About Us
Triratna Vancouver
Welcome to the Vancouver Buddhist Centre. Our community is part of the Triratna Buddhist Community (formerly known as The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, whose name changed in 2010), a non-sectarian international Buddhist network of public centres, communities, ethical businesses and social projects. At the heart of the Vancouver Buddhist Centre is the Triratna Buddhist Order, made up of many individuals of diverse backgrounds who have dedicated their lives to the practice of Buddhism.
Learn To Meditate
We welcome all visitors, including those new to Buddhism. Come one evening as a guest and leave, we hope, as a friend. Led by members at the Vancouver Buddhist Centre, learn and practice meditation in a non-sectarian setting. We offer regular classes throughout the week, as well as special events and retreats periodically during the year.
Dana
All of our weekly classes at Triratna Vancouver are offered for free. While our team of volunteers is happy to lead classes, there are certain costs associated with running our programs.
The word dana means generosity, and is a central Buddhist principle and practice. If you find our programs helpful, and have the means to do so, we would be forever grateful for any dana you wish to give. We are a registered charity, and would be happy to provide a tax receipt for your support.
Order Members
What is an Order Member?
Order Members have embarked on spiritual training, where they have wholeheartedly been witnessed in committing to go wholeheartedly for refuge, by placing the Buddha (waking up to seeing things as they really are), the dharma (teachings that point to the truth), and the sangha (spiritual community) at the centre of their lives.
Dharmacharini Vimalasara
Vimalasara (Valerie Mason-John) is the chairperson of Triratna Vancouver Buddhist Centre. They are the author of 8 books, including their dharma books, Detox Your Heart (working with anger, fear and hatred) and award winning book, Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction. Ordained in India 2005, their name means they who’s essence is stainless and pure. Their vision as chairperson is to help grow the Vancouver Triratna Sangha in numbers, and develop ways we can engage with the wider community in Vancouver that will help support people’s lives. They work as a public speaker, and a trainer in leadership, anti bullying, restorative justice and Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR). For enquiries about MBAR training or any other topics please contact us.
Dharmacharini Upakarin
Upakarin was ordained in 2001 in Spain. He has, though now retired, a background in social work and counselling. He has a particular interest in meditation and has been developing his practice since the early 1990s.
Dharmacharini Dayasiddhi
“He who has the accomplishment of compassion and kindness.” I was ordained at Guhyaloka retreat centre, Spain “El Mundo Secreto”, on 27 May, 2004. Particularly drawing inspiration from the Dharma as expressed by the Mahayana, my passion lies in interfaith and inter-spiritual themes, with a special involvement in Buddhist-Christian dialogue
Dharmacharini Shantinayaka
Shantinayaka was ordained in 1990 on a four month retreat in Spain, and has been teaching at Triratna Centres in Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver since 1995. His name means “Leader to Peace”.
Dharmacharini Satyavasini
Satyavasini has been involved with the Triratna Buddhist Community since 2001. She was ordained at the San Francisco Buddhist Center in 2013. Her name means “dwelling in the truth of reality”.
Dharmacharini Viriyasati
Dharmacharini Tyagatara
Tyagatara has been involved with the Triratna Buddhist Community since 2014. She was ordained at the Akashavana, Spain, in 2022. Her name means “one who is a star of generosity”.