Buddhism in Alberta

Buddhist Calgary, Edmonton, and Alberta Buddhism in Calgary, Canmore, Coaldale, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Raymond, Rosemary and Taber

Alberta Buddhist Vihara Association

803 Haliburton Court

Edmonton, Alberta T6R 3E8

e-mail: bandulasshaw.ca 

Administrative contact: Bandula Samaratunga, president; Theravada

Since 1982; events are held in rented facilities and private homes

Activities: Buddhist ceremonies, sermons, public lectures and meditation retreats, all conducted by Buddhist monks, as well as monthly gatherings, children’s classes, and pirith chanting. Open to the public and all are welcome. For details, see Web site at www.abva.org

Languages: Sinhala and English

Contact: Bandula Samaratunga at 780-462-1785

Updated October 28, 2006

Alberta Vipassana Foundation

Edmonton, Alberta

e-mail: registrationab.ca.dhamma.org

Rented facility

Spiritual head: S.N. Goenka; Vipassana Meditation in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin as taught by S.N. Goenka and his assistant teachers

Activities: The technique of Vipassana Meditation is taught at ten day residential retreat courses during which participants learn the basics of the method and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results. For more information about Vipassana, see Web site at www.ab.ca.dhamma.org/

Contact: Mary & Gerry Samide 780-436-5701
Updated February 6, 2007

Avatamsaka Buddhist Monastery

1009 4 Ave. SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 0K8

403-234-0644; fax: 403-263-0637

e-mail: avatamsakadrba.org

Founder and Teacher: Venerable Master Hsuan Hua; Chan (Zen) and Pure Land; a branch of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association

Since 1987. A building that sits adjacent to the Bow River. Presently, the Buddha Hall, library, reception area, and offices occupy the main floor, while the kitchen, dining hall, monk’s quarters, one small class room, storage space, and a workshop are in the basement. The small house immediately to the west of the monastery houses the Sunday school.

Activity: for details, see web site: www.avatamsaka.org

Updated October 19, 2006

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Edmonton

10838 33A Ave NW

Edmonton, Alberta T6J 3C3

780-463-9788; fax: 780-462-1799

E-mail: edmtzuchiinterbaun.com

Activity: a charity foundation. For details, see: en.tzuchi.ca

Contact: Simmon Lee

Updated October 19, 2006

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Calgary Chapter

#143-1518 Centre St. NW

Calgary, Alberta T2E 2R9

403-271-1748

e-mail: calgarytzuchi.ca

Activity: a charity foundation. For details, see: en.tzuchi.ca

Contact: Chuan Chih Wu

Updated October 19, 2006

Buddhist Federation of Alberta

Jodo Shin Shu Buddhist Federation of Alberta

3611 Forestry Ave S

Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3L5

403-380-4076

e-mail: izumi.familyhotmail.com

Reverend Yasuo Izumi; Pure Land tradition (Jodo Shinshu). Affiliated with Buddhist Churches of Canada

Since 1980, an administrative unit for 6 temples in locations in Lethbridge

Activities: Services on Sunday, host of the annual Alberta Buddhist Conference, conduct Numata Chair lecture from U of Calgary

Contact: Reverend Yasuo Izumi

Updated January 31, 2006

Calgary Buddhist Temple

207 6th St., NE

Calgary, Alberta T2E 3Y1

403-263-5723

e-mail: infocalgary-buddhist.ab.ca

Head: Rev. Kyojo Ikuta; resident Sensei: Nariyuki Hattori and A.W. Barber; Jodo Shinshu. Affiliated with Nishi Hongwanji, Kyoto, Japan, affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of Canada, and member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

  The temple is 70 years old, formerly it was a Croatian Catholic Church.

Activities: weekly service on Sundays at 10:30 AM; youth camp in Kananaskis; Dharma school, Alberta Buddhist conference in Southern Alberta; open to Public; small centre for spiritual & social contacts. For details, see www.calgary-buddhist.ab.ca/index.htm.

