Shaolin Temple of Canada Celebrates
6th Anniversary and Official Charity Launch
加拿大少林寺庆祝成立六周年暨慈善机构启航
09.29.2024
On September 29, 2024, Shaolin Temple of Canada proudly celebrated its 6th anniversary and the official approval of its status as a registered Canadian charity. The milestone event was attended by representatives from all levels of government, including MPs Parm Bains and Wilson Miao, Chinese Consulate-General representative Zhou Zhihua, and local officials Teresa Wat, Richmond Councillor Chak Au, and Burnaby Councillor James Wang. The celebration featured Canada’s first-ever Shaolin disciple acceptance ceremony and a mesmerizing Shaolin Kung Fu performance, marking the continued growth of Shaolin culture in the country.
A video message from the Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin, head of the Shaolin Temple in China, was shared during the event. He congratulated Shaolin Temple of Canada on its 6th anniversary and the recent approval of its charitable status. He also praised Abbot Shi Yandi for his relentless dedication over the past six years in spreading Shaolin culture and its mission of peace, kindness, and compassion to Canada and beyond.
In his opening address, Master Shi Yandi, Abbot of Shaolin Temple of Canada, reflected on the temple’s six-year journey, highlighting its transformation into a symbol of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. He emphasized Shaolin Temple’s historical significance as the birthplace of Chinese martial arts and Chan (Zen) Buddhism, and its growing influence across diverse cultural communities in Canada. Through its Kung Fu, meditation, and Chan philosophy programs, the temple has garnered a strong following, especially among youth and adults seeking holistic balance.
Shaolin Temple of Canada has become an integral part of the community, hosting cultural festivals, Kung Fu performances, and meditation retreats that introduce Canadians to the profound teachings of Shaolin. These efforts, alongside charitable initiatives such as fundraising and free programs, have deepened the temple’s connection with local communities, particularly those in need.
The temple’s official recognition as a charity is a key milestone in its journey. Abbot Shi Yandi emphasized that charity is a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy, and the temple’s mission is to further integrate Shaolin’s compassionate spirit into Canadian society. The launch of the charity will also accelerate plans to build a grand Shaolin temple complex in Canada, which will include a Kung Fu training center, meditation hall, and various community services aimed at promoting peace, health, and spiritual growth. The Abbot called on supporters to join the Shaolin family in fostering compassion, wisdom, and positive contributions to society.
After brief remarks from the special guests, the ceremony culminated in the lighting of six lotus candles, symbolizing six years of growth and a bright future ahead.
2024年9月29日,加拿大少林寺隆重庆祝成立六周年,并宣布获得加拿大注册慈善机构的正式批准。此次具有里程碑意义的活动吸引了来自各级政府的代表出席,包括国会议员白恩斯和缪宗晏、中国驻温哥华总领事馆代表周志华以及本地官员屈洁冰、列治文市议员区泽光和本拿比市议员王白进。活动中还举行了加拿大首次少林寺收徒仪式,并展示了精彩的少林功夫表演,标志着少林文化在加拿大的持续发展。
中国嵩山少林寺方丈释永信大和尚通过视频致辞,祝贺加拿大少林寺成立六周年,并庆祝其慈善机构的获批。他同时表扬了加拿大少林寺住持释延荻法师过去六年来为传播少林文化、倡导和平、慈悲和仁爱的精神所做的不懈努力。
加拿大少林寺住持释延荻法师在开幕致辞中回顾了寺院六年的发展历程,强调了少林寺作为中国武术和禅宗佛教发源地的重要性,并指出少林寺在加拿大多元文化背景下的日益影响力。通过功夫、禅修和禅宗哲学课程,少林寺吸引了众多学员,特别是那些寻求身心平衡的年轻人和成年人。
加拿大少林寺已成为当地社区的重要组成部分,定期举办文化节、功夫表演和禅修体验等活动,向加拿大人传播少林文化的精髓。这些活动连同慈善项目,如筹款和免费课程,进一步加深了寺院与本地社区,尤其是弱势群体的联系。
获得慈善机构的正式认可是少林寺发展历程中的重要里程碑。释延荻法师强调,慈善是佛教哲学的核心,少林寺的使命是将少林的慈悲精神进一步融入加拿大社会。慈善机构的启航也将加速加拿大少林寺院综合体的建设,其中包括功夫训练中心、禅修堂和旨在促进和平、健康与精神成长的社区服务。释延荻法师呼吁更多支持者加入少林大家庭,共同推动慈悲、智慧和对社会的积极贡献。
在贵宾们简短的致辞后,庆典在点亮六盏莲花灯的仪式中达到高潮,象征着少林寺成立六周年及光明的未来。
The highlight of the event was the sacred disciple acceptance ceremony, the first ever held at Shaolin Temple of Canada under Master Shi Yandi’s guidance. This solemn occasion marked a profound commitment to Shaolin’s teachings, as new students took the 10 Disciple Precepts. These precepts are a code of moral conduct, embodying the essence of Shaolin’s spiritual and martial philosophy. The ceremony was witnessed by six honoured guests, including government officials, and the rest of the audience. It was a defining moment for the temple, symbolizing the transmission of Shaolin wisdom and the continuity of its legacy in Canada.
活动的亮点是庄重的收徒仪式,这是加拿大少林寺在释延荻法师主持下首次举行的收徒仪式。新徒弟在仪式中宣誓遵守少林武学的十戒,这是一项深刻的承诺,代表了少林精神和武学哲学的精髓。仪式由六位贵宾和在场观众见证,象征着少林智慧的传承和少林文化在加拿大的延续。
The celebration concluded with a stunning Shaolin Kung Fu performance. Students, dressed in traditional robes, demonstrated their mastery of dynamic techniques and deep spiritual focus, captivating the audience with their precision, agility, and strength. The performance was a powerful display of Shaolin’s rich heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The event closed with a communal vegetarian feast, where students and guests gathered in a warm and harmonious atmosphere to celebrate the day’s successes.
庆典在精彩的少林功夫表演中结束。学员们身穿传统武僧袍,展示了他们精湛的技艺和深厚的精神修为,敏捷、力量与专注的结合赢得了观众的赞叹。这场表演充分展现了少林丰富的文化遗产,给所有观众留下了深刻印象。
庆典结束后,加拿大少林寺为所有来宾准备了丰盛的素食,大家在温馨和谐的氛围中共同庆祝这次盛会。