Buddhism in Toronto

Buddhist in Toronto rebirth in Toronto samsara

Buddhism in Toronto (GTA) west of the DVP/404, including Toronto Island, York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Oakville, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Markham, Maple, Brampton, and Caledon East.

Copyright © 1998, 2008 Buddhist Women's Network of Toronto

  • Amida Temple
  • Chùa A Di Đà
  • 1118 - 1120 Queen St. W
  • Toronto, Ont. M6J 1H9
  • meeting place: 101 Lisgar Street (corner of Lisgar and Queen Street West)
  • 416-533-3200
  • Resident director and teacher: (Rev.) Thích Chân Bổn, Pure Land school.
  • Activity: see Web site at www.anlac.ca
  • Languages: Vietnamese and English
  • Updated August 25, 2005
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  • Awakened Meditation Centre
  • (Nine Mountains Zen Gate Society)
  • 134 Sixth St (Islington & Lakeshore)
  • Etobicoke, Ont. M8V 3A5
  • 416-588-3251; fax: 416-588-7019
  • Spiritual head and resident director: Ven. Hwasun Yangil Sunim; Korean Gan Hwa (Koan) Zen tradition.  For details, see web site at: http://www.awakenedmeditationcentre.com.
  • Languages: Korean, English
  • Updated September 5, 2007
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  • Brampton Buddhist Mission Centre
  • 133A Main St. South
  • Brampton, ON. L6Y 1N2
  • 905-454-6649; Fax: 905-454-9796
  • e-mail: bbuddhistmissioncentresympatico.ca
  • Chief Incumbent: Venerable Wijesiripura Pangnasara Thero
  • Since 2008
  • Activities: Monthly Sil, Weekly Meditation, Dhamma Talks, Spiritual Services & Counselling, Public Buddha Vandana & Chant, Administering of Blessings to lay people, Special Dhamma Talks and Meditation Programs to young generation, Dhamma School for Young generation, Buddhist and Interfaith Forums, Community Networking for Newcomers
  • Contact: Venerable Wijesiripura Pannasara Thero
  • Languages used: English, Sinhala
  • Updated April 3, 2008
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  • Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA)
  • 6525 Millcreek Dr.
  • Mississauga, Ont. L5N 7K6
  • 905-814-0465; fax: 905-814-0469
  • e-mail: infofgs.ca
  • Since 1997
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Master Hsing Yun; Humanistic Buddhism; affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan
  • Activities: see Web site at http://www.fgs.ca/english/index.html
  • Contact: Stanley Kwan, president
  • Updated 21 April, 2002
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  • Buddhist Association of Canada
  • Cham Shan Buddhist Library
  • 1224 Lawrence Ave W
  • Toronto, Ontario M6A 1E3
  • 416-784-1357
  • Activities: library, gallery
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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  • Buddhist Association of Canada
  • Hong Fa Temple 
  • 1330 Bloor St. W
  • Toronto, Ont. M6H 1P2
  • 416-537-1342 (phone and fax)
  • e-mail: hongfatemplenetzero.net
  • Head: Rev. Sing Hung & Rev. Shing Cheung; Pure Land school
  • Since 1968; 3 storey building, 2 meditation halls, library
  • Activities: Open weekends 10 AM - 5 PM; open to all; Dharma talks, meditation, chanting services, library open to the public. 
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, English
  • Updated July 16, 2006
    •
  • Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
  • 3636 Steeles Ave, East Suite 313
  • Markham, Ontario L3R 1T9
  • 905-947-1182; fax: 905-947-4655
  • Activity: charitable foundation. For details, see web sites at www.tzuchipeople.ca and en.tzuchi.ca
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English
  • Updated October 24, 2006
    •
  • Buddhist Education Foundation for Canada
  • 300 Bathurst Street
  • Toronto ON M5T 2S3
  • (416) 603-8889 (Chinese) Rev. Jian Hong or (416) 993-1940 (English) Chris Ng
  • e-mail: BuddhistEduFoundationrogers.com
  • President: Rev. Wu De
  • Since 2001. A public foundation and registered charity.
  • Activities: fund-raising events to support Buddhist studies in Canadian Universities. Thus far, we have sponsored two Buddhism courses at the University of Toronto via five-year gift agreements. Currently, we have a fund-raising goal of raising $1.5 to $3 million to endow either a Visiting Professorship or a Chair in Buddhist studies at the University of Toronto at Scarborough to support their Principal's initiative to raise $10 million in private endowments for Buddhist studies.
  • Updated October 24, 2006
    •  
  • Buddhist Practice Group — First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
  • 175 St. Clair Avenue West
  • Toronto, Ontario M4V 1P7
  • fax: 416-924-9655
  • This is a lay-led group, operating within the context of the First Unitarian Church of Toronto.
