If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a Buddhist temple looks like, or what Chinese New Year really means, all will be revealed this weekend in Richmond.
Dharma Drum Vancouver Center, on No. 5 Road near Blundell Road, will attempt to satisfy both curiosities as it hosts its third, annual public Chinese New Year celebration.
On Saturday and Sunday, Dharma Drum – which practices Chan Buddhism – will open its doors to the community, irrespective of people’s religious persuasion or the lack thereof.
As it marks the Year of the Rooster, the centre has laid on another fun-filled, free event for the people of Richmond, with everything, as usual, being delivered in English.
“There were several hundred people here last year, I’m not sure of the exact number, but it has been very successful in the two years we’ve put it together and it seems to grow in popularity each year,” said the centre’s Paul Hancock.
“I think people are very curious about the temple; not everyone is religious and people can sometimes be intimidated by temples. So this event is perfect for those people and it’s also a lot of fun.
“The medium of communication is English, because the idea is to bring in people who perhaps don’t speak Chinese.”
Hancock said one of the more popular activities over the course of the two-day celebration is the Chan tea.
“A lot of people love it; it’s something that they always remember, it’s perfect for reflecting and relaxing,” he added.
“The purpose of the event is to be inclusive and build friendships across cultures; this is for people who perhaps don’t really understand Chinese New Year but would like to know what it’s all about.”
On Saturday and Sunday, from 1:30-3:30 p.m., Dharma Drum Vancouver Centre will have lots of hands-on activities for adults and kids of all ages, including lantern-making, Chinese calligraphy and the aforementioned Chan tea ceremony.
As well, there will be a lion dance, drumming and live harmonious vocals and music from the centre’s choir and musicians.
