The Theravada tradition, which is reckoned the surviving school dating from the time of the historical Buddha, has only recently established roots in Canada. There are seven ethnic Theravada temples in the Vancouver area, but the Theravada Buddhist Community of Vancouver is the only Western group committed solely to Theravada Buddhism. Our spiritual advisor is Venerable Ajahn Sona, abbot of the (Sitavana) Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery near Kamloops. Venerable Sona is a Canadian, born and raised in the Vancouver area, who has over 20 years seniority as a monk. Teachings are given by Brian Ruhe and guest teachers.

See Schedule for locations and times of classes.

Donations

If you would like to give dana (donations) to support Brian Ruhe's life mission to spread Theravada Buddhism, cheques made out to Brian Ruhe can be sent to the address above. If you would like to donate other items or offer some volunteer work, that would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Brian.

Volunteer Opportunities 

If you would like to help out, below are some ideas about how you could volunteer your time and talents:

Brainstorming about how to spread meditation and Buddhism.

Copying CDs

Computer support. Technical assistance. Computer is on the Linux Ubuntu system. 

Website support. Schedule updating. 

Typing phone lists into a software system, inputing email addresses.

Managing the email list with more up to date technology as we have a dozen lists without the opt in opt out option. Changes are time consuming and done manually.

Course promotion

Book promotion

Planning retreats - weekend out of town or one day. Including collaborating with other teachers for retreats.

Proofreading.

Contact local Theravada Buddhist Temples

(Sitavana) Birken Forest Monastery PO Box 5, Knutsford, BC V0E 2A0. Phone 250-483-4326. Western Thai forest lineage of Ajahn Chah. Located in a rural area south of Kamloops, BC. Possibility for day visits. Also has some accommodation for longer visits and retreats. 

Buddhapanya (BBM) Monastery - at 5808 Booth St., Burnaby. Ajahn Buddhadasa tradition from Thailand. Contact Ajahn Tawatchai Tel. 604-439-1911.

Buddhist Vihara Society 13871 64 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 1Y7. Phone 604-598-1160. Sri Lankan tradition. Meditation every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Also some Saturday mornings at 8 a.m.

Manamaya Theravada Buddhist Society, 13260 108 Ave, Surrey, BC V3T 2J6. Phone 604-951-9054. Burmese Mahasi Sayadaw tradition. Meditation on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Cambodian temple: Wat Khmer Tepthidaram 10450 140 Street, Surrey, BC, Canada V3T 4N5.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact: Ven. Santipalo
Languages: Khmer, English

Yanviriya Buddhist Temple 2004 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1W9. Phone 604-251-5326. Thai tradition (Dhammayut) of Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo. Website includes information about the Meditation Instructor Course.