Many of my close students know that I admire Findhorn… a spiritual community, education centre and eco-village located in Scotland. It was founded in 1962 by 3 people (Eileen Caddy, Peter Caddy and Dorothy Maclean), and now they have a community of 400 people living there!

Those within the community abide by their 3 founding principals: deep inner listening (and acting from that source of wisdom), co-creation with the intelligence of nature and service to the world… and from there, they have developed into a spiritual, conscious community.

Their eco-village was recognized by the United Nations when they were awarded UN Habitat Best Practice designation, from the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (HABITAT). How wonderful! One of the things that I admire so much about Findhorn is their ability to self-sustain… they grow their own fresh produce for the consumption of their own community. I found that to be an inspiring concept, and advised our Green Team to do the same at Kechara Forest Retreat.

For the past 1.5 years, the Green Team has been very, very dedicated with beautifying Kechara Forest Retreat with various flora and fauna. They also started an organic farm where they plant different types of herbs, fruits and vegetables! I love how the Green Team worked consistently and harmoniously in order to achieve all of this. They gradually, through planning and learning on-the-go, managed to create a place for retreatants to practice Dharma comfortably. How kind…

Seeing how dedicated they were, I thought that they should experience Findhorn first-hand. They would be able to witness and learn so much more from those at Findhorn… as compared to reading books about the place. So the Green Team, consisting of Pastor Chia, Li Kheng and Julia traveled to Scotland to stay at Findhorn for 5 days. I rejoice that they could visit this spiritual community and at the same time bring back so much valuable knowledge with them to Kechara Forest Retreat.

Below is a wonderful write up by the Green Team about their stay in Findhorn. Thank you, Green Team for your continuous and dedicated work in KFR, and for sharing your wonderful experience in Findhorn through this detailed and well-written article.

Tsem Rinpoche

A Pilgrimage to Findhorn

By Pastor Chia, Julia & Li Kheng

The journey started on 18 September 2014 when Tsem Rinpoche sent a message advising the Green Team to visit Findhorn, one of the spiritual spaces whose culture and essence Kechara Forest Retreat aspire to integrate into the our Conscious Community.

In the past 1 ½ year, The Green Team focused on learning about landscaping, natural farming, soil improvement and reforestation. As Dharma work is about consistent learning, nurturing the capacity to do more and personal growth, it is time for the Green Project to enter its next chapter of development, which is to create an ability to transform the intangible energy and sanctity of our Earth into tangible experiences for spiritual aspirants.

Setting a clear and meaningful motivation forms the foundation for a successful pilgrimage. The team got together and established that our purpose of embarking on this journey is to learn about the success factors of an international spiritual sanctuary like Findhorn so that we are able to determine its motto and effectively bring it back to Kechara Forest Retreat and benefit the community in the region and beyond.

The journey begins…

Findhorn is a famous destination with many available and convenient modes of access and transportation. One convenient route will be to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Inverness via Charles De Gaulle in Paris (city of transit depends on airline). The stretch between Kuala Lumpur and Paris is 13 hours while the journey from Paris to Inverness is about 1.5 hours. From Inverness, which is 25 miles from Findhorn, a £50 taxi ride would be the most direct and convenient way to reach Findhorn. However, bus rides or trains are available but their routes end at their respective stations at Forres, the nearest town, from which a taxi or private car will have to be arranged to arrive at Findhorn Foundation & Community. Findhorn Foundation management (enquiries@findhorn.org) provides information of community members who offer transport services from Inverness Airport (about £40) or Forres bus and train stations (about £10).

When we arrived at Findhorn, it was dark and the administrative offices were closed. However, the hotel we stayed at, Findhorn Bay Holiday Park’s management (www.findhornbayholidaypark.com / info@findhornbayholidaypark.com) provides an emergency (ONLY) number for 24 hours assistance (Tel. No.: 07708 408 397)

Reception Hours of Findhorn Bay Holiday Park:

The Management Office of Findhorn Bay Holiday Park

The caravan lodging at Findhorn Bay Holiday Park

The caravan lodging at Findhorn Bay Holiday Park

The Eco-chalet lodging at the Findhorn Bay Holiday Park

The Eco-chalet lodging at the Findhorn Bay Holiday Park; This could be a more comfortable living arrangement for the cold season especially for travellers who are not accustomed to the freezing climate.

