Visit Richmond Temples in BC, Canada

International Buddhist Temple Entrance in Richmond, BC (Canada)

I was completely surprised to learn of the number of religious temples in Richmond, BC. Rubbing shoulders with Vancouver, Richmond is home to over 60 places of worship and you can take a peak inside most of them.

I went to three temples the last time I was in town: two Buddhist temples and one Sikh temple.

International Buddhist Temple (Chinese)

Probably the most spectacular, this Buddhist temple’s stunning architecture is impeccably kept, being maintained daily. I wandered through the entry courtyard, filled with bonsai plants and the gorgeous Seven Buddha Mural, the only 73-foot long Buddhist mural in the world.

Inside, it gets even better. Amitabha Buddha sits inside the worship hall and the magnificent Thousand-Hands-Thousand-Eyes Avalokitesvara Buddhisattva is a marvel to walk around.

Getting an Oracle Reading at the International Buddhist Temple in Richmond, BC (Canada)

Although the International Buddhist Society has really commercialized the temple for tourists and visitors, it’s still worthy of much showing off. They even welcome large bus tours!

The funnest part of the temple, though, is the Thousand Buddha Hall’s oracle reading. After taking off your shoes, the volunteer will tell you to pick up the wooden container of sticks and take it to the altar. This I did, trying to will the power of good fortune as I walked.

Once at the ornate altar, I learned to shuffle the sticks in a circular motion until one naturally breaks free and then falls to the floor. (Okay, so it isn’t so simple, as you either can’t get the circular motion going smoothly or all the sticks fall to the floor in a heap.)

I ended up having two sticks fall to the floor at the same time but picked up one that became my oracle number.

Excerpt: “Once your marriage is arranged, nothing more can be done. Be satisfied with what you have. Don’t waste your energy on hopeless dreams.” Damn, I was hoping to go with my dark and handsome dream man…).

Lingyen Mountain Buddhist Temple in Richmond, BC (Canada)

The oracle reading costs $1.00 and you can also get the volunteer to “interpret” the oracle. Although you get to keep the paper fortune, it gets pretty obscure and is often hilarious.

Lingyen Mountain Buddhist Temple (Taiwanese)

This Buddhist temple in Richmond is just as well kept but a little more “real.” Only nuns live here and keep chanting all day long (you can hear them from all over the temple). The meditation rooms have open windows if you want to peak in and there is an info room where you can ask questions.

Lighting incense is common and many pray to the Buddha statues. You can also just admire the architecture.

Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple

After walking in and covering my head with a piece of fabric (you borrow one at the entrance), I went towards the delicious smell of curry. They have a 24 hour kitchen here providing free vegetarian meals. Although I didn’t have a chance to eat, I will definitely be back.      

A few women were clearly talking about me and my guide, Nikki, who were obviously out of place. Finally, they approached us and asked if we would like to eat. After declining, we asked a few questions about the temple and customs and she ushered us right into the temple room, where those who can read the ancient scripture read the bible, word for word, all day.

I sat down with the woman’s daughter who was ordered to answer all of my questions. Finally, she looked at me and asked the pivotal question: “So, you’re marrying an Indian man, right?”

Sikh Temple in Richmond, BC (Canada)

“Well, no, I really am just curious” I told her. I think she was disappointed, as she probably felt like she was helping me out by giving me a glimpse into her culture.

What I liked:

• The temples that I went to are open, free, accessible and welcoming. Volunteers are always around if you have questions or need help finding something.
• There is almost always praying, meditating or chanting going on, so you really feel like you’re stepping inside another country.
• They are impeccably kept, both inside and out.

Tags: buddhist temple richmond, canada, Richmond BC, richmond temples, sikh Temples