Contact: James Martin (buddha2btelusplanet.net)

Updated April 26, 2005

Calgary Soto Zen

Meeting location: Room 317a, MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary

403-220-4678

e-mail: infocalgarysotozen.org

Facilitators: Tim Sampson, Murray McGillivray. Tradition: Soto Zen.

Activities: Meditation and tea Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. during University of Calgary Fall and Winter terms in room 317a, MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary; meditation and tea Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. year round, same room.

Web site: www.calgarysotozen.org

Updated February 8, 2008

Calgary Theravadin Meditation Society

#3 1922 9th Ave SE

Calgary, Alberta T2G 0V4

403-270-8450

e-mail: MahoneyColemanshaw.ca

Anne Mahoney, lay teacher; Theravada tradition; member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

Activities: bimonthly meditation and dhamma talk, bimonthly loving kindness study group, introductory course in Vipassana. For details, see web site at bringingawarenesstolife.ca

Contact: Anne Mahoney

Updated August 10, 2006

Calgary Vipassana Meditation & Study Group

2028B 33rd Ave SW

Calgary, Alberta T2T 1X4

403-251-9642

e-mail: four_dharmahotmail.com

Resident teacher: Barbara Ross; Theravada tradition under the lineage of Venerable Bhante H. Gunaratana.

Since 1998. Meetings are held at the Yoga and Meditation Community Center.

Activities; weekly meditation classes, bimonthly meditation and Dhamma talks and study, Vipassana/Metta meditation retreats, day long non-residential, 5 day and 10 day residential retreats. Dharma Seed Canada tape library and supplies. For details, see Web site at www.yogameditationcentercalgary.ca

Contact: Barbara Ross

Updated October 19, 2006

Community of Mindful Living

Bow Valley Sangha

518 2nd Street

Canmore, Alberta T1W 2K5

403-678-2034

e-mail: ma48an49telus.net

Since 1994, meetings held in a private home

Activities: We meet Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9 PM start with some chanting, followed by sitting meditation for 40 minutes, then teaching, discussion, sharing, questions, and answers.

Contact: Mary Dumka

Updated March 31, 2008

Edmonton Buddhist Meditation Group

#206 9926 88 AVE NW

Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2R5

780-433-3088

e-mail: infoSereneReflections.ca

Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, Soto Zen tradition. For more information see Web site at www.serenereflections.ca

Contact: Rev. Master Koten Benson

Updated June 23, 2006

Edmonton Shambhala Centre

10110 124th St., #207

Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1P6

780-482-7378

E-mail: shambhalaedmontonshaw.ca

Director: Elaine D Phillips; Tibetan/Shambhala tradition

Activities: Regular courses from the Kargyu and Nyingma sects of Tibetan Buddhism. Regular group practice sessions of mindfulness-awareness meditation are held at the centre twice per week.

Updated April 26, 2005

Gaden Samten Ling Buddhist Mediation Society

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Society

11403 - 101 Street NW,

Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2A9

780-479-0014

e-mail: infogadensamtenling.org

Resident teacher:  Kushok Lobsang Dhamchoe; Tibetan Gelugpa tradition

President: Mavis Booker

Since 1986

Activies: See our Web site at www.gadensamtenling.org

Updated January 31, 2006

International Buddhist Friends Association

9904 - 106 Street  NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 1C4

780-424-2231; fax: 780-424-8520

e-mail: draungaung.com

Since 1980

President: Dr Steven KH Aung; affiliated with World Fellowship of Buddhists

Activities: Wesak celebration, interfaith forums, lecturs, retreats, and charity work. For information, see Web site at www.aung.com/ibfa.asp

Updated October 28, 2006

International Buddhist Progress Society Edmonton (IBPS)

10232 103 St NW

Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0Y8

780-424-9743

e-mail: ibpsedminterbaun.com

Updated January 31, 2006

Karma Kagyu Buddhist Centre Calgary

Calgary Diamond Way Buddhist Centre

10823 Brae Place SW

Calgary, Alberta T2W 1E4

403-255-8423; fax: 403-258-3784

e-mail: calgarydiamondway.org

Founder: Lama Ole Nydahl; Tibetan/Karma Kagyu School; affiliation: Diamond Way Buddhism

Since 1995

Activity: weekly meditation on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. For more information, see Web site at: diamondway.org/calgary/

Contact: Chris Bixby

Updated June 9, 2003

Karma Kagyu Buddhist Center Edmonton

Diamond Way Buddhist Society Edmonton

9410 - 91 St.

