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206--Ireland: Dzogchen Beara "More than Sheep and Shamrocks" @ Book & Movie Reviews     Apr 01 2004 - 20:09 PST cherie writes: People come to Dzogchen Beara, a Buddhist retreat, for many reasons. I came there in search of silence and isolation. Aiofa, an Irish woman I met there, came for the opposite reason. She came yearning for a sense of community. Ironically, we both found what we were searching for. The farmhouse, that was later turned into a hostel at Dzogchen Beara, was found in 1973 by Peter and Harriet Cornish. “We dreamed of creating a center that might, one day, cater to the forgotten needs of beings stranded at the end of time,” Peter said. “It was as though man hadn’t made it that far yet. In fact, it was hard to believe that there was anyone else on the planet,” Peter said. Later roads and cottages were built; running water and electricity were installed. “(Dzogchen Beara) seemed to be on the very edge of the world,” Peter said. In 1986, Peter met Sogyal Rinpoche and was so inspired that he invited Sogyal to teach at his farmhouse. Dzogchen Beara was born. Perhaps Peter Cornish said it best: “To be here is to be stripped of all pretence. You can find out who you are, in the innocence of all this natural splendor—it is safe to be yourself.” Peter added: “Impermanence is taught here by the elements; the only constant seems to be the deep, deep green of Ireland.” I agree with Peter. Dzogchen Beara is “one of the most inspiring places on earth.” Drew described it as, “a delicate balance of fantastical wonder and soul-appealing calm.” Drew, Aiofa and I frolicked like children on shamrock covered paths. We climbed around abandoned stone houses, swung on rope swings, and followed sheep on paths only meant for sheep. Like founder Peter Cornish said: “Once you’ve gone to Dzogchen Beara, there’s nowhere else to go.” Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 4317    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   Cherie swings through the trees and screams: "I feel like a kid again!" Fields of shamrocks. It was easy to find the swing. It was the only thing that wasn't green. Are we allowed to have this much fun? Aiofe smiles. Aiofe and the lush green hillside. We stumbled upon this old stone house. Just a bit of moss. Cherie and Aiofe. At least we're not as old as the house. Aiofe shows us how to eat a flower. Cherie by a stream. A boggy waterfall. Boggy is a word in Ireland. Drew takes a rest. Sheep on the run. He's playing hide and sheep. Drew by a stream. American girl with Irish rocks. Drew feels at peace in the rugged Irish landscape. Not a soul for miles and miles. He looks warm in that coat. Owners spray-paint their sheep to identify them. Aiofe and Cherie. Who says women in their 30s don't travel? Drew by a stream. They posed for me! Cherie on the road to Dzogchen Beara. A walk through the trees. Aiofe. Cherie and Drew at Dzogchen Beara, a retreat with a view. More sheep than people. Cherie and Drew in Dzogchen Beara.