Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo
Geshe-la gave teachings on karma at Ixopo on 6th - 8th March
during a spell of very hot weather. There were 20+ people on the course who
found it very informative and helpful. Geshe-la gave an introduction, three
teachings and a question and answer session. After every teaching we had a
meditation and discussion. We practised the Chenrezig Sadhana in the morning and
Tara Puja with Geshe-la in the evening.
More information about the Centre can be found at http://www.brcixopo.co.za.
These pictures only give a very brief impression of the Centre. It is
set in beautiful and spacious surroundings that could never be appreciated
by such pictures.
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The large Buddha rupa, picture here at sunrise, looks out over the garden and
beyond towards a stupa on a small headland some distance away.
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The stupa, seen from the central part of the Centre, sits on a small headland.
The scenery all around this site is not done justice by such a photo.
It is about 10 or 15 minutes walk from this point. To the left of the stupa,
behind the pine tree, is a wood full of paths and ideal for walking meditation
or reflection. This wood is full of wildlife and one can see the occasional
deer.
At the foot of this headland, just off the picture, is another path that goes
down to a small lake - the Dam - from which the Centre gets its water supply.
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This is the lake, or 'dam', looking back towards the Centre. It is dammed at
the near side to provide a reservoir of water for the Centre. One can see one
of the Centre's building in the middle of the picture. To the right, at the
top of the slope but off the picture, is the stupa.
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These are some of the main buildings at the Centre. On the left is the
meditation room. Next to this, is the round library which is connected to a
small refreshment area and a large teaching hall (with the long roof). These
thatched roofs provide effective shelter from the heat of the sun.
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The meditation room is simple and uncluttered. One Buddha rupa sits on a small
table with a couple of candles and a water bowl. This is usually at one end of
the room but we placed this centrally for the morning practice. We moved the
rupa for teachings because Geshe-la would have been sitting next to it and
higher than it (Geshe-la sits on a thick block of foam about 300mm high.)
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This is the library - a round room with a thatched roof adjacent to the
meditation room.
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Behind the meditation room is a Zen garden. In this garden is a small room
with a beautiful golden Buddha rupa, donated from a benefactor in Thailand.
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This is the lodge. It has perhaps 24 rooms, most with two beds in and a sink.
There are separate showers and toilets for men and women. This picture was
taken at sunrise. The view from these windows stretches wide across a valley
to green hills in the distance.
Noble silence is maintained in the lodge at all times.
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The group picture in front of the large Buddha rupa. Unfortunately, several
people had left before this picture was taken. If anyone would like a copy of
the full-size image, please contact Mike on mike@lamrim.org.uk.
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Temple
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Inside
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Outside
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Garden
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People
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Back
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Emoyeni
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Geshe-la
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Nun Hua
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Durban
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Ixopo
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