|
Inauguration of the Zen Garden - 1997 |
|
|
|
|
"Many
things happen quietly, even significant events, which we only get to
hear of after they have happened. So when something really important
happens, and we are enabled to be there at the start of it, it is a
great blessing, which gives birth to a sense of gratitude which is the
essential root of Pure Land practice."
- written by Jim
Pym of the Pure Land Buddhist Fellowship after attending the
Inauguration Ceremony of the Stone Garden and Buddha Shrines at Three
Wheels.
|
|
|
| For
the Inauguration Ceremony Reverend Chimyo Takehara (Head Priest of
Shogyoji Temple) had come from Japan accompanied by priests and Gagaku
musicians. In the packed shrine room of Three Wheels, before the start
of the service, Gagaku music was played. A brief silence after the
music was interrupted by many voices chanting the nembutsu. An offering
of incense to the Buddha took place, followed by the chanting of three
hymns from the Pure Land tradition. |
|
| Following
the chanting, a number of talks were given. Reverend Chimyo Takehara
spoke of the historic meeting that was the start of the project, and
the growth of the friendship between all who participated. Professor
John White who had suggested the Zen Garden, explained where the stones
in the garden had come from. He also told of the construction of the
Buddha Shrine. |
 |
|
After
the ceremony the guests were offered a beautiful buffet meal of English
and Japanese foods and had the opportunity to meet some of the other
guests.
Altogether many individuals from a diversity of backgrounds and
religions attended, coming together at Three Wheels in harmony.
|
|
|
|