Other logistic information that is useful for Findhorn visitors are:

• Food and Beverage services:
  1. Blue Angel Café is a conscious food retailer that operates at the Universal Hall (about 120m from the Visitor Center). The food menu includes hot soups, pies, sandwiches and cakes & pastries with sufficient vegetarian and vegan options while the beverage offerings range from hot coffee and tea to organic canned drinks and fresh juices. The café opens daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Cash and international credit cards are accepted modes of payment.
     

     The outdoor of Blue Angel Café

  2. There are 2 restaurants (The Kimberly and The Crown) and 2 cafes (The Bakehouse and The Captain Table) located in Findhorn Village, which is walking distance from Findhorn Foundation.
  3. Kinloss Chinese take away is available a phone call away at (01309) 690 439 and a copy of the menu is available at the Findhorn Bay Holiday Park for reference.
• Convenience store:
  1. The Phoenix is the local convenient store that is opposite the Visitor Center. It offers an extensive range of fresh and packaged organic food products and is vegetarian friendly with some vegan selections. Additionally, there is stock of household goods like detergents, toiletries, books and souvenirs. Cash and international credit cards are accepted modes of payment.
  2. The store opens daily with the following operating hours:
     • Monday to Friday: 10.00am to 6.00pm
     • Saturday: 10.00am to 5.00pm
     • Sunday: 11.00am to 5.00pm
  3. Premier is the store at Findhorn Village with a cash machine (ATM) that offers a selection of groceries and some household items.

The Phoenix convenience store is a local hang out where community members often cross path and share information. At the entrance, there are ample posters and flyers with updated information of activities and events in Findhorn and the surrounding towns

The fresh produce from Cullerne Garden, which is the land on which Findhorn does its farming (more information below). It feels good to buy local because such a simple gesture accumulates and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.

Our First Day

Witnessing the ethereal of Findhorn at the first break of dawn

The following morning started beautifully with the most breathtaking sunrise although the air was already very brisk for autumn at about 2°C. The temperature rises as the sunray warms the atmosphere to about 10-15°C around mid afternoon. We spent the first morning roaming the infamous gardens of Findhorn on our own. Although winter was just around the corner, the gardens of Findhorn depict a sense of ethereal, charisma and, most of all, harmony. We later learn that this wholesome experience that the Findhorn gardens embody derives from the principal of humbly facilitating Mother Nature do her work. The Findhorn community respects the ways of nature and believe that, as residents of this home, our Earth, our work is to learn from her and assist enhance her rejuvenation to provide us all that we need in abundance. R. Ogilvie Crombie speaks about being in partnership with nature gods and spirits such as Pan and fauns to create flourishing and sustainable environments in “The Elemental Kingdom”; DVDs are available in the Findhorn Archive Publications for £10. Mr. Crombie used the collaboration between man and nature gods in Findhorn as an example of a success case study in his presentation. Another factor that contributes to the success of Findhorn is the community who embraces and practices the guiding principals of the foundation in their everyday life.

The gateway to finding peace with nature

This path leads to the Nature Sanctuary where spiritual activities from Taize singing to meditation are conducted. At the Quiet Garden, one can enter a short silent retreat in the healing space amidst trees flowers, fresh air and sunlight.

The enchanting space is alit by the early morning sun, exuding a gentle yet distinct sense of calm and delight

Instead of a concrete skyline of the city, Findhorn glees our sight with an gorgeous array of colors and shapes from trees

As we walk out of the Quiet Garden feeling revitalized, we are greeted with this message

Garden landscaping at the Eco-village is the combined creation of community members.

There is an exotic range of garden styles from species to display starting with this more traditional northern European arrangement that uses low shrubs with compact leaves that better withstand the cold climate.

