June 2002
Newsletter
Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, that point in the annual cycle when the process of slowing down and quieting in nature reaches its turning point, and as the days start to lengthen again, begins to prepare for the growth and renewal that bursts out in Spring. This day also acts as a symbol or reminder to take time in our own lives to quieten, to reflect on what we are doing with our lives, and to explore what positive steps we can take to nurture those qualities which bring meaning and growth to our lives.This year the seasons seem a little topsy-turvy - an early end to the summer rains brought about very dry conditions in April and May, with fires burning all over the mountain - we had a couple of exhausting days putting out fires on surrounding farms. And then suddenly along comes some winter rain, the veld grass greens up a little and now we couldn't burn a fire break if we tried! It is such a privilege and a bit confusing to live and work with these ever changing patterns in nature, to feel part of the richness and interconnection of the natural world.
Life at Emoyeni has become somewhat busier these days now that we have begun to hold regular retreats - the first "Discovering Buddhism" retreat in May even had a wait-list! Over the past week we held a 5-day Vipassana meditation retreat which was led by Khemissara Sayadaw, the abbot of the Burmese Monastery in Pietermaritzburg.
Earlier this month the Emoyeni Trust held its first Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg, where the activities of the Trust in establishing the Retreat Centre were reported and the financial statements were gone through. The Emoyeni Retreat Centre is now established and in the year ahead we need to continue this progress - to build up a quality program of retreats, to make ourselves more known to the public, especially in the Gauteng area and to begin the process of fundraising for the long-term vision for Emoyeni - the construction of a fully-fledged Retreat Centre complex, which will accommodate 20 retreatants, higher up the mountain.
The farm on the western boundary of the Retreat Centre is still for sale. The farm has 3 two-bedroomed dwellings, a one-bedroomed flat and numerous outbuildings - this is an excellent opportunity for a small group of like-minded people to buy into a beautiful part of the Magaliesberg, right next to Emoyeni. Let us know if you are interested.
JOIN THE RESIDENT COMMUNITY!
Are you interested in coming to live and work at Emoyeni? As the Centre is becoming busier these days, we would like to find someone to join the Resident Community. Some cooking experience and an interest in gardening would be a big plus for the Centre. If you are interested in joining the community please contact Mervyn or Johann at Emoyeni (014) 574-3662 for more information.
WISH LIST
Cell Phone: The ancient hand-me-down cell phone that we have been using when traveling has come to the end of its life. Does anyone have a second-hand phone they would like to donate to the Centre?
Books for the Library: Any books on Buddhism or related subjects would be much appreciated to improve our library.
Mervyn