Sumeru News — Buddhism in Canada

My latest column for Buddhistdoor Global... https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/ajahn-sona-off-the-grid

Like a sand mandala, the Sumeru Directory of Canadian Buddhist Organizations, aka canadianbuddhism.info, is soon to be swept away like the sands of time. I've had the joy of creating and maintaining it for more than 10 years now, but it is time to direct my energies to other projects. May it have been auspicious for the growth and nurturance of the Dharma in this beautiful place, and a source of positive energy for those entering the path. May the more than 600 Dharma centers in Canada continue to flourish and be beacons in these difficult times. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu....

HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN, a lovely short film from the National Film Board, produced by Sandra Ignani, featuring the many spiritual centres on No. 5 Road in Richmond, BC. The only thing missing is where they go to each other's temple/church/mosque/gurdwara/synagogue and work together on issues of common need.

Here's a video of my talk at the New Paths in Teaching Buddhist Studies conference at the R.N. Ho Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto. The event was held in February 2020, just before the pandemic was announced. Ironically, my talk begins with a bit about how bad we are about predicting the future! The Centre's YouTube channel also has videos from 11 other speakers from the event.

Several acts of vandalism at Buddhist temples in Montreal recently. This sort of thing has happened in Ottawa too. https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/police-investigate-repeat-vandalism-at-buddhist-temples-in-montreal-as-hate-crimes-1.4838771