BRC Newsflash - May 2021
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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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Dear Retreatant BRC Newsflash: May 2021 |
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Blue swallow |
Image: Richard Flack | |
"One Swallow Does Not A Summer Make"The BRC’s Blue SwallowsWe always knew that there were Blue Swallows on the BRC property thanks to the late Gordon McClean - author of “Roberts Birds of Southern Africa” - who had occasionally and fleetingly spotted them over his birding retreats at the BRC. We discovered that they were breeding on the property about 33 years ago when by chance one of the nest sites - an Aardvark burrow - was found on a grassy slope below the Stupa. Subsequently, we found another discarded Aardvark burrow that was being used by the Blue Swallows, and were advised to deepen both holes to make them safe from predators. We are truly blessed to have these magnificent birds return year after year to the same nest sites and are gratified by the knowledge that there are many dedicated people who are determined to save them. There are only an estimated 40 pairs of Blue Swallows left in South Africa and only 1000 pairs worldwide (possibly less) which makes them critically endangered. Almost all the Blue Swallows left in South Africa are found on private or communally owned land. The BRC is one of the farms helping to preserve them and in recognition of the work it does in protecting the Blue Swallows and their habitat the Centre was awarded Custodianship of the Blue Swallows. This would not be possible without Steve McKean who coordinates the Blue Swallow Monitoring Project - a joint partnership between Birdlife South Africa, Conservation Outcomes and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. He has returned to Ixopo regularly over the last few years to monitor the Blue Swallows during their breeding season. Mistbelt grasslands, where the Blue Swallows make their home, are also an endangered vegetation type in South Africa, with only approximately 2% of their original extent currently protected. Steve, together with colleagues from Ezemvelo, Botanical Society of SA and KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, recently confirmed that the BRC has some of the best Mistbelt grasslands they have seen in a long while. This is encouraging news - so much so that the BRC property qualifies for Biodiversity Stewardship status, which could potentially see the area formally declared, thereby contributing to the Mistbelt grassland that is formally conserved and a layer of legal protection for the Blue Swallows and their Mistbelt grassland home. |
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| A view over the grasslands | Image: Chantelle Flores | |
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According to Richard Flack who is working in the field at Roselands Nature Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, and documenting the Blue Swallows’ beauty and conservation, these birds are in trouble because “They have very specific feeding, breeding and nesting requirements. They are dependent on Mistbelt grasslands and make their nests primarily in sink holes or discarded Aardvark burrows. These special grasslands are incredibly rich in insects and specifically flying insects, which make up most of the blue swallow’s diet.” Steve McKean describes this habitat as being “amongst the least protected biomes in South Africa, with less than 2% of Mistbelt grassland within formal Protected Areas. Mistbelt grassland is still decreasing due to land transformation for agriculture, timber plantations, infrastructure and housing development. With a 23% decrease in grassland area since 2008, we are losing our natural grasslands at 6% annually.” |
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| Blue swallow | Image: Richard Flack | |
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Richard Flack describes the Blue Swallows as “supremely adapted to thrive in Mistbelt grasslands. Their feathers repel water better than other birds; enabling them to deal with the very moist conditions that this habitat provides. They are also the lowest flying of the hirundine, which allows them to hawk insects just above the ground and prevents them competing with similar species for food. The male birds are immediately recognizable by their long tail streamers and metallic blue colour. The more symmetrical and longer the outer tail feathers of the male, the earlier he is likely to find a mate and the earlier he can produce his first set of fledglings.” Mdu Zikode, the BRC’s Induna, who has grown up in the Ofafa district and is known as “Ubabwenyoni” - the father of the Blue Swallows - has a special connection with the Blue Swallows. He has helped Steve to monitor the nest sites, culminating in this breeding season as one to celebrate - the Blue Swallows have reared three broods successfully. Now that is something to celebrate... With affection, Louis |
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| Silent quietude | Image: Chantelle Flores | |
And From A BRC Friend…“As I approached the now familiar turnoff to the BRC , I breathed a huge sigh of relief while feelings of peace filled me, knowing that I am returning to a spiritual-home. I had planned the weekend retreat as a much needed break-away not really taking notice of the retreat program. To my surprise the weekend topic “From Fear to Fundamental Well-Being” presented by Albert Buhr turned out to be an amazing experience. Albert, a novice monk, revealed astonishing spiritual maturity and insight. His flowing and easy guidance included daily meditations, practices of loving kindness, various practical tips and talks, which were interspersed with wisdom, sharing and humour. The mouth-watering vegetarian meals remain a daily highlight. Surrounding all is wonder-filled noble silence, allowing nature to whisper her soothing symphony. Thank you Louis and Chrisi Van Loon, Lien Duvenage and all the hard-working staff whose tireless labour of love allowed me once again to reconnect with myself while pondering ancient wisdom. Having recharged batteries, I left with newfound vigour, enveloped in lingering silent quietude. “ In Loving Kindness |
