Monday 14 November 2016

Volunteers



TRC is a special place. Where else in this fast-paced world do you find 280hectares of land run solely by volunteers? It’s not an impossible thing to find, but it’s definitely a rarity. 

This 280 hectares of land, where healing, environmental work, community support and dharma practice takes place, is strongly supported by the hard work of those who have felt a tug-of-the-heart to be here. 

At present, the centre is run by Pippa Cope – a mighty strong woman who has managed to lay the foundations for TRC. She has spent 13 years turning this land from a farm into a retreat space. She is beautifully compassionate and helpful towards the individuals of the informal settlement, and whenever something needs to be done, they always go to Pippa first. She stays here in deep dedication to Akong Rinpoche and serves as an inspiration to us all. 

Then there are the two permaculture enthusiasts – Coen & Megan - who have managed to get the environmental wing up and running. With their 3 year dedication to the centre, they have managed to start Tikologo which has added many beneficial elements to the landscape, such as: swales, a chicken coop, an orchard, a nursery and zone 1 garden that has truly enriched the previously bare soil. Their tireless work is enhancing the land and their water harvesting focus will aid the centre in many years to come. 

Alan, stays at the retreat centre. He is our Dharma Holder and serves as retreat support when people choose to come and spend some time in the serenity of Tara's Vally on personal retreat. He is or guiding light in this valley and every one who passes through here, especially the long-term volunteers, are grateful for his presence. We sometimes even joke that we should all wear bracelets that have WWAD printed on them...so that whenever we are in doubt we could look down and think 'What Would Alan Do?'

I am working in the office here – it’s not exactly a position that people are queuing up to fill but it’s kept me here, in this special place. I have learned more than I ever could have anticipated and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world. In fact, it has been so tremendously beautiful, that my TRC experience could serve as an offering. 

November hasn’t brought much rain but it has brought two new volunteers. First to arrive was Chesley – our smart cookie from Harvard. Chesley has a wonderfully sunny disposition and has completed her Biology degree and is enjoying her traveling fellowship from Harvard. After two years that has been set aside to see the world, she is hoping to study medicine. She has been swimming in waterfalls and river eyes and enjoying quiet evenings watering the TRC gardens. 

Then we have our nomad – Alex – whose travel route has been: London, Poland, Mozambique, and now, TRC. She is a great character who has a beautiful spiritual journey both behind and ahead of her. 
 
So, now that you know a bit about the team, here is what we got up to yesterday:

We packed the car with dogs, people and sandwiches and headed off to the Marico Oog. We arrived and set up an umbrella where we sat together and ate sandwiches and naartjies, and then we swam. And boy, did we swim! We jumped from rickety diving boards, and swam together through tunnels. Then, we made a team effort to swim over the actual eye. We swam through the fence and then made it to The Eye. 

The water was a deep, rich blue and the beams of light converged at the bottom, making for a spectacular sight. We sat on top of barrels that rest in the water, holding up a barge, and we chatted, meditated, sang and had fun playing ‘barrel wars’. 

Then, after a long day in the sun we headed home – to TRC – the place where all of our hearts rest each night. Our home where, together, we learn & grow, and at the same time, we help others, because TRC holds space for so many people who pass through here, providing much needed healing and rest. So, with that in mind and after a beautiful day together, we all closed our eyes with a soft smile on our faces, thankful for our time here.

Jami Selikow

Doe Oog in Groot Marico

Tuesday 8 November 2016

Stay Positive

Almost everything we can read, see and think about anything in the world is an illusion, most especially in the "political" world. There is no substance to it. Remember impermanence of all things, even our sun will one day die. Focus on your own heart. This means ground yourself in caring for others, for all living beings, ground yourself in your own goodness, your peacefulness, your calm inner knowing that you are fortunate to be alive, that you are loved and your presence in this world is like a precious treasure. Appreciate small things. Walk on the grass, lean against a tree, watch birds, feel the sun's warmth, or rainfall on your skin, or watch the snowfall. Realise how mother Earth supports us all with vast generosity. Notice how bees work for the whole hive, for all of nature, offering sweetness, without expecting anything in return.
Enjoy this moment, now. Sing. Laugh. Keep positive.

Love,
Khareen Pech


Friday 4 November 2016


Heat & Rain


The Heat came wafting through the land and decided to settle in our precious Valley. We don’t blame it, it’s really beautiful here, but we wouldn’t mind if he was simply a passing guest. Maybe a day or two, but more than that…well, we’re just not that much of a gracious host. 

River Swims
Waterfall Swims With New Friends From Happy Toes
We did do our best to keep him happy – we continued to work but made sure to travel to water each day for a little swim, we’re sure he enjoyed watching that. We also put pitchers of iced lemon and mint water from the garden on our lunch table, he must have really loved that. And at night, we all slept on top of our bedding, perhaps that made him giggle. 

When beautiful clouds began to grow in the sky, we rejoiced at the hint of Rain. But she passed over. Maybe Rain and Heat had a bit of a quarrel, we’re not sure – we don’t like to get involved in drama. So, we simply carry on, doing what we do – running this beautiful space that is Tara Rokpa Centre. 

Thirsty Orchard
Thirsty Dogs
We make sure all the buildings are up to scratch – cleaning the bedding and adding small touches that welcome our guests. We continue to nurture our gardens – ensuring the environment is looked after while at the same time providing organic food for our guests. We feed all the animals – because they’re adorable and we love them. 


And in the liminal spaces, we hold hope in heart that Heat and Rain resolve their conflict and merge once more in the sacred space of our Valley.  

Jami Selikow