Vision
Our vision is to steward a place of sanctuary and retreat, where participants sense an authentic feeling of home-coming through a reconnection to nature, spirit and humanity. We intend to do our part in reversing ecological destruction which includes finding ways to restore balance where our dependency on nature is deeply considered, honoured, and sustained.
Sanctuary
It is the land that provides the sanctuary, the air the clarity, the water the healing. Our faculty, programs, projects and community provide the support, security, and opportunities for you to discover your potential unfolding in what is known as the most biodiverse place on earth.
The land sustains us naturally. The water here is pure and unfiltered. We operate a bio-digester and biomass generator to recycle waste and supply all our energy. The expanding vegetable garden provides for our nourishing meals. We are committed to all beings and their future generations through sustainable land stewardship, education, conservation and reforestation.
Sustainability
Living in Community
Living, working and connecting with the land, these are the people who hold the space whilst you explore your inner and outer landscape. You will experience a coming home to community and nature, of which we are all a part.
What's in our Name?
Bodhi Khaya Retreat is home for the spiritual aspiration in each of us. Building on the traditions of our physical and spiritual ancestors, Bodhi Khaya is a spiritual haven for those on their journey to awakening.
Bodhi
”Bodhi” traditionally translated into English with the word enlightenment, although its literal meaning is closer to "awakening". The Buddha was enlightened under what came to be known as the Bodhi Tree.
Khaya
”Khaya” derives from the African Nguni (Zulu) word “i-khaya”, meaning dwelling, abode, or home. “Kaya” is a Sanskrit word which means body in the sense of many qualities gathered together, joined and united as one - the embodiments of loving-kindness, compassion, wisdom and skillfulmeans which appear in the world to help sentient beings.
Retreat
Retreat is the act of moving back or away, to a place affording peace, quiet, privacy and security for a period of prayer, meditation, or study.
Our History
Here, on the southern tip of the African Continent, we evolved and became conscious, creating art, symbolism and the mythological. Soon language, mathematics, and the sciences followed. Our ancient branches are rooted in a deep symbiosis between human emergence and the land of Bodhi Khaya Retreat. Our 65.000 year old human story began near where Bodhi Khaya is located - on Baviaans Fonteyn Farm - the oldest in the area. In 1791 the farm was granted to Dirk Cloete, son of Hendrick Cloete, owner of Groot Constantia and one of the Cape’s largest landowners at the time. The land has been divided, changed and re-shaped since then. The present owner, Georgina Hamilton, has carefully created a sanctuary for those who wish to explore the thoroughfares of the heart and mind.