As part of our theme on “Peace” this term we visited the Buddhist temple in East Tamaki and an Anglican Church in Grey Lynn. The day was a great success. Our intention is to expose the children to other faith schools and organisations and to show how different groups are striving for a more peaceful world.
The Buddhist temple was structurally very impressive but left us guessing as to what contribution Buddhism is making to peace. Of course Buddha was an incarnation of peace and compassion and we don’t doubt that Peace is a big part of their teachings. It’s just the presentation was very difficult to follow. Anyway we left with some interesting books and information about Buddha’s teachings.
Next we went to St. Columba’s church in Grey Lynn. The children found this most fascinating, probably because it was so different to what they are used to in terms of religion and a place a worship. We were greeted by Reverend Susan Adams who presented the Christian angle on peace and was busy answering many interesting and intelligent questions raised by the inquisitive audience.
We will be following up with special guest speakers and another trip to our local Muslim place of worship in Ranui.
Krishna directs us to be connected in Krishna consciousness in order to live peacefully. Krishna’s final word on happiness and contentment in this life is that if we are not connected to the divine consciousness then we can’t have peace and without peace we can’t expect happiness. Therefore we teach the importance of bhakti-yoga which is the means to re-connect our consciousness with the supreme.