Lessons from a monastery - part three things that surprised me
Things that surprised me!
In my two previous articles, I've discussed some learnings I experienced during a summer visit to a Tibetan monastery in Scotland. This is my third and final article in this series, this time reflecting on some of the more surprising elements of my stay.
Whilst observing the prayer and teaching sessions at the temple, I was amazed to see how mobile the monks were. Many of them were in their 'autumn and winter seasons' of life and some had marked restrictions in their mobility. However, at the start of the prayers and teachings they would perform a bowing ritual which involved getting down onto their hands and knees and tapping their forehead towards the floor. They repeated this, standing up and getting back down to the floor, a few times. As I watched one of the older monks, I was reminded of the phrase 'to use it or lose it' as this monk had clearly practised this physical and spiritual movement many times daily, which allowed them to maintain this physical ability. It has provided me with even more motivation to continue with my own mobility and flexibility practices on a daily-ish basis.
The whole complex at the temple was very surprising. I felt as though I had arrived in Tibet, whilst still being in Scotland! I have never been to Tibet, but it felt like I had been transported to a far-away land. The buildings were ornately decorated and there was a beautiful pond with a statue of the Buddha in the centre, monks and nuns walking around in their traditional red robes, and stunning planting of flowers all around. One evening, I noticed a small group of monks walking in circuits around the grounds, talking as they walked, much like I do regularly with my friends around Hook!
I was quite surprised that the prayer sessions were filled with joy and music. I suppose I was expecting a more serious and solemn vibe. However, the prayers were chanted in a semi melodic and repetitive rhythmic fashion that felt very energising and uplifting. These were punctuated with periods of loud symbols and drumming which felt very joyful and playful. A kind lady took the time after the session to discuss briefly what the prayers were about, and explained that play, music and joy were part of these particular prayers.
I was also surprised during one of the Buddhist teaching sessions, led by a senior monk, to hear references to breathwork. Even though I’m aware that meditation and breathwork have their roots in many ancient religions and spiritual traditions, it still somewhat took me by surprised to see a Tibetan monk speaking about breathing! He was discussing how the breath and the mind are closely interlinked, such that when one becomes agitated so does the other. We can calm the mind to calm the breath, or we can calm the breath to calm the mind.
If you're keen to learn more about breathwork, drop me an email or join my newsletter to hear updates on any future breathwork or mindfulness courses. We also practice breathing techniques throughout my Pilates classes. Get in touch to join us in a regular weekly class in Hook's Village Halls. The next 6-week block starts 5th November 2025
