messages/