Calgary Buddhist Temple Blog

Summer Ikebana Class

Monday, April 27, 2026
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Classes will be held on Saturday afternoons at The Calgary Buddhist Temple from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm. 

The 5 classes are a series and the total cost including flower material and instruction is $250 for Temple members and $300 for non-members. No refunds for missed classes.

Students must have their own containers, hand pruners and kenzan (frog). You can purchase these items from Rika or she can help you select suitable ones on your own if you contact her. These items are not included in the lesson cost.

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

光⾵未⽣流 (Kofu misho school ikebana) classes

  • June 27
  • July 11, 25
  • Aug 8, 22

Rika’s contact info koufuikebana@gmail.com

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Thank You Very Mochi & Sashiko Kits

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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We are so grateful to be able to hold services again in-person at the Temple.  Your trust, understanding, patience, and continued support, during the repairs to the temple, has been appreciated.

To celebrate, on May 24, the Temple’s Sangha (community) Engagement committee would like to provide a small token of appreciation to those who are able to attend Sunday service. Everyone in attendance can take home a piece of mochi – our way of saying “Thank you very mochi!”.

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake which carries a deep cultural significance, symbolizing prosperity, long life, and the continuity of life itself.  It is stuffed with a sweet filling, most commonly anko, a sweetened red bean paste made from azuki beans.

Sashiko Kits

Last December, we unfortunately had to cancel the “Let’s Sashiko Together” workshop so after service on Sunday, May 24, the “do-it-yourself” or DIY sashiko kits will be available for purchase for $10-$25 each. A limited number of different patterns and materials will be available to choose from.

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.  

For those who registered and paid back in December, you will have first pick from the kits. 

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Ikebana-Inspired Mother’s Day Arrangement

Monday, March 23, 2026
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Create a unique flower arrangement for your mother or someone special! Please join the Calgary Buddhist Temple Sangha Engagement as we learn about Ikebana on Saturday, May 9.

We will make a simple, ikebana-inspired arrangement which would be perfect for that special someone! This basic workshop will be lead by the amazing, Rika Saruwatari, who was trained under Ms. Takako Yokoyama, and is a certified Shihan (teacher).

All materials will be provided but if you have a pair of ikebana scissors or gardening cutters, please bring them with you.

Dharma Time/children’s session from 10am-12:00pm at a cost of $20/child (must be accompanied by an adult). To register: https://bit.ly/WindChime-09May26-am 

Adult/14+ session from 2:00pm-4:00pm. This workshop is open to the public at a cost of $30.00/person. To register:  https://bit.ly/WindChime-09May26-pm 

Deadline to register is April 30 due to the placement of the flower order.

 

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Spring Ikebana Class

Friday, February 27, 2026
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Classes will be held on Saturday afternoons at The Calgary Buddhist Temple from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm. 

The 5 classes are a series and the total cost including flower material and instruction is $250 for Temple members and $300 for non-members. No refunds for missed classes.

Students must have their own containers, hand pruners and kenzan (frog). You can purchase these items from Rika or she can help you select suitable ones on your own if you contact her. These items are not included in the lesson cost.

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

光⾵未⽣流 (Kofu misho school ikebana) classes

  • April 18
  • May 2, 16, 30
  • June 13

Rika’s contact info koufuikebana@gmail.com

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Women’s Federation T-shirt Fundraiser

Thursday, February 26, 2026
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The Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada (JSBTC) Women’s Federation (WF) have been busy with planning for the World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Hawaii, 2027. There is a lot of preparation for Canada’s participation in this event. The WF have organized a T-shirt fundraiser to help with the costs associated with participating in this convention and appreciate your support!

 

 

Interested in the 2027 World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Hawaii?  Please visit WBWC 2027 – Hawaii Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations or see WWBC_2027_POSTER

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2026 Calgary Buddhist Temple Membership

Friday, December 19, 2025
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The 2026 Calgary Buddhist Temple membership form is now online. Please consider becoming a member to help support the temple. Membership is required for voting privileges at the temple.

Memberships are $150 of which $100 goes to our national organization, Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada (JSBTC) which provides funding for the Bishop (Socho) of Canada, funding and management of health and wellness benefits for ministers, leadership through the Living Dharma Centre and financial and investment oversight.

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