Teachers: Colin Campbell, Jhon Kwano & Andrew McAulay

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Experience a unique opportunity to learn from the elders of two different indigenous traditions: Colin Campbell from South Africa, visiting Hong Kong for the first time, and Jhon Kwano from New Guinea, the returning tribal ‘Messenger’. Together with Andrew McAulay and guest contributors, they will guide you through 6-day process of deep ritual that will bring nature vigil and breathwork practices together with tea ceremony.

This exclusive gathering, which is limited to 20 participants, is a chance to nourish and deepen the relationship with yourself and the wider human and more-than-human community. Drawing on the wisdom of their traditions, the teachers will tap into the power of ritual practice as a way to restore our intimacy and our fluency with the ecology of nature and the cosmos. They will also guide us in how to receive messages from nature and integrate them into our lives.

This work aims to help repair damaged or lost parts in contemporary human culture; parts that hold crucial knowledge with regard to our ‘place’ in relation to the rest of the universe. When remembered and embodied, these lost parts of ourselves can lead to a more ensouled, alive and ecologically balanced world.

This retreat is deeply experiential and will offer practices that can be used to underpin a lifelong exploration into this realm. All practices will be held in an intimate and supportive environment, within the beautiful surroundings of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and Kadoorie Centre, where you can connect with like-minded individuals and through different invitations share your own insights and experiences. Cooking together, harvesting from nature, as well as nourishing the space for silence and meditation will be part of cultivating the spirit of community that will hold us during the six days.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

Colin Campbell  As a descendant of Scottish aristocracy, born in Zimbabwe (1963) and trained by some of the most renowned African healers of Southern-Africa, Colin Campbell has become known for being a knowledge-bridge between rare pre-industrial African culture and contemporary Western culture.   As a child, Colin travelled through Africa with his father, Alec Campbell, a celebrated cultural historian and archaeologist. From the age of 7, he was introduced to some of the most powerful African healers and magicians in Botswana, who instantly recognised the boy’s calling as a healer and accepted him as a student. Colin experienced and integrated ancient aspects of traditional African knowledge through the rigorous rituals and training from his teachers. This resulted in a deep understanding of animism and its inextricable connection to the natural world.  Through his in-depth knowledge of African culture, Jungian psychology and contemporary artistic practice, Colin has cultivated a uniquely-authentic personal philosophy which he has developed into wilderness-based practices. His practices aim to take people of all nations into a restored and reconnected relationship with the wider natural world.
Jhon Kwano As an elder from the Lani tribe in the highlands of New Guinea, Jhon Kwano is from the last generation of his people to receive traditional initiation. He was identified from an early age for the role of Messenger, sharing the message of his tribe with outsiders and reporting back with what he has seen in the outside world. He is the only one known to be playing this role outside of Melanesia. As such, he is authorised to represent not only the Lani, but also other cultures in both New