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Talismanic art displayed at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, symbolizing protection, intention, and spiritual connection through creative expression and mindfulness.

The Transformative Power of Talismanic Art

“Becoming aware that the art I had been instinctively creating using sticks, stones, feathers and bones, is my unique medicine gift to the world, I completed my first “conscious” Talismanic Art Piece. I based it on my journey with Born as the Earth School so far.” – Alison Evans

ChatGPT assisting participants at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, providing insights and support for mindfulness practices and spiritual growth through technology.

Artificial Intelligence vs Authentic Intelligence: A Zen Buddhist Perspective on Consciousness

“Everything we are talking about AI or computing power will never be able to beat the complexity that nature presents to us. The real intelligence is Nature’s Intelligence. AI is good, but AI is just a tool to Nature’s Intelligence. Nature’s Intelligence is four and half billion years old. To think that something that is less than a hundred years old can beat something that is four billion years is a bit of an extension.” – Agam Khare

Participants engaging in forest bathing at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, experiencing mindfulness and rejuvenation through the healing power of nature.

Forest Bathing, Shinrin Yoku: What is it, and How to Practice it.

In a world that is constantly on the move, where stress and anxiety seem to be an integral part of our daily lives, there’s a Japanese practice that offers a refreshing escape into nature’s embrace. Its called Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, and it’s a profound way to reconnect with the natural world while reaping numerous health benefits. In this article, we’ll delve into the essence of Shinrin Yoku, explore what it means, and learn how to practice this ancient Japanese art.

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The Effects of Inauthentic Expression & Deception on the Body

Often the social environment is partly to blame for deceptive activity. In holistic communities the perpetrator, victim, and witnessing community all share collective responsibility for maintaining honesty and equity in all relationships. Therefore, we each have a vital role to play in reducing inauthenticity in our friend, family, work, and social circles. Firstly, role-modelling authenticity, vulnerability and truthful expression allows others to trust their own capacity to do the same. This a powerful first step in creating an environment that supports authentic expression.

Buddha statue at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Stanford, representing peace, mindfulness, and the essence of Zen meditation practices for spiritual awakening.

Exploring Healing Wisdom: 5 Medicine Buddhas and Their Influence on Buddhist Practice, Belief, and Schools

Buddhism, with its rich tapestry of teachings and traditions, encompasses a wide array of beliefs and practices. One intriguing facet of this spiritual journey revolves around the concept of the “Medicine Buddhas.” In this article, we delve into the world of these celestial beings, their significance in Buddhist practice, the beliefs surrounding them, and the various schools that venerate them.

Illustration of the hara, or energy center, at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing its role in mindfulness, balance, and connection during Zen meditation practices.

The Body’s Center: How the Hara, or Center of Gravity Functions in All Body Practices

In the realm of body practices, there exists a fundamental concept that serves as the anchor for balance, strength, and movement coordination. This concept is none other than the “Hara,” often referred to as the core or center of gravity. Whether you’re practicing yoga, martial arts, dance, or any physical discipline, understanding the significance of the hara is crucial for unlocking your body’s full potential and achieving optimal performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the hara, exploring its functions and importance across various body practices.

Illustration of the hara, or energy center, at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, emphasizing its role in mindfulness, balance, and connection during Zen meditation practices.

Body Mechanics, Hara and Healing

Body mechanics in simple terms is how we use and hold our bodies in our day-to-day lives. In technical terms, good body mechanics means using the body’s strength to the best mechanical advantage to do a task efficiently and without injury. Sometimes, this involves manipulating the way in which a task is done.

Body mechanics are utilized in day-to-day tasks from sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, bending, sleeping, and so on. The aspect of compensation falls into this category too. Meaning, if there is any form of incorrect compensation while doing an activity, we can throw out our entire body’s balance

and the result is pain. This will be explored in section three. The most common form of pain, when one has poor body mechanics/ incorrect compensation, is back and neck pain. Back muscles are used in nearly all movements and even a slight abnormal stress on a muscle can pull the spine out of alignment.

A bee pollinating flowers at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, symbolizing the importance of nature, mindfulness, and ecological balance in our spiritual practices.

The Law of Attraction: Generating Abundance and the Law of Karma

The Law of Attraction and the Law of Karma are profound principles that delve into the connection between our thoughts, actions, and the reality we experience. These principles suggest that the energy we emit through our thoughts and actions has a direct influence on what we attract into our lives.

Illustration of a water molecule at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, highlighting the connection between science and spirituality in mindfulness practices and the Element of Water.

Dr. Masaru Emoto: How Emotion Influences Water

Water, the elixir of life, has been revered for its purity and essential role in sustaining all living beings on our planet. Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, introduced a fascinating perspective on water’s properties by studying the influence of human emotions on its molecular structure. His pioneering work in the field of water crystal experiments has sparked both wonder and controversy, captivating the minds of many. In this article, we will delve into Dr. Emoto’s ideas, exploring the impact of emotions on water and the implications it holds for our daily lives.

Participants using water for grief cleansing rituals at BEZA’s Zen Academy in Cape Town, Western Cape, exploring emotions and healing through mindfulness and Zen meditation practices.

The Healing Power of Water: Shamanic Significance of Water in Dagara Tradition

The Dagara tribe, residing primarily in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo, possess a rich spiritual heritage deeply intertwined with their natural surroundings. Their shamanic practices, guided by wisdom passed down through generations, involve a profound connection with the elements of nature. Water, in particular, holds immense significance, serving as a conduit for spiritual communication, healing, and transformation. Water plays a crucial role in their shamanic rituals and ceremonies. This article explores the shamanic use of water within the Dagara tribe, delving into the cultural context, symbolism, and practical applications of water in their spiritual practices.