Temple visit to London Fo Guang Shan
On
27th October 2012, a few of us from Imperial College's Buddhist Society
visited a Mahayana temple located a stone throw away from Oxford
Street, which was Fo Guang Shan(FGS) temple. It was a fun-filled day
with informative talks and fun games.
Not only did all participants learn more about FGS, we were also given
dhamma talk which complements with a meditation session in the temple.
London's Fo Guang Shan temple's entrance. FGS temple was once used as a church.
A statue near the entrance
The visit began at 9.30am where everyone was gathered at its library. We
were shown a video on the history behind the founding of Fo Guang Shan
temples all around the world. It was a concise and informative session
where we were introduced to the organisation
behind Fo Guang Shan (Buddhist Light International Association) and the
work the temple has undertaken for the past year. The day could have
started out as another boring day but it was not because light breakfast
was served. I helped myself to a cup of tea
and biscuit to kick start the long day.
Watching a video on Fo Guang Shan
We were then led to the Main Shrine. The room itself was filled with peacefulness and tranquility that anyone who enters right through the door will be amazed by the three Buddha's statutes and the room's decoration.
The 3 Buddha statues in Main Shrine
Buddha's pantings on the wall. Each painting is representing either North, South, East, West or Center.
Tools used for service. Brown "wooden fish" is on the left and a black "drum" is on the right
Preparation for service on Sunday.
Jue Ru Master began by welcoming us to the temple. She introduced us to a few important points about Mahayana Buddhism's etiquette and practice. To name one point she brought up, she taught us that visitors to a shrine usually enter through the two side doors. This cannot apply to FGS London because there are only two doors and one is usually used for entrance and another one leads to another smaller shrine. Jue Ru Master spoke in Mandarin but English translation was given by a member of the Youth Adult Division(YAD) called Roxy. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, she translated Jue Ru Master's words into English so that non-Mandarin listener could comprehend what was being delivered.
We were then
split into two groups for a short temple tour: one in Mandarin while
another in English. We visited the Avalokitesvara Shrine which was
adjacent to the Main Shrine.
Avalokitesvara has a prominent significance on Mahayana Buddhism. She is depicted as woman in this statue, but is said to be able to change into different forms.
We then
visited another shrine and the meditation hall situated above of all the
shrines. We also visited the cafe which is situated a floor below the
library.
The meditation hall
We then gathered in the library again and a few member of
staffs at the temple were asked to introduce themselves. After that,
visitors were asked to introduce themselves as well. Visitors came from
all walks of life. There were roughly the same
number of students and working adults. They were many interesting
stories on how others were attracted to Buddhism. Some even learnt about
Buddhism through meditation retreat!
And.... it's lunch time! Before we began our lunch, a short blessing recital was recited to thank those who have prepared the food. We were served with delicious fried bee hoon(rice vermicelli), vegetable curry, spring roll and assorted vegetables. Being a non-vegetarian, I think the food was delicious even without the usual meat I would have. The scrumptious meal was prepared by volunteers. The asian taste and delicacies really made me feel at home.
After the hearty lunch, walking meditation ensued. We were led to walk around the meditation hall for around 20 minutes where we walked and swung our hands. This practice, usually done after a meal, helps to circulate our blood to all parts of our body to prevent drowsiness.
And then, there was ice-breaking games. The first game was interesting. We sat in a big circle. Each person had to say his/her own name and the names of the persons before them. For the second game, we were divided into two groups and played charades. That was not the typical charades but was rather difficult because the words given can be as hard as "running out of toilet roll". The third game was the most memorable one. Each team will send 6 representatives who will each write one letter, forming the word "Buddha". The representative had to do so in blindfolded. Then, a person from each team will guide the representative to write the word. Team with the best writing won.
After much laughter from the ice-breaking games, we were given a talk by Helen Mi. She has immense experience in giving dhamma talk. She gives talk on every Sunday at 3.30pm. Her topic was "Busy, Blind and Bewilderment". Her topic relates to how our lives are full of activities, which is associated with "Busy". Our lives can also be "Blind" because we do not know the truth. Finally, our lives are can also be described as "Bewilderment" which tells us that we may know we are not practicing the right lifestyle, but has not repented. She spoke in Mandarin but non-Mandarin speaker listened to Roxy's translation to English using walkies-talkie.
And.... it's lunch time! Before we began our lunch, a short blessing recital was recited to thank those who have prepared the food. We were served with delicious fried bee hoon(rice vermicelli), vegetable curry, spring roll and assorted vegetables. Being a non-vegetarian, I think the food was delicious even without the usual meat I would have. The scrumptious meal was prepared by volunteers. The asian taste and delicacies really made me feel at home.
After the hearty lunch, walking meditation ensued. We were led to walk around the meditation hall for around 20 minutes where we walked and swung our hands. This practice, usually done after a meal, helps to circulate our blood to all parts of our body to prevent drowsiness.
And then, there was ice-breaking games. The first game was interesting. We sat in a big circle. Each person had to say his/her own name and the names of the persons before them. For the second game, we were divided into two groups and played charades. That was not the typical charades but was rather difficult because the words given can be as hard as "running out of toilet roll". The third game was the most memorable one. Each team will send 6 representatives who will each write one letter, forming the word "Buddha". The representative had to do so in blindfolded. Then, a person from each team will guide the representative to write the word. Team with the best writing won.
After much laughter from the ice-breaking games, we were given a talk by Helen Mi. She has immense experience in giving dhamma talk. She gives talk on every Sunday at 3.30pm. Her topic was "Busy, Blind and Bewilderment". Her topic relates to how our lives are full of activities, which is associated with "Busy". Our lives can also be "Blind" because we do not know the truth. Finally, our lives are can also be described as "Bewilderment" which tells us that we may know we are not practicing the right lifestyle, but has not repented. She spoke in Mandarin but non-Mandarin speaker listened to Roxy's translation to English using walkies-talkie.
Helen Mi, standing at the far right and wearing a yellow vest, answering questions
The temple visit was not close to the end yet. We were brought up to the meditation hall where Jue Ru Master led the meditation session. She taught us how to perform exercise before meditation and its importance. We then meditated for around 10 minutes because time was running out. It was about 5pm when we ended our meditation.
Waiting for Jue Ru Master before starting the meditation session
Jue Ru Master answering questions from visitors. Note the number of books in the library.
The temple
visit officially ended at 6pm. It was a long day starting from 9.30am
but the visit was made better by the hospitality shown by all member of
staffs and volunteers. I felt that I learnt a
lot from the visit. No doubt I will be coming back to FGS again in the
future because they have so much to offer - from warm hospitality to
knowledge in Buddhism.
Thank you all for reading! =)
By: Siew, Ming Jin
**Most photos are owned by Adrian Lin.**
posted by Unknown at
13:54
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