Yesterday, Mr Woolner, Mr Wilson and Mrs Cousins took the Year 8 cohort to North London to visit the Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir to learn more about the Hindu religion and it's cultural practices. Following the trip, Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy Mr Woolner provided the report below.
'On Monday morning, the Theology and Philosophy department, along with the whole of Year 8 and Mrs Cousins, set off for North London for a visit to the Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Neasden. The welcome we received there was far warmer than the weather and, having removed all shoes (as is customary in Mandirs) the boys became engaged with a variety of activities such as a video charting the temple's remarkable construction, an exhibition on the origins and contributions of Hinduism, and a Q&A with a learned Hindu scholar (who praised both the students' knowledge and their insightful questions).
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the opportunity to witness the Arti ceremony, in which Hindu priests offered each of the four elements to the represented gods in worship. This was Mr Woolner's eighth visit to the temple with various schools, and he was very pleased with the respect and engagement shown by all Shiplake boys. Our only regret was not being able to visit the on-site restaurant, which is well worth a visit should one happen to be in the area.'
