Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre

This year has, so far, had its ups and downs. Unfortunately the downs have outnumbered the ups but hopefully things are beginning to get turned round a bit. A weekend in The Lakes with Sal certainly helped and a day spent in the Borders, visiting the Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre definitely helped to get our Yin and Yang back in to kilter.

There is such a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere to this place irrespective of whether or not you are a believer of The Buddhist faith. The best way to describe the ambiance is to say that everyone you see, hear or talk to is just...nice. It is never inclusive; visitors are made more than welcome and anyone can enter the Inner Temple for worship or meditation when, after each session, food is provided free of charge.

From the bit of research I have done, there are five precepts which are an important part of Buddhist religion. They are seen as guidelines to be followed by Buddhists, to ensure that they accumulate good karma and as such are able to come closer to achieving enlightenment.
They are as follows:

I undertake the rule to abstain from killing.
I undertake the rule to abstain from taking what is not given.
I undertake the rule to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake the rule to abstain from false speech.
I undertake the rule to abstain from taking intoxicants that cloud the mind.

Enlightenment is important as it ensures that Buddhists reach Nirvana where they find the truth about life, thus escaping the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. As I said, the Five Precepts aren't necessarily seen as rules but more guidelines to be followed.

I'm sure a true Buddhist would pull that explanation to pieces but that is the way that I see it.

Anyway batteries were duly recharged and then Paninis were devoured in The Truly Scrumptious Cafe in Langholme before retreating back in to Cumbria!