We continue to enjoy the best summer rains we have had for many years. The rains have led to abundant growth, as well as challenges around maintenance, with leaking buildings, broken lawnmowers, electricity breakdowns on top of load shedding and often impassable dirt roads. But the saturated earth seems to be bursting with thanks. At [...]
Are we held so close to a cacophony A constantly cluttered carry all; finger tight That the truth goes missing? So deafened by the on-screen streaming The strongly selected and over presented - That we are always asking for more - The wild rabbit hole mind – blind Hands full - falling? Even as [...]
I felt a fair amount of trepidation ahead of spending my first Christmas away from family and friends, meditating with a group of strangers - but I have no regrets! Tara Rokpa Centre is situated in a beautiful part of South Africa’s North West Province, in a lush green valley where every day is full [...]
As the year draws to a close, welcome rains for the past 2 weeks have brought abundant growth to the previously parched earth. This will lessen the ever-present risk of destructive fires. A lot of my time and energy, along with a support team steered by Michele Schiess has been devoted to the new chapter [...]
The first day of spring was followed by a night where the temperature dropped to -6 degrees. Such changing weather patterns we have to adjust to! We have the welcome energy of volunteers at TRC offering their time and skills. Alex from Austria is a delightful energetic worker, keen walker and gardener, and is busy [...]
Background The Tikologo Permaculture Site is located within the grounds of the Tara Rokpa Centre. This is a peaceful retreat centre in the Groot Marico District, situated on 280 hectares of land. Although our roots are Buddhist, the centre is multi-purpose and offers opportunities for spiritual, emotional, social and environmental healing. Tara Rokpa Centre was [...]
Just before Election Day, Dr Ela Manga and I offered the Still Action Retreat, in order to share inward practices for outward impact. In our own work, we have seen how communities are fractured, people are growing more isolated and there is a deep sense of internal dis-ease and disconnection. We have been pondering how [...]
The Elements with Pippa Cope 28 Dec 2018 - 2 Jan 2019 “Appreciate the beginners’ mind, the secret of good practice.” With these words, Dónal Creedon closed his week-long session with approximately 20 retreatants at the Tara Rokpa Center in Groot Marico. Grounding Earth During the retreat, Pippa Cope, long-term resident at the [...]
Sitting at my desk enjoying a wonderful side-on view of the valley and bush clad hills beyond, is a treat. Yesterday’s welcome rain has brought greenery and a cool washed look to the previously parched and dry veld. The tinkling sound of the running water through the solar flow forms helps to restore the water [...]