  • Since October, 1999. Group meets in the First Unitarian Church, a church building with one large meeting room with capacity for 500, two large service halls, a library, chapel and two dining facilities.
  • Activities: Meetings are held every Tuesday 7 - 9 PM. We also hold retreats on the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM (excluding July and August).
  • Language: English
  • Contacts: Engo Scott murrayscott1sympatico.ca at (905) 770-5466
  • Updated March 31, 2008
    •
  • Bul Kwang Sa
  • Jong-Hae Zen Meditation Centre
  • 2588 St. Clair Ave. W
  • Toronto, Ont. M6N 1L9
  • 416-769-1874
  • Korean Chogye Zen school
  • Languages: Korean, English
  • Contact: Moon Ja Sun Priese
  • Updated October 24, 2006
  • Canadian Chinese Buddhist Ming-Yuet Society
  • 22 Cecil St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5T 1N2
  • 416-598-4596
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Updated October 24, 2006
  • Cham Shan Temple
  • 7254 Bayview Ave.
  • Toronto, Ont. L3T 2R6
  • 905-886-1522; fax: 905-881-0386
  • Residential Director: Ven. Sing Hung Fa Shi, Ven. Dayi Fa Shi
  • Affiliated with Hong Fa Temple
  • Large temple in the Chinese Tradition; several buildings
  • Activities: regular services for the Chinese liturgical year; children's programs. For details, see the Web site at www.chamshantemple.org
  • Contact: day time
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, English
  • Updated July 17, 2006
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  • Centre of Gravity Sangha
  • Studio behind 56 Fern Avenue
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • 416 631 4260
  • e-mail: stonelook.ca
  • Since 2004, a small building located in the west end of Toronto with handicap access
  • Led by Michael Stone, a lay teacher
  • Activities: We focus on one-on-one teaching in addition to public meditation courses and retreats as well as education for clinicians. We offer sutra studies in conjuction with meditation instruction so that students can integrate both practice and theory in an embodied way. Weekly Yoga classes as well as meditation classes for both complete beginners and experienced practitioners. For more information, see web site at www.mindbodypsychotherapy.com
  • Language used: English
  • Updated March 8, 2008
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  • Chùa Linh Sơn
  • Chua Linh Son Buddhist Association
  • (Sacred Mountain Temple)
  • 1 Howard Park Ave.
  • Toronto, Ont. M6P 1V3
  • 416-537-9112
  • Spiritual head: Thích Trí Dũng; Pure Land school
  • Languages: Vietnamese
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Chùa Pháp Vân
  • Phap Van Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Centre of Ontario
  • 420 Traders Blvd. E.
  • Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1W7
  • 905-712-8809; fax: 905-712-8836
  • e-mail: ThichTamHoaPhapVan.ca
  • Resident Abbot: Thích Tâm Ḥa; spiritual teacher: Rev. Thich Nhat Quan; Pure Land; associated with the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Canada
  • Activities: recite sutra on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.  Weekly Sunday service from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Both in Vietnamese.  Visitors are welcome. For more information, visit our Web site at www.phapvan.ca
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Chùa Phổ Hiền Buddhist Community Temple
  • Chua Pho Hien
  • 722 The Queensway (at Royal York Road)
  • Etobicoke, Ont. M8Y 1L3
  • 416-252-1761
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Chan Toan
  • Since 1994 (formerly Hue-Lam Bikkhuni Buddhist Community Temple)
  • Contact: Tom Thuan Ngua 416-362-1375 or 416-594-1306 evenings; fax: 416-362-4881
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • Updated October 24, 2006
    •
  • Chùa Phổ Hiền
  • 49 Milvan Drive
  • Toronto, Ontario M9I 1Y8
  • 416-740-3355
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • Spiritual director: Tỳ Kheo Thích Chơn Toàn
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Chuen Te Buddhist Society
  • 204 Beverley St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5T 1Z1
  • 416-595-5233
  • Activities: discussions about Buddhism
  • Contact: Mr Lam
  • Language: Cantonese
  • Updated May 2, 1998
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  • Dharma Drum Toronto
  • Unit 201, 1041 Avenue Road
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • English: 416-937-0986; Mandarin: 416-621-7885; Cantonese: 416-483-9857
  • e-mail: ddmbarogers.com
  • Spiritual head: Master Sheng-yen, Chinese Ch'an; associated with Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Association
  • Activities: see web site at www.ddmba-toronto.org
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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  • Dharma Friends
  • 177 Mutual St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5B 2P6
  • 416-935-1759
  • e-mail: qdharmaweb.ca
  • Since 1999. The group meets in a party room of an apartment building at 177 Mutual St.
