'Wilderness Within' Retreat with Tsondru

Do not feel lonely. The entire universe is inside you. Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.  – Rumi

We are offering an additional 2 night stay from 1 – 3 May at a 15% discount for a deeper dive into the Wilderness with Tsondru. Please email info@bkr.co.za to book the extended retreat.

Through exploring the wilderness of nature, the inner wilderness is unveiled.

Nature works her magic by reconnecting us to our truest inner nature, the source of ease, peace, and joy. We discover that we truly belong, and are already home.

The retreat will be a slowing-down into the deeper stillness of Nature, through guided meditation in nature, contemplation and journaling, walking, solo time, and experiential practices from The Work That Reconnects of Joanna Macy.

After a life spent studying and practising as an environmental scientist and lawyer, interspersed with an eight-year farming interlude and much wandering in the African wilderness, Tsondru was inspired to renounce that life and commit herself to two consecutive long-term closed retreats for almost eight years, immersing in the intense practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. Following that, she travelled to San Francisco to study The Work That Reconnects with Joanna Macy.

Tsondru is dedicated to helping people reconnect with inner wilderness through leading contemplative Wilderness Within trails in the iMfolozi-Hluhluwe wilderness area, and sharing the wisdom teachings and meditations of the Buddha. She approaches teaching through The Work That Reconnects, weaving it together with the practice and teaching of Buddhism and meditation.

Enjoying the beauty and bounty of nature around Bodhi Khaya, we’ll explore the meeting place of the outer and inner worlds to uncover our connection with ourselves, all beings, the sun and moon and the stars.

The retreat is all inclusive of meals, accommodation, all practices and teachings.

About Tsunma Tsondru

Tsunma Tsondru is a nun in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, ordained by Tai Situ Rinpoche. She first met Buddhism in the 90s through Louis van Loon. After working as a lawyer and environmental scientist she left for Spain for a traditional Kagyu three and a half years closed retreat, followed by a second closed retreat of four years. Since returning to Cape Town, she has served on the Board of the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute, a multi-faith NGO, and as its Executive Director.

In 2015, Tsondru spent a 10-day intensive with Joanna Macy in California, engaging with The Work that Reconnects, and since then has begun to teach The Work in Cape Town and Ixopo. She dedicates her time to being of service to SAFCEI, helping people reconnect with inner wilderness through leading contemplative Wilderness Within trails in the iMfolozi-Hluhlue wilderness area, and teaching The Work That Reconnects, weaving it into the practice and teaching of Buddhism and meditation. The journey now is to bring spiritual practice into the world in protection of our home, the Earth.