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Now And Zen: Reboot, Replenish, Recharge And Retreat In IxopoThere is no better place to reboot and get in touch with nature than in the beautiful, tranquil spaces of the BRC. All health protocols and Covid-19 regulations are in place - with social distancing, sanitizing and masks - for your safety and well-being. |
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There are still a few spaces left on the following April retreats:
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| In the mist | Image: Angela Shaw | |
Conducted Retreats
Mist Rising, Rain Falling: Mid-Week QigongDi Franklin | 4 days | 3-7 May The Heart And Art Of Awakening - Part 1: Shift Your Life Though Presence And ArtJohn Homewood and Michelle McClunan | Weekend | 7-9 May Would you like to connect more deeply with Life? Join two of South Africa’s top transformational facilitators, John Homewood and Michelle McClunan on a powerful, transformational experience that will awaken, shift and nourish you. This retreat will integrate powerful spiritual teachings of Presence, Awakening and Flow with different creative art processes, to help you to clear blockages that may have prevented you from living a healthy, joy-filled, peaceful and abundant life. The creative experiences are process-driven, as opposed to being outcome-based, so no artistic experience or skill is required. Through wisdom teachings, guided visualisations, meditations, time spent in nature, heart-opening music and a variety of experientially creative processes, you will be led gently into your inner landscape, where you will rediscover your own deep wisdom and reason for being here, on this planet, right now. You will also be provided with valuable tools to help you navigate our quickly changing world. PLEASE NOTE: This retreat is further extended to include Monday and Tuesday 9-11 May The Heart And Art Of Awakening Part 2 - GOING DEEPER This is a follow-on from the weekend’s retreat for those wishing to deepen the process of Awakening and aligning with Presence and Flow. Please book this extension separately. The Heart And Art Of Awakening - Part 2: Going DeeperJohn Homewood and Michelle McClunan | 2 days | 9-11 May It will be structured in a way to allow newcomers to attend - so all welcome! Join two of South Africa’s top transformational facilitators, John Homewood and Michelle McClunan on a powerful, transformational experience that will awaken, shift and nourish you. This retreat will integrate powerful spiritual teachings of Presence, Awakening and Flow with different creative art processes, to help you to clear blockages that may have prevented you from living a healthy, joy-filled, peaceful and abundant life. The creative experiences are process-driven, as opposed to being outcome-based, so no artistic experience or skill is required. Through wisdom teachings, guided visualisations, meditations, time spent in nature, heart-opening music and a variety of experientially creative processes, you will be led gently into your inner landscape, where you will rediscover your own deep wisdom and reason for being here, on this planet, right now. You will also be provided with valuable tools to help you navigate our quickly changing world. Beginner's Mind, Quiet Mind: Meditation Instruction And Practice for Meaningful Daily LivingTsunma Tsondru | 3 days | 11-14 May Releasing Ourselves From Old Stories: Stepping from the past into an abundant future by drawing on the Ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponoponoDominique Garnett | Weekend | 14-16 May Come As You Are: Secular Buddhism, Existential Philosophy And Psychotherapy. Can Buddhism Effectively Treat The Struggles We Face In Life?Jason Ross | 4 days | 21-25 May
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| From Plentiful: Lindiwe's luscious layers |
Image: Angela Shaw | |
A Recipe For SanityThe BRC is not only renowned for its natural beauty and quality of its retreats. It also runs a splendid kitchen. In the early days our cooks copied out the recipes by hand; then came our spiral-bound “Just Cook It!”, and now, several incarnations later, we have three recipe books with a fourth in the pipeline. Over the years our food has been honed to perfection by a multitude of talented cooks who with their flair and care produce meals that will definitely put a Buddha smile on your face. If you cannot visit us for one of our retreats, you can - with our books - get the flavour of the place. If you would like to order our recipe books: The Cake The Buddha Ate, Plentiful and Quiet Food. We are able to courier the books to your door. Please email: . |
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| Stupa sunrise | Image: Andrew Brown | |
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 thirty-nine 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. CNN Travel awarded another feather in the BRC’s cap by voting it as one of the ten best spiritual centres in South Africa, recently. 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-one 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. The Woza Moya Crafters are local women who receive ongoing training and support to enable them to create these unique and charming best sellers. Please continue to support the BRC by becoming a friend of the Buddhist Retreat Centre (a non-profit organisation) and find out more about the BRC's Paid-Up-Yogi and Sangha Friends’ projects. We have been very touched by your appreciative letters, emails, support and friendship towards the BRC - your spiritual home from home. Chrisi Visit our website for further information, directions, image gallery etc. |
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