Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre
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Caretaker's Report September 2005
Dawa Rowley is currently acting as
Caretaker at the Wangapeka
Well, it feels a little strange to be writing a caretaker's report when I've been flying solo in the office for little more than a week, but here goes ...
Sue, our previous office caretaker and I (our new office caretaker) drove through the gate at the bottom of the drive heading for Nelson airport a couple of Saturdays ago. Further on, just as we topped the hill where you first get a view of Nelson, the most dazzling red sunrise spread vastly out, tipping multiple layers and patterns of cloud and mist, arcing across a huge sky, reflected in the sea. It was a smack-you-in-the-face, take-your-breath-away dazzling brilliance, and completely unexpected. A dramatic, beautiful first leg of Sue's journey home to Tasmania. We all wish her the very best in her new job and look forward to seeing her back here as soon as possible. It is hard to indicate the good heart and effort she put into the Wangapeka, the Garden, the visitors, retreatants, and just plain keeping things ticking over. Thank you Sue.
Since the last issue of Newsphere the six-week Winter Retreat, "Foundations of Awakening" plunged quickly into silence, with Tarchin's patient instruction tying together the many threads touched on during the previous five months. "Stop! Look! Listen!" he said. "Make this a six weeks long continuum of attentiveness to what"s going on." (more on this retreat in the September issue of the Newsphere)
A weekend Hui with exploration, study, and discussion about the nature of Education concluded the 2005 Programme. One of the biggest themes to arise out of that was to look into the root meaning of the word "education" and realise it means "to draw out" and the implications of that. So often educational systems appear to be trying to push information in rather than draw out wisdom, curiosity and exploration.
A celebratory "feast" where a dramatically festive table more than compensated for the minor lack of elbow room concluded the Hui, and the Programme.
A few days later Leander Kane graciously gave another of her moving (pun intended) "Liberation Through the Body" workshops. As usual every participant experienced big shifts, becoming more flexible emotionally as well as physically as a result of these profound yet simple movements.
Somehow the "quiet" period between retreats never lives up to that adjective! Chris, the Land Caretaker has been busy planting an orchard on the slope below the garden. In a few years we will be enjoying our own apricots, pears and lemons. (It has taken him a little longer than he expected. Damage control after partying pigs wrecked the path and water supply to Namgyal Hut has taken time lately).
Sue wrote a detailed manual to help new Office Caretakers learn and remember the things Office Caretakers need to learn and remember, while teaching me at the same time. She also finished planting many flowering shrubs to help Pema Ling (Place of Flowering - the caretaker's hut) live up to its name. Mike and our 60 year old tractor have been working on the driveway. That took a little longer than expected when the tractor took ill and required a new head gasket.
On September 2nd Bonni Ross's nine day retreat, "Cultivating the Awakened State - the Seven Factors of Enlightenment" begins.(For information about Bonni's other Teachings on The West Coast, in Auckland, and in Katikati, see the website (page now withdrawn) or call Kath Mitchell on (09) 634 0201 or email k.mitchell@rosehill-college.co.nz)
As I said at the beginning, I have been flying solo as interim office caretaker for just over a week now, and absolutely loving it. The job is varied and interesting and it is a genuine pleasure to give some energy back to the Wangapeka now that I have the opportunity. I urge anyone who is interested in either of the Caretaker positions to apply quickly. If I didn't have other commitments, you'd have serious competition!
May all that lives be well and happy.
Dawa
Sarva Managalam - All is Blessing