With greater exposure to sunlight, this home boasts a lush garden that gives a more tropical feel with palms and tall, lush shrubs

This is the favorite arrangement with its attractive purple flowers

An artistic arrangement on rocks with a variety of cactus plants

A spacious yet inviting garden that has an open grass-walking path with lush shrubs and tall trees lining each side

Gardens come in all forms and, here at Findhorn, we witness a creative mini garden arrangement inside an unused wheelbarrow and some pretty blossoms planted in stone planter boxes

In the afternoon, we went for a Findhorn Tour that starts at 2.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from the Visitor Center with a fee of £8 per person. Our guide, Richard, told us about the founding of Findhorn by The Caddy Family together with Dorothy Maclean. Richard took us to visit the Original Garden where the 3 founding members followed the guidance of the “little voice” Eileen hears through meditation and planted a phenomenal garden with the notorious 40 lbs cabbage. It is reported that specialists from different parts of the world came to witness this miracle and conducted a series of test to determine how such a lush garden can grow under the most impossible conditions. None of the men of science could come up with a logical explanation or provide a conclusion. Other landmarks of Findhorn Foundation include The Nature Sanctuary & Silent Garden, The Flower Nursery, Universal Hall, Community Center, Meditation Sanctuary and Eco Village. Each location has a story that adds depth and significance to the visitors.

The common element between every story told in Findhorn is love, care, pride and engagement from the community, which gives warmth and heartbeat to the entire space. For example, the architect of the iconic Universal Hall Mr. George Ripley, lives in Findhorn and views this building a being alive and ever evolving. He was quoted: “The work in Universal Hall is never finished…” implying that Findhorn and all within, continue to grow and evolve. It was also heartwarming to see features like garden benches in the gardens that are dedicated in loving memories of late community members. Through these sincere gestures and personal contributions, Findhorn will always have a special place in the hearts of its community within the foundation as well as those who have moved beyond. It is advisable for visitors to join the tour because there are “hidden” landmarks that must not be missed and the moving stories available in every nook and corner is what makes this space Findhorn.

Please watch this video on the Findhorn Original Garden:

Richard, one of the early community members, was the tour guide who shared the history, present and future-vision of Findhorn in detail and nostalgia

The Nature Sanctuary where Taize singing ceremony is held every morning. The space can also be used for other activities upon prior arrangement

Special garden furniture strategically placed in gardens for people to rest, relax and admire the scenery. Some pieces are sponsored in memory of loved ones who were members of the Findhorn community

Day 2 and not counting

After getting a general bearing of the layout in Findhorn, Pastor Chia, Julia and I spent our second day getting involved with the community and scheduled activities. The first thing we did was joining the morning session meditation in a room that the community calls Sanctuary. A facilitator who leads the session indicates the start and end of each session with a quote from Eileen Caddy (or other inspiring quotes) accompanied by the ring of a singing bowl. Each session lasts for 20 minutes and there are 2 sessions each day (morning: 8.30am-9.00am; afternoon: 5.40pm-6.00pm). Every member of the Findhorn community places great importance in the daily meditation, following the example of their founding members. At the age of 94 years old, Dorothy Maclean, continues to meditate religiously daily in the Sanctuary whether rain or shine. We had the honor of meditating with Ms. Maclean on the morning of 16 October 2014.

This is the Findhorn Sanctuary where daily meditation is conducted. Signage is clearly labeled to protect the calm and quiet ambience of the vicinity and its surrounding. People are even notified to “Walk your bicycles” around this area.

Besides silence in the daily meditations, visitors and course participants also engage in short silent walking meditations inside the Findhorn’s Quiet Garden.

