Synopsis: A piece on what is occurring in Rietvaly - a community of people struck by poverty, yet not stuck in their ways. Duration: 10 minutes Reflection Breathe in. Count three exhales. With each exhale think of what makes you grateful. Kagiso, Jackson, Kedifentse and myself were asked, "What challenges are faced by the community [...]
News from Pippa Tonight is the first night I have lit my wood burning stove. There has been frost every night recently, but it hasn’t yet dropped below -3 degrees. These crunchy nights with brilliant night skies are followed by lovely warm crisp days. Lockdown in this healing valley is far easier than in any [...]
Brenda bids farewell to TRC Brenda and Masi at the Training Centre Like so many people around the globe, I find myself mourning life as I have known it for the past two years, as retreat manager at TRC. I enter a new and uncertain chapter, due to the Corona virus. It has [...]
Searching for the Right Frequency Synopsis: a piece on language barriers at the Power House, and how we sometimes don't notice how differences in speech can leave room for a lot of misunderstanding. Yet, all of that can be a catalyst for insight into a person and community, and allow for an immense sense of [...]
The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa presented a series of Prayers for the Pandemic to Subside You can find more information on the official Kagyu website Day 1 Hello everyone. Tashi delek. I am very happy to be able to recite prayers together with all of you for the pandemic to subside. We will recite prayers for [...]
Being at TRC without retreats is a new feeling. The mind must find a subject to occupy it. Usually I have something to think about after the mindfulness teachings or practice, then lunch or dinner. Then back at it again. There is a clear cut shedule. Now that there are no retreats, I have learnt [...]
News from our Managers: Pippa and Brenda Pippa's Snapshot of Activity from Lockdown in Tara’s Valley Life here is full of the many challenges and opportunities offered to all at present. We are so fortunate to have a pristine environment with clean air, clear water and abundant open space. It does feel like the late [...]
Musings by Mokgadi Sekete, TRC Volunteer Knowledge is important because it enriches our understanding of what we are confronted with. Our perception of someone else's knowledge can sometimes take away from learning from one another. At times, knowledge may be seen to be more valuable than the human, so much that intellect has become a [...]
Genuine humility has been rare to find in a stranger. Most times people, and myself, opt for the cold shoulder, or the awkward stare when I look up that comes with the occasional nod or smirk that says, ‘Hi, I’m friendly’. It’s almost as if I want to get the greeting out of the way [...]
Making the decision to become a full-time volunteer at Tara Rokpa wasn’t an easy one. Should I go, and leave my family? Will I miss my family (obviously)? Will I like it there? I know I am a loner, but am I ready for that level of solitude? I know I’ve been on retreat before, [...]
