Journey of our Faiths

Journeys of our Faiths is a series of public events that will give Edmontonians a taste of different faiths. It will explore the historical and current relevance of many cultural experiences and practices so as to encourage empathy, appreciation and understanding of ethnic, racial and religious differences among members of the community.

The objective is to increase public understanding of different faith groups. Participants’ involvement in the events will be only as a guests. There is no expectation for participation other than observation.

Buddhism –Friday, September 3, 2010

Have you ever wondered about Buddhism and what it means when someone says they are Buddhist? Join us for this fantastic opportunity to find out about the faith of Buddhism, its followers and their place of worship.

WHEN: Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Truc Lam Monestary (11328-97 St)

WHY: To explore the Buddhist faith

RSVP: Chelsea Rutkowski at chelsea (at) jhcentre (dot) org or call (780) 453-2638

Buddhism at a Glance:

• Buddhism is a way of living that is based on the teachings of Siddartha Gautama, Buddha Shakyamuni .
• It focuses on spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. Buddhists do not worship gods or deities. Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple.
• Buddhism teaches that all life is interconnected, since existence is a cycle of life, death, rebirth and suffering.
• Buddhists believe that nothing is fixed or permanent – change is always possible.
• The best known Buddhist teacher is the Dalai Lama, the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism.

Monastery Etiquette:

• Please dress appropriately – no shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, tank tops.
• Please keep the quiet atmosphere and no talking amongst selves. It is suggested that cell phones be off or in silent mode.
• Offering hands together in a lotus bud as a greeting to others is a practice of respect.
• Please consider that a donation may be a kind gesture.

Truc Lam Monastery

Truc Lam Monastery is  the operating headquarters for the Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute and set out with humble beginnings in 1989. The first home was based out of a nine-suite three storey building located at 106 Ave and 108 St. In 1992, the Institute moved its headquarters to a 3000 sqft center located at 101 Ave and 89 Street in 1992.

Four years later in 1996, due to rapid growth and further demand for added space, the Insitute began Breaking Ground Ceremony and construction of the current headquarters located at 11329 – 97 Street in downtown Edmonton. The building was completed in June 1997 with the support of many devoted members and the direction of Master Thich Thien Tam.

Truc Lam Monastery is a two storey building, designed and constructed with the look and feel of traditional Buddhist architecture. It is composed of 12,400 sqft of occupancy space and resided by the Master, the Abbot and the Monastic community.