Wutai Shan near Bethany Ontario
On the weekend I saw in the news that a massive Buddhist temple complex was to be dedicated near the village of Bethany in Southern Ontario. And since we were in the area we did a swing up through the lovely hills to Wutai Shan. It is the first of four planned gardens on About 1,350 acres of rural land has been purchased for the construction of four massive Buddhist gardens by the Buddhist Association of Canada. Wutai Shan is the first to be developed of the four, with a projected total cost of $80 million. We were there on the day after the dedication and meandered about the votive sculptures.
I am not a Buddhist, obviously, and I respectfully disagree with Buddhism's non-theist beliefs. I do admire its commitment to meditation and contemplation and beauty, as well as a willingness to address suffering honestly. Many Christians, including monk, mystic and activist Thomas Merton have entered into meaningful dialogue with Buddhists, including Thich Nhat Hanh.
Shambala Mountain Centre Colorado
I have visited several Buddhist retreats and temples through the years, in Colorado and Cape Breton, as well as here in Ontario. I'm struck by the care given to finding places of natural beauty as "auspicious places" and there is a sense of tranquility in these locations.
he Buddha spent all of the major events of his life amid the natural forest and the tree became the most sacred symbol throughout the Buddhist world - the Bodhi tree. The first Buddhist communities were forest dwellers and Buddhist monks initially lived under trees in natural surroundings. In Buddhist literature nature was never treated as something 'outside' the human realm but rather as an extension of human love.
Of course, Jesus spent most of his ministry en plein air calling fisherman as disciples, preaching on hillsides, telling parables which involved planting and harvest. He spent time outside and in solitude to renew his connection with the Creator God, his parent.
Yesterday's visit to Wutai Shan was worthwhile and a reminder once more of the importance of celebrating the Creator in Creation.
Shambala Mountain Centre Colorado
I have visited several Buddhist retreats and temples through the years, in Colorado and Cape Breton, as well as here in Ontario. I'm struck by the care given to finding places of natural beauty as "auspicious places" and there is a sense of tranquility in these locations.
he Buddha spent all of the major events of his life amid the natural forest and the tree became the most sacred symbol throughout the Buddhist world - the Bodhi tree. The first Buddhist communities were forest dwellers and Buddhist monks initially lived under trees in natural surroundings. In Buddhist literature nature was never treated as something 'outside' the human realm but rather as an extension of human love.
Of course, Jesus spent most of his ministry en plein air calling fisherman as disciples, preaching on hillsides, telling parables which involved planting and harvest. He spent time outside and in solitude to renew his connection with the Creator God, his parent.
Yesterday's visit to Wutai Shan was worthwhile and a reminder once more of the importance of celebrating the Creator in Creation.
Gampo Abbey Cape Breton
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