BRC Newsflash - September 2024
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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: September 2024 Dear Friends, |
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| Nature nurture nourish | Image: Duncan Rice | |
A Buddhist Perspective Of The Power Of PatienceThe Teachings of the Buddha (+/- 400 BCE), are relevant and appropriate today to our inner development and maturity, which in turn has a huge impact on society and the world at large. We are blessed in many ways that we can access these wonderful Teachings and the great Masters who personify them in many ways. And for this reason, we take a glimpse into the power of patience from a Buddhist perspective. The following paragraphs have been extracted from a book Healing Power, the Power of Patience by His Holiness the Dalai Lama: “Generally speaking, all the major religions of the world emphasize the importance of the practice of love, compassion and tolerance. This is particularly the case in all the traditions of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahayana and Tantrayana. They all state that compassion and love are the foundation of all the spiritual paths. |
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| Aloes at the stupa | Image: Sharleen Lupke | |
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In order to enhance one’s development of compassion and cultivate the potential for compassion and love inherent within oneself, what is crucial is to counteract their opposing forces. It is in this context that the practice of patience or tolerance becomes very important, because only through patience is one able to overcome the obstacles to compassion. When we talk about patience or tolerance, we should understand that there are many degrees, starting from a simple tolerance, such as being able to bear a certain amount of heat and cold, progressing toward the highest level of patience, which is the type of patience and tolerance found in the great practitioners. Since patience and tolerance comes from a certain ability to remain firm and steadfast, to not be overwhelmed by the adverse situations or conditions that one faces, one should not see patience or tolerance as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sign of strength coming from a deep ability to remain steadfast and firm. Even being able to tolerate a certain degree of physical hardship, like a hot or cold climate, our attitude makes a big difference. If we have the realization that tolerating immediate hardship can have long-term beneficial consequences, we are more likely to be able to tolerate everyday hardships.” With Metta, Elizabeth Gaywood |
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The Forty Fourth AGM Of The Buddhist Institute Of South AfricaThe 44th AGM of the Buddhist Institute Of South Africa will be held virtually on Tuesday 27 August at 6pm. If you would like to attend, please email Chrisi at and we will send you the Zoom link. |
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| Dawn sky |
Image: Andrew Brown | |
Looking AheadOur programme for the first half of 2025 has been set and we have much to look forward to. We are blessed to have celebrated teachers, local and abroad, from secular and monastic traditions, leading retreats during the first quarter of 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to practise with these iconic teachers.
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| Relaxation | Image: Andrew Brown | |
Step Into Spring: Retreat, Recalibrate and RebootThere are still a few spaces left on the following August retreats:Three Treasures For Mindful Living - A Pathway To BalanceBridget Hawkins | Weekend | 23-25 August Relaxation: Opening And Relaxing The Heart And MindPippa Cope | Weekend | 30 August-1 September |
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| Stand like a tree | Image: Andrew Brown | |
Conducted Retreats September 2024We are offering a 10% discount. Enquiring Into The Tibetan Schemata Of The Five Elements Of Earth, Water, Fire And Space Externally And Within OurselvesPippa Cope | 2 days | 1-3 September Empowering Imagery: Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom And Paving The Way To A Bright FutureProf Leonina Kaestele | 2 days accommodation | 3-5 September As children, we lived in a magical world of vivid imagination, where trees could become beings and nature seemed to speak to us. Even as adults, we have the ability to develop imagery that connects us to our inner strength and wisdom, enhances our creative potential, and helps us build resilience. This can support us in finding solutions and coping with the challenges life presents. In this workshop, you will learn how to use imagery to develop meaningful tools that will enrich your life. Guided walks in nature will help fill you with positive energy and offer opportunities to meditate on your future and the future of the world. This workshop is for anyone interested in exploring their imagination and discovering the treasures within. By focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of imagery, this workshop aims to empower individuals and professionals to utilize these techniques for themselves and their clients. The retreat will be followed by a Zoom meeting, supporting you in practicing imagery in your daily life and continuing a creative journey of self-discovery. Practical Consciousness - A Simple Guide To Raising Your Consciousness Part 1Dash Singh | Weekend | 6-8 September In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding harmony can feel like an elusive dream. But what if we told you that balance is not only achievable but also transformative? Join on a journey to unlock the secrets of mindful living and conscious growth. From navigating work-life balance to nurturing relationships and personal well-being, discover practical tools to cultivate clarity, calmness, and insight. Through affirmations, meditation, journaling, visualizations, and more, immerse yourself in a soul-nourishing experience filled with enriching discussions and deep rest. Together, let's tap into the power of our minds and forge meaningful connections and awake consciousness. Delving Deeper Into Practical Consciousness Part 2Dash Singh | 2 days | 8-10 September Ready to dive deeper into the mysteries of the subconscious mind and unlock your full potential? In Part 2 of our transformative retreat we will explore the profound wisdom of Universal Consciousness. From delving into Quantum Mechanics to unravelling the secrets of Quantum Time, discover life-changing techniques that will empower you to live your “best life”. Join the small number of people who have embraced these ancient teachings and are experiencing newfound freedom and fulfilment. Thoughts, Words, Breath And Blood - A Story Writing RetreatDorian Haarhoff | Weekend | 13-15 September Write Away At The BRCDorian Haarhoff | 2 days accommodation | 15-17 September prompts galore (lit matches) Somatic Movement - Ease of BeingLisa Firer | Weekend | 20-22 September Chi Kung - Standing like a Tree To Power Up Your ChiPaul Dorrian | 2 days | 24 -26 September Zhan Zhuang (‘Standing like a Tree’) Chi Gung is unlike most other Chi Gung styles, in that with the exception of changing from one static posture to the next, the practitioner remains absolutely still, whilst developing a mind like still water. Regarded by many contemporary Masters as the most powerful of all Chi Gung practices, it opens all of the nine energy portals in the body and encourages one’s chi (life force) to flow powerfully throughout one’s entire being. In this retreat Paul will teach the Five Posture Zhan Zhuang Set, which assists in developing a strong physical structure as well as creating a greater supply of healing chi to promote health, vitality and an increase in physical energy. The benefits of Zhan Zhuang also include the cultivation of a better posture as well as reducing tension in one’s muscles, thereby assisting the practitioner to live their life in a more relaxed manner. Stillness-DancingLisa Firer | Weekend | 27-29 September Biodanza, mindfulness and somatic movement are blended together in this weekend of dance, meditation and nourishing mindful movement. Biodanza: an integrative system that combines movement and music in a group setting to support human flourishing. Mindfulness: the awareness that is revealed when we pay attention in the present moment with openness, curiosity and non-judgement. Somatic movement: Gentle conscious moving from the inside out to sense and feel the body-mind. In movement and stillness, we will explore embodiment, self-expression and self-compassion. If you need to move, feel more connected and at ease in your body, cultivate vitality, connection and joy, this is the weekend for you. No experience is needed; all bodies are welcome! 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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| Stillness dancing | Image: Lisa de Venter | |
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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