Calgary Buddhist Temple Blog

Selfless Giving

Monday, October 27, 2025
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Annually, the Temple puts up a tree at the front of the hondo for the collection of toys as well as items of warm clothing for those less fortunate.  This year, the toys will be going to Baby It’s Cold Outside, and warm clothing to the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Let’s show kindness and compassion for others. 

  • New, unwrapped gift donations for children ages 0-17; and
  • New or gently used winter weather clothing items such as socks, gloves, coats, etc for all age groups.

Final day is Sunday, Nov 30 – please give generously. Money or gift card donations are welcome and should be given directly to Susan Huntley or Laurie Takeda.

Baby It’s Cold Outside (BCO)

BCO and the Temple are partnering to help bring joy to countless families across the Foothills. The toys collected through your Temple stay within the region and have become cherished surprises, lighting up children’s faces and creating lasting memories for their families.

Thanks to the support of partners, our campaign continues to grow in reach and impact. In 2024 alone, we fed 612 people and ensured 306 children received gifts, a 33% increase in family members supported compared to the previous year. These numbers represent more than just data, they reflect real families, real smiles, and real moments of hope.

Our nomination period runs from November 17 to December 12, and we are honoured to have the Temple involved again this year. To learn more about our mission and the impact of our work, please visit: www.babyitscoldoutsidecharity.com

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Sunday Services In-Person and Online

Friday, May 02, 2025
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It is our pleasure to offer Sunday Services in-person and via live-streaming – both start at 10:00am (MST). We look forward to you joining us, and everyone is welcome! 

Online live-streaming is from our Facebook group Calgary Buddhist Temple, and the relevant sections from our service book can be found here approximately one day prior:

NOTE: Temple closed from Aug 4 to Sep 6

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Mindful Lego Builders

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
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This Sunday, Nov 15, the Dharma Time kids are encouraged to bring something to the temple that they’ve created or made of lego. We’ll set up the lego builds in the hondo to share/display and talk about the creations with the Sangha.

A creative way to show mindfulness plus, any adults (or bigger kids) are also invited to share and bring-in their lego builds too! 

Everyone is invited to share in this lego mindfulness experience together!

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Ikebana Centerpiece Class

Tuesday, November 11, 2025
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This will be held on Saturday, Dec 20 from 1:30-4:30pm at the Temple – sign up by Nov 25! The price is $80 including flowers and materials:

  • This class uses green foam (oasis)
  • Students must bring their own container and scissors

Rika Saruwatari trained under Ms. Takako Yokoyama, and became a certified Shihan (teacher) in 2012.

Contact koufuikebana@gmail.com for questions and to register.

(lovely ikebana centerpiece done previously)

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Let’s Sashiko Together

Sunday, November 09, 2025
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Sashiko (刺し子), meaning “little stabs,” is a traditional Japanese decorative and functional embroidery technique that uses simple, repeating running stitches to mend, reinforce, and embellish fabric. Historically, it was practiced by rural communities to repair and strengthen clothing and textiles.

Today, sashiko is celebrated as both a practical repair method and a distinct form of decorative art, known for its geometric patterns and meditative process. This is a “do-it-yourself” (self guided) activity to discover or re-discover sashiko as well as take time to enjoy each other’s company before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Cost is $10/person and registration is required.  REGISTER

Different patterns and materials will be available to choose from so we can all work on a project and support each other while we learn as a Sangha.

We gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.

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Chow Mein Supper

Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Our popular and much anticipated Chow Mein Supper held on October 25 was SOLD OUT and a huge success because of you!  Thank you to all the people who supported the Temple by purchasing tickets and to all the wonderful volunteers.  Without your kindness and generosity, we would not be able to do what we do.

Gassho.

 

 

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Kokoro No Taiko (“Taiko of the Heart”)

Tuesday, September 23, 2025
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11:00am-12:00pm – Drum with all your heart with the Calgary Buddhist Temple Sangha who are honored to have the renown group, Midnight Taiko Kai, hold a 1 hour introductory workshop at the Temple. Come and engage with the members of Midnight and the Sangha, gain an overview of the history of Taiko, learn about the different Taiko drums used in an ensemble, and let loose.

No experience necessary – just dress comfortably and be prepared to enjoy a fun, high energy drumming session.

Cost is $20.00/person (minimum age is 12) – space is limited and if full, there is a possibility of a second intro session in the afternoon on the same day based on Waitlist.

Click here to Register

This thrilling workshop is open to the public and we gratefully acknowledge support from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society.

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