Visiting the Cham Shan Temple, Thornhill

Cham Shan Temple, Thornhill was established in 1973 by Ho Nansang and Ho Nanji. They donated a building and named it Cham Shan Temple in memory of the Cham Shan Temple in Qingdao, China, built by Grand Master Tan Xu. I took public transit to visit the Cham Shan Temple.

At the entrance stood a grand gate inscribed with “Namo Amitabha" “Namo” means homage or I take refuge, and “Amitabha” refers to the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life.

The entire temple grounds were designed to reflect the posture of a reclining Buddha. The first section featured statues of a Happy Buddha along with warrior figures.

Inside, there’s a 7-story temple building, which reportedly houses the largest Buddha in North America. Farther in was the main prayer hall, where photography was not allowed. Inside, the hall contained numerous Buddha statues, paintings, and teachings, with reading desks, offerings of incense and flowers, and three large Buddha statues at the center. The space felt colorful, serene, and sacred. The three figures were of:

1. Amitabha Buddha – Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, central figure.

2. Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva – embodiment of compassion, usually on Amitabha’s left.

Photo credit-https://www.amitabha-gallery.org/three-pure-land-sages

3. Mahasthamaprapta (Da Shizhi) Bodhisattva – embodiment of wisdom and strength, usually on Amitabha’s right.

Together, they symbolize enlightenment, compassion, and wisdom guiding beings to the Pure Land. Outdoors, two massive bells could be struck with a heavy wooden log—I rang one myself. At the far end of the grounds stood two tall towers and a small shrine housing another Buddha statue where devotees prayed

Continuing through the grounds, I reached another prayer hall dedicated to Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva with many hands (Thousand-Armed form), symbolizing boundless compassion. The idol there was adorned with Chinese lanterns, orchids, daisies, and paintings, with seating for visitors to pause and reflect. Sitting there brought me a deep sense of peace.

Guanyin

The two towering pagoda-style structures at Cham Shan Temple are seven-story Buddhist towers used for worship, meditation, and housing sacred artifacts.

Pagoda style stupa

My mind felt relaxed and at peace after visiting the Temple. I had a chance to meet the monks of the Temple too receiving their blessings.

Until next time, stay happy and stay strong!