Along with British Columbia’s Restart Plan, starting October 9th, the temple has also been implementing a gradual reopening plan. After everyone’s earnest anticipation, visitors, volunteers, Buddhist Youth, Buddhist Children and their parents can now return to the purity and adornment of the Lingyen monastery. Here, they can obtain blessings and wisdom, and pray for the protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

“I’m so happy to be back with this big family we call Lingyen Mountain Temple!”
“I’m so happy to see the Masters again!”
“I’m so happy to be practicing with everyone in the Buddha Hall again!”

Amidst the sounds of everyone’s cheeriness, Sunday mornings at Lingyen Mountain Temple have resumed their pre-pandemic liveliness. Starting in mid-November, Buddhist Youth and Buddhist Children started coming back to the temple for their respective programs. Under the compassionate guidance of the Masters, they have re-familiarized themselves with Buddhist etiquette and studied well. Those unable to return to the temple can continue to join the programs online. Despite the fact that the pandemic has yet to completely settle down, Volunteers and parents have expressed that, by coming back and see the Masters, pay homage to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and return to group cultivation in the Buddha Hall, they feel a sense of fulfilment and stability. They are truly grateful for the Masters’ compassionin this regard.

From Tuesdays to Sundays, the outsideof the Main Buddha Hall is open for visitors to offer incense from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. The Guan Yin Gazebo in the courtyard is open every Sunday for visitors to offer incense. Visitors so far have been cooperative in following safety precautions such as wearing masks, frequently sanitizing their hands, and maintaining proper social distancing.

Starting December 5th, the temple will increase the times available to make reservations to participate in the in-person group practice sessions. The Sunday session will now start from 8:30AM and end at 11:30AM. During Dharma Services, the afternoon session from 1:30PM to 4:30PM and the evening session from 6:30PM to 9:30PM will also be available. The number of participants allowed in the Main Buddha Hall will be limited, so please call the temple to make a reservation if you wish to attend. Reservations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.