Day 6

Today we had a wonderful lie in after such a busy day yesterday.  Four team members (Sara, Suzanne, Peter and Rachel) did their thought for the day and Mr Donnelly finished with an extended thought on contentment.  


For lunch we went to the pizza hut at M block market which of course went down a treat.  From here we travelled to the Bahá'í House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flower-like shape.  This pure white marble temple is also known as the Taj of Modern India.  We had to take our shoes off to go inside and a perfect silence is maintained in the main hall to allow for peaceful prayer.  The Bahá'í faith believes in oneness of all religions and man-kind.  

Next we went to the Swaminarayan Akshardham, a spectacular 100-acre cultural complex, which "showcases India's glorious traditions of art, architecture, wisdom and spirituality." The main feature of the complex was the temple. The intricacies of the building were absolutely amazing. It was filled with various Hindu gods and the central golden god was enormous.

We are now back at the hotel and looking forward to a lovely meal out.


We're all well rested and ready for another busy day at the centre tomorrow!




Here's Georgina's blogspot on the religion of India.

- India is the birth place of four of the world’s major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. According to the 2001 census, 80.5% of the population is Hindu, 13.4% were Muslim, 2.3% were Christian and 1.9% Sikh.

- In general, India is extremely diverse and tolerant as regards religion. According to its constitution, India is a secular republic, and it upholds the right of citizens to freely worship and propagate any religion or faith. The Constitution of India also declares the right to freedom of religion as a fundamental right.

- Hinduism, the main religion, is often regarded as the oldest remaining in the world, dating back to prehistoric times; 5000 years ago.

- Like Christianity, it is an extremely diverse religion, with many denominations, sects, and a variety of personal beliefs. However, it has formed from many different sources, and has no single founder. Hinduism also grants a great degree of freedom of belief and worship.

- Given its diversity and complexity, Hinduism can span many beliefs including  monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism, monism, atheism, agnosticism, and gnosticism. However, most believe that Brahman is  the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Most also believe in reincarnation, and that the goal of life is to do good works, or karma, so that they may be reincarnated into a better life, and eventually, become free and unite with God.




Are delighted to say that after wrangling with the computer this morning, we have managed to get the video which should have been posted on Day Four, Friday, up. We hope you enjoy this overview of a day spent in the slum.

Shannen, Adam and Hannah.