As we look ahead to 2026, we want to share a few important updates with our Sangha. Attendance and fundraising are slowly recovering, but donations and memberships fell short again this past year. At the same time, we’ve taken on the joyful but significant responsibility of welcoming both Rev. Hashimoto and our new assistant minister, Rev. Sugiura. Their guidance is a true blessing, though it has added to our expenses.
The JSBTC has also increased its annual assessment fee more than usual this year, reflecting the rising costs they face as well. Please not, $100 of your Membership Fee is paid to Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple of Canada (JSBTC) as an assessment based on the number of members of our Temple.
Because of these combined pressures, we find it necessary to adjust our fees for 2026: Membership will be $180.00, and for non-members interested in subscribing to the newsletter, which is mailed out monthly, there is a subscription fee of $75.00. We make this change with care, and with deep gratitude for your continued support. Your generosity keeps the Temple running and allows us to continue sharing the Dharma with our community.
Please complete the application and return it to the Temple office. Honorary Members (77 years of age and over) are also asked to submit an application each year so we can keep our records current. While no fee is required for Honorary Members, donations, if you are able, are always appreciated.
Membership
The Temple welcomes membership applications from individuals who subscribe to our belief in Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teachings and embrace our Sangha. We want our members to have a stake in the future of the Temple therefore, all members will have the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting and other meetings of members.
We also want our members to enjoy their membership in other ways:
- Temple members and their families are entitled to rent the cabins at Camp Lumbini in Wasaga Beach during the summer months
- Some of our Temple members have already taken advantage of free notarial services offered by a Temple member to fellow members
- Receive a complementary subscription to the Guiding Light newsletter by mail, free of charge (due to escalating costs the Temple will have to charge a fee to non-members who wish to receive the newsletter)
We offer two types of memberships
Regular memberships for adults under the age of 77 years are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year, so those wishing to be a Temple member must complete the application form as early as possible at the start of each year. Late memberships will create a number of administrative, financial and operational issues for the Temple. Once we receive and process your signed application and membership fee (currently a minimum $180 per year) or your promise to pay the fee before May 31, your membership card will be sent to you.
Honorary Memberships will be issued to all members 77 years of age and over. This will remain valid as long as the member indicates that he or she wishes to continue the Honorary Membership each year. They must also fill out the application for CRA purposes. These members do not need to pay annual membership fees, although all donations are very much appreciated.
Please renew your membership – whether regular or honourary – every year by submitting a membership form.
Membership Fees vs. Donations
We also point out the distinction between membership fees and donations. Donations made in Offering envelopes used at services (such as “konshi” or “in memoriam” or special occasion donations) will be received as donations and not as membership fees. Any cash payments on account of membership fees should be inserted in a separate plain envelope clearly and specifically marked “For Membership”. You may use your own envelope, or if you wish, the Temple has envelopes available. If the membership payment is made by cheque, the cheque should be marked “Membership”.
If you wish to make a donation and would like to do it online please go to our donate page or click on this link.
Application Form
All members (Regular or Honorary) must fill in the on-line form below and submit it to the Temple. If you are a Regular Member please fill out the form and hit the Submit button below, you will then be directed to our secure on-line payment system (PayPal) for payment by credit card.
If you are an Honorary Member please fill in the same on-line form below and click the submit button and your application form will be submitted to the office. If you are an Honorary Member but still wish to make a donation please submit as a Regular Member.
Membership Fees may be paid in one lump sum or in installments, providing the total membership fees are paid by May 31st.
A tax receipt will be issued for the total Membership amount paid.
You don’t want to submit on-line?
If you don’t wish to submit or pay for your Membership on-line, you can download and print the application form below, fill it in and mail it along with your cheque to the Temple.
Please make sure your cheque is payable to “Toronto Buddhist Church” and mail it to the address below:
Toronto Buddhist Church
1011 Sheppard Avenue West
Toronto, ON M3H 2T7
Canada
If you don’t have a printer or are unable to download the application form, please call us at (416) 534-4302 and we will be happy to help you.
Toronto Buddhist Church invites you to join us and share the Dharma and Sangha.
We appreciate the support of all our Members and will continue to work hard to provide a community and environment that encourages and fosters the growth of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.