Theravada Buddhism

     We are part of the oldest living Buddhist tradition in the world, Theravada. The teachings come from the Buddha named Sidhartha Gautama, often referred to as the historical Buddha. He was born in India over 2,500 years ago and discovered not only the cause of suffering in the world, but the way to completely eliminate all forms of suffering, large and small. Because this teaching was available to everyone with a sincere interest to practice it, a group of enlightened disciples formed around him, known as the Noble Sangha.

Can anyone visit the monastery in Edmonton?

   If you have never visited a Buddhist monastery before, it may seem like something exotic. That you have to climb to the top of a mountain. That some stoic guru will be sitting in a cave and greet you with riddle you can't possibly answer.

    Many of the things the Buddha taught can be of benefit to people of all backgrounds. For example, many people find Buddhist meditation helps them to relax and have a more peaceful mind throughout the day. 

    The life of a monastery revolves around following the instructions of the Buddha: practicing generosity, practicing virtue, and developing the mind.

What do Buddhists Believe?

   In general, Buddhists believe:

• We are all responsible for our own actions.

• Unwholesome actions eventually bring negative results;

• wholesome actions eventually bring positive results. 

• We are all responsible for our own happiness.