Questionable Dharma Centre

[Motova]

Lately I have been looking for some Dharma centres to visit in Toronto. I am thinking about trying this one out: http://www.tengyeling.ca/main_source.shtml
Unfortunately there is some controversy surrounding the centre, particularly around the resident nun "Venerable Lama Tenzin Kalsang": http://torontocultexposure.blogspot.ca/
Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this centre or nun? Should I steer clear?

[Nilasarasvati]

If these statements from the office of the Dalai Lama are genuine, which I have a hard time believing they are not, that alone is enough of a reason to avoid the place with a ten-foot pole.

[Motova]

Yeah I am going to play it safe and steer clear.

I'll move on and try this one instead: http://www.riwoche.com/index.html

[Nilasarasvati]

Looks more legit immediately!

However I'm suddenly remembering I've met a teacher who supposedly lived in Toronto. I can't find anything about him there, though. I thought he had a centre there. Choejor Rinpoche, a Nyingma lama who was the tutor of the young Dilgo Yangsi Khyenste Rinpoche, was supposed to be based out of Toronto I thought. Anyway don't worry about it, I just thought I'd throw that out there in case you encounter him

[JKhedrup]

I can suggest Riwoche as well (only downside is some of the programs can be quite expensive).

There is also Karma Sonam Dhargye Ling which is an excellent Karma Kagyu Centre (ksdl.org)

If your heart is with the Gelug tradition, I can recommend Manjushri Centre on Burnhamthorpe Road in Etobicoke, http://www.sklojam.com/blog/ai1ec_event ... ance_id=45 which is the centre of my master.

If you decide to visit Manjushri, I will be there often on weekends during most of July and part of August, along with the Geshe I translate for here in Europe. You can PM for a schedule of the centre if you like. All the teachings and initiations at this centre are on a donation basis, they do not charge for anything, which makes it quite unique. Khensur Rinpoche is one of the senior masters of the Gelug tradition, and has the distinction of being the longest serving abbot in exile chosen by HH Dalai Lama.

[heart]

Yeah I am going to play it safe and steer clear.

I'll move on and try this one instead: http://www.riwoche.com/index.html

Very good, I love Phakchok Rinpoche!

/magnus

[Karma Dorje]

Riwoche is a good center in town. If you don't mind a bit of a drive, the Palyul Canada center in Madoc is really beautiful and the resident lama is both humble and accomplished. I believe he also teaches in town on occasion.

http://www.palyulcanada.org/

[Motova]

Thanks everyone for the good information! I am going to check out Riwoche first, hopefully this Thursday/Weekend. They have some really beautiful statues I want to check out.