In Pursuit of Understanding

Ep.4 Buddhism - Ven. Seelawimala, Head Monk at The London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain

In this episode we talk to Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, Head Monk at The London Buddhist Vihara and Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain. Ven. Seelawimala co-founded the interfaith network, he had the honour of being the first Buddhist monk to be invited to a royal wedding in Britain (Kate & Will), he spoke at The House of Lords and had the privilege of being the monk in charge of the Buddhist shrine inside the London 2012 Olympic Village. We learn what Buddha means, what it's like to be Buddhist, the importance of meditation and how we can overcome our suffering by increasing our wisdom through reading, mediating, and discussions. He also shares he views on why we should be more like bees – taking the nectar without harming the flower. Ven. Seelawimala welcomes anyone to The London Vihara for festivals, talks and teaching. Listen now to learn, discover and be inspired by Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala

Ep.3 Judaism - Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph

In this episode we are joined by Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph. We hear about Oliver's fascinating journey, his faith, his battle with cancer and his perspective on the Jewish religion and its customs.

Ep.2 Islam - ‘The Young Imam’ Sabah Ahmedi

In this episode we are joined by Sabah Ahmedi, also known as ‘The Young Imam’. As well as being one of Britain's youngest Imams, he is a Father, husband, coffee lover, marathon runner and Crossfitter. In Pursuit of Understanding Islam we chat to Sabah about his favourite customs, what it’s like for Muslims in the workplace, and he encourages non-Muslims to ask questions even if they might not be politically correct.

Ep.1 Sikhism - Lord Indarjit Singh CBE

Lord Indarjit Singh CBE of Wimbledon is a journalist, broadcaster and the creator of Sikh Messenger magazine. He is also the co-founder of the Inter-Faith Network and the first member of the House of Lords to wear a Turban. In this episode we chat to Lord Singh about his life growing up in Birmingham when less than 1000 Sikhs lived in the city, his favourite Sikh customs and what being a Sikh means to him.

Introducing: In Pursuit of Understanding Religion

In our first series In Pursuit of Understanding religious customs, we chat to the UK's Head Monk, the UK's youngest Imam, Lord Singh of Wimbledon, Rabbi Oliver Spike Joseph and Reverend Bruce Thompson, who all share their knowledge, understanding, wisdom and advice. Join us as we discover more about each religion, the day to day customs and practices, and how these impact the working life so we can move forward together as a society.