As emphasized above, the sense of community is very strong at Findhorn and everyone is happy to host and help visitors get around. In conversation with Richard our guide who introduced us to his friend, Keith, we mentioned that we would like to visit the Communications Office as Tsem Rinpoche has been in correspondence with them and sent a few Dharma gifts in appreciation for the work and impact created by The Findhorn Foundation. Keith immediately offered to escort us to the office that was near The Phoenix store. Upon introducing ourselves as students of Tsem Rinpoche from Kechara House, Sandra who works in the Communications Office immediately recollects a letter bearing gifts from Rinpoche that was couriered to them in 2013. She retrieved the letter that “just happened” to be on her colleagues table and showed us the Lama Tsongkapa tsatsa that she and each of her colleagues keep on their work desk. The Lama Tsongkapa thangka was presented to the educational meeting room. We also saw the Lama Tsongkapa statue, which is a gift previously presented to the foundation by Rinpoche in year 2011 that was respectfully placed on a shelf overlooking the office. Sandra was curious about the work we do. So, we shared about Kechara Forest Retreat and the blog (www.tsemrinpoche.com) that has touched 4.7 million viewers from around the world. When we headed to the education meeting room to visit the Lama Tsongkapa thangka, we bumped into Jason Caddy, grandson of Peter and Eileen Caddy who was renovating the room. We shared Rinpoche’s deep respect and appreciation for the principals of Findhorn with Jason who was moved that Findhorn have such a strong support in a different corner of the world.

Sandra of the Communications Office who showed us her Lama Tsongkapa tsatsa who was seated right next to her computer screen. It is wonderful that the blessed gifts of Tsem Rinpoche touches and protects these dedicated individuals of Findhorn on a daily basis

The Lama Tsongkapa thangka is reverently placed in the Legacy Room with a letter from Tsem Rinpoche carefully framed next to it

Legacy is a space where people gather to create a legacy with Mother Nature. The building is ecologically sustainable and has been the space in which impactful projects are conceptualized and implemented

From left to right: Keith (who hosted us in Findhorn), Julia, Jason Caddy and Pastor Chia. Jason is grandson to Peter and Eileen Caddy and up to this point, he works hands-on with the community with focus on ecological structural design and implementations

In the late morning, we visited Findhorn College on Cluny Hill. The hotel building that Peter and Eileen Caddy worked in was bought over by them in 1975 and converted into a learning center as Findhorn started attracting thousands of people from different parts of the world. Findhorn College offers holistic educational courses that promote sustainability and personal empowerment. The course selection that is especially designed by Sustainable Development Program Coordinators like Dr. Rehema White of the University of St. Andrews include English classes, training in synergizing social, ecological and economic skills as well as an Undergraduate & Post Graduate program given in collaboration with academic partners in Scotland and North America (for more information: admin@findhorncollege.org or +44 (0) 1309 690806).

The exterior of Findhorn College at Cluny Hill

Students lounge area

The Sanctuary for daily meditation at Findhorn College

The activity board at Findhorn College

In the afternoon, we went for a tour of the Living Machine, which is an ecological sewage treatment system developed by Dr. John Todd at Living Technologies Ltd. in Massachusetts, America (for more information: awalker@findhorn.org or ecovillage@findgorn.org). This sewage system mirrors the decomposition process in the natural world with enhancement by adding in the greenhouse effect to bring the temperature to 8°C. Inside the large tanks that are built underground, there is a complex and natural ecosystem of bacteria, algae, snail, shrimps and numerous species of plants that interact with each other to transform sewage water into European “bathing grade” water. The machine in Findhorn Foundation has a loading capacity of approximately 65 cubic meter of waste water a day, which equates to about 330 persons.

The biggest surprise about this ecological system is: Contrary to common belief, it is less costly than the traditional design and structure. Being environmentally sustainable is a comprehensive approach beyond planting beautiful gardens and farms. Being ecologically conscious involves the correct approach to waste management and optimizing our natural resources with proper application of the most suitable system, which is one that accurately reflect the works of Mother Nature.

