Things you might need to know about your stay

Firstly, we welcome you to Lam Rim Buddhist Centre. Some of you have been here before, some of you are here for the first time, some have never ever been to a Buddhist Retreat Centre.

You may find that as you relax and let go a bit, you are actually quite tired. Often our business keeps us going while exhaustion accumulates at a deeper level, so it is important to rest when you need to.

The period of silence from after 10:00 p.m. until early morning is to help ensure that we all get enough resting time, and to respect the atmosphere of this house.

Also, getting up in silence helps to put us in touch with how we are feeling and what is going on around us, and prepares us for the early morning sitting meditation. During the silent time, if there is something that you need to say of a practical nature, that’s okay.

When the residents are not using the Shrine Room, you are welcome to use it if you want to meditate or just sit there quietly. They meet for puja, an important part of Tibetan Buddhist practice, for an hour in the morning and evening, chanting from Tibetan texts and meditating – you are welcome to join them. These are times for quietness and if you do not attend the pujas, it would be appreciated if you could remain as quiet as possible.

There is a helping period. Edita organises it. Gather in the kitchen to find a task such as chopping vegetables or a job that needs doing in the garden, for example. When we are helping for just one hour a day, it’s amazing how much we can actually get done which is always very rewarding to witness. We also need volunteers to help clear and wash up after meals and reset the tables for the next meal… put your name on the list outside the kitchen.

There is a path that runs around the edge of the Lam Rim grounds, called the OM MANI PADME HUNG path. Walk around it clockwise (i.e. the house on the right). Om Mani Padme Hung is the mantra used by Tibetan Buddhists as a means of turning the mind towards the cultivation of compassion and to express the path towards enlightenment.

We strongly embrace the concept of conservation and ecological awareness.
We would like to encourage you to be mindful with regard to anything
consumable, such as electricity and water which is metered. Turn off your
mobile phone and refrain from using your phone in-house and in the grounds,
where others may find it disturbing.
In order to comply with our insurance policy, we ask you to ensure that no
candles or incense is burnt in the bedrooms and no sleeping on the floor.

We enjoy central heating, log fires, and partial double glazing you keep in
the warmth as the countryside can be considerably cooler than living in the
city.

Wales is a Smoke-Free Zone.

If you have any problems or things you want to discuss during your stay, do speak to the course leader or one of the residents.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity.