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In the company of crystals and monks
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P for Pause | In the company of crystals and monks
I often suggest to people the importance of taking time to pause, and have done so in my articles in this newsletter. Today, I too took time to stop and have a day to pause. I went along to the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens at Mullimibimby, near Byron Bay, New South Wales. A day there is usually relaxing. Today was no exception, as the Gyuto Tibetan Monks were in residence. They held workshops throughout the day, including Mindfulness and Mandala Art. The day concluded with a Healing Empowerment Ceremony.
A leisurely stroll through the crystal-filled gardens, set amid colourful flowers and birdsong, is regenerative in itself. There are many places to reflect and journal. The black bamboo walkway is impressive. The crystal guardians, comprising smoky quartz with amethyst, add to the spectacular views. I also sat inside the dragon cave, an amethyst cave, which grabbed my attention as someone who loves amethyst.
The last time I was there, the many pieces of rose quartz were being placed in the crystal labyrinth, in front of the giant Blessing Buddha, and now this task was complete.
The food, as always, was tasty and healthy, and at brunch, coffee was served hot. The acai bowl was tasty. For a late lunch, peppermint tea and roast vegetable wraps were ample; I didn’t even manage to eat any of the delicious cakes.
As I have on previous visits, I walked clockwise around the World Peace Stupa and spun the prayer wheels, which is a “traditional Buddhist practice known as Walking the Kora, symbolising devotion, mindfulness, and spiritual connection”. The World Peace Stupa was constructed under the guidance of Geshe Lharampa Tenzin Demchok and the Gyuto Monks of Tibet (Crystal Castle, n.d). There’s something calming about completing this walk and spinning the prayer wheels, and it feels like you’ve been transported to another place, not just outside a small village not far from the coast in New South Wales.
The Mindfulness Meditation reminded me to stop and let go of things that, in the big picture, are so insignificant. The various talks by the Dalai Phurbu reinforced the need to believe in oneself. People of all ages, from young children to older visitors, sat in a circle to colour a Mandala, with the monks patiently showing us how to fold and tie them with coloured wool. Towards the end of the day, a group stayed to listen to Dalai Phurbu conduct a healing empowerment ceremony, after which we were blessed before heading home.
This was well worth stopping for, and I have shared some photographs with you, though they do not do justice to the experience. Once again, I strongly suggest making the time to find a quiet place, it may not be with Tibetan Monks and crystal-covered gardens, it could be taking the time for a cup of tea and listening to music, visiting a park, or lighting a candle. Whatever you choose, enjoy and try not to give too much time to things that don’t matter in the big picture.
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