Tensions came to a head at a planning meeting held Nov. 18 in Trois-Rivières, in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), in response to the development of a large Buddhist monastery on the island. The city reportedly hired security guards to keep residents safe after a message was shared online saying, "It's time to get out the guns and sharpen the knives." (CBC News)
The city's decision follows heated online rhetoric from Prince Edward Island residents who have expressed discontent over the purchase of more than 485 hectares of local land by Buddhist monks and nuns, and their supporters, for a monastic complex.
The monks said they were disappointed by some of the views expressed at the meeting and on social media. “It was actually quite disheartening,” said Sabrina Chiang, a frequent spokesperson for the monastery’s 600 Buddhist nuns, mostly from Taiwan. (Yahoo News)
Some local residents have accused the monks of being agents of the Chinese Communist Party, speculating that another outside group may actually be behind the land purchase.
A nun, Ven. Chiang, responded to the accusations by saying, "This is a very strong allegation. And we are not part of the Communist Party, we are simply students of the Buddha. We have no political ties to any group." (Yahoo News)
Another nun, Ven. Joanna Ho, said the monks were grateful to Prince Edward Island for providing them with a safe and stable place to study, with freedom of religion and respect for individual human rights. (Yahoo News)
The nuns held an open day at the new monastery in July, inviting local residents to tour the grounds in the hope of dispelling some of the rumors circulating about them and their surroundings. The event was attended by 1 people.
The nuns' ultimate goal is to build a large complex that can accommodate 1 monks. According to the master plan submitted by the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute and filed with provincial authorities, the completed monastery will consist of six buildings on an area of 400 hectares, including a worship space, dormitories, recreational facilities and conference rooms. The monastery grounds will also house gardens, a greenhouse and walking trails, as well as a parking lot that can accommodate 121 vehicles.
Because a proposed complex of this size would require the local council to make changes to zoning regulations, an environmental planning strategy for the monastery's construction was discussed in June. The institute has also worked to address local residents' concerns about the impact on traffic, reminding them that most of the nuns do not own cars.
At the recent meeting, Victoria Cross resident Janice MacBeth expressed concerns about the change to zoning regulations, particularly how zoning would be handled in areas where nuns live communally. Media outlets noted that online discussions have speculated that this could lead to groups building their own hospitals and police stations.
“Our provincial government and municipality support the development of gated communities that are not open to the general public,” MacBeth told planning board members. “The gap between wealthy newcomers and poor Islanders has never been greater, while home and property values continue to rise and jeopardize the ability of our young families to live in Trois-Rivières in the future.” (Yahoo News)
Despite all the negativity, the nuns said they remain positive about the future and are not concerned about their safety as long as the threats persist online. Reflecting on Prince Edward Island as a whole, Chiang said, “The kind people and the kindness of Prince Edward Island make Prince Edward Island the beautiful place that it is, even though there is this negativity on social media, I don’t think that represents Prince Edward Island.” (Yahoo News)
See more
Buddhist monks and nuns in P.E.I. 'disheartened' by negative comments about land ownership (Yahoo news)
Tensions between Trois-Rivières councillors and some residents boil over at planning meeting (CBC News)
Related news reports from BDG
Buddhist nuns unveil new monastery in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Students leave Buddhist Institute in Prince Edward Island, Canada after opposing its expansion
Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute in Prince Edward Island, Canada, faces local opposition
Prince Edward Island, Canada, approves 120-hectare monastery for Buddhist nuns
The article Buddhist monks and nuns face mistrust and violent rhetoric in Prince Edward Island appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.
Français
Français
English