  • Dharma Friends supports Buddhist sitting meditation practice in Toronto's Gay and Lesbian community. It brings together the diverse Buddhist traditions (Tibetan, Zen, Vipassana). The Dharma Friends cultivate a social environment that is inclusive and caring. The group welcomes anybody who embraces gay people as equal.
  • Activity: We meet every Wednesday 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM for sitting meditation. The program occasionally includes guest lectures. Occasional retreats. For more information, see Web site at www.web.net/~qdharma/
  • Contact: Joseph
  • Updated 18 May, 2004
    •
  • Dharma Practice Group Of Newmarket
  • meeting location: 17030 Yonge St
  • Newmarket, Ont. L3Y 5Y1
  • Since 2003
  • Activities: meetings on Fridays at 7 - 9 PM
  • Contact: Philippa at 905-727-3621 (please do NOT call after 8 PM)
  • Updated January 10, 2007
    •  
  • Drikung Kagyu Office
  • 44 Captain's Way
  • Toronto, Ont. M1V 5G7
  • 416-321-5663; fax: 416-321-5170
  • email: DKOffice2001aol.com
  • Spiritual Head: His Holiness The Drikung Kyabgons (one in India and the other in Tibet); Drikung Kagyu lineage
  • Local Lay Directors: Tashi Jamyanglaing (he) and Genyen Jamyangling (she)
  • Since 1997, out of home
  • Activities: invite Tibetan lamas and organize religious teachings; organize The Mystical Music and Dance of Tibet (ongoing); workshops on the use and benefit of Tibetan herbal remedies; chanting and meditation sessions for self-healing
  • Languages: English, Tibetan
  • Updated 20 April, 2001
  • Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto
  • International Buddhist Progress Society of Toronto--IBPS
  • 6525 Millcreek Dr.
  • Mississauga, Ont. L5N 7K6
  • 905-814-0465; fax: 905-814-0469
  • e-mail: infofgs.ca
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Master Hsing Yun; Humanistic Buddhism; affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan
  • Resident Director and Teacher: Ven. Yung Ku
  • Since 1996
  • Activities: chanting, meditation, Dharma classes, scouts, study groups, young adult group, Tai Chi, and various special-interest classes.  For more information, see: www.fgs.ca
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English 
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Friends of the Heart Meditation and Healing Centre
  • 2510 Yonge Street, Suite 324
  • Toronto, Ont. M4P 2H7
  • 416-486-5105
  • e-mail: fohfriendsoftheheart.com
  • Spriritual director: Catherine Jetsun Yeshe; nonsectarian; visiting teachers includes Ven. Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche
  • Since 1990
  • Activities: day and evening classes, retreats, meditation instruction with an emphasis on integrating compassion and clarity into everyday life. Teachings on Buddhist as well as Western wisdom systems. Ten-week introductory program, semi-annual and annual membership. Mentoring program, e-mail coaching, private consultations available. For more information, see Web site at www.friendsoftheheart.com.
  • Language: English
  • Updated April 4, 2005
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  • Fu Sien Tong Buddhist Temple
  • 185 Niagara St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5V 1C9
  • 416-504-4486
  • Since 1984
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Poyu (Ba Ngu) Fa Shi; Pure Land school
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese
  • Gaden Chöling
  • Gaden Choling Mahayana Buddhist Meditation Centre
  • 637 Christie St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M6G 3E6
  • 416-651-3849
  • e-mail: gadeninterlog.com
  • Spiritual head and resident director: Ven. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche; Gelugpa
  • Since 1980
  • Activities: regular teachings on Buddhist philosophy and practice as well as initiations and private interviews; for more details, see Web site at http://www.gadencholing.org/
  • Languages: English, Tibetan
  • Updated October 3, 2000
    •
  • Hue Lam Buddhist Temple
  • Blooming Forest Bhikkhuni Buddhist Association
  • 236 Rhodes Ave
  • Toronto, Ont. M4L 3A1
  • 416-778-7315
  • Spiritual director: Thích Nữ Như Linh & Thích Nữ Như Tâm; Pure Land school
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • April 28, 2005
    •
  • Jileh Buddhist Association of Canada
  • 7609 Kennedy Rd.
  • Markham, Ont. L3R 0L8
  • 905-947-0082
  • Updated May 10, 2005
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  • Karma Sonam Dargye Ling
  • Karma Kagyu Centre of Toronto
  • 86 Vaughan Rd.
