Buddhism in Canada
History
editBuddhism may have first arrived in Canada during the mid-19th century when the Chinese immigrated there from California and Hong Kong.[1] By 1984, Buddhism had become the fastest-growing religion in Canada due to a new wave of immigrants.[2]
Population
editAccording to available census data, it is estimated that there are approximately 300,345 Buddhists living in Canada.[1] In the book Complete Guide to Buddhist America by Don Morreale, there are more than 1000 Buddhist centers listed for the United States and Canada. Moreover, were the non-meditative traditions present in Canada also included, that number would be higher. However, according to Charles S. Prebish, estimates about the number of Buddhists in Canada remain speculations.[3] Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal each have major Buddhist centers in their cities.[1] Additionally, there is Gampo Abbey on the northwestern coast of Cape Breton, a monastery in the Tibetan style operated by Pema Chödrön, and also Dorje Denma Ling on 300 acres in Nova Scotia.[4] In the Canadian province of British Columbia there are several centers, including Amazenji-Zen Training Temple for Women, the Birken Buddhist Society, Siddhartha's Intent International, and various Pure Land Buddhist temples established there after World War II.[4] Other prominent Buddhist practice centers include Dakshong Gonpa in Manitoba, Arrow River and Dharma Centre of Canada in Ontario, and the Maple Buddhist Society in Quebec.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Matlins, Stuart M. (2006). "Buddhist". How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook. SkyLight Paths Publishing. pp. 46–47. ISBN 1594731403.
{{cite book}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Williams, Duncan Ryūken. "Local Inter-Buddhist Associations in North America". American Buddhism: Methods and Findings in Recent Scholarship. Routledge. p. 123. ISBN 0700710817.
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suggested) (help) - ^ Prebish, Charles S. "A Brief History". Luminous Passage: The Practice and Study of Buddhism in America. University of California Press. pp. 48–49. ISBN 0520216970.
- ^ a b c Gach, Gary. "Times and Places to Cemebrate". The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism. Alpha Books. p. 389. ISBN 0028641701.