Request a Ceremony
“I feel fortunate to have a Shin Buddhist temple in London where I can attend service regularly, participate in temple activities, and embrace the community. I was born and raised Buddhist and I have been a part of various sanghas whilst growing up. When I moved to London, I wanted to continue practicing Buddhism just like I used to, and Three Wheels is the place to do so.”
– a young Dharma friend
Three Wheels holds private ceremonies by request including weddings, funerals and memorial services.
The following is a brief outline of these ceremonies, which are held in the traditional Shin Buddhist manner.
Please contact Three Wheels if you would like to request a private ceremony.
Funeral Ceremonies
In U.K., these are usually held at the crematorium and the timing of the service depends on the arrangements made by the family for the whole funeral ceremony. Following our Buddhist tradition, the departed can be given a Dharma name (Buddhist name) based on their personality or an important and meaningful part of their lifestyle. Funeral and memorial services are an important time for us to express our gratitude for everything that has been done for us by the departed person.
Memorial Ceremonies
In Japanese Buddhism in general, memorial ceremonies are held on, or on the eve of, the 49th day, one year (一周忌), two years（三回忌), 6 years（七回忌）and 12 years（十三回忌）after the day of passing. The ceremony can be held by request at Three Wheels.
Alternatively Three Wheels’ priests can visit your home in order to conduct the memorial ceremony in front of your home Buddhist Shrine 佛壇.
Blessing of a Newborn Child
This ceremony is also in the Japanese Buddhist tradition. The new baby is brought by his or her parents to the temple in order to express gratitude to Buddha and receive his blessing for the new life that has been given.
Wedding Ceremonies
Shinran Shonin, the founder of Shin Buddhism, was the first Japanese monk to officially marry. Committed Shin Buddhists have their wedding ceremony held at a temple and receive a teaching on the meaning of marriage in our tradition by the priest who administers the ceremony. It is very important for us to remember the meaning of marriage and, with a respectful heart towards each other, go forward together in life with our lifelong companion.