  • Toronto, Ont. M6C 2M1
  • 416-653-5371
  • e-mail: shelley-rmtsympatico.ca
  • Ven. Choje Lama Namse Rinpoche; Karma Kagyu school; affiliated with Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
  • Resident director: Choje Lama Namse Rinpoche
  • Since 1976; a centre for teaching and practice of Tibetan Buddhism under the auspices of His Holiness XVII Gyalwang Karmapa
  • Activities: daily practice, special programmes, retreats at the centre and in the country; open to everyone; for more information, see Web site at ksdl.org
  • Contact: Alice Courtney 416-920-4378; Shelley Shakespeare 416-778-4514/5981; Paul Fanning 416-588-4528
  • Languages: Tibetan, English
  • Updated 22 February, 2004
    •
  • Karma Tekchen Zabsal Ling
  • 13900 Leslie Street,
  • Aurora, Ontario L4G 7C8
  • 905-726-8885
  • e-mail: generalkagyubuddhist.org
  • Spiritual director: The Very Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche of the Tibetan/Kagyu Lineage; Resident Lama: Lama Tashi Dondup
  • Established in 2002.
  • Activities: Regular Pujas, teachings and meditation instruction when Lama Tashi is in residence. For more information, see Web site at www.ktzl.org
  • Languages: Teachings in English; pujas in Tibetan
  • Updated January 24, 2007
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  • Khmer Buddhist Temple of Ontario
  • Wat Khmer Toronto
  • 9575 Keele St.
  • Maple, Ont. L6A 1R6
  • 905-303-0077
  • Resident director and teacher: Ven. Phra Hun By
  • Languages: Khmer, English
  • Updated April 28, 2005
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  • Newmarket Zen Group
  • 244 Main Street South
  • Newmarket, ON
  • e-mail: newmarketzengmail.com
  • Since 2007
  • Under the guidance of Greg Samuelson and Ven. Hwasun Yangil Sunim; Ko-An Zen tradition
  • Activities: see www.awakenedmeditationcentre.com
  • Contact: Greg at 416-838-4305
  • Language: English
  • Updated December 30, 2007
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  • Linh-Son Buddhist Association of Toronto
  • 3325 Dundas Street W.
  • Toronto, Ont. M6P 2A6
  • 416-761-9953
  • Head: Ven. Thich Tri Dung
  • Languages: Vietnamese
    •
  • Look Again
  • meeting location: 95 Lavinia Ave, Toronto
  • mailing address: 72 Indian Road Crescent, Toronto ON M6P 2G1
  • 647-999-8966
  • e-mail: infolookagain.ca
  • Since 2004
  • Lay teacher: Franca Leeson
  • Activity: meditation classes, retreats, and workshops.  For details see web site at www.lookagain.ca
  • Updated November 20, 2006
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  • Mahadhammika Buddhist Vihara
  • Burma Buddhist Association of Ontario
  • 12 High Meadow Place
  • Toronto, Ont. M9L 2Z2
  • 416-747-7879
  • e-mail: ven.ghosakagmail.com
  • Resident director and teacher: Ven. Ashin Kawwida; Theravada, Abhidharma
  • Since 1985
  • Activities include: Summer school for children every Sunday at 4:00pm to 6:300pm. Dhamma school for children every Saturday at 4:00pm to 6:30pm.
  • Languages: Burmese, English
  • Updated December 18, 2007
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  • Mahamevna Bhavana Asapuwa Toronto
  • 7 Sydnor Rd
  • Toronto, Ontario M2M 2Z9
  • 416-221-1917
  • e-mail: infogautamabuddha.ca
  • Since July 9, 2006
  • Founder: the Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnananada Thero. Theravada
  • Activities: Dharma talks every day. Monthly Uposotha Day Atasil. Special programs for children and youth. Other special programs. All services are free. For more details, see web site at www.gautamabuddha.ca
  • Languages: Sinhala, English (on Fridays only)
  • Updated November 20, 2006
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  • The Mindfulness Practice Community of Toronto
  • meeting place: 214 Wright Ave., Fellowship Room
  • Toronto, Ont. M6R 1L3
  • e-mail: davidfrankeol.ca
  • Spiritual teacher: Thich Nhat Hanh; coordinator: Minh & Dieu Lien Nguyen
  • Since 1997. Using the Fellowship Room at the Emmanuel Howard Park United Church
  • Activities: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM on Saturdays. Sitting & walking meditation, dharma talks, discussion, picnics, gardening, service.  For details, see Web site at www.mindfulnesspractice.ca
  • Language: English
  • Contact: Minh & Dieu Lien Nguyen (thuonghyyahoo.com)
  • Updated December 5, 2005
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  • The Mindfulness Practice Community at U of T
  • 33 St George St
  • (at the International Students' Centre)
  • Toronto, Ont. M5S 2E3
  • Spiritual teacher: Thich Nhat Hanh; coordinator: Ghan Chee
  • Since 2004. University meeting room.
