We invite you, in your own time, to read notes and reflections
from people involved with Temenos.
Caritas Corner May 2011 - click here
E-mail us here - We would love to hear from you.
Caritas Corner
It's a gift, this cloudless November morning warm enough
for you to walk without a jacket along your favourite path.
The rhythmic shushing of your feet through fallen leaves
should be enough to quiet the mind, so it surprises you when
you catch yourself telling off your boss for a decade of accumulated injustices,
all the things you've ever said circling inside you.
It's the rising wind that pulls you out of it,
and you look up to see a cloud of leaves swirling in sunlight,
flickering against the blue and rising above the treetops,
as if the whole day were sighing,
Let it go, let it go, for this moment at least, let it all go.
Jeffrey Harrisson
Here we are back in Caritas placing another stone on the bench. It is such a privilege to connect with you again in the stillness of our library at a time when we can sense the slow build-up of the festive season and all its busyness. It is also reflecting time as we are looking back on a year which has passed so quickly; a time which was filled with much laughter and also sadness. And, as we are in the process of putting 2010 behind us, we ponder on what 2011 will bring … On the other hand it is the Power of Now that keeps us focused and what better way to be in this moment with a delectable book in our favourite space, physically and spiritually. Cicero, an ancient Roman Lawyer said: If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need! How lucky we are to have both here at Temenos!
Once again a grateful thanks to all of you who so generously part with your precious books from time to time so that our readers can also enjoy them. It is much appreciated. In future you are going to be kept up to date of arrivals of a few books that have recently shown up or ones that have been with us for a while. Your input, needless to say, is more than welcome!
Here in front of us we have a moving and the other interesting books which have recently been donated to us:
Ways to live forever by a Sally Nicholls: Sally (who was only 23 when she wrote this book) shares with us what Sam McQueen, an 11-year-old hero goes through when he is diagnosed with leukemia and knows that he is going to die. But Sam isn’t just going through his morbid phase. For him many questions about death need to be answered and these questions have to be answered urgently.
A very brave move from young Sally to write this book in the first person as the narrator cannot be around to write the last scene. She does it amicably! An enchanting book which will really touch your heart and uplift your spirit. It is written elegantly, intelligently, movingly and sometimes you laugh with tears in your eyes. Young and old readers (and brave parents, and teachers) will love it. You will find it in the Motivational Section.
One Man Tango an autobiography by Anthony Quinn: If you have not ‘discovered’ Anthony yet, this might just be a good introduction. He starts his life story off in a most fascinating way: He receives a box from his first wife Katherine de Mille containing photos of his dead son Christopher, diaries and an essay Anthony wrote in 1935 titled ‘How I’d lived My Life’. He then hops on his bike and starts pedalling 40 kilometres across the seven hills of Rome with thoughts that are weaving between past and present. Soon enough you realise where the title of the book stems from. A person who has basically danced all his life alone as he has closed himself off from others. He is on a ride of his life, trying to escape from his demons. Riddled with guilt and fears his journey takes some winding turns into serious soul searching. This book makes an engaging summer read.
We cannot agree more with Barry Lopez when he said:
Sometimes a person needs a story more than food.
People must have free access to the spiritual firepower of books.
Libraries are healers and magicians and reading and books are medicine.
Now it is time for us to sneak to Billy’s favourite little corner in Caritas and hear what he has to say about a few of his favourite books:
*Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels: Written in a poetic style with layers of metaphor, the novel explores themes of trauma, grief, loss and memory – as well as deep personal discovery.
*Spiritual Pilgrims by John Welch: A fascinating book linking the works of Teresa of Avila and Carl Jung.
*Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis: According to Zorba the aim of man and matter is to create joy! And the highest point a man can attain is not knowledge, or virtue, or goodness, or victory, but something even greater, more heroic and more despairing: Sacred Awe!
Silent Music by William Johnston: The science of meditation, exploring Christian and Zen mysticism. A book that changed my life for the better.
The Stones of Florence by Mary McCarthy: If you love Florence, this book is for you. A unique tribute to a truly marvellous city.
*Selected poems by C.P. Cavafy: A poignant voice conjuring a rich interior world of remembered passions, imagined monologues and dramatic retellings of Alexandria's ancient past.
I heard God laughing – Hafiz: When I discovered Hafiz, it was like coming home.
Sadly the books marked with an asterisk are no longer with us and that our readers therefore are unable to enjoy them in Caritas (at this stage anyway). Be reassured though they will find their way back to our shelves. We can relate to the difficulty sometimes to let go of something precious. It touches your soul and you would just like to hold onto it for a bit longer, but we need to think of those who might also like to have that experience. On that note just a few requests:
J Please return our books within 2 weeks after they have been taken out so that others can also enjoy them.
J At all times sign out all books that leave Caritas even the guests at Temenos. It just makes it so much easier to keep track of our valuable books when they leave the library.
J When you return books just leave them on the shelf where it says ‘Returned Books’. I will put it back in its right place.
