Buddhism has been practiced in Canada for more than a century and in recent years has grown dramatically. Immigrant communities construct temples in Canada's urban centres, the Dalai Lama is one of the world's most recognizable figures, and Buddhist ideas and practices such as meditation, vegetarianism and non-violence are increasingly a part of mainstream culture. More native-born Canadians are turning to Buddhism now than ever before. The most comprehensive study of Buddhism in Canada to date, "Wild Geese" offers a history of the religion's evolution in Canada, surveys the diverse communities and beliefs of Canadian Buddhists and presents biographies of Buddhist leaders. The essays cover a broad range of topics, including Chinese, Tibetan, Lao, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese Buddhisms, critical reflections on Buddhism in the West, census data on the growth of the religion and analysis of the global context for the growth of Buddhism in Canada. Presenting a sweeping portrait of a crucial part of the multicultural mosaic, "Wild Geese" is essential reading for anyone interested in religious life in Canada.
