Buddhism in the U.K. has grown tremendously in the last few years. New groups are springing up like lotus flowers on a hot day. 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.

I am really most grateful for the chain of events which led to my being invited to the opening of the Three Wheels Jodoshinshu Buddhist Temple and its Japanese style stone meditation garden in Acton, West London. I had heard of Rev Professor Sato through the Buddhist Society, and had made contact some months ago, only to discover that he had to return to Japan. I sent him copies of Pure Land Notes, and received a phone call just before he left, saying that he would make contact on his return. I had almost forgotten about this, when I received a letter inviting me to the opening of the Three Wheels - so called because of its logo - Temple and the Zen stone garden '...signifying "harmony within diversity" both in the context of the stones themselves and in the context of all the different kinds of people who have met and mixed at Three Wheels'.
The original inspiration for Three Wheels came from Rev Sato's teacher, Rev Chimyo Takehara, following his visit to London in 1993 with the members of his temple's gagaku music ensemble. He met Prof. John White, and out of this friendship came Rev Sato's visit here, and eventually Three Wheels and the garden. Both are the result of co-operation between Japanese and English, Christians and Buddhists. Both exemplify the prayer of Rev. Takehara's prayer for 'Harmony within diversity'.

Arriving at Three Wheels, we were made welcome with tea or cold drinks, and introduced to some of the other guests. I found myself talking with a young man, Mr Cern House, who turned out to be the guilder who had done the decoration for the shrine. Most of his work is done in churches, but when he heard of this shrine and the spirit behind it, he had indicated that he wanted to be a part of it. He was not a Buddhist, but was very open to spiritual inspiration of all kinds, which he found it when doing the work on the shrine.
Eventually we were called to the shrine room, where there were seats reserved for invited guests, and we were introduced to the order of service.

The service was led by Rev Takehara, who had come from Japan with a party of priests and musicians from his temple in the South of Japan. After some traditional Japanese music, nembutsu and the offering of incense, three sutras were chanted. They were 1) a gatha from the Hymns in Praise of the Dharma by Shan-Tao asking Amida and other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to '...enter this holy place'; 2) The Hymn in Praise of Buddha (Sanbutsge) from the Larger Sutra of Eternal Lift; and 3) two verses from Shinran's Hymns in Praise of the Pure Land (Jodowasan).
In the introduction to the chanting, Rev Sato pointed out that the phrase 'Amida Buddha and Bodhisattvas' might also apply to his teacher and the assembled guests. He also told the story of the Sanbutsge, and pointed out that the Pure Land began through the meeting of two human beings.

The Zen Garden and Buddha Shrine at Three Wheels, which are a representation of the Pure Land - or Enlightenment itself also grew out of the meeting between human beings, English and Japanese. Shinran's poems also referred to the symbols of the Pure Land. The shrine and garden - seen in the same way - were the fruits of the prayer for Harmony and thus could be seen as an embodiment of Amida's Original Prayer.
Following the chanting, a number of talks were given. Those in Japanese were translated into English. Rev Takehara spoke of the historical meeting that was the start of the project, and of the growth of friendship between all who participated. It was Prof White who had suggested the stone garden, following a visit to Shogvoji, Rev Takehara's temple, and meditation at the stone garden there. The stones for the garden had come from Cumbria, and he told something of the story of them. Speaking of religion, he said that he did not believe in one that would take the place of all, but that there was an unifying force that could allow them to harmonise with each other. He then thanked all those responsible for the project, and said that we were all welcome to visit to find peace and healing.

Professor White spoke about the construction of the Buddha Shrine, and of the symbolism of it. it was designed and built by English craftsmen using local materials, but drew inspiration from traditional Japanese Buddhist shrines. Beautiful as the shrine and garden were, they - and the ceremonies conducted there - had no meaning unless it was brought about by those who attended in fellowship. A beautiful buffet meal of English and Japanese foods followed, with the opportunity to meet some of the other guests.

Altogether it was a wonderful and inspiring day, and one which may prove fruitful for the Future of Pure Land Buddhism here in Britain.

Rev Sato has indicated that PLBF members are welcome to visit. Three Wheels is at 55 Carberry Avenue, Acton, London W3 9AB. (tel. 0181 248 2542) As the temple is in a private house, and situated in a residential area, it is not always open. If you would like to visit the shrine and garden please phone first to check if there will be anyone there, and if it is convenient to visit. Please mention the PLBF when you telephone. The temple is situated about ten minutes walk from Acton Town tube.