THE RISE OF BUDDHISM IN SOUTH AFRICA, RETREAT CENTRE IXOPO AND ITS STUPA.

Stupas, the architectural mound like structures. In the times before Buddha Shakyamuni, tumuli were used as a tombs of rich and important figures, these were usually high mounds put up against tree trunks. Later the forms changed and so did their function. Their meaning as tombs became secondary, and was superseded by a sophisticated symbolism immanent in every fragment of the building. Stupas symbolize Buddha's Teachings and His enlightened body, also inscribed into the building's shape- which reflects the energetic map of the body and the mandala. It contains the basic elements of earth, water, fire and air. Also outside religion they adopt many roles. Some serve as protection for travellers or signposts, though most of them are vote offerings. I was told that the stupa at the retreat centre is not filled with any relicts.

South Africa there are many forms of Buddhist traditions. The first Buddhist and Hindu groups that occurred in south Africa were the people from Southeast Asia brought to Cape Colony in the 1680s. In the 19th century groups of indentured labourers from India were brought to Natal. Since 1970s many groups rapidly increased in numbers in the major cities. Since 1980 distinct Buddhist tradition, mainly Theravada, Tibetan schools, Zen, Nichirchen were proliferating. At the moment, most Buddhists in South Africa are converts.

Luis Van Loon described the Centre as a Buddhist "kindergarten" and called it Basic Buddhism, that gently brings the non-Buddhist world into a Buddhist context. It serves as a gateway, caters to people who are just vaguely interested in Buddhism, by incorporating of practices from other religious traditions and bringing in different teachers and has played a major role in popularising Buddhism in South Africa. It is a great refuge for people who want to take a break from their busy life and refresh.

One of the Buddhist Retreat Centre activities is also local community care and support. It has founded The Woza Moya community-based non government organisation providing Social upliftment. The foundation gives employment to about twenty Zulu people in the area, and provides help throughout Kwazulu-Natal Province to most disadvantaged communities. It serves: Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Development, Home-based Care, Paralegal Services, Food Security, Youth and Social Media, empowering the women especially during the devastating impact of HIV/Aids.