简体中文
EnglishWhat is Three Wheels Temple?
Updated
Three Wheels is a Buddhist temple in the United Kingdom and the U.K. branch temple of Shogyoji in Fukuoka, Japan. It describes itself as the spiritual home of a lively multi-cultural community of Buddhists practising in the Jōdo Shin-shū Mahāyāna tradition. If you are looking for a place of Dharma practice in the U.K. connected to a Japanese Pure Land lineage, this is what Three Wheels is and what it offers.
Tradition and lineage
Three Wheels practises in the Jōdo Shin-shū (True Pure Land) school of Mahāyāna Buddhism. Its stated ethos rests on two spiritual principles:
- Harmony in diversity
- The oneness of self-benefiting and other-benefiting
The temple describes its aim as providing a place of Dharma practice "where true encounters between individuals give rise to peaceful awareness and inter-personal understanding."
It is the U.K. branch temple of Shogyoji, a temple in Fukuoka, Japan, which places it within an established Japanese Pure Land network rather than being an independent U.K. group.
What happens at Three Wheels
The temple runs a regular weekly schedule alongside special events. From the published calendar, recurring activities include:
| Activity | Typical time | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Service | 6:30–7:30 am, most days | Chanting service |
| Working Meditation | 10:30 am–12:00 pm, weekly in fine weather | Cleaning practice in the gardens, understood as Offering (Dana) |
| Sunday Service | 9:30–11:00 am weekly (unless another event is scheduled) | Traditional chanting followed by a meeting where participants share recent life experiences and reflect on them through Nenbutsu and Shin Buddhist teachings |
| Meditation Class | 7:30–8:30 pm | Arrive by 7:25 pm; loose trousers recommended |
The Working Meditation session is a practical entry point: participants gather around 10:15 am, begin with a short service at 10:30 am, then help tidy the grounds. The temple frames this as gratitude and as practising Dana, one of the important practices in Buddhism.
Events and calendar
Beyond the weekly rhythm, Three Wheels lists named events such as the London Eza (a recurring gathering, numbered by edition), Hō-on-kō Ōtorikoshi Ceremony, Pure Land Class, Daisetsu-ki Memorial Service with a talk on D. T. Suzuki, and a Garden Open Day. These appear on the site's news and calendar sections with dates and invitations.
The garden
The temple's garden is presented as a "unique contemplation space" and has its own section on the site, including an Open Day. For visitors whose interest is contemplative practice or the setting rather than formal services, the garden is a distinct reason to visit.
Practical points to check before you go
- Location: the site is the U.K. temple of Shogyoji; confirm the exact address and travel details on the site before visiting, as the homepage excerpt does not state them.
- Timing: Sunday Service is held every week unless another event is scheduled that day — check the calendar rather than assuming.
- Meditation Class etiquette: arrive by 7:25 pm and wear loose trousers.
- Cost and registration: the source material does not state fees or whether booking is required, so treat these as unconfirmed and check directly.
Who it is for
Three Wheels suits people interested in Jōdo Shin-shū and Shin Buddhism, in Nenbutsu practice, or in a multi-cultural Buddhist community with a Japanese lineage connection. The mix of early morning services, evening meditation, garden work, and discussion-based Sunday meetings means there are several ways in — from silent practice to conversation and volunteering.