Fo Guang Shan temple is the only big and best Buddhist temple in Mississauga near Toronto. It is a Buddhist temple of the Mahayana monastic order in Mississauga, Ontario. It is the only Canadian branch of Fo Guang Shan from Taiwan. The temple is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Mondays.
You can either drive to the temple or there are public transports facilities as well using which you can get down just in front of the temple. Around the temple, there are some eating places as well where you can spend some time with your family and friends after the temple visit.
There are a lot of things to do at this temple. Some of the places to visit are:
- Prayer hall
- Reception
- Tea House
- Shop
- Library and,
- Museum
Page Contents
Fo Guang Shan Temple Reception
After parking your vehicle, once you enter the temple, you will be greeted by an old receptionist. She can tell you a lot of things about the temple such as what to see, what to read, different upcoming events and their schedules. Near the reception, you will have to take out your shoes to enter the prayer hall.
If you are planning to visit other parts of the temple first except for the prayer hall, then you do not need to remove the shoes. The receptionist can also tell you about different services that the temple offers and volunteering opportunities if you are interested in them.
Fo Guang Shan Temple Prayer hall
The main entrance of the temple opens to the Prayer Hall. However, normal visitors are not allowed to enter the prayer hall through the main entrance. The main entrance is reserved for the monks and Buddhist Gurus. A normal person can enter the prayer hall using the side doors. Situated on the groundfloor, the temple prayer hall has a seating capacity of around 500 people or even more if standing.
If you are planning to visit this temple, try to reach by 5 PM in the evening. Every day at 5 PM in the evening, a monk recites his prayer and offering to Lord Buddha. When we reached there, there were only two of us. The prayer and the peace of the prayer hall will let you forget all the problems and sufferings. It is almost equal to an awakening call with its healing power.
You are not allowed to take any pictures or shoot any video of the Prayer Hall. I would suggest just going there and sit in meditation position for some time for the inner journey.
Fo Guang Shan Temple Parking lot
There is a big parking lot in front of the temple which can accommodate around 50 vehicles on a busy day. The parking is free of charge if you are visiting the temple.
Fo Guang Shan Temple Library
The library has a lot of literary work from the Buddhist culture. It is free of charge to use and you can spend a lot of time there reading different literary works.
Tea House
The tea house of the temple is famous for its veggies food, soup and noodles along with a variety of other delicious items. Be aware that the tea house closes at 3 PM every day.
Fo Guang Shan Temple Museum
The museum is situated on the first floor of the temple with artifacts and relics donated by different Buddhism followers from different parts of the world. It also has Buddhist paintings and different Avatars of Lord Buddha. From the Museum, you also get a nice view of the prayer hall where you can see the statues of Lord Buddha from a top angle.
While going down from the museum, you pass by the shop where you can buy some souvenirs for your friends and family. The museum shop closes at 5 PM.
Fo Guang Shan temple Pictures