In the dark, I couldn't see it. A gently swaying torch lit up a patch of road, feet in socks and sandals, purple robes. I was here, and with help from the torch-carrying monk, found Kagyu Samye Ling. The long, winding journey, half in the light and half in the dark, through valleys and below snow-capped hills, seemed endless. And then, the perfect sense of the most unexpected Tibetan temple blossoming alongside the single track road and sheep. In Scotland.
Samye Ling revealed itself slowly. I arrived in darkness. The next day of unstoppable rain made reflecting pools of the paths, but I couldn't see much else. Shadows and shapes, glistening.
Then, on Sunday morning, it was bright and dry. And beautiful. I saw it all.
A weekend of yoga and meditation led by Johnny Glover, with a kind, thoroughness that held a room of 50 learners spellbound. This was no ordinary yoga and no ordinary room. This was the most beautiful and vibrant practice space. A Tibetan Buddhist temple in Dumfriesshire.
White muslin gently blowing from door handles and untroubled by the relentless rain drew us in. I had been warned that it would be cold. But the floor was heated and a gentle cosiness invited body and mind to rest.
Lying on a yoga mat is my happy place. In this happy place, I was bathed in warmth, colour and care. A general joy decorated the walls. I practiced with my friends and made new friends on nearby mats. I meditated. I became still. I watched prayers and walked in the peace garden. I marvelled at what hundreds of volunteers have built. I am grateful. You must see it for yourself. It is to be believed.
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