Edmonton, Alberta T6C 3P4

780-455-5488

e-mail: edmontondiamondway.org

Founder: Lama Ole Nydahl; Tibetan/Karma Kagyu School; affiliation: Diamond Way Buddhism

Activity: Weekly meditation and discussion on Wednesdays at 8 PM.  For details, see Web site at diamondway.org/edmonton/

Updated May 8, 2006

Karma Tashi Ling

Thrangu Tashi Ling

10502 - 70 Ave.

Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2E9

780-633-6157; fax: 780-433-8463

e-mail: karmapemaushotmail.com

Spiritual Head: Thrangu Rinpoche; Tibetan/Kagyu school, Karma Mahasiddhi Ling.  Lama Tashi Dondrup visits 2 or 3 times a year. Resident nun: Ani Kunsang

Since 1983.  Located in the basement of an office building.

Activities: Wednesdays 7 PM we alternate Chenresig and Mahamudra sadhanas and listen to taped teachings. Sundays 10 AM, we alternate Guru Rinpoche, Medicine Buddha, and Green Tara pujas.  In spring and fall we have book study.  For up-to-date details, see Web site at http://www.karmatashiling.org/

Contact: Usha Singh 780-433-8463 or karmapemausgmail.com

Updated October 28, 2006

Khmer-Canadian Buddhist Society of Calgary

7011 Ogden Rd. SE

Calgary, Alberta T2C 1B5

403-272-4440

e-mail: khmerviewcambodianview.com

Converted bank building

Meditation teacher: Ven Keo Hong, Buddhist Teacher: Ven Seng Sophan; Theravada; Member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

Activity: lectures, meditation retreats, Saturday dhamma school

Contact: Marin Ngeth, President. Phone: 403-273-0395, fax: 403-273-0102, e-mail: mngethyahoo.com

Languages: Khmer, English

Updated October 19, 2006

Lethbridge Honpa Buddhist Temple

3611 Forestry Ave.,

Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3L5

Church: 403-328-7909; Alberta Federation: 403-380-4076

e-mail: honpatelusplanet.net

Reverend Yasuo Izumi . Chair, Board of Directors: Sylvia Oishi (phone: 328-5849, e-mail: tmhannatelusplanet.net). Pure Land/Jodo Shinshu school; affiliated with the Buddhist Federation of Alberta, the Jodo Shin Shu Buddhist Federation of Alberta, and the Buddhist Churches of Canada

Since 1966

Activities: Alberta Buddhist Conference, chowmein supper, senior party, golfing, Dharma school, youth summer outing; open to anyone interested in Buddhism; temple with multi-purpose hall. For more information, see Web site at www.telusplanet.net/public/honpa

Updated October 19, 2006

Lian Yin Buddha Charitable Foundation

Lian Yin Shing Sus

#135, 18th Ave NE

Calgary, Alberta T2E 1N1

403-262-9228; fax: 403-503-0778

e-mail: librarylianyin.org

Since 1998; temple with mediation hall, merit hall, library, kitchen, eating hall, and ladies dormitory.

Founder, spiritual head and resident master: Rev. Sik So Huai; Western Pure Land.

Languages: Chinese, English

Updated May 27, 2005

Light of the Dhamma

Lynnwood Postal Outlet

PO Box 37050

Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5Y2

Teacher: Dr. Christopher Robinson; Theravada/Abhidharma tradition

Since 1983

Activities: retreats, lectures when available, quarterly newsletter "Sati" write for newsletter regarding info.

Contact: Sheila Lennox 780-433-1386 or sheila.lennoxassembly.ab.ca

Updated October 19, 2006

Marpa Gompa Changchup Ling

77 Governor Drive S.W.

Calgary, Alberta T3E 4Y8

403-240-9836

infomarpa-gompa.org

Founder and spiritual director: Vajra Acharya Lama Karma Thinley Rinpoche

Assistant director and resident Dharma teacher: Jetsun Rikdzin Khandro

Since 1978; Tibetan/Karma Kagyu; affiliated with Kampo Gangra Drupgyud Ling, Toronto; member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

Activities: weekly Shamatha meditation; instruction for beginners; advanced meditation for experienced Buddhist practitioners; study of Buddhist Dharma; see Web site for details www.marpa-gompa.org. Please call before attending.

Contact: Rikdzin Khandro 403-240-9836 (alternate: Dechen Namdrol 403-710-1413)

Updated October 28, 2006

Novayana Society of Eastern and Western Studies

10819 52 Ave

Edmonton, Alberta T6H 0P2

780-438-3574

e-mail: don.mackenzieshaw.ca

The Novayana Society is part of a larger worldwide group of Western Buddhists whose root teacher is the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche. The teaching of this tradition is eclectic, with a foundation in Tibetan and Theravadan Buddhist practices, but with many modern interpretations and developments.

There is weekly Puja on Sundays at 10 AM; Puja meditation sessions on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM.

Contact: Bob Sinclair

Updated October 19, 2006

Ratchadham Buddhist Temple 3

Wat Ratchadham 3

Willpower Institute

12520-135th Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta T5L 3X3

780-451-9535

e-mail: sottohotmail.com

Since 1998

Master teacher: Luang Phor Viriyang Sirintharo; Theravada; Member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

Activities: see web site at http://www.willpowerinstitute.com/willpower.html

Contact: Anna Khousakoun 780-451-9535, 780-951-2063 or Sheree C. Thorne 780-459-0470

Updated October 21, 2006

SGI Canada Calgary Community Centre

1819 10th Ave. S.W.

Calgary, Alberta T3C 0K2

403-244-3855

e-mail: calgarysgicanada.org

Soka Gakkai school

For information, see www.sgicanada.org

Updated November 21, 1999

SGI Canada Edmonton Community Centre

#200 10711-107 Ave

Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0W6

780-423-2813

e-mail: edmontonsgicanada.org

Soka Gakkai school

For information, see Web site at www.sgicanada.org

Updated October 21, 2006

Sri Lankan Buddhist Society of Calgary

Ehipassiko Meditation Centre

5107 Whitestone Rd  NE

Calgary, Alberta T1Y 1T9

403-280-9729

e-mail: committeeslbscalgary.org

Converted house

Director: Ven. Werapityiye Sonananda Thero; Theravada; Member of the International Buddhist Foundation of Canada

Activity: See Web site www.slbscalgary.org

Contact: Lal Perera, 403-271-9787; fax: 403-278-5199

Updated January 31, 2006

Wild Rose Sangha

Unitarian Church of Calgary

1703 – 1 Street NW

Calgary Alberta T2M 4P4

e-mail: tjpickuptelus.net

Since 2006

In the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh

Activity: meditation, chanting, tea meditation and dharma discussion on Mondays at 7:30 PM. For details, see web site at: wildrosesangha.ca

Contact: Tracey Pickup

Language: English

Updated June 11, 2007

Wonchen Lama Dharma Centre

202-6148 Bowness Rd NW

Calgary, Alberta  T3B 0E1

403-818-2415 or 403-949-2415

e-mail: contactwonchen.org

Teacher: Lama Gyurme Dorje Rinpoche (Wonchen Tulku). Related Group: Riwoche Templem, Toronto, Ontario.

Activities: Teachings and/or practice regularly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays. See Web site for details.

Web site: http://www.wonchen.org

Contact: Pamela Rodger (mpamelacreatingsanctuary.com) or Lama Gyurme (contactwonchen.org)

Languages: English and Tibetan

Updated May 17, 2005

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