[ISL] "P.E.I. Buddhists monks welcome outside world this weekend"
CBC News' Sara Fraser reports on the decision of a Buddhist monastery in southeastern Prince Edward Island to hold an open house.
P.E.I.'s Buddhist monks are opening the doors wide for their biggest-ever open house this weekend at their monastery complex in Little Sands.
The Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) has made the Island their home for the last eight years. They've built up a large compound of about a dozen buildings, which they've said is worth about $10 million, and still expanding. Hundreds of Asian monks study there year-round.
"This is just a way for us to make personal connections with Islanders," said Venerable Dan, GEBIS public affairs spokesperson.
"This weekend, the Mother's Day weekend, will be a perfect opportunity for us to open the door and welcome Islanders and friends to come in and get to know more about us."
Islanders can tour the facilities, which include a prayer hall for up to 500 monks adorned with gold-plated Buddha statues, and living accommodations where the monks bunk in austere, 10-man rooms.
They'll also show off some of their traditional handwork including drawing and intricate, colourful sculpture created from butter.
P.E.I.'s Buddhist monks are opening the doors wide for their biggest-ever open house this weekend at their monastery complex in Little Sands.
The Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) has made the Island their home for the last eight years. They've built up a large compound of about a dozen buildings, which they've said is worth about $10 million, and still expanding. Hundreds of Asian monks study there year-round.
"This is just a way for us to make personal connections with Islanders," said Venerable Dan, GEBIS public affairs spokesperson.
"This weekend, the Mother's Day weekend, will be a perfect opportunity for us to open the door and welcome Islanders and friends to come in and get to know more about us."
Islanders can tour the facilities, which include a prayer hall for up to 500 monks adorned with gold-plated Buddha statues, and living accommodations where the monks bunk in austere, 10-man rooms.
They'll also show off some of their traditional handwork including drawing and intricate, colourful sculpture created from butter.