New architecture in Canada promotes Buddhism

A Tang Dynasty-style wooden structure was recently completed in Cavan-Monaghan, Peterborough County, Canada.

The Guanyin Hall of the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, built by the Buddhist Association of Canada Cham Shan Temple, represents another milestone in the Garden's construction projects following the completion of the Main Hall in 2019.

Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden is the first phase of the project, called the Four Sacred Buddhist Gardens. It is to be developed on 535 acres of land in Cavan-Monaghan, Peterborough County, Canada.

As the largest single Buddhist complex outside China, the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden features Tang Dynasty-style wooden architecture built with ancient Chinese technique called "dougong". The technique uses large wooden interlocking brackets without a single nail. The structure aims to promote Chinese culture and signifies strengthening the ties between China and Canada, and uniting all branches of Buddhism, according to the Cham Shan Temple.

"Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada is a culmination showcase of Buddhist culture, Chinese ancient building techniques, and traditional Chinese garden designs," said Ven. Dayi Shi, who relentlessly led the sangha and laity over the last two decades to turn a vision into a reality.

Forty years ago, the three founders of Cham Shan Temple vowed to build the Four Great Sacred Buddhist Gardens in Canada. In 2004, Dayi Shi became abbot of Cham Shan Temple, and the mission of construction was passed onto him. After decades of unimaginable adversities and challenges, they finally launched the project in 2005 with government approvals and permits obtained in 2006.

With supports from the Canadian and Chinese governments and generous donations from sponsors, congregation members, and local communities, the architectural landscape has transformed into a world-class Buddhist complex with meditation/retreat centers.

Dayi Shi said everyone is welcomed to the complex. It's a place for people to find inner peace and liberation from the sufferings of this world. "As Buddhism is not only religion, but rather a principal for living a peaceful life. Adherents to other religions are welcome to add the study of Buddhism to as a guide to living a peaceful life," he said.

Additional wooden structures to be constructed onsite include the Avalokitesvara Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, and the Main Entrance Gate. These cluster of buildings, together with the Main Buddha Hall, are all constructed using ancient Chinese architectural techniques.

The Main Hall, constructed from 2011 to 2019, is a replica of the exact proportion of the Wutai Shan Main Hall in Shanxi, a protected cultural heritage of China. Its 2019 Consecration Ceremony saw a record of 27,000 visitors to the site.

The opening of the Main Buddha Hall marks an important milestone, showcasing Chinese tradition and culture. Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Canada will also play an important role in promoting local tourism and stimulating economic development, contributing further to multiculturalism in Canada, according to the Buddhist Association of China.

"Peace and harmony are the main themes that bring us together and spread value in our society," said Senator Victor Oh, who attended the opening ceremony. "The venerable masters' strong faith and devotion are the foundation of today's success, bringing diversity of our culture and strengthening the spirit of freedom of religion belief in Canada."

The Guanyin Hall's construction happened to coincide with the COVID pandemic, which brought unprecedented and immense challenges, such as the global supply chain crisis, significant increase in cost of supplies and construction material, and inability to obtain entry visa for Chinese artisans. And because of that, it didn't open as scheduled.

The now completed Guanyin Hall has an area of about 5,000 sq ft. Since the ceremony in September 2021, Cham Shan Temple and all other parties involved have utilized efforts towards its construction. The assembly of its wooden structure took five and a half months only – from April 15 to September 30, 2022, setting a record for the shortest construction time in North America

"All obstacles have been overcome thanks to the immense support of everyone and the valiant efforts of the management and the construction teams," Dayi Shi said.

Dayi Shi also said it requires more time to complete Wutai Shan project. He vows to complete the construction immediately so he can share the benefits of the Buddhist dharma and enrich Canada's multiculturalism.