Toronto Buddhist Church
The Toronto Buddhist Church (TBC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization operating as a Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist temple, affiliated with the Pure Land Buddhist tradition. Established in 1947, it holds the business registration number 121676423RR0001 and represents one of the earliest organized Buddhist institutions in Canada.

History

Founded in 1947, the temple initially occupied a property at 137 Huron Street in Toronto, serving as a spiritual and cultural hub for Japanese Canadians and later integrating members from diverse backgrounds[2]. Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism, which emphasizes faith in Amida Buddha and the monastic-lay community dynamic, became the cornerstone of TBC’s practices. This tradition, the largest school of Buddhism in Japan, was first established in Canada in 1905, predating TBC’s founding[1].

Location and Affiliation

The temple relocated to a purpose-built facility near Sheppard Avenue West and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, adjacent to a Toronto Transit Commission subway station, to accommodate its growing congregation[3]. As a Jōdo Shinshū institution, TBC operates within the framework of sangha (spiritual community) principles, prioritizing accessibility and lay participation[1].

Activities

TBC provides liturgical services, meditation sessions, and educational programs rooted in Shin Buddhist teachings. Its integrated community includes descendants of Japanese Canadian pioneers and practitioners from multicultural backgrounds, reflecting Toronto’s demographic diversity[1]. The organization emphasizes shared spiritual practice and social outreach, aligning with Jōdo Shinshū’s focus on communal harmony and gratitude.

See Also

• Jōdo Shinshū: The temple’s affiliated Buddhist tradition
• Buddhism in Canada: Historical context of Buddhist institutions in Canada

Note: This article synthesizes publicly available information about the organization’s history and practices.

[1] https://rainbowfaithandfreedom.org/directorytest/2024/7/9/toronto-buddhist-church [2] https://tbc.on.ca/about-us/ [3] https://tbc.on.ca/about-us/history-of-the-temple/ [4] http://nichiren-shu.ca/history_of_temple.htm [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fo_Guang_Shan_Temple,_Toronto