Visit to the Ravidassia Community Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
7th September 2025
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
As a Buddhist committed to fostering harmony and understanding among diverse faith traditions, my recent visit to the Ravidassia community in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, was a profound symbol of interfaith solidarity and fellowship. This visit reaffirmed the shared values of compassion, equality, and spiritual unity that underpin both the Buddhist and Ravidassia traditions, contributing to the vision of a more harmonious and inclusive society.
The Ravidassia community is a global faith group with roots in the Dalit Chamar caste, who are followers of the 15th-century mystic poet and saint, Guru Ravidas. Ravidassias regard Guru Ravidas as their central spiritual guide. Historically part of the broader Sikh tradition, the community’s distinct religious identity emerged following the tragic 2009 assassination attack in Vienna on Guru Niranjan Dass and his deputy Ramanand Dass. In response, the community formally established the Ravidassia religion on 29 January 2010 under the leadership of Dera Sachkhand Ballan. Since then, they have embraced the Amritbani Guru Ravidass Ji, a scripture based solely on Ravidas’s teachings, marking a spiritual affirmation of their unique identity.
The Ravidassia community has been an integral part of British Columbia since 1906, with the official establishment of the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha in 1982. Located at 7271 Gilley Avenue, Burnaby, it serves as a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub offering congregational prayers, hosting community events, and providing the traditional langar (free communal meal). Their enduring commitment to service and equality deeply reflects the teachings of Guru Ravidas. I was especially inspired by their Dr. Ambedkar Library, which houses the writings and speeches of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, symbolizing the powerful link between social justice and spiritual enlightenment.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Ram Pratap and Mr. Mohan Banga for their gracious efforts in facilitating this meaningful journey and guiding me through places of historical and spiritual significance.
This visit was not only an opportunity to learn and reflect but also a reaffirmation of the values that unite all spiritual paths: compassion, mutual respect, and the pursuit of truth. I carry forward this experience with gratitude and a renewed commitment to interfaith engagement.
With metta,
Gauthama Prabhu N
South Indian Buddhist Council
