Stafford Hindu & Buddhist Temples Day Trip - March 18, 2010
by Lucy Salas
Stafford Hindu Temple.
In spite of a few cancellations due to Spring Break, fourteen TIRET members visited the Temples in Stafford on Thursday March 18.
We were wowed by the stunning beauty of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Hindu) Temple, where we learned that 33,000 pieces of Italian marble and Turkish limestone were hand-carved by skilled craftsmen and assembled by volunteers. We were led by two different dedicated guides who explained in detail each part of the temple as well as how their leaders came to be chosen. Leaving the temple, we visited the onsite store where several purchases were made.
Our knowledgable guides explained details of the construction.
We then took a break at Hartz Chicken where we all enjoyed an 'all you can eat' buffet.
When we were all full, the trip continued over to the Buddhist Temple and Zen Gardens. We were told that a Buddhist temple has either Monks or Nuns, but not both. This particular temple has only nuns to lead them. Their temple is made simple so as to not glorify man. The volunteers who help at the temple offered us a variety of teas - some sweet and some not. It was fun to watch the faces as some took their first swallow of these unfamiliar flavors. After the tea, we visited the peaceful Zen gardens before boarding the bus to return to our cars.
Stafford Buddhist Temple.
While on the way back, we had a drawing on the bus. Prizes of candy were won by: Marian Gruber, Patsy Seay, Howard Cameron, Jeanne Brandt, Ralph Garcia and Rose Cerda.
The day began a little cool but turned out beautiful. The trip was enjoyed by everyone.
Members who attended were: Bob & Marian Gruber, Howard & Mary Lee Cameron, Patsy Seay, Ruth Hiatt, Vivian Watkins, Lucy Salas, Tony & Susan Leigh, Dorothy Flaherty, Ralph Garcia, Jeanne Brandt and Rose Cerda. Our bus driver was Beth.
