Trent University and Buddhist College of Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Foster Cultural Exchange

Trent University and The Buddhist College of Canada (BCC) have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to foster cultural exchange and outline diverse opportunities for collaborative education in the Peterborough area and beyond.

The Venerable Dayi Shi, president of the Buddhist College of Canada (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University (right) shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent University and the Buddhist College of Canada share a deep commitment to community, personal well-being and the arts, as well as environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “We look forward to a range of academic, research, and experiential learning opportunities with the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden going forward.”

BCC is housed at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Bethany. According to Trent, it provides an ideal setting for many of its students to apply the theory and concepts they study in class in a practical, cultural and spiritual context. 

Students studying Business Administration, Communications, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, Environmental Resource Science/Studies and other subjects will be able to work with colleagues at the BCC to conduct research and contribute to solutions to real-world challenges.

“This association represents a harmonious blending of knowledge and tradition,” said the Venerable Dayi Shi, president of the Buddhist College of Canada. “By working together, we can inspire meaningful learning experiences for students while contributing to the growth and understanding of Buddhist philosophy, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange within our community.”

Including experiential learning opportunities, the agreement opens up academic courses including Chinese history, spirituality, Eastern philosophy and language learning.

“Our colleagues at the Buddhist College of Canada bring a depth of knowledge in Buddhist traditions, philosophy, and Chinese history,” said Dr. Mark Skinner, Trent dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This partnership opens exciting opportunities for Trent students to learn from these inspiring experts, with our faculty integrating new experiential learning into our existing Arts degree programs and potentially new curriculum through the creation of micro-credentials that will leverage and showcase the knowledge and expertise at the BCC.”

Students can participate in community-based research projects centred on developing the expansive Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. Additionally, cultural exchange opportunities will allow students to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese practices, such as tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy, and meditation, offered as micro-credential and for-credit courses.

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Here Are Photos Of A $80 Million Cham Shan Buddhist Temple Being Constructed Near Peterborough

There is a massive $80 million Cham Shan Buddhist retreat temple project under development on Ski Hill Road near Bethany (about 30 minutes south of Peterborough) by the Buddhist Association of Canada that I toured. It will be a re-creation of the Sacred Mountains of China. The largest Buddhist complex outside of China, it is being constructed over the next 20 years, with the main temple opening in the next couple of years. Conservative estimates are it will attract about 45,000 visitors annually from around the world, a potential boom to tourism in the area. The site was chosen because of its serenity and tranquility in a natural environment, perfect for a retreat.

The wooden temple was actually built in China, then taken apart and shipped to Canada. It will take about two years to re-assemble. There are no nails or glue, just interlocking rosewood brackets. The site, which will be a meditation centre, will also eventually feature a gift shop, restaurant and onsite accommodation. Here are pictures of what it looks like now during construction, and what it will look like upon completion. —Jamey Coughlin

Current aerial view (supplied photo)

Conceptual aerial view (supplied photo)

photo by Jamey Coughlin

photo by Jamey Coughlin

photo by Jamey Coughlin

photo via Drew Van Parys

photo by Jamey Coughlin

photo via Drew Van Parys

photo by Jamey Coughlin

photo via Drew Van Parys

photo by Jamey Coughlin

Conceptual drawing

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