A tour of The Living Machine where man creates a balance between technologies with an environmentally sustainable approach

Please watch Living Machine:

In the evening, we were invited to dinner with the community at the Community Center in celebration of a successful summit they recently hosted where societal leaders from various parts of the world gathered to discuss and create new movements forward that is in alignment with our human nature, which is in synergy with the Earth and all its elements. At dinner, we met with game changers like George Ripley, the architect of the Universal Hall and Alan Watson, the founder of the Tree for Life that reforested 1 million trees to restore the Caledonian forest of Scotland. We shared that the Green Project at Kechara Forest Retreat is also running a Sponsor A Tree campaign to replace the trees felled for the construction of our retreat. Our enthusiasm despite the inexperience impressed Mr. Watson who generously shared his knowledge and advise on reforestation with “like minded people from different parts of the world”. As we got to the know community better, a few of the members started inquiring more about Kechara and Buddhist philosophies because visits from Buddhist practitioners are still relatively rare. It was such a delight and honor to be able to share Tsem Rinpoche’s teachings halfway across the globe with a diverse community in one of the most spiritual spaces in the world, Findhorn. This is a powerful manifestation of tangible interfaith, intercultural and inter-race harmony, learning and growth.

Other wholesome activities visitors can do a Findhorn include:

• Visit the weaving workshop where there is a 150 years old 600-thread machine.
• Join dance classes in the studios at the basement of Universal Hall
• Enjoy performances in the Universal Hall that nurtured collaboration with The Touring Network presenting “the very best performers from across Scotland and beyond” (www.thetouringnetwork.com). Besides long-term artist partners, Findhorn also host one-off performances by international sensations who are invited to perform in renowned venue like Carnagie Hall.
• Visit the Findhorn Pottery to support a local eco-craft that sell handmade ceramic items. Bespoke or commissioned pieces can be especially created upon request with provision of at least 30 days advanced notice.
• Volunteer at the organic farm in Cullerne Garden, which is about 5 to 10 minutes walk from the Findhorn Foundation along the road towards Findhorn Village.
• Help cook at the community center that serves about 100 to 150 people per meal. The Community kitchen serves a range of healthy cuisine using recipes from all over the world.

Please note that to participate in volunteer work, visitors must join the 7 days experiential week to comply with local Labor regulations or obtain a long-stay status from respective authorities.

Three is a charm

The Findhorn spirit is contagious. By our third day in the community, we began to feel at home. It is hopeful that empowering to be within the embrace of a community that upholds humane principals of living that is similar to those taught by Rinpoche and that we are benchmarking to create in the pioneer community of Kechara Forest Retreat. This morning started earlier than usual as we joined the Taize Singing group in the Nature Sanctuary that is scheduled daily from 8.00am to 8.30am. Taize Singing is a culture from Burgundy, France and was founded by the Christian monastic community in 1940. The strong sense of unity of the Findhorn community is reflected in the clear and beautiful harmony in the group’s singing. Pastor Chia explained that the possibility for the 3 of us, newcomers, to blend in perfectly and immediately without prepping or instruction is a reflection of the evident community spirit that swiftly aligns everyone in the space.

The serene space inside the often-featured Findhorn Nature Sanctuary

During a Taize session, participants are allocated seat based on their voice character, i.e. soprano, alto and bass. The domed ceiling facilitates the voices to travel and merge with good balance and lively synchronization.

At mid-morning, the three of us went to the Cullerne Garden where the farm has moved to when the community grew. The access to the garden is through the main road to Findhorn Village, which is a 10 minutes walk from the Visitor Center. As we entered the farm, we saw a group of volunteers doing maintenance work like weeding on a patch of lettuce. As winter is approaching, there is limited crops being grown but we saw how the farm team prepares the soil to rest over the cold season. We saw the rich, dark and aerated soil of the farm ground that is perfect for abundant quality harvests. However, the soil around the dune countryside of Findhorn is known to be of low quality as sand is commonly said to contain little nutrients.

Therefore, besides the continued collaboration with nature spirits, composting is key to nurturing grounds that is rich. There are a few piles of compost on the farm, each at different stages of maturity and we observed that the materials used for making the compost are waste from crops, cut grass and other dried raw material from the area, fundamentally, no natural material goes to waste at Findhorn. Besides composting, we learn to use natural methods to prevent entry of pests and intrusive elements like wind. For example, we can plant thick hedge shrubs that act as natural barrier to small animals and wind or introduce thorny plants around the border of the farm to deter animals as well as snakes from entry. In summary, the approach of the Findhorn farm is to utilize the wisdom of nature that has a sustainable balance to optimize Mother Nature’s ability to provide all her inhabitants sufficiently and ultimately, abundantly.

