In 1994, a unique spiritual home blossomed in London. The Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple opened its doors. This temple, nestled in Acton, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a bridge between cultures, a testament to friendship, and a haven for peace. The Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple is the London branch of Shogyoji Temple in Fukuoka, Japan. It’s affiliated with the Higashi Hongan-ji branch of Shin Buddhism. Its story began with a businessman named Kenji Toda. He arrived in London in 1989 and forged a strong bond with members of University College London. His spirituality, rooted in Shogyoji Temple, resonated with his new friends. This connection laid the groundwork for the Three Wheels Temple. The temple’s name, “Three Wheels,” symbolizes the three core practices of Shin Buddhism: hearing, believing, and practicing. Three Wheels isn’t just a building. It’s a community. It hosts daily services, meditation sessions, and twice-yearly retreats. These retreats, known as “shokai,” incorporate communal meals, dharma talks, and chanting. Three Wheels also hosts bi-monthly “eza” gatherings. These feature dharma talks in English. “Eza” means “to meet and sit,” reflecting the temple’s focus on connection. The temple’s Zen garden offers a tranquil escape. Designed by John White, an art historian and professor at University College London, the garden opened in 1997. It embodies the harmony within diversity that Three Wheels promotes. Since 1997, the temple has held an annual ceremony. It prays for world peace and reconciliation between British and Japanese war veterans. This ceremony highlights the temple’s commitment to healing and understanding. The Three Wheels Shin Buddhist Temple is more than just a religious site. It is a living testament to the power of friendship, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the enduring search for peace.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service