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Visiting Skycliffe...

Nestled in the woods along the Kettle River, in the interior of British Columbia, lie the peaceful 220 acres of ‘Skycliffe,’HÜMÜH’s Monastery and Retreat Centre. Upon entering the main gate, a gently curving gravel road, with prayer flag poles lining both sides, leads visitors into the heart of the property. Quiet and serene, Skycliffe is a sanctuary for people as well as local wildlife.

Everything on the property is arranged to allow visitors the opportunity to release the tensions and strains of their busy lives. Relaxing hiking trails wind through the hills and valleys. The Kettle River, which meanders along the western edge of the property, offers many places to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the gently rolling currents. An inlet of the river forms a swimming hole for summer visitors to cool off on sunny mid-afternoons.

For those who like to sit in quiet meditation, there are many ideal spots. The Temple of Enlightenment offers regular hour-long meditation sittings at 7am, 11am, 2pm and 7pm. For less formal or personal meditations, there is a rustic little single-person meditation hut nestled in the woods. Up above the river, at the south-east edge of the property, is Amitabha Hill. With a broad expansive view of the Kettle River Valley, one can take in the scenery while sitting in the silence. There is also a beautiful Mandala Garden surrounding the golden Stupa, where people can sit on one of the many benches or walk the curving path around the Stupa as the Wish-Fulfilling Gem Mantra quietly plays throughout the garden.

'Skycliffe' Updates
Previous Skycliffe Updates: February, March, April, May, June, July, August 2009

September, 2009

Nestled in the gentle curve of the Kettle River, the HÜMÜH Monastery is a place where students and members of the community come year round for retreat. Many seek to find relief from the demands of the outer world and relax in this pristine setting that provides a unique opportunity for the healing of body, mind, and spirit.

Guests who come for retreat at ‘Skycliffe’ may choose to stay in the Loghouse or Brava Guest Lodges, located near the Golden Healing Stupa in the heart of the Mandala Garden. Each decorator-designed room offers an attractive and comfortable space, with windows that look out into a beautiful natural setting framed by the towering pines that boldly grace the surrounding mountain ridges. For retreatants who like even more of a “woodsy” setting for their stay, comfortably furnished tent cabins are available in the campground, along with tenting sites for those who wish to bring their own tents.

A day at Skycliffe begins with a 7:00 a.m. morning meditation in the Forest Temple of Enlightenment for those guests who wish to participate. The chanting of the Wish-fulfilling Gem Mantra, the Invocation for a Happy Life, and Heart Sutra are followed by meditation, and set the stage for a day of quiet contemplation and exploration.

A hearty breakfast served buffet-style in the dining room comes next, followed by a period of free time. Many retreatants choose to follow the signs through the Monastery grounds that lead to a variety of scenic spots, trails, and meditation nooks.

Mid-morning, at 11:00 a.m., retreatants are invited to join Monastery students at the Temple for a Teaching, to discover how life is enriched by opening to the joy of spiritual growth.

After the Teaching, a delicious vegetarian dinner is followed by a time of rest or participation in Monastery activities, including a 2:00 p.m. meditation. In addition, many trails wind through the property, inviting visitors to linger and rest as they watch shadows lengthen into evening. A light, evening supper precedes the 7:00 p.m. evening meditation, which is a time to quiet mind and body and open to the light of divinity within.

At the end of their stay at Skycliffe, visitors often pause at the gate to Padma Valley, to read with new understanding the words painted on a sign nearby:

“ Skycliffe is place for spiritual blessing and healing, a place where life is transformed into what a person wants it to be, touched by unconditional love and the joy that proceeds from it.”

Visitors are invited to attend the 10:45am Sunday Service at Skycliffe. After the service, they are welcome to take a Self-Guided Tour of the monastery grounds, including the Forest Temple of Enlightenment and the Golden Healing Stupa.*

Visitation is by donation.

*A Stupa is a sacred monument that houses the ancient spiritual Teachings,
which are at the heart of all religions.
 
For reservations, call: 1.800.336.6015 or e-mail: Reservations@HUMUH.org