Please watch Chris’ sharing on farming:

In this video, Chris from Newbold House who has been farming for more than 28 years of his life shares his passion about farming and food production. He has done organic farming before going to work at Findhorn Foundation. Currently, he is with the Newbold House community. Chris speaks in more detail about working with respect to and in harmony with Nature’s way whether one is applying organic farming or permaculture. He also shared an interesting story of a Brazilin community that went from the conventional way of farming (without use of any chemicals) to food forest approach to supplying their society with food. Chris ended with some tricks of the trade that we will apply in Kechara Forest Retreat to optimize our farm production.

Volunteers working leisurely at Cullerne Garden on a bed of lettuce. The soil is visibly rich through the consistent effort of composting and working in collaboration with Mother Nature

With dropping temperatures, most of the crops are planted inside greenhouses

Diversity in crop selection is applied to increase the general health of the farm as diversity better replicates the natural character of the ecosystem. One of the key ailments to our food production industry in the practice of monoculture that depletes our land of its nutrients and creates an environment that is susceptible to attack from pest and diseases as complimenting plants are absent.

Adding some flower plants in between the vegetables is also a good “distraction” for pests to protect the crop

A Buddha image is present inside one of the greenhouse and this depicts the Findhorn philosophy of blending tangible technology and intelligence with intangible spiritual guidance and blessing

Compost, compost, compost! The mantra of the farmers at Cullerne Garden. This is the foundation on which abundant crops are produced and beautiful flowerbeds sprout the most exquisite and vibrant of blossoms

The “Grandfather Tree” at Cullerne Garden. Findhorn is not a space defined by function; there is a blend of forest, garden, farm and lifestyle in every space…just as it is in life

Later that day, we adventured into the Eco Village again. This time, more leisurely with observe how the village is put together and identify environmental ideas that are implemented and phased in slowly to ensure sustainability. As Richard, our guide from Day 1 share, the eco chalets were slowly introduced to replace the caravans because they were more ecological in design, construction and operation. From this point, I learn that sustainability is not about being backward, old fashioned or primal. On the contrary, we realize that green living and wholesome lifestyles arise from the implementation of advanced technologies and application of forward-thinking ways of innovation so as to foster a good relationship with our Earth.

It takes intelligence to identify and emulate the sophisticated, comprehensive and intricate system that flows through every aspect of nature. It requires even great wisdom to develop a formula to empower the system to be replicated by any and many communities all over the world with enthusiastic ownership and sincere choice of responsibility. It is also awesome that the eco efforts in the Eco Village span from simple matters to large-scale projects of significant impact. For example, a simple but impactful effort is the development of sedums that better retain water and grow on less soil to replace common grass for rooftop patches so as to reduce construction material requirement, which further reducing carbon footprint.

In the meantime, an example of Findhorn’s large-scale project would be the building of an in-house biomass boiler to produce energy locally to power the community. The boiler burns wood chips from fallen trees or by-products of wood manufacturers and the only waste is methane, which the development team is working on putting to better use. The Eco Village is fundamentally a living community to learns, improves and evolves to make sustainable lifestyle dynamic, exciting and admirable.

Please watch the brief sharing about the history behind the building of Findhorn’s whiskey barrel buildings:

This is one of the newer eco-chalet at Findhorn Foundation. It is eye opening to witness sustainability to be comfortable, aesthetically attractive and economical

The dining hall of the Community Center

The cylindrical pillars that hold the roof of the building along the perimeter are made from re-used telegraph polls that became obsolete as the telecommunications infrastructure advanced. There is so much around us that can tease our ability to innovate. All we need to do is remind ourselves to be effortful and think out of the box.

