Toronto is considered to be one of the most culturally and religiously diverse cities in the world. I have been fortunate to have opportunities to go on “religious exploration journeys” to Toronto and worship in religions and explore cultures other than my own. Because I was there to worship with them, and to learn about and be respectful of their beliefs and culture, I was permitted to take photographs during some intimate moments of worship. Our “guide” on these journeys was helpful in making this possible. Tourists may NOT just wander in and take pictures. Although the beliefs and worship practices are in some way very different than my own, I was impressed by the deep sense of devotion, humility, and reverence that I experienced in each place.
Hindu Temple, Toronto
This photograph is of the outside of one of the Hindu temples in Toronto. This temple is currently under construction and a larger tower will be built in the back of the building, similar in design to the two in the front.
Worship Center, Hindu Temple, Toronto
This is one of the worship centers inside the same Hindu temple. We arrived during a special time of prayer. After the prayer was over, we were presented with offerings of fruit to eat. Water made “holy” was poured into the palms of our hands to drink. A fire was brought to each worshipper so we could “bathe” in the light of God. Although there are special times of prayer throughout the day, worship goes on all the time with people continually coming to worship. Each one would remove their shoes, enter the worship area and bow their head to the ground and pray, then leave an offering of fruit, flour, some other food, or money. Note the offering of fruit in the front (the fruit given to us had been presented at the “altar” as an offering by some earlier worshipper). After bowing and prayer and giving an offering, each person would go around to the various representations of Deity. I watched a tender and devout moment as a grandmother cupped her hand over the “flame of God” and then bathe her grandchild in that light.
Hare Krishna Temple, Toronto
If you came here from the Kalamazoo RLDS site, click here to return.
Added December 3, 1999
