Maitrivana, Garden of Loving Kindness

Maitrivana Buddhist CentreLocated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Maitrivana is Nalandabodhi Canada’s home, a place where study and practice in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Tibetan Buddhism can flourish. Maitrivana also serves as the administrative headquarters for Nalandabodhi Canada and as the Canadian residence for The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. It also serves as a home for Lama Rabten and visiting teachers.

Maitrivana has at its heart a beautiful shrine that will inspire present and future students to connect with the heart of the guru, the lineage and the teachings. The shrine features three rupas (statues) – Shakyamuni Buddha, Tara, and Guru Rinpoche. The Buddha Shakyamuni rupa is 4 feet tall, the Tara and Guru Rinpoche rupas are 3½ feet tall. They sit atop a gleaming dark green granite shrine,

With the help of numerous generous donors, the centre was purchased in 2006. Since then, many volunteers have lent their time and energy to the task of renovating the building. Special thanks to Lama Tenam who arranged for the purchase and shipment of the three exquisite rupas from Nepal, the rupas are now in place at Maitrivana.

Current Stage

  • In May 2007, the second floor of Maitrivana was transformed into a tranquil residence for The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and a home for Lama Rabten..
  • In early 2007, The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche was presented with a key to Maitrivana.
  • In October 2007, intensive renovations to the centre’s main floor (shrine room, library, foyer and office) were completed, including freshly painted walls, new flooring and enlarged windows.

How to Help

Maitrivana ShrineThe Three Jewels Fund has been established as an umbrella fund for all Nalandabodhi Canada fundraising. Your gift to the Nalandabodhi Three Jewels Fund will help support Maitrivana. A generous sangha member has offered a challenge grant of $21,000 for funds raised before the end of 2008. Please click here for more details.

Donations of any amount are welcome. To make a tax-deductible donation (donations are tax-deductible in Canada), you can click the Make A Donation button below to donate online using PayPal, or you can send a cheque or your credit card details to: Nalandabodhi Foundation, P.O. Box 2355, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W5.