The biomass boiler that is located next to Universal Hall at Findhorn Foundation

The woodchips used to fuel the biomass burner

Recycling has become the code of conduct at Findhorn

Provision of sorting bins for different recyclable materials are conveniently provided within the vicinity to encourage the community to embrace this sustainable practice

Sedums are planted on the roofs of some buildings as the are good insulators to moderate extreme weather conditions

Being environmentally sustainable is a way of life

Individual households harvest rainwater in simple ways. The collected water is used in the gardens and farms because it is rich in natural and local microorganism that adds to the richness of the grounds

Please watch a brief video about our experience about Findhorn’s activities and ecological efforts:

One of the activities Pastor Chia, Julia and I enjoyed in Findhorn is the bonding time we share when preparing a home cooked meal. Being in a wholesome environment is a good opportunity to break away from the usual convenient option to eat out. As we enjoyed the cooking-together we did during our retreats in Kechara Forest Retreat, we thought this was a fun yet meaningful activity we can practice in Findhorn as well. In routine living, we get busied with activities and take people we are close to for granted. A pilgrimage is the chance to get in touch as we cooked the fresh produce harvested locally from the Cullerne Farm. At the cooking sessions, we reflected on the things we saw and heard to internalize the observation and learning as well as share ideas, opinions and work plans in a calm and conducive environment.

Besides a well-equipped kitchenette, The Findhorn Bay Holiday Park’s Eco Chalet provides a laundry machine (detergent and outdoor drying racks are provided), a comfortable living area, a common toilet and bath and living arrangement that can accommodate 6 people with a queen bed master bedroom, a second twin sharing bedroom and a sofa bed that fits 2 (bed linens and bath towels provided).

Learning in the Kechara community is interactive and fun: cooking together in our Findhorn Eco-chalet

The twin sharing room

The master bedroom

The living area with a balcony on the left

The kitchenette

Day 4 expands beyond Findhorn

Being in Findhorn is a real treat and we thank Rinpoche for the guidance that is always aimed at providing a powerful learning opportunity and exposure. True enough, it is the first time for all of us to be on pilgrimage in a spiritual and green destination where the synergy of spiritual energies, nature and humanity merge effectively. Therefore, besides the photos taken on 3 cameras, the greedy green team decided to take a few videos to capture the work that the community accomplished. So, in the morning of our fourth day, we visited a few feature locations to take videos with brief narration of explanation. As we walked around looking for suitable sites, we savored the natural surrounding that was so beautiful, peaceful and in symphony with happy members of the community. Julia asked if I ever visited a more beautiful space in my life… my respond: There have been more beautiful environments but they lag in splendor as they lacked that energy that pulls every element together in perfect synergy.

At noon, we prepared lunch for our new friend, Keith, who has been a very kind and hospitable host. After lunch, Keith took us to Newbold House that is about 10 to 15 minutes drive away. Newbold House is another community that lives on 7 acres of land and bases its activities around nature like gardening and farming and spiritual wellness like massage therapy, personal development workshops and meditation sessions. Chris was our host who gave us a tour of the building that maintained the traditional Scottish architectural structure so as to preserve the beauty of classical architecture. He also introduced us to the workshops they conduct at Newbold House, which is not as matured as that of Findhorn because the community is still relatively young.

The program coordinators are also open to tailor-making programs to meet specific needs of individual guests and groups to a maximum of 22 persons at one time. Chris explains that the Newbold community keeps close contact with the Findhorn family as the vision, commitment and effort to promote spiritual sanctity, respect for cultural diversity, ecological sustainability and economic integrity is challenging and the more communities are born, the greater the potential for these tenets of living to flourish.

Newbold House is formed in this building of traditional Scottish architecture

As Forrest Gump’s famous line states: Life is like a box of chocolate, you never quite know what you are going to get

Hugo who teaches and practices the piano at Newbold House treated Pastor Chia, Julia and me to a live performance. It seems that the generosity and courage to pursue passion of the community has expanded beyond Findhorn, showing us that, with consistent and sincere effort, a way of living can grow and inspire surrounding communities to also embrace the same virtues

This little peace cove is in the middle of the Newbold House farm

Spaces are not limited to their functions but evolve and expand with the lives of the individuals, friends and families within those spaces. A farm need not only be rows and rows of crops but a beautiful arrangement of crop beds, charming gardens and artistic sculptures that comes together as a home where people live their day.

