A Pathway to Wisdom (via Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight)

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the temple at Samye Ling
“Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist Monastery and Tibetan Centre” by Karen Grayburn.


Nestled amidst the rolling hills and serene beauty of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland lies Samye Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that has become a haven for spiritual seekers from around the globe. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a retreat at this tranquil sanctuary which was the culmination of a year’s (or in my case, two) study of Wisdom, facilitated by two of the co-founding teachers of the Mindfulness Association.

The year-long study delves into the profound depths of Wisdom, exploring its nature, its cultivation, and its transformative power. Through a combination of guided meditations, insightful teachings, mindful reflection, and home practice, we are invited to cultivate Wisdom's essence within ourselves.

The Essence of Wisdom

Wisdom, as we have learnt, practiced and experienced, is not merely intellectual knowledge or academic understanding. It is a profound exploration into the true nature of reality, an intuitive comprehension of the interconnectedness of all things. It is a way of seeing the world with clarity and Compassion, exploring freedom from the distortions of ego and illusion.

Ending this year-long study with a week-long retreat at Samye Ling provided a fertile ground for nurturing Wisdom's growth enabling us to discover our own unique perspective on the nature of reality and our place within it.

Cultivating Wisdom through Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight

The training and practice along the Mindfulness Association’s Four-Level Pathway is beautifully constructed. Years of training in Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight serves as a deep foundation for cultivating Wisdom. By bringing our attention to the present moment, we can see the world with fresh eyes, unburdened by the habitual patterns of our minds. We can observe our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, allowing us to recognize the impermanence of all phenomena.

Through our training in Mindfulness, Compassion and Insight, we have developed a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. We can see the interconnectedness of all beings and the illusory nature of separation. This pathway lays the groundwork for cultivating Wisdom's transformative power.

During this year-long study, I have experienced a profound shift in my perception of the world, seeing with greater clarity and compassion, recognizing the inherent goodness within all beings, and accepting the inevitable ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.

It has empowered me to respond to life's challenges mindfully with compassion, insight and wisdom, rather than reacting with anger, fear, or aversion, learning to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of inner peace and unwavering strength.

A Journey of Transformation

The year-long study of Wisdom was a transformative journey, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through mindful, compassionate and insightful teachings, we cultivated Wisdom's essence within ourselves, experiencing a profound shift in our perception of reality.

As I emerge from this year of study, I carry with me the seeds of Wisdom, ready to nurture their growth in my daily life. Wisdom is not a destination but an ongoing journey, a continuous process of deepening our understanding and embodying its transformative power.

This is a fitting end to 2023 which has been a year of deep, reflective and experiential study in my Mindfulness and Shamanic journeys, and both have come to the same concluding teaching; to walk this planet with our feet in both worlds for we are spiritual beings living a human experience.


If you are interested in learning more about how I can help you, please drop me a message on LinkedIn, or get in touch to find out more.
Location: Eskdalemuir, Langholm DG13 0QL, UK

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