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The Buddhist Retreat Centre |
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Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
For people of all religions |
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BRC Newsflash: June 2024 Dear Friends, |
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Lantern lit Buddha Rupa at Wesak | Image: Lisa de Venter | |
The fast approaching May full-moon is called the Flower Moon and heralds Wesak, the most important day on the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. In many spiritual beliefs, the flower moon is seen as a sacred time of blossoming and awakening. It stands as a seasonal reminder to be thankful for the beauty in the world, to practise patience with yourself and others and to nurture new beginnings. Rather than feeling defeated or anxious about the future, the flower moon invites you to rediscover the joy and beauty in the present moment and to think about the ways you can extend yourself more grace. This year Wesak falls over the weekend of “An Introduction To Zen - Just Sitting” and will be marked by chanting and a lantern-lit circumambulation around the Buddha Rupa on the Saturday night when we - as Buddhists from all traditions including Zen - will be paying homage to the Buddha to bring peace and harmony as we navigate the path to a better future. |
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Autumn sunlight at the stupa |
Image: Lisa de Venter | |
A Piece Of QuietRelax and rediscover an alternative way of being by booking for one of our May and June retreats which all offer the opportunity to take a step into the Buddhist concept of living fully in the moment, where the pace is slow and your senses more alert, where the autumn colours take on a richer hue and where calmness, clarity and compassion - the hallmarks of Buddhism - apply. Whether it is through yoga, qigong, breathwork or just sitting, these retreats will explore the many ways through which Mindfulness can be practised - on and off the meditation cushion and in every real-life situations we encounter. We are offering a 10% discount as an Autumn special. May you have many Mindful moments as we negotiate the months ahead. Warmly, Chrisi |
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Summer in Autumn repose | Image: Andrew Brown | |
There are still a few spaces left on the following May retreats:☸ indicates retreats held in noble silence Just Sitting Zen Retreat Over the Full Moon Of May: WesakRoux Malan | Weekend | 24-26 May Autumn Abundance: A Weekend on Edible Weeds with Walks And Talks On RewildingNikki Brighton | Weekend | 31 May-2 June |
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Swaying in the mist | Image: Fiona Brittian | |
Conducted Retreats June 2024Qigong - Gently Nurturing LifeDianne Franklin | 2 days | 2-4 June Qigong - The Mindful Way To SerenityDianne Franklin | 3 days | 4-7 June Cultivating Mind-Heart Resonance Through Emotional Intelligence And MindfulnessShanil Haricharan | Weekend | 7-9 June Reclaim Your Power: A journey to inner balanceHeike Sym | 3 days | 14-17 June Going With The Flow: Integrating Meditation And Mindfulness Into Our Daily LifeBruce van Dongen | Weekend | 21-23 June Rejuvenating The BRC: A Family Retreat With Children In MindAnisha Maharaj | 3 days | 24-27 June Iyengar Yoga: Nudging The Body Into Shape And HealthJudy Farah | 2 days or 7 days | 28-30 June or 28 June-5 July A Self RetreatThink peace over pressure and serenity over stress. Enjoy some time at the BRC mid-week, with nourishing vegetarian meals, sunrise meditation and nature's healing embrace to colour the mood of your day. There is no better place than the BRC to rejuvenate the body and mind to guide you into presence and stillness. |
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Rejuvenating the BRC | Image: Angela Shaw | |
About the BRCPerched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas river system in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance. Here, for forty-four years, people of all religions and none have come to experience peace and tranquillity. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one's life. The BRC was voted by CNN as one of the ten best meditation centres in the world. The BRC was awarded Natural Heritage status in 1995 under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs and received a certificate to that effect signed by President Nelson Mandela for turning an eroded farm into the natural paradise it has become - thousands of indigenous trees were planted by retreatants under the supervision of Mervyn Croft - with 160 species of birds, including the Blue Swallow, otter, deer, antbear and indigenous forests. The Centre was also given the special status of “Custodian of the Blue Swallow” for its work in preserving the breeding areas of this endangered bird. The BRC facilitated the founding of Woza Moya, the community-based NGO, located in Ufafa Valley, twenty-two years ago, on the estate. Their vision is for all people in the community to be healthy and productive, to live in a safe and clean environment, with good access to services and social justice. The Centre continues to support the organisation by showcasing their crafts in the shop and sponsoring their trainers and consultants. We are deeply grateful for your generous gifts to the Centre in the form of PUY and Monthly contributions, new beds and bases, office chairs and a desk, a new refrigerator, microwave oven, bathroom towels, indigenous trees and seedlings, books for our library, a generator, garden benches, pillows, towels and linen, geyser insulation blankets, clothing and Dana for our staff, an inverter and beautiful antique scrolls and Imari platters and ceramics, framed prints and Thankas, new tablecloths and serviettes, a brand new Magimix, signage for our forest paths - and so much more. Thank you to all of you who continue to support our work in Ixopo with monthly and Paid Up Yogi contributions and donations, with gifts, or with skills and time. And, of course, to everyone who comes to the Centre - you keep us open and viable - and to our teachers who keep the Dharma wheels turning. We are deeply grateful for your generosity towards us; it encourages us to continue Louis’ beautiful vision and legacy for the future. Please continue to support the BRC by becoming a friend of the Buddhist Retreat Centre (a registered non-profit organisation) and find out more about the BRC's Paid-Up-Yogi and Sangha Friends’ projects. Chrisi Visit our website for further information, directions, image gallery etc. |
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