The Heart Sutra can be said to be the most essential point of the 84,000 sets of teachings that the Buddha gave. It is said that only an incredibly fortunate being can receive teachings on this Sutra. Taught during the second turning of the wheel at Rajgir, Vulture’s Peak, the conversation which became the Heart Sutra occurred between Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra whilst the Buddha was engaged in absorption meditation. The conversation addresses the emptiness of inherent existence of the five aggregates of a person and is thus a summary of all Buddha's wisdom teachings.Understanding and experiencing emptiness is necessary to alleviate gross and subtle misconceptions of mind. This leads us to the state beyond suffering, Nirvana.Chamtrul Rinpoche will explain the key points of the sutra, which are obscure to the ordinary mind, to help us deepen our insight into the true nature of existence. “Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Soha” (the essence meaning of the heart sutra condensed into mantra).

We are all born genius. That is to say we all begin with the full spectrum of intelligence - analytical, operational, emotional and creative. Yet, as our journey through life unfolds, we begin to adjust and conform to societal structures and norms, one of which is the manner in which we acquire the abundant knowledge, that is there for the taking. These standards and conformities ultimately produce a different thinking and behavioural mind from the one we started with, often to our detriment. Much of what we learn is beneficial. Equally, a great deal of our gained knowledge actually ends up getting in our way, limiting our thinking and reducing our experience of life; stunting our growth, defeating self-development and self-awareness. The Genius Programme helps identify those voices of judgement that have captured our thinking and created unproductive habits. It introduces new liberating tools that rebirth the intuitive and creative aspects of ourselves, and provides everyday practical exercises that connect us to the genius within.

This is an interactive retreat designed to help the “beginner” to understand and experience the basics of meditation practice. Meditation is a tool to transform the mind so that one’s life and experiences become more meaningful. This is achieved through simple, yet effective, Mindfulness techniques as well as analytical meditation practices. Different techniques will be experienced so that retreatants can take with them tools to assist the transformative process in daily-life. No prior knowledge of meditation is necessary. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of silence and contemplation.

Open to newcomers and seasoned meditators alike, this retreat gives participants a taste of the practice of Mindfulness: developing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. This powerful practice enables one to relate with equanimity to whatever is unfolding before us and makes it possible to work more creatively with the stresses and demands of daily living.  Based on the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, this retreat combines traditional eastern wisdom with modern science and psychology and aims to generate a greater sense of present-mindedness, less reactivity, and more relaxation, body awareness and self-compassion through mindful exercises, yoga, group discussion and reflection. This unique format enables one to integrate this practice into one’s daily life.

This 4-day retreat integrates meditation and the wisdom of Buddhist psychology and is held in a nurturing and containing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence. We will focus on the cultivation of life-affirming qualities of heart and mind to support the development of courage and trust, necessary for growth and discovery. The Spring theme of new beginnings will help to inspire and encourage fearlessness in the face of change and uncertainty, so that we can embrace our lives with greater freedom, compassion and joy. In addition to offering short, individual sessions, Sue will offer daily sessions of chi kung movement meditation to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be time for restorative rest and silent walks in the beautiful gardens of the BRC. See: www.suecooper.co.za

Enlightened healing methodologies tend to revert to ancient and traditional insights. These held that traumas - be they emotional and psychological or physical and organic - involve both the body and the mind. They avoid the drug regimes advocated in modern allopathic medicine which tend to divorce the mind from the body. Body Sensing is a Somatic (mind-body) healing therapy that uses the body’s innate wisdom to release tension and negative feelings and helps to rewire negative moods through centering and re-aligning our sense of being through movement and mindfulness. Mindfully integrating breath, mood and movement promotes a sense of harmony, balance and flow, which has proved to be particularly effective for people suffering from stress and anxiety and the resulting physical symptoms such as chronic back pain, migraine fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions. If moods and emotions influence body physiology, how do they influence the food choices we make and how can we learn to choose more wisely? Embodying mindfulness by eating with more awareness is a powerful way of developing both physical and emotional well-being.

If you often feel that you are exhausted, overwhelmed, need to calm down, want to start eating healthily but… This retreat will explore a new way of living through simple, yet profound practices of mindfulness. It will help you to relieve stress and pain, restore energy and vitality, reshape your body and mind, teach you to make wiser choices and live life with more purpose. We will explore body-centred mindfulness to shift habits through mood and food. You will learn an integrated approach to wellness, which will not only enliven your body and mind during your stay, but you will be left with tools to live life better.For more information and course fee, contact Nicholas:contact Nicholas: retreat@ifeelcalm.com / 0824379776.

Looking at your image in a clear stream,
you answer the question by your very presence

In this workshop we explore the connection between writing and meditation. We write and meditate on the many changes and transformations we experience as we journey along the river of our lives.  We consider how creativity steadies the boat and how writing helps us dip the oars into dark water so we may navigate the river safely.

Some record only what has happened to them; but others record how they happened to the universe. Henry David Thoreau

The word ‘journal’ comes from Old French ‘day’. So it is our daily encounter with ourselves through the mirror, lens and window of words and silence. ‘Journal’ echoes the word journey, as we travel through inner and outer landscapes. In this retreat we write with the ear, eye and heart.