  • Activities: Fridays 5 - 7 PM: sitting and walking meditation; study of Buddhist texts; and discussion of our practice of mindful living. Sometimes, we go out for dinner afterwards, and we're planning on having some picnics when the weather get warmer! .  For details, see Web site at mindfulnesspractice.sa.utoronto.ca
  • Language: English
  • Contact: Ghan Chee (davidghaneol.ca)
  • Updated 15 January 2004
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  • Mountain Moon Sangha
  • Toronto, Ont.
  • e-mail: infomountainmoon.org
  • Urban; Zendo is in an apartment
  • Spiritual head: Sei'un An Roselyn Stone, authorized Zen master (Junshike) in the Sanbo Kyodan lineage (in Brisbane from August to October each year, otherwise in Toronto). Japanese Soto/Rinzai
  • Activities: weekly meditation, individual guidance; 1-day and weekend intensives; sesshin; orientation programme for beginners; for more details about both the Toronto and Brisbane centres, see the Web site at www.mountainmoon.org
  • Language: English
  • Updated December 29, 2006
    •
  • Nalandabodhi Toronto Study Group
  • PH4-55 Maitland St.
  • Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1C9
  • 416 925 2699
  • e-mail: studynbtoronto.org
  • Spiritual head: The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Tibetan
  • Activity: Study Group members meet once a month on a Saturday for community practice. The practice lasts two hours and is followed by a potluck lunch. Practice includes shamatha (calm abiding meditation) and analytical meditation.
  • Updated August 3, 2004
    •
  • Nalanda College of Buddhist Studies
  • 47 Queen's Park Crescent East
  • Toronto, Ont. M5S 2C3
  • e-mail: registrarnalandacollege.ca 
  • Activities: see the Web site at www.nalandacollege.ca
  • Updated January 27, 2004
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  • North American Fulong Dharma Centre
  • 533 Tipperton Crescent
  • Oakville, Ontario L6L 5E1
  • 416-451-2063; fax: 905-825-9193
  • infohaikong.ca
  • Director: Wen Tang; Spiritual director: Abbot Shi Haikong
  • Activities: Thursday 7 PM - 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM, Sunday 2 - 5 PM: programme, introductory meditation courses, cultural programs, Dharma discussions, retreats; open to all. For details, see web site at www.haikong.ca
  • Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Updated: November 3, 2006
    •
  • Northwoods Mindfulness Community
  • mailing address: Box 23044,
  • 437 Spadina Rd.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5P 2W0
  • 416-927-8072
  • nmcislandnet.com
  • Directors: Beverly Yates; Vipassana
  • Activity: Meditation and dharma talk every Wednesday at 6:45 PM in the Sunnyside Lounge, in the Sunnyside Building, of St. Joseph's Health Centre; occasional retreats. For details, see Web site at www.nmcto.org
  • Updated February 2, 2005
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  • Ontario Zen Group
  • 1041 Avenue Rd, Unit 201
  • Toronto, Ont. M5N 2C5
  • 416-239-6222
  • e-mail: januszmadejrogers.com.
  • Abbott: Janusz Madej, Korean Zen, Kwan Um school
  • Activity: meditation on Tuesdays 7 - 9 PM. For details, see web site at www.ontariozen.com/
  • Languages: English
  • Contact: Janusz Madej
  • Updated February 26, 2008
    •
  • Pyung Hwa Sa
  • 12085 Yonge St
  • Richmond Hill, Ont.  L4E 3M4
  • 905-883-6317
  • Chogye Zen
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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  • Rigpa Toronto Study and Practice Group
  • Mailing address: 25 Eagle Rd
  • Toronto, Ontario M8Z 4H4
  • 416-231-7179
  • e-mail: torontorigpacanada.org
  • Spiritual head: Sogyal Rinpoche; affiliated with Rigpa and Rigpa Canada
  • Since 1999; meet at Yonge and Eglinton, Mondays, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
  • Activity: Monday evening meetings to study and practice the teachings passed on by Sogyal Rinpoche; includes readings, discussions, meditation, and videos. For more information, see Web site at www.rigpacanada.org
  • Contact: Wes Machnio
  • Updated April 11, 2005
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  • Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple
  • Riwoche Society
  • 28 Heintzman St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M6P 2J6
  • 416-766-7964; phone and fax (call before you fax): 416-944-8488
  • e-mail: pemariwoche.com
  • Spiritual head and resident director: Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tobgyal Rinpoche; Tibetan tradition, Talung Kagyu and Nyingma schools
  • Since 1990; traditional Tibetan temple, shrine room seats 80-125 people
