Interfaith Dialogue was the focus for the First Form trip

The First Form embarked on a trip to complement their study of both Sikhism and Buddhism throughout this year. The focus of the day was Interfaith Dialogue—how different religions interact, learn, have compassion towards and respect each other's faith, or lack thereof. The pupils learnt about how both Sikhs and Buddhists worship, where they worship and the importance of community in their faiths.

At the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall the Langar kitchen was open and thriving; every day from 3am—8pm the Sikh community in Southall cooks for anyone who wants or needs a free meal. The food is vegetarian as Sikhs believe in the karma cycle and so the killing of living creatures would count as bad karma. The kitchen is also manned by both men and women, as Sikhs support gender equality under God. On average 20,000 meals a week are served here. The boys tried the fantastic curry, sweet prashad and chai, as well as hearing the Guru Granth Sahib being recited.  

The second stop was the Buddhapadipa (Black Buddha Statue) Temple in Wimbledon. This Thai Theravada Buddhist temple is a beautiful gem right in the heart of Wimbledon opposite the Common. The boys were taught how to chant the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and the five moral precepts: don't lie, don't steal, don't kill, respect others and don't drink alcohol. 

The pupils were a credit to the School, respectful throughout and academically curious when it came to question time.

Ed Swift, Head of Philosophy & Religion