Is there a God? Does life have a purpose?

These are big questions – and if we’re prepared to tackle them, we’ll

be less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and be better able

to cope with our emotions. People who avoid the issues raised by religion

and philosophy are likely to suffer from worse depression and anxiety, say

researchers from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

They surveyed 307 people about their recent life experiences and found that

those who wouldn’t engage in the big questions of life suffered “more intense”

bouts of depression and anxiety.

“People seem to be more emotionally healthy if they’re able to accept troubling

insights. Looking at spiritual doubts in an objective way seems to help. You may

or may not work through them, but you can at least tolerate having them”, said

lead researcher Julie Exline. Also, ignoring the big questions could be symptomatic

of a more general problem of avoidance and escapism, which can be harmful or

self-defeating when trying to achieve personal goals.

From ‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You’  March 2017   page 14

Since its establishment in 1983, Maidenhead mosque has gone through numerous phases of development and progress. The building itself has become a landmark in Maidenhead and is well-known to all muslim and non muslims, with a colourful history behind the structure. Serving the Muslim community, the mosque has developed over the years catering for all people by providing vital services and assistance.

The UK Centre for the Soka Gakkai International Buddhists is based at Taplow Court, near Maidenhead.  SGI-UK is one of the many organisations in 192 countries and territories throughout the world which together make up the SGI. Soka means the ‘creation of value’ and Gakkai means ‘society’. SGI is a  movement based on Nichiren Buddhism. It is a broad humanistic movement for the benefit of humanity, engaging with other institutions, associations, groups and individuals who wish actively to create a better world.

In 1961 Soka Gakkai President Daisaku Ikeda, visiting Europe for the first time, laid the foundations of the UK movement for peace, culture and education, encouraging the handful of people who were practising here at that time. SGI-UK has grown steadily and there are now over 600 local groups throughout the UK. Local groups hold discussion meetings each month to which everyone is invited. If you want to find out about the nearest group to you ring 01628-773163.

The final Interfaith Dialogue in the current programme is on Tuesday 14th

March at the Maidenhead Mosque.

The topic is, ‘What makes life meaningful?’ The dialogue starts at 7pm prompt

until 830pm followed by refreshments.

The address of Maidenhead Mosque is Holmanleaze, Maidenhead SL6 8AW.