Thanks, I really appreciate your co-operation.
Please take care of yourselves and it would be wonderful to hear from you sharing your favourite books with us, suggestions or just any experience in general. E-mail me here
Blessed and joyful times over the festive period and may your new year be filled with peace, love, fun and last but not least baskets-full of joyful reading sprees!
Today is such a happy day
There is no room for sadness
Today we drink the wine of trust
From the cup of knowledge
We can’t live on bread and water alone
Let us eat a little from the hand of God
Rumi
Love
Fran
_______________________________________________________________
A blessing from Tania, a frequent guest at Temenos.
May there always be a canopy of peace over this beloved space.
May there always be a Temore, to remind me of my inner light and a Well, to remind me of my dreamtime shadow.
May there always be doves to soften my heart and peacocks to lift my spirits.
May there always be Buddhas and angels, scrolls and offerings, to remind me I am a multidimensional being.
May there always be bees overhead, teaching me that work and play and creativity and contribution are all one energy.
May there always be books to stimulate my thinking and brooks to wash my thinking away.
May there always be trees, whispering their ancient secret and cosmos flaunting nature’s beauty and bounty.
May there always be chickens falling off their perches and ducks mating in the swimming pool, to remind me to laugh and laugh and laugh!
May there always be a stone on a bench, to teach me communication is simple.
And may
I forever
be reminded
that it is in the silence,
in the solitude,
in the beauty
and in the peace
that I will find my spirit.
And….
May there always be a Dawn, to hold all the threads together with gentle, quiet, loving efficiency.
May there always be a Michael, to awaken my tastebuds with loving reverence.
May there always be a Margaret, to step out silently in to the blustery morning and to hold me in loving generosity.
May there always be an Annemarie, to breathe me, stretch me and centre me.
May there always be a Rose, to anchor the love and creativity of this, her beloved home.
May there always be an Indivar, to show me that I can be naked and vulnerable, but feel totally safe.
May there always be a Lizelle, to nurture me and touch me and heal the little one who lacked mothering.
May there always be the quiet hands of gardeners, cooks, cleaners and helpers, who tend every corner in loving contribution.
And….
May there always be a Billy, to nurture my spirit, to expand my consciousness and to forever hold the vision, that is Temenos.
Thank you all!_______________________________________________________________
e-mail from one of our visitors...
"Dear Billy and all the staff at Temenos
Many, many thanks for a remarkable experience at Temenos. I spent three nights in Carmel and had the privilege of enjoying your magnificent garden and the beautiful shrines you have created. The love and peace of Temenos surpass anything I have experienced before. You are a true blessing to everyone who encounters such a work of sacred art. May your work continue and may you reap the bliss you provide so abundantly.
With greatest appreciation.
Erna du Toit"
Thank you for your lovely words Erna. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
and here are a few comments from our Visitor's Book...
"Thank you for sharing this wonderful haven of peace with us. Our stay far too short but we hope to be back 'er long. Bless you all"
Eleanor & Alison March 2009
"We were incredibly priveledged to walk around your glorious garden. Thank you for affording us this special experience - we will cherish it for a long time"
G & G March 2009
"Thank you for letting us walk around the gardens - what a treat! Thank you for all the love enfused into this special place"
March 2009
"I feel I can breathe again! My heart is full and open. I love your special space and place. The gardens are a balm for my soul as is the gentleness of all who live and work here. I look forward to being with you all again.
Go peacefully and lotsa luv"
Kim February 2009
"Thank you for the lovely space to breathe & relax. Totally enjoyed myself.
Thank you"
Karis February 2009
"You have made a wonderful peaceful haven, that I wish I could have stayed longer at. Thank you".
Jean Belshaw, Canada February 2009
"Thank you very much for the lovely stay here. It was a great pleasure to discover Temenos and its quiet places. We will be back - definitely (and hope Picasso will share the bed with us again). Best wishes for you and Temenos"
Kirsten and Chris February 2009
"The best eggs I have had in S Africa! Seriously. Try the Benedict-ish! Maybe...add some spinach - it's good for the soul! Thank you!"
Sioshen XX December 2008
"To the Temenos team: Thank you for a stunning weekend! Was divine just to be! Will be back"
Michelle December 2008
"The most stunning setting to do a workshop. The attention to detail for our stay, food and accommodation was fantastic. A divine sanctuary!"
David P. UK November 2008
"Simply breathtaking! Thank you for sharing this wonderful paradise."
Linda September 2008
"For the gift of this heavenly garden bless you and thank you."
Mariet Symons August 2008
"This has been a spiritual, uplifting, relaxing and fun experience - we will be back often to clear our minds and recharge our souls."
Liz and Nancy April 2008
"Thank you for introducing Temenos into our lives. We love the peaceful atmosphere and will recommend it to anyone who needs love within."
Jacek and Yasmine March 2008
"Wow! Amazing hier by julle - mens voel die feetjies rondsweef! God bless!."
Mike + Lettie, Gauteng March 2008
