Established
in 1978, and located on the edge of picturesque Rouge Valley,
Toronto Maha Vihara today is not only a noteworthy landmark, but
also a monument to the vision and conviction of the early pioneers
of the Sri Lankan expatriate Buddhist community in the Greater
Toronto Area.
The primary
social objective of Buddhism is to discourage rift and promote harmony
among all beings. Its concept and rationale is based on natural law.
Hence, it is a Dhamma rather than a conventional religion.
Conflicts and threats to peace arise only when the three-fold ills
of hate, greed and delusion enter the human mind. They are produced
by man and not by nature. Buddhism shows us that the more one moves
away from Dhamma, the more one suffers.
World peace
can never be attained through the media and propaganda alone. The
more crucial factor is the inner peace and contentment within us
all. The Maha Vihara provides the ideal environment for this purpose.
It is open to all, irrespective of nationality, race, color, creed
or social class.
The serene
place of worship, the library, the meditation sessions, the Dhamma
discourses and other opportunities available for exchange of ideas
are a blessing to us, in attaining inner peace and
contentment.
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