湛山精舍Cham Shan Temple
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I had a shocking encounter with a very rude nun at the temple. I was standing in the corridor, enjoying the breeze and checking my fortune sticks when I passed through a door that was propped open with no sign indicating it was off-limits. Suddenly, the nun with the glasses👓 aggressively questioned me, "What were you doing outside?" I was confused and replied that I was just enjoying the breeze. She snapped, “Go to the first floor to do that, you can’t stand outside here.” I politely asked why, and all she could say was, “Just because you can’t,” with no reasonable explanation. It seemed she held a grudge against me after that, as she scolded me three more times. When I was standing in an empty space with others, she singled me out, pointing at my feet and ordering me to move. I asked why she was being so unfriendly, and she coldly replied, “You’re not here with sincerity.” The volunteers tried to calm me down, saying she was worried I might slip on the freshly mopped floor, which was a ridiculous excuse. They even offered me some fruit to make peace. The most shocking part was when I was kneeling in front of Kuan Yin, drawing my fortune sticks, and she came over again, saying, “Why are you still here? Why don’t you leave?” I was still in the middle of my prayer! Yet, she had no problem turning to other visitors with a smile, patiently explaining how to draw the fortune sticks in Cantonese. She even told the girl next to me to keep her distance, clearly trying to alienate me. To behave like this in front of Kuan Yin, showing such blatant favoritism and bullying, was truly beyond belief. What made it all the more ironic was the fortune I drew, which said, “Do not listen to idle gossip and rumors.” It felt like a direct reflection of her behavior—bullying and discriminating against me with malicious intent, even in a sacred temple. Doesn’t she fear that Kuan Yin is watching her actions? Despite this, I turned to her and said, “In front of Kuan Yin, I forgive you.” She waved me off while counting money, saying, “Don’t talk to me. Don’t disturb me.” The volunteers, with awkward smiles, gave me more offerings, as if they were used to her behavior. All of this made me even more certain—Kuan Yin sees everything, and karma will catch up to her. 在寺庙里我遇到了一位非常跋扈的师傅,整个经历让我极为震惊。当时我在走廊上吹风解签,经过一扇没有任何标识不让用的撑开门,师傅突然没好气地质问我:“你在外面干嘛?” 我说吹风,她立刻不耐烦地命令我:“吹风去一楼,不能站外面。”我礼貌地问为什么,她却只是不耐烦地说“就是不可以”,没有任何合理解释。 她仿佛因此怀恨在心,接连怼了我三次。当我和其他人站在空旷的地方时,她偏偏针对我,指着我的脚命令我挪开。我质疑她为何如此不友好,她竟冷冷地说:“你不是诚心来的。”义工们急忙过来安慰我,解释说师傅怕我摔倒,还给了我贡果,但这个理由太牵强。 最让我震惊的是,当我跪在菩萨面前求签时,师傅竟然又走过来说:“你怎么还不走?”我还在求签拜佛,她当着菩萨的面居然能这样两面派,转身对其他香客却是笑脸相迎,用粤语耐心指导求签,还叮嘱旁边的姑娘不要靠近我,明显带有排挤意味。当着菩萨的面搞这种区别对待和霸凌,实在让我感到不可思议。 让我感到意味深长的是,我抽出的签文正好提到“莫听闲言说是非”,仿佛点破了她在寺庙里的霸道行径。她以恶意揣测、区别对待他人,居然还敢在佛门净地如此行事,难道她不怕菩萨看在眼里?她的行为与佛门应有的慈悲完全背道而驰。 我后来还是转身对她说:“看在菩萨的面上,我原谅你了。”她却一边数钱一边挥手道:“你不要和我说话,不要打扰我!”义工们无奈地笑着给我塞了苹果和贡果,仿佛对她的态度早已习以为常。这一切让我更加确信,菩萨看在眼里,终有报应。
Eve
00
A garden-like temple property where the open concept allows any visitor to freely roam and pay respects any of the dozens of benevolent deity goddesses and venerable abbot statue figures. There are pamphlets in the main hall in English denoting the history of the organization's work in spreading Buddhist tenets of life and the work to build the massive spiritual site in Bethany, Ontario. Worth a visit to restore calm and offer a prayer (even if you don't believe in deities, some say you can speak to your ancestors in the heavens). The kind and quiet atmosphere is welcoming and you are not once asked to contribute directly, although merit boxes are available at the foot of each deity figure. Secular and curious visitors can definitely pay a visit at least for a cultural appreciation of Chinese-Buddhist beliefs. I did not take pictures inside the main hall but the prominent figures of the Goddess of Mercy, Buddha and protector Wei Tou are present.
Paulina Jan
10
We were over a long weekend, and it was bustling! The ground floor parking was full, but they do have underground parking available. The staff and volunteers were helpful. We tried the vegetarian meals in the dining area. When we asked about the noodle portion, they mentioned it was small and meant for one person, so we ordered one each. However, the portions were huge — enough for two! They kindly provided take-out containers for us to minimize food waste. I highly recommend the vegetarian chocolate crepe cake and iced tea. The food prices are supposed to serve as donations. I did notice some comments on XiaoHongShu about the temple being somewhat commercialized, particularly regarding the $60+ charge for a blessed red wrist string, which seems steep compared to other temples. Just a reminder to be mindful of your budget — only purchase what you can afford. Remember, Buddha doesn’t judge your serenity by wealth.
Celia T
00
I visited this place for the first time. It does well maintained. But when I was going to to order a noodle soup, which price is $15 for dine-in and $10 for take-out, I only had $10 cash in my wallet, so I planned to pay by card and dine-in because I was starving. The volunteer said they only accept debit/credit cards when over $50. So, she recommended me to order a take-out and eat outside. I went here in a Weekday afternoon, the temple was empty, I was the only visitor in that room. I asked her if I can order a takeout and eat indoor because it’s October now. She said the seats are only reserved for people who “dine-in”. My mom is a devout Buddhist, she told me in the book, Buddha believes all humans are equal in their rights and should be treated as the same. Does Buddha really care about this $5? I wish that volunteer can read more.
Irene Zhou
200
Visited to see the statues and grounds, it was a beautiful and calming experience. The temple is donations based, and volunteers there were very welcoming. Stayed for a vegetarian lunch on a Saturday. Not certain what the full hours are but we were told that they were serving between 11am-3pm that day. $10 for noodles, $15 for the tea set, and all the proceeds go to temple upkeep and programs. The food and tea was delicious! Will be returning regularly :)
Justin Hugh
120
A beautiful, peaceful, and gorgeous Temple! It has been almost 10 years! My most favourite Temple! Everyone is so nice and friendly! The Temple is always clean, bright, and well organized! Every time being there, I felt so peaceful, clam, and restful! Believing and then your wishes and what you pray would come true! 南无阿弥陀佛!
Jun Yuan
30
Nearby Restaurants Of 湛山精舍Cham Shan Temple
Ramona's Kitchen (Thornhill)
Ferrovia Ristorante
Bagel Nash
Reginos Pizza
After Queen Tea Shop
Ramona's Cafe
Carbon Bar and Grill

Ramona's Kitchen (Thornhill)
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Ferrovia Ristorante
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Bagel Nash
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Reginos Pizza
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Basic Info
Address
7254 Bayview Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 2R6, Canada
Map
Phone
+1 905-886-6481
Call
Website
chamshantemple.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(329 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
scenic
relaxation
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: , restaurants: Ramona's Kitchen (Thornhill), Ferrovia Ristorante, Bagel Nash, Reginos Pizza, After Queen Tea Shop, Ramona's Cafe, Carbon Bar and Grill
