8th Anniversary of Tian-Jin Temple

8th Anniversary of Tian-Jin Temple

[x_icon type="user"] Diane G. & Ariel L. | 2020

April 20, 2020 marks the eighth anniversary of Tian-Jin Temple.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Tian-Jin Temple in the journey to contribute to the community and promote Chinese traditions and culture.

Within these past eight years, we have had hundreds of volunteers devote their time to help us meet our goals. We would not have been able to support the community through our initiatives without the collective efforts of our volunteers.

Tian-Jin Temple originated from Taiwan 34 years ago, when Master Chen Yutang from Kaohsiung City started building a religious platform for individuals to learn about and participate in Taoist rituals. We give our gratitude to Master Millie Chen and Teacher Yu, both of whom have worked hard to recreate the dream here in Canada, and launch programs, services, and activities to aid the community.

We take pride in our Temple's mission to help, to save and to salvage as best we can. Despite the hardships and challenges, our teachers dedicate their hard work and valuable time to upholding our mission. They mentor and guide us on our journey to make a difference in the lives of others.

Under the leadership of Master Millie and Teacher Yu, we together as a team, carry forward the spirits of Kuan Kung and Pu Sha to bring harmony and stability to the world.

In particular, beyond religious offerings, Tian-Jin Temple in Canada has invested considerable effort in community service, following the mission to do our best to support, help, and enlighten all who are in need.

A look back at the past 8 years

GIving back to the community

TJ Living is a subsidiary to our non-profit organization with a mission to serve the greater public through our services and programs.

• Through TJ Living, a volunteer-led student-powered initiative provides sandwiches for the homeless in the Downtown Eastside every other week
• We raise funds through the Coldest Night Walk to purchase winter clothing and prepare Winter Warmth Care Packages for those in greatest need.
• Last year, we were thrilled to donate 30,000 pounds of food to Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
• To connect with our neighbours and community, community classes such as Tai Chi, yoga, line dancing, calligraphy and meditation were launched.
• Weekly gatherings for seniors have provided a space for isolated seniors to meet and engage in activities.
• TJ Living has donated money to support the BC Cancer Centre and helping overseas orphans. Medical equipment for the Burnaby Hospital has also been purchased from donations provided from Tian-Jin Temple.
• We have been awarded various certificates and awards from the government to recognize our efforts and contributions to the community.

Religious Services

Following Taoist principles, Tian-Jin Temple regularly offers activities for the general public to partake in self-improvement and self-care through religious or spiritual practices.

• Every Monday, Friday, and Saturday evening, the temple offers classical studies on Chinese scriptures and meditation.
• The temple holds regular religious ceremonies to celebrate the birthdays of the Taoist deities, welcoming individuals to join in the harmonious gatherings.
• Two times a year, the Tian-Jin Ceremony is held, inviting individuals to pay respect to their deceased ancestors.

Cultural Promotion

The temple aims to actively promote the academic and cultural status of Taoist learning and introduce traditional Chinese culture to the community.

• The "Tian-Jin Century Cup Calligraphy Competition" is held every September, drawing numerous competitors to participate in and appreciate the beauty of Chinese calligraphy.
• Volunteers from Tian-Jin Temple collaborate with staff at the Burnaby Museum to promote Chinese traditional culture (calligraphy, paper cutting, Chinese knot) every summer and fall.
• Community classes are held weekly, including floral arrangement, calligraphy, tai chi, yoga, Chinese drumming, and line dance, advocating for the cultural and performing arts.
• Events such as our annual TJ Fest promote Chinese culture and traditions, and have successfully attracted hundreds of participants.

  Tian-Jin Formation Drums and the Eight Generals Performing Troupe are frequently invited to perform at festivals and galas to showcase the traditional art of drumming and the spectacular costume designs.

  We aslo actively collaborate and cooperate with other ethnic cultural organizations to promote multiculturalism.

Again, thank you to all the wonderful volunteers that make up the joyful and loving family at Tian-Jin Temple. We appreciate all the support we have received in the past 8 years, and look forward to more memories to come!