  • Activities: weekly meditation, meditation instruction, retreats, visiting teachers, lectures, small store; open to all interested. For more information, see Web site at www.riwoche.com
  • Contact: 416-766-7964, days or evenings before 10 PM
  • Languages: Tibetan, English, French, Polish
  • Updated July 4, 2005
    •
  • Sangha Council of Ontario Buddhist Ministry
  • 134 Sixth St (Islington & Lakeshore)
  • Etobicoke, Ont. M8V 3A5
  • 416-588-3251; fax: 416-588-7019
  • Contact: Ven. Hwasun Yangil, president
  • Activities: umbrella organization of ordained Sangha of the Ontario region; organizing the Buddhist Celebration for Canada and World Peace
  • Meetings are conducted in English, but interpreters are available
  • Updated September 5, 2007
    •
  • Shambhala Meditation Centre of Toronto
  • 670 Bloor St. W, 3rd floor
  • Toronto, Ont. M4W 1L2
  • 416-588-6465
  • e-mail: torontoshambhala.org
  • Head: Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche; Tibetan Karma Kagyu and Nyingma; affiliated with Shambhala International, Halifax; founded by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
  • Since 1975
  • Activities: traditional practice, courses, Shambhala training programs, intruduction to meditation, contemplative arts, visiting teachers; for more information, see our Web site at http://toronto.shambhala.org. Open to the public, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7:00 to 8:00 medition sitting and instruction for new meditators available; afterward sittings, there are talks, courses and discussion groups. Also open some Saturday and Sunday mornings, check calendar for details.
  • Contact: leave message on voice mail or use e-mail, which is monitored by George Free
  • Languages: English
  • Updated September 6, 2006
    •
  • Shambhala Meditation Group of Mississauga
  • meeting location: 1575 Clarkson Road (in the Can Dance studio at the far end)
  • Mississauga, Ontario
  • 416-258-4430 Ryan Kinghorn or 905-821-7000 ext 221 Debbie McCubbin
  • e-mail infoshambhala-mississauga.org
  • Since 2006
  • Spiritual head Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, affiliated with Shambhala community internationally
  • Activity: meditation sittings Sunday 10-11 AM, followed by tea and (optional) courses or informal talks; meditation instruction is offered in a separate room at the same time. For more information, see web site at www.shambhala-mississauga.org
  • Language: English
  • Updated September 6, 2006
  • Soka Gakkai International Association of Canada (SGI Canada)
  • SGI Canada Culture Centre
  • 2050 Dufferin Street
  • Toronto, Ont. M6E 3R6
  • 416-654-3211; fax: 416-654-3539
  • e-mail: postmastersgicanada.org
  • Nichiren School
  • Activities: Introductory and basics classes held at the centre every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. All classes are free of charge. The Centre bookstore in the centre is open every Wednesday evening. Books on Nichiren Buddhism and titles by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda are available. See also the Web site of SGI Canada at www.sgicanada.org.
  • Languages: Local discussion and study meetings are held in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish. Monthly study meetings at the centre are held in Japanese and Korean. Introductory and basics courses are in English only at the present time.
  • Updated March 17, 2008
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  • Spring Rain Sangha
  • mailing address: 365 Roncesvalles Avenue, Box 224
  • Toronto, Ontario M6A 2M8
  • meeting location: The Friends House (Quakers), 60 Lowther Avenue, Toronto
  • 416-410-0251
  • e-mail: dharmahelpspringrainsangha.com
  • Since 1999.  Meetings are held at The Friends House
  • Founder and lay teacher: Philip Starkman; Mahasi Vipassana, as taught by Sayadaw U Pandita; also include the two Vajrayana practices of Tonglen and a simple form of Phowa.
  • Activity: weekly meditation Tuesdays 7:15 - 9 PM. Frequent retreats.  For details, see Web site at www.SpringRainSangha.com
  • Language: English
  • Contact: Philip Starkman
  • Updated February 22, 2008
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  • Tai Bay (Ching Kwok) Buddhist Temple of Toronto
  • Chùa Chánh Giác
  • 300 Bathurst St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5T 2S3
  • 416-603-8889; fax: 416-603-1608
  • Ven. Wu De (Ngo Duc) Fa Shi; Pure Land school; affiliated with Tai Bay Buddhist Temple and Retreat Centre in Whitby and also Mui Kwok Buddhist Temple in Edmonton
  • Since 1992. Building with shrine hall, kitchen, large eating area, second meditation hall, library.
  • Activities: contact the temple for details.
