THE WELLNESS TRAIL : IXOPO BUDDHIST RETREAT

Friday, 15 August 2014

IXOPO BUDDHIST RETREAT

With so much happening that causes Stress, sometimes a holiday needs to be a deeper experience, sometimes we need to have isolated 'Me-Time', no kids, spouses or looming tourists. Sometimes we can gather our thoughts and rejuvenate at isolated beach resort, sometimes we need more, more included addressing the hustle & bustle of our own heads, and finding stillness that comes from Holistic Retreats.

Here, you not only have a physical holiday, and a people holiday, but here you are taught to find a peace holiday, where the holiday continues even when you leave.

Our Focus for TRAVEL & RELAXATION this month is Holistic Retreats.

Ok, so we realise that many/ most are not Buddhist's, but going to the Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo, in Natal, does not require you to be one, merely to be open to the teachings, its not a religious takeover and can benefit even the most religious of people. But we are aiming at heightened spirituality and peace of mind and body, so take note of that.

This place is so beautiful, its an experience just to stand still.

Perched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas River system in KwaZula-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance.

For more than 20 years, people of all religions and none have gone to experience peace and tranquillity like no other. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd ones life.

CNN featured the BRC as one of the 10 finest meditation centres in the world.

Paths threading the 300 acre property each bring their own revelation: follow the pine scented path to the dam, walk past the ancient Cycads to the tracks of the early Voortrekker wagons, or point your feet towards the rocky outcrop that provides a perfect seat for contemplating the valley below.

Integrated into this setting are the Centre's buildings, accommodation lodges and cottages, the dining room, office, shop, lecture & art studio, a library and the Meditation hall.