Academy for Practical Spirituality
“Using the illusion of separating the practical from the spiritual to restore wholeness is an impossible task.”
Guiding Principles
BEZA is anchored on the precept that love and holistic regeneration are synonymous.
All learning is remembering the gift of who you are intended to be.
Our teachings impart no dogma or opinion. Students become aware of the limitations of formal education and social conditioning. They are encouraged to investigate all theory, speculative thought and perspectives inherited from others. We remind our students to engage the curriculum directly and to explore the veil that separates self from other. Students are invited to reawaken their boundless curiosity and remember their gift.
Our holistic approach to teaching works with all aspects of you.
We consider you inherently perfect, complete and full of potential – everything you are looking for is within you. We value the wholeness of your person: your thoughts, emotions, fears, demons and hopes. The true you is welcomed out and appreciated. Each student starts where they are, with all they have, in full acknowledgment of what they like and dislike, what they long for, and what they’re running away from. This is the starting place for transformation.
BEZA’s curriculum is practical and spiritual.
The spiritual applications you will learn are non-dogmatic, simple and practical. The practical learning is profoundly spiritual. Every act is a door to abundant, spontaneous creativity. Empowered and mindful, you will become your own master teacher.
Students can engage directly in private Heart Mentoring sessions, at Weekend Retreats, in our Daily Meditations and Weekly Talking Circles, or through a Rites-of-Passage curriculum which culminates in Teacher Training.
Student’s insights are individually honed, honoured and respected.
This leads to resiliency and flexibility of heart, body and mind.
Resiliency is acquire by building the tools for interpreting and responding from your own truth no matter the circumstance.
Flexibility is developed by growing wisdom through experience. Your unique ability to address unpredictable problems allows you to meet each moment with presence and confidence.
“Our ancestors lived an holistic life of resilient self-sufficiency and sacred sustainability. They did not separate practicality from spirituality… their methodology was their mythology.”- Nangaku
Key Pointers
- Practical Spirituality is a return to Mother Earth, to our indigenousity, sustainability, action, and sacred-interdependency with all beings.
- Indigenous (of the earth) cultures did not distinguish between myth and method. Their mythologies were their methodologies. In other words, their spirituality was practical, and their practicality was spiritual.
- Today, we divide our world into “mundane” and “sacred” – one elevated, the other subjugated. Using the illusion of separating the practical from the spiritual to restore wholeness is an impossible task. It can be traced back in history that when this separation began dis-ease, scarcity, strife, and war began.
- Everything early humans did was informed by the intelligence in Earth’s elemental bodies – water, fire, earth, nature & stone. The building blocks of life, these energies generate diversity, balancing and maintaining a complex web of natural wholeness. Our bodies and minds are formed from Earth’s elemental body – born as them. They are a part of every thought, emotion, tool and action. The medicine of the 5 bodies are gateways to our origination, to presence, and hence to our future.
- The practical spirituality you will learn at BEZA is not a dogmatic or intellectual pursuit. Our holistic curriculum is shared through application. You learn through experience, growing your own wisdom, and practice a life inclined toward unity. You will realize how your life purpose, relationship to abundance, peace and harmony are connected to the elemental energies that form the body and consciousness of the Earth and in you are deeply connected.
Questions & Answers
Who is Born as the Earth Zen Academy (BEZA)?
We are the first Academy on the African continent that offers authentic Zen Buddhist Teachings merged with Nature-Based Wisdom Teachings through our shamanic training.
BEZA is a school for living an embodied, enlightened relationship with your Inner Truth (Buddha); Mother Earth’s Wisdom (Dharma); and Ubuntu – the community of all beings (Sangha).
We are growing, reflecting a living model of nature’s generative wisdom. All teachings, collaborations, and participation occurs in an ecosystem of generously giving of our inherent abundance, talents, gifts and purpose. Together we are creating a new human story, and a New Earth.
How can I join?
Most of our training is hosted live online. We host regular in-person retreats at various locations.
How much does it cost?
The teachings are priceless. Hence they are offered without charge. We encourage you to offer a DANA Donation in exchange. Retreat accommodation and food etc. is priced to you at cost plus a DANA donation. One-one private sessions are offered on a sliding scale.
What is Zazen meditation, and how can I practice it online with BEZA in Cape Town?
Zazen meditation is a core practice at Born as the Earth Zen Academy (BEZA). Our Zazen Meditation Training is available online for all levels, helping you cultivate mindfulness and awaken your True Nature. Join us from anywhere in the world to nurture inner peace through this transformative practice.
How can I participate in community healing activities at BEZA, and are they available online?
At BEZA, we offer various community healing activities, including Generational Healing Sessions and Community Council Training. These events are accessible online, allowing you to connect with our community and explore ancestral wisdom, regardless of your location.
What benefits can I gain from the online Shamanic practices offered at BEZA?
Our online Shamanism sessions at BEZA provide insights into spiritual healing and personal growth. By engaging in Shamanic rituals and divination practices, you’ll deepen your connection to elemental energies and ancestors, enhancing your spiritual journey from the comfort of your home.
Are BEZA’s meditation classes suitable for beginners, and how can I join online?
Yes, our online meditation classes at BEZA are designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. You can easily join our meditation sessions from Cape Town or anywhere in the world, where our mentors guide you through various mindfulness techniques to support your journey toward enlightenment.
How does the Medicine Wheel integrate into BEZA’s online teachings?
The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the interconnectedness of all life and is a key tool in our teachings at BEZA. Participants can explore its significance during our online workshops, helping to connect with elemental forces and enhance personal growth through mindfulness and meditation practices.
How can I incorporate mindfulness into my daily life after attending BEZA’s online programs?
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine involves practicing the techniques learned in our online sessions. Whether through meditation, conscious breathing, or connecting with nature, our mentoring programs provide resources to help you seamlessly integrate mindfulness into your everyday life.
What types of online community events does BEZA host, and how can I participate?
BEZA hosts a variety of online community events, including meditation circles, workshops, and talking circles. Check our events page for upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with our community.
What can I expect from the Zen Academy’s online programs, and how do they support personal development?
At BEZA’s Zen Academy, our online programs offer comprehensive training in Zen meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual mentoring. These courses are designed to support your personal development by guiding you through practices that enhance self-awareness, emotional healing, and your connection to nature.
How do I prepare for my first online visit to BEZA, and what should I bring?
To prepare for your first online visit to BEZA, come with an open mind and a willingness to engage. Consider having a journal for reflections and a quiet space for meditation. Most importantly, embrace curiosity and readiness to experience the teachings and community we offer.
How does BEZA honor ancestral wisdom in its practices, and are these teachings available online?
BEZA honors ancestral wisdom through various practices, including Generational Healing and Shamanic rituals. These teachings are available online, allowing you to explore the profound connections between spirituality and heritage from anywhere, enhancing your understanding of yourself and your place within the universe.