Zen Buddhist Temple-Toronto is the first temple founded by the Venerable Samu Sunim. After moving to Toronto in 1971 Samu Sunim completed a three year solitary retreat before beginning his teaching career. He reactivated the Zen Lotus Society from a basement apartment in Toronto serving the Korean-Canadian community and gave meditation instruction during the week. In 1979 Ven. Samu Sunim and a small group of his students  moved the Zen Lotus Society into a former flophouse at 46 Gwynn Avenue in Parkdale. The building was extensively renovated through the effort and manpower of those first disciples and the temple was officially incorporated in 1980.

The temple offers meditation services and meditation instruction for urbanites leading a hectic life. It serves as a spiritual community for friendship and support as well as a monastery for cultivation and training. Every Sunday we offer public services at 10 am and 4 pm ($5 suggested donation). We have daily, weekly practice schedules for members. We also offer introductory meditation courses and retreats throughout the year. Rev. Sanha is the current Temple Director and resident teacher.

​

The temple offers Temple Residency for people who want to spend some time living in the temple to cultivate their practice. The residents participate in temple programs in the mornings and/or evenings while maintaining their job or studies.

​