Chores

Every morning after breakfast, we have been allocated chores to help the volunteers who run the retreat centre on Holy Isle. These include chopping vegetables, cleaning toilets and sanding paintwork. I was pleased to be given the task of weeding in the vegetable garden. The hour passed very quickly and pleasantly :-)

After our morning sessions and a lovely lunch, I headed out on a solitary expedition to the very top of the island, returning by the path which passes St Molaises’s cave and the Tibetan rock paintings. I was back in time for supper and then went to experience the Chenrezig puja, prayers chanted in the Tibetan language. I didn’t understand the words but I envisaged love and compassion spreading out from the small shrine room to the whole world. When I researched Chenrezig later, I discovered that he is indeed a deity who embodies profound compassion. www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Chenrezig

Our evening session was all about meditation in different faith traditions and so I approach bedtime feeling very calm…

Extras show the top of the island, and one of the rock paintings (white Tara)