  • Contact: Bikshuni Jian Hong at 416-603-8889 or Lucy Chang at lucy_changmaritimelife.ca,  416-687-4494 or 416-609-8488
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, English
  • Updated July 3, 2004
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  • Tengye Ling Tibetan Buddhist Temple
  • 11 Madison Ave.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5R 2S2
  • (near Bloor and Spadina)
  • 416-966-4656; fax: 921-9528
  • e-mail: tengyelingtengyeling.ca
  • Tibetan/Geluk-pa school;
  • spiritual leader: Ven. Lama Panchen Otrul Rinpoche; resident spiritual director: Ven. Lama Tenzin Kalsang; affiliated with Thukche Chöling Monastery Nunnery, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Since 1990; a house with a shrine room, small Dharmaware and bookshop; parking
  • Activities open to the public: Lam-rim teachings every Tuesday at 7:30 PM; instruction and group practice of mindfulness of breathing and walking meditation; Guru Puja every second Saturday at 7:30 PM (call to confirm dates); retreats; visiting Geluk-pa teachers.
  • Activities for members only: private counseling, Buddhist group therapy.
  • For more information, see Web site at www.tengyeling.ca
  • Languages: English
  • Updated June 9, 2004
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  • Theravada Buddhist Community
  • meeting location: The Centre, 316 Dupont Street (near Dupont subway station)
  • Toronto, Ont. M5R 1V9
  • 416-657-2269
  • e-mail: tbc.torontogmail.com
  • Since 1986
  • A lay community under the guidance of Ven. Ajahn Viradhammo; Theravadan; affiliated informally with other Thai Forest communities: Tisarana Monastery, Arrow River Community, Birken Buddhist Monastery, Ottawa Buddhist Society and the Theravada Buddhist Community of Vancouver
  • Activities: public meditation sitting on Sunday mornings from 10-12 AM; city-based weekend retreats; annual 10-day retreat led by a monk or a nun who has trained with Ajahn Sumedo; study group meetings. Activities are open to anyone interested in Buddhist meditation and teachings.
  • Web address: http://www.theravadabuddhistcommunity.org/
  • Updated June 5, 2008
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  • Toronto Buddhist Church
  • 1011 Sheppard Ave W
  • Toronto, Ont. M3H 2T7
  • 416-534-4302; fax: 416-534-0575
  • e-mail: tbctbc.on.ca
  • Head: Lord Abbot Koshin Ohtani, Kyoto, Japan; Pure Land/Jodo Shinshu (Hongwanji) school; senior minister: Rev. Grant Ikuta; resident minister: Rev. Tomofumi Fuji
  • Since 1945, both urban and rural (Lumbini Camp, Wasaga) facilities
  • Activities: Daily chanting service Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10 AM; meditation service Friday 10 AM; weekly children's service Sunday 10:30 AM, weekly English service Sunday 11 AM, weekly Japanese service Sunday at 1 PM; youth activities; open to the public
  • Contact: Rev. Grant Ikuta, Wednesday through Sunday
  • Languages: Japanese, English
  • Updated May 15, 2006
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  • Toronto Diamond Way Buddhist Center
  • 25 St Nicholas St, #401
  • Toronto, Ont. M4Y 1W5
  • 416-925-4494
  • e-mail: Torontodiamondway-center.org
  • Founder: Lama Ole Nydahl; Tibetan/Karma Kagyu School; affiliation: Diamond Way Buddhism
  • Activities: Every first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, 8 PM, Introduction to Buddhism. Every Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 PM, 10-minute Dharma talk followed by guided Guru Yoga meditation. See Web site at: www.diamondway.org/toronto/
  • Contact: Daria Novoselova at 416-729-9205 or Brian Baker at 416-577-1692
  • Language: English
  • Updated October 4, 2005
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    Toronto Insight Meditation Centre
  • Mailing Address: 57 Dorval Rd.
  • Toronto, Ontario M6P 2B7
  • 416-536-5698
  • e-mail: AukanaTorontoprimus.ca
  • Teacher: Jim Vuylsteke, lay teacher and former monk.  The Centre operates as a satellite group of the Aukana Trust in Bradford-on-Avon, England (www.aukana.org.uk). Spiritual head: Alan James.
  • Since January, 1988
  • Activity: weekly meetings and personal meditation instruction, in Insight (Vipassana) and Lovingkindness (metta) meditation. Please contact the centre for further details.
  • Contact: Jim Vuylsteke
  • Updated June 29, 2004
    •
  • Toronto Shin Buddhist Dojo
  • 8 Dacotah Avenue, Toronto Island
  • Toronto, Ont. M5J 2E5
  • 416-203-3163
  • e-mail: chielu_1yahoo.com
  • Founder: Rev. Doreen Hamilton; Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji - ha
  • Activity: We meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings of every month for chanting, meditation and discussion of the Dharma. An appointment can be made to visit the Dojo for counselling with Doreen Sensei or other members of the Sangha.
