Last month, Theology and Philosophy teachers Mr Wilson and Miss Morgan accompanied groups of pupils from Year 7 to Ealing Gurwarda and pupils from Year 11 to the Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple in Acton. Not only did these trips build upon what the boys had learned in their lessons, but they also broadened their minds as they experienced new cultures. Below are the reports from these visits.
Ealing Gurdwara
On the 5th of December Year 7 visited Ealing Gurdwara as part of their study of Sikhism. Pupils were welcomed to the Gurdwara and were asked to remove their shoes and cover their heads as a sign of modesty and respect. Pupils then had the opportunity to visit the Diwan Hall (prayer hall) and see the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. This is of particular significance to Sikhs as it is seen as the eternal living Guru. One of its members explained the history and features of the Gurdwara and pupils enjoyed the chance to ask questions about the Gurdwara and what it is like to be a Sikh.
Pupils sampled parshad as they left the Diwan Hall, a sweet made of butter and flour that is considered a blessing. Pupils then visited the Langar Hall. An important part of all Gurdwaras is the Langar kitchen, which produces food that is offered, for free, to anyone who would like it. The boys then had the opportunity to taste some traditional Indian cooking in the Langar hall and experience this important part of Sikhism. The boys and myself had a fantastic day, and it was thoroughly enjoyable to experience a different culture in all its glory!
Report provided by Mr Wilson.
Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple
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Also on 5th December, Year 11 Theology and Philosophy students went on a day trip to enhance and enrich their understanding of Buddhism. They visited Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple in Acton, London. Students were surprised to see that from the outside it just looked like any other house on a residential street. Knocking on the door seemed a little surreal as a result! We were greeted by Rev Sato, who is Trustee of the London Shogyoji Trust and Director of Three Wheels. As a Professor of Western and Buddhist Philosophy and Visiting Professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies. He was clearly well versed in Buddhism and answered any of the questions students had with clarity and deep consideration. The boys all commented on the calm, unimposing nature of the religious leader and almost everyone noticed that he took time to think before answering a question (something the boys thought could benefit them – not least to look wise like Rev Sato himself!). Rev Sato demonstrated some chanting that he does and the use of a singing bowl which is useful for the Buddhist practices unit covered at GCSE. Before leaving, they visited the Zen Garden at the back of the house where they were shown the rake used to make decorative patterns. All students left calm and relaxed after their experience at this temple.
Next stop was the visually dramatic Wat Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon. This was very different from the previous Temple and offered an interested contrast for the boys to consider. A monk in saffron robes met us at the electric gate and we were given time to walk around the grounds which included a peaceful meditation garden. Students loved the ornate gold designs of the main temple and commented on the design. Once in the temple, students were addressed by a monk who lives in the monastery. The pupils experienced walking meditation for 10 minutes (which certainly challenged some!) and the story of the life of the Buddha was explained through a stunning mural covering 3 sides of the temple. All the boys were surprised when the monk’s mobile phone rung half-way through the talk with someone on the line advertising an accident/injury service. It seems not even Buddhist monks can escape those annoying phone calls! The monk also explained to the boys that being ‘unattached’ to things in life (a core principle in Buddhism) does not mean he cannot have a phone, but simply means he is not attached to it. This, combined with the Q&A session was useful for the boys to realise what it might be like to live a monastic Buddhist life in modern Britain today.
Report provided by Miss Morgan.