f11project

The Tibetan Mani wheel (prayer wheel) is a cylindrical wheel on a spindle. It is made from metal, leather and wood. It plays a very important role in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

The mantra ओं मणिपद्मे हूं Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ that is on the outside of the prayer wheel is associated with the four-armed Shadakshari form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. The mantra is especially revered by devotees of the Dalai Lama, as he is said to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara.

The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase “turning the wheel of Dharma,” which describes the way in which the Buddha taught. Prayer wheels are used to accumulate wisdom and merit (good karma) and to purify negativities (bad karma).

The practice of spinning the prayer wheel helps with the mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion. Buddhist teachers extol its ability to quickly harmonize the environment, promote healing, increase compassion, and assist practitioners on their journeys to enlightenment.

Anshei Minsk Synagogue is located in the old Kensington Market in Toronto, Canada. It was founded by poor Jewish immigrants from Russia (mostly Minsk) in 1912. The current Byzantine Revival building was completed in 1930.

The congregation has had only three full-time rabbis: Meyer Levy (1916–1921), Meyer Zimmerman (1940–1954), and Shmuel Spero, who has served from 1988 to the present. It is the only Orthodox synagogue in downtown Toronto with a full-time rabbi, and the only one that holds daily services.

Most of the Mink’s founders were poor Jews from Minsk (in Russia), who had settled in Kensington Market at the turn of the century. At its founding, it was a shtibel or small storefront synagogue typical of poorer Jewish immigrant communities of the time.

~ Wikipedia~

At 32,000 square feet, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complex in northwest of Toronto is the largest Mandir in Canada and second largest Hindu temple outside of India.

The Mandir was constructed by 2000 builders in a record 18 months with a price tag of $40 millions. This hand crafted Mandir displays the fine tradition of ancient Indian arts & philosophy and was built using Turkish limestone and Italian marble.. Visitors are awestruck by the unique architecture and detailed intricacy of the carvings.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was dedicated to the people of Canada on July 22nd, 2007 by the spiritual leader of  BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the inspirer, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Our Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the then Toronto Mayor David Miller were present at the ceremony.