Vernon Buddhist Temple
4895 Bella Vista Road V1H1A1 Vernon, BC, Canada

"We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing?" Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras

A Buddhism for Ordinary People Shin Buddhism is spiritual path made for busy people who have hefty work schedules and families to take care of. As a consequence, it simplifies and spiritualizes the seemingly complex and intellectual Buddhist teachings and practices, such as the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, chanting, and meditation. It makes these teachings and practices more understandable and easier for ordinary lay people so they can experience their daily lives as a practical vehicle for inner transformation.

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truthnot going all the way, and not starting.

The greatest satisfaction comes not from chasing pleasure and avoiding pain, but from the radical acceptance of life as it is, without fighting and clinging to passing desires. Noah Levine, Against the Stream: A Buddhist Manual for Spiritual Revolutionaries

Shin Buddhism was founded over 700 years ago in Japan by the religious reformer Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1262). This Shin path is the latest branch of the greater 2,500 year old Pure Land Tradition, established in India, by the historical Buddha. The word Shin means "heart" or "core" so Shin Buddhism can mean Heart of Buddhism, but the original Japanese name of Jodo Shinshu means the "True Essence (Heart) of the Pure Land Way"

Have a great weekend.

"To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float. " -Allan Wilson Watts

Hello - Below you will find a few ways to experience Buddhism Virtually. These links have been provided to us to share by Bishop Aoki. Please enjoy Dear Dharma Friends, I hope this message finds you and your family well and healthy. I continue to stick with Youtube since Rev. Ikuta and Rev. Gubenco are offering excellent Sunday Services.... I uploaded new service video on youtube "Why we love our games?. https://youtu.be/RUYngwr-XIs Please also join other Senseis in Canada to share Buddha-Dharma! Rev. Grant Ikuta (Steveston) is offering live Zoom Sunday service, lectures, and meditation. [email protected] Rev. Robert Gubenco (Calgary) uses Facebook Live to broadcast live Sunday service and weekday evening services. [email protected] "10 things to do to cope COVID-19" by Dr. Roland Ikuta (Buddhist Temple of Southern Albert) https://www.facebook.com/pg/BuddhistTempleOfSouthernAlberta/posts/ You may check Buddhist Churches of America for their online services. https://www.buddhistchurchesofamerica.org/live-streaming-a/ Please feel free to share the service with your congregation. Please continue to take good care of yourself. In gassho, Tatsuya Aoki

Hanamatsuri, literally flower festival, is celebrated on April 8, commemorating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha became enlightened as Sakyamuni Buddha and this marks the release of sentient beings from suffering and sorrow. Today you can join a virtual Hanamatsi service with Bishop Aoki. https://youtu.be/BZCsXWpvGo8... or Buddhist Temples of Southern Alberta Service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJQvdJUmCpw&feature=youtu.be

Here is the You Tube Chanel for our Bishop Aoki. Even while social distancing it is great to hear the Dharma. https://youtu.be/XeSHougFiOM

We hope this finds you well and healthy. The Calgary Buddhist Temple would like to inform you that we will be having a Sunday service tomorrow March 29, 2020 The service will start at 11:00 am and will be streaming using Facebook Live from the group, Calgary Buddhist Temple https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalgaryBuddhistTemple/

The Vernon Buddhist Temple will be canceling all gatherings until further notice. Please be mindful of the recommendations of the Health Authorities. Take this time to appreciate your health, your home and loved ones. Take the time to experience nature and to meditate. We will get through this and we will see you soon. Namo Amida Butsu.

The Walking Meditation Tuesday March 18 in canceled. Stay healthy everyone.The Walking Meditation Tuesday March 18 in canceled. Stay healthy everyone.

The Four Noble Truths 1. The Truth of Suffering The Buddha declared that this world if full of suffering; that actual existence including birth, decrepitude, sickness and death is suffering and sorrow. This is called the Truth of Suffering.... 2. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering The cause of human suffering lies in ignorance and Karma. Ignorance and its resulting Karma have often times been called "desire" or craving. The Buddha declared: Verily it is this thirst or craving, causing the renewal of existence, accompanied by sensual delight, seeking satisfaction now here, now there - the craving for gratification of the passions, for continual existence in the worlds of sense. 3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering The extinguishing of all human ignorance and Karma results in a state known as Nirvana. This is the Truth of the Cessation of Suffering. 4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering is the Noble Eight-fold Path. The Noble Eight-fold Path 1. Right Views - to keep ourselves free from prejudice, superstition and delusion and to see aright the true nature of life. 2. Right Thoughts - to turn away from the evils of this world and to direct our minds towards righteousness. 3. Right Speech - to refrain from pointless and harmful talk to speak kindly and courteously to all. 4. Right Conduct - to see that our deeds are peaceful, benevolent, compassionate and pure; to live the Teaching of the Buddha daily. 5. Right Livelihood - to earn our living in such a way as to entail no evil consequences. 6. Right Effort - to direct our efforts incessantly to the overcoming of ignorance and selfish desires. 7. Right Mindfulness - to cherish good and pure thoughts for all that we say and do arise from our thoughts. 8. Right Meditation - to concentrate our will on the Buddha, His Life and His Teaching.

Both walking and meditation are great for your health, but when they are put together, they offer benefits that are greater than either one individually. Join the Vernon Buddhist Temple for Mindful Walking Meditation at the Vernon Japanese Cultural Society 4895 Bella Vista Rd, Vernon, BC, Tuesday March 17 7:00 - 8:00pm