Visiting Wat Buddhapadipa
Recently, Year 8 visited Wat Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon, where we gained a deeper insight into the experiences of Buddhists by listening to them and observing their place of worship.
First, we walked to the entrance of the Temple and saw the gilded relief sculptures of two deer flanking a Dharma wheel, symbolising the Buddha’s first sermon at Deer Park. It was fascinating to see this important symbol, which marks a key milestone in spreading the Buddha’s message of enlightenment.
Afterwards, we ate under a canopy beside the lake and fountain. The rushing water created a tranquil environment, while a golden Buddha statue in the gardens by the lake served as a reminder of the importance of calm and reflection for Buddhists.
Next, we entered the ubosot after removing our shoes as a sign of respect to the Buddha. Three small Buddha statues—gold, black, and a green replica of Thailand’s Emerald Buddha—stood at the front. Vivid murals depicted the Buddha’s life and teachings as well as references to modern figures such as Margaret Thatcher. We heard from a Buddhist volunteer who explained their meaning and the different stages of the Buddha’s life. Finally, a Buddhist monk guided us through meditation and answered questions about his life at the temple.
Overall, the visit helped deepen our understanding of Buddhist beliefs, community, and way of life. It was fascinating to see what we had been taught about at school brought to life.
Written by Leo (Year 8)