Please watch Honey harvesting:

Our busy bees are key players in the natural ecosystem of nature and it is said that they are good indicators of the health of our environment. The activities of man in the name of development have impacted the bee community of our world in a negative manner. At Newbold House, Martin shares his experience with supporting 4 bee communities build new nests while respectfully collaborating with them to harvest the honey they produce

Our last day at Findhorn

The days passed by quickly and we got to enjoy being in the community spirit of Findhorn. However, we were also ready to return home because there were so many useful lessons we learnt and wanted to put to the test at Kechara Forest Retreat. To bring our journey to a close with clarity as well as preamble us into action, Pastor Chia, Julia and I summarized the Findhorn experience into 3 core aspects, which are their iconic gardens and farms, their dynamism with ecology commitment and technology and, last but not least, their sensitivity and respect to the unity of spirituality in each and everyone of us with our universe.

The gardens and farm of Findhorn is vibrant, lush and made-with-love. I believe there are grander and more exquisite gardens in other parts of the world, but I have yet to visit a garden that clearly embodies a lively sense of harmony between man and the environment like Findhorn. Through observation, the secret ingredient to Findhorn’s gardens and farm is the philosophy of the founders that holds true to learning from nature to create the best results, which is refreshing compared to the common and arrogant notion that “we know better”. This philosophy forms a strong foundation on which the growth and expansion of Findhorn builds on.

The principals of Findhorn is incorporated everywhere. This bench is carved with the statement: “Expect abundance on every level”

“Stop Worrying” read the red sign at this crossroad. This may be a good advice to remember when we approach the crossroads of our lives

The is the “Love Shack” at Cullerne Garden where people can take a break from farm work and enjoy the surrounding while learning about love

The approach to developing a sustainable use and renewal of natural resources at Findhorn is dynamic with creativity, innovation and humility. The community is creative to optimize the value of our Earth’s resources and responds innovatively to solve environmental issues with existing technology as well as appreciates and adopts successful ideas of others for the sake of preserving our world for future generations. Findhorn is also not shy to acknowledge the importance of economic benefits to fuel the success of ecological ideas and projects. It is this type of green attitude that create awareness to this subject and will propel it into mainstream practice in the near future.

Please watch this video sharing the overall experience of community Spirit at Findhorn:

It is not just the breathtaking scenery, beautiful gardens and abundant crops that make Findhorn the epitome spiritual learning center, it is the culture and spirit of the organization that bonds everything together with great positive synergy that create the Findhorn magic. The expansion of Findhorn from the original caravan park to a community of about 22 acres to an international destination for spiritual and wholesome learning of almost 500 acres* is a tangible reflection that such a product, service and space is needed and wanted.

Today, Findhorn consists of:

1. The Findhorn Foundation that stands on 22 acres of land
2. Findhorn Holiday Park & Living Machine that occupies about 10 acres
3. The Dunes that is an animal sanctuary, which is approximately 300 acres in size. A fraction of the land is developed with Eco-homes, while majority grounds are dedicated to grow a natural habitat for surrounding faunas
4. Findhorn Eco-village, which is about 20 acres
5. Traigh Bhan – Isle of Iona, which is a retreat home on an island on the west coast of Scotland and a renowned pilgrimage destination
6. Findhorn College (the hotel in which Peter & Eileen Caddy worked) at Cluny Hill that is a 30 acres development

The growing awareness for the need of synergy between environmental sustainability, social harmony and spiritual growth is an indication of the potential and contribution of Kechara Forest Retreat. With leading and exemplary communities like Findhorn paving the way, we at Kechara Forest Retreat will one day provide a haven for more and more guests and visitors from all over the world. We thank Tsem Rinpoche for this wonderful opportunity to learn experientially whereby we are able to effectively create a sanctuary for physical and transcendent healing, growth and ultimately enlightenment, a heaven on Earth.

We know that we are making progress in our Dharma journey when friendship is one of the results of our effort and commitment (photo taken at Findhorn Eco-village on a sunny afternoon filled with study)

We know that we are making progress in our Dharma journey when friendship is one of the results of our effort and commitment (photo taken at Findhorn Eco-village on a sunny afternoon filed study)

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If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team