The following information was provided by the director and secretary of the Maitreya Great Tao Hep Kwong Temple Inc., formerly known as the Hep Kwong Tien Dao Temple, in Toronto, Ontario (Maitreya 29 Apr. 2003). The name of the temple was amended two years ago3/4after functioning for 16 years under the previous name3/4 to highlight the focus on Maitreya Buddha, also known as the happy or lucky Buddha, and his philosophy of respect, peace and harmony (ibid.). There are currently 63 Maitreya Great Tao temples around the world with the headquarters based in Taiwan under the leadership of Grand Master Wang (ibid.).

Members of the Maitreya Great Tao Hep Kwong Temple Inc. believe that society is currently in a state of chaos where conflict and suffering prevail; with the awakening of consciousness, however, universal salvation and the unification of the world's religions will occur (ibid.). The director and secretary of the temple metaphorically likened the Maitreya belief system to a tree where the trunk was comprised of Buddhist concepts such as non-attachment, suffering and karma and the branches were representative of other religious elements (ibid.).

Vegetarianism is integral to the Maitreya Great Tao belief and practice of respect for nature and all sentient beings (ibid.). Vegetarian Membership Cards, according to the director and secretary, prove that a person is a member of the temple, although not every member is in possession of a card (ibid.). Moreover, individuals who make donations to the temple can use the identification number on the Vegetarian Membership Card for tax purposes (ibid.).

Please refer to the attached letter sent to the Research Directorate by the director and secretary of the Maitreya Great Tao Hep Kwong Temple Inc. on 9 December 2002 for further information on the temple in Toronto and the Maitreya Great Tao belief system. Additional information on the Maitreya Great Tao faith can be found on the Internet at http://www.pro-maitreya.org.tw.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Maitreya Great Tao Hep Kwong Temple Inc. 29 April 2003. Telephone interview with the director and secretary of the temple.

Maitreya Great Tao Hep Kwong Temple Inc. 9 December 2002. Letter sent by the director and secretary of the temple.