Venerable Chueh Chu noted that the current temple is located on the sixth floor of a building, which is relatively hidden and difficult for the general public to find. This highlights the urgent and necessary need for a new, accessible temple. Reflecting on the temple’s growth over the past 30 years, she expressed deep gratitude for the faithful support of devotees and encouraged everyone to welcome the new dharma center with joy.

Venerable Hui Zhi elaborated on the background and vision of the new temple project. He emphasized that this endeavor is the result of many favorable conditions aligning—bringing together people, faith, professional design, and community consensus. It represents a milestone in the propagation of the Dharma with profound significance. 

A conceptual video of the project was shown, and the design team presented the preliminary plans. The future temple will incorporate elements of traditional Buddhist architecture such as the mountain gate, caves, overhanging eaves, main shrine hall, and meditation hall. It will harmonize with Vancouver’s natural landscapes and urban scenery. The main entrance, shaped like a Dharma vessel, symbolizes Buddhism’s journey through the world and embodies Humanistic Buddhism’s values of environmental harmony, coexistence, and artistic beauty.

Venerable Hui Zhi then reiterated the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun: “The purpose of building a temple is not for architecture itself, but for cultivating talent and spreading the Dharma.” The new temple will be centered around the principles of “giving people confidence, joy, hope, and convenience,” and will include diverse spaces such as a Buddhist art museum, Waterdrop Teahouse, a grand dining hall, multipurpose classrooms, a community education center, and a meditation hall. 

It will not only serve as a place for spiritual practice and Dharma propagation but also become a landmark in Richmond and a spiritual haven for community education and cultural exchange.

Architect Andrew Cheung introduced the overall design concept, highlighting how the temple will integrate Buddhist symbolism with Vancouver’s natural surroundings. With a main entrance facing a park and a dignified mountain gate evoking a sense of pilgrimage, the design also features a tranquil south gate leading into a meditative space and a rooftop sky garden for outdoor reflection and social interaction—blending functionality with aesthetic harmony. During the lively open discussion that followed, attendees expressed their appreciation for the serene meditation hall design and proposed ideas such as a memorial hall for Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Buddhist murals, expanded activity areas, and improved parking facilities. Moved by the collective enthusiasm, BLIA Vancouver Chapter Vice President Pauline Wang pledged continued support for the temple’s construction.

The gathering concluded warmly with shared prayers and renewed commitment. Venerable Chueh Chu announced that further explanation sessions and fundraising activities will be held, inviting all community members and Dharma supporters to join in realizing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vision of planting more seeds of light and hope across Canada and fulfilling the aspiration for a “Pure Land on Earth.”

Posted on: July 13th, 2025