  • Language: English
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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  • Toronto Zen Centre
  • 33 High Park Gardens
  • Toronto, Ont. M6R 1S8
  • 416-766-3400; fax: 416-769-4880
  • e-mail: infotorontozen.org
  • Teacher: Ven. Taigen Henderson, Dharma heir of Sensei Sunyana Graef, in the Roshi Philip Kapleau lineage of Zen
  • Since 1968; urban facility with some residents; zendo, Buddha hall, library, meeting rooms; for more information, see Web site at www.torontozen.org/index.html
  • Activities: meditation (daily), Dharma talks, private instruction, meditation retreats (sesshin), chanting, social events, ceremonies, discussion/study groups, introductory workshops. Participants need to pre-register for the workshops.
  • Contact: Steve Spring, call during morning business hours
  • Language: English
  • Updated April 19, 2006
    •
  • University of Toronto Buddhist Chaplain
  • mailing addreKo_Ko-An Zen traditionKo-An Zen tradition Ko-An Zen tradition ss: 1569 Cormack Cresc.
  • Mississauga, Ont. L5E 2P8
  • fax and phone: 905-891-8412 (call before you fax)
  • e-mail: bsaranapalahotmail.com
  • Bhante Saranapala
  • Activity: Meditation and Dharma Discussion with U of T Buddhist Chaplain Rev. Saranapala Bhikkhu. (Rev. Saranapala's phone (905) 891-8412). Fridays 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. From October 5, 2001 to December 1, 2001. Room 507-21 Sussex Avenue (at Huron, just west of Robarts Library).
  • Contact: Bhante Saranapala
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Van Hanh Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association of Canada
  • 338 Weston Rd
  • Toronto, Ont. M6N 3P8
  • vanhanhgeocities.com
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Thich Nguyen Man
  • Activities: see Web site at www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/1507/
  • Languages: Vietnamese, English
  • Updated April 28, 2005
    •
  • Wat Lao Toronto
  • Wat Thepnimith
  • Lao Buddhists of Toronto
  • 1825 Finch Avenue West #1602
  • Toronto, Ontario M3N 1M7
  • 416-398-5884
  • Language: Lao
  • Contact: Ven. Kykham Simthephrakaysone
  • Updated July 5, 2008
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  • West End Buddhist Centre
  • (Halton-Peel Buddhist Society)
  • 1569 Cormack Cresc.
  • Mississauga, Ont. L5E 2P8
  • Fax and phone: 905-891-8412 (call before you fax)
  • e-mail: westendbuddhistyahoo.ca
  • Since 1996, converted house, small library, meeting rooms, meditation room, extensive grounds
  • Ven. K. Dhammawasa Thera; Theravada
  • Activities: See Web site at www.westendbuddhist.org
  • Contact: Bhante Saranapala
  • Languages: Sinhala, English
  • Updated February 4, 2004
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  • Yanviriya Buddhist Temple II
  • Thai Buddhist Temple - Toronto
  • 166 Cedar Ave.
  • Richmond Hill, Ont. L4C 2A8
  • 905-884-8786; fax: 905-884-6946
  • e-mail: B_Yanviriya2hotmail.com
  • Ven. Ajahn Maha Ampai; Ven. Phra Maha Ampai Kotsuno
  • Languages: Thai, English
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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  • Za Mongyal YungDrung Ling
  • 226-668-0558
  • e-mail: zamongyalrogers.com
  • Since 2004. Gatherings are held once per year, when Rinpoche visits, usually in private homes or in a community centre.
  • Tibetan Bonpo (Bön)
  • Activities: see web site at www.zamongyal.com
  • Languages: English and Tibetan
  • Contact: Deborah Bell
  • Updated July 31, 2007
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  • Zen Buddhist Temple
  • Buddhist Society for Compassionate Wisdom
  • 297 College St.
  • Toronto, Ont. M5T 1S2
  • 416-658-0137; fax: 416-960-5657
  • e-mail: torontozenbuddhisttemple.org
  • Head and resident director: Ven. Samu Sunim; Korean Zen tradition
  • Since 1974; includes residential training facility, meditation hall, book store, dining hall
  • Activities: members sitting Wednesday 6:30-9 PM, weekdays 5-7 AM, Sunday 6-8 AM; public services Sunday 9:30 AM and 4 PM; priest training; visitor's programme, introductory meditation courses, cultural program; Dharma lectures; summer retreats; open to all; for more information, see our Web site at www.ZenBuddhistTemple.org
  • Languages: English, Korean
  • Updated October 24, 2006
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