An exploration of sangoma practice in South Africa

A weekend retreat at the prestigious Ixopo Buddhist Retreat Centre.

From the organizers--

Sangoma means people of the song because they use chants and rhythm to connect to the divine. Ingomas are sacred chants which are sung by communities throughout South Africa to bring harmony and balance. Sangomas are the traditional monks and nuns ofSouthern Africa. They are also the medicine people who use sacred chants, prayer and medicinal plants to heal their communities. John is a Xhosa Sangoma from the Eastern Cape. He draws on his long association with Zen and Tibetan Buddhism to talk about the richness of South African indigenous spirituality.   Central to Sangoma practice is that the chants are sung with a steady heart-beat rhythm. The retreat will commence with learning heart-beat meditation where participants will be encouraged to listen to their heart. This practice helps to still the mind and facilitate deeper dreaming.  Retreatants will learn sacred Xhosa chants.  Sangoma culture will be de-mystified by explaining the role of ancestors, dreams and natural medicine.

Visit the Ixopo Buddhist Retreat Centre website for more details. 

Cost: R250 + two days accommodation (options on the website)