tbc vancouver (British Columbia) is part of the Triratna Buddhist Community (formerly known as The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order whose name changed in 2010) a non-sectarian international Buddhist network of public centres, communities, ethical businesses and social projects. At the heart of the tbc is the Triratna Buddhist Order made up of both men and women of diverse backgrounds who have dedicated their lives to the practice of Buddhism.
Established in London, England in 1967 by Sangharakshita – a remarkable Englishman who deserves to be seen as one of the founding fathers of Western Buddhism, the tbc has spread steadily around the world – with North American activities starting in 1980.
The tbc consists of numerous charities that are legally and financially autonomous. So each tbc centre is the responsibility of a local tbc charity. This means that the charity’s trustees, usually Order members involved with that centre, are responsible for what happens at the centre. There is no central authority in the tbc with the power to issue orders.
tbc vancouver offers ongoing Buddhist activities from our dedicated meditation space throughout the entire year. We welcome both the curious and those new to meditation, as well as seasoned meditators who are looking for a friendly community within which to practice on a regular basis. You do not need to be a Buddhist to join in our programs and participation in all activities at our centre is by donation.
We abide by the maxim ‘give what you can – take what you need.’