Gathering at Steveston Buddhist Temple
held on May 27, 2010
Rev. Grant Ikuta welcomed us with a brief history and tour of the temple, and from its unique altar space, arched beams shaped like bodhi-leaves, flanking portraits of the founding couple, Shinran and Eshinni, to the two dragons on its central censer, the temple has much to appreciate. It also has a very long history. The first Steveston temple was built over 80 years ago, and the present structure was completed in 1963. All agreed that having meetings at different practice centres and temples is a valuable facet of the network’s activities. We would like to extend our gratitude to Steveston Buddhist Temple, Rev. Grant Ikuta and Roy Akune.
Since our first meeting, new groups and new volunteers have joined the Lower Mainland Buddhist communities network. After a round of self-introductions, we discussed some technical matters related to the email list, group site, and the public event calendar. Participants mentioned several joint activities they hope will emerge from collaborative efforts in the coming years: small Buddhist film festival, cooperative rituals and chanting, sharing food, conference participation and panel discussions, education and curriculum development, a working directory of local groups, and, of course, joint celebrations of many kinds. Some innovative ideas regarding ritual were put forward as possible events to coincide with the upcoming “Buddhism in Canada” conference, October 2010.