Calgary Buddhist Temple Blog

Sundae Sunday for Sensei

Monday, August 21, 2023
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Join the Calgary Buddhist Temple on Sunday, Sept 17 as we show our appreciation to Sensei Robert Gubenco by holding a delightful Sundae Sunday. After service, there’ll be ice cream and all the fixings to share with Sensei to let him know how much we appreciate his dedication and trusted guidance.  

Everyone is welcome to join us to say thank you to Sensei and enjoy a tasty treat.

Bishop’s Statement regarding Maui

Thursday, August 17, 2023
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The Bishop of Canada, Rev. Aoki, has provided a statement in response to the devastation that followed the fires in Maui, Hawaii. The statement also provides information on how to personally send money that will be used to assist the Lahaina Sangha recover and rebuild.

(Aug 16/23) “Rev. Ai Hironaka, the Resident Minister of Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, and his family safely evacuated to Kahului City.  People are not allowed to enter Lahaina, so Rev. Hironaka cannot yet go to the temple to assess its situation.  However, by looking at the news reports, the temple buildings were burned to the ground.  I have also heard that some of the temple members lost their homes.  Indeed, a sad day for the Hongwanji community and the whole community in Lahaina.
 
Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by this disaster.”

 

Thank you for your consideration to help our fellow Sangha members in Maui.

Statement on the Wildfires and Relief Effort in Maui

Learn about the Naijin and a Butsudan

Wednesday, August 09, 2023
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Register to meet at the Temple on Sunday, Sept 17 at 1:00pm as Sangha Engagement is pleased to have Sensei Robert present the history of the Calgary alter or naijin and walk us through the significance of the various components. 

Sensei will then familiarize us with the Butsudan or home shrine. Discover or deepen your understanding about a Butsudan’s meaning, rituals, spiritual value, and upkeep.

Please registration to attend at https://bit.ly/Talk-17Sep23 – this presentation is free and open to the public so come and engage with the Sangha!

 

 

All Things Japanese

Thursday, July 20, 2023
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As part of the 2023 Calgary Japanese Festival Omatsuri taking place at Max Bell Centre on August 11 &12, the Calgary Buddhist Temple will be having a “All Things Japanese” table where we’ll be selling Japanese knick knacks and items. In order to fill these tables, we are requesting donations from our membership of Japanese items. Many of these items come from families that are downsizing or have come into these items from their parents or relatives.

If you would like to find a new home for any Japanese items in your possession where they will be greatly loved, please consider donating those items to the Temple. If you have any questions, would like to make a donation, or arrange for items to be picked up or dropped off, please contact Dan McCormack at
dan37mcc@gmail.com.

The Temple appreciates your support of this fundraiser!

Obon Weekend

Thursday, July 20, 2023
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Obon is a special time to show appreciation to all the people who passed before us whom we would not be here without.  You can join services at the temple either in-person or online on Facebook live.

Saturday, July 22nd – Cemetery Services (Mountain View Memorial Gardens – 9:00 am, Strathmore – 10:30 am, Temple Columbarium – 2:00 pm)
Sunday, July 23rd – Cemetery Services (Eden Brook Memorial Garden Service Location – 11:00 am, Queens Park Cemetery – 1:00 pm)

Sunday, July 23rd – Temple Obon Service at 3:00 pm with guest minister Rev Yoshi Ouchi

Everyone is welcome!

The Obon toban group is preparing a meal to be served after the Obon service on July 23. If you can bring something for the meal, please sign up. Thank you!

 

Fall Ikebana Classes

Thursday, July 20, 2023
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October 22 , November 5 and 19, December 3 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

The 4 classes are a series and the cost is $225 total including flower material and instruction for Temple members or $250 for non-members. No refunds for missed classes.

Students must supply their own containers (please ask Rika fora suitable size and shape), scissors and 2 kenzan (frogs). Contact Rika if you need help selecting your items, but these are not supplied as part of the lesson.

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

Rika’s contact info:  rikaandshiro@gmail.com or call 403-701-0390

Classes will be at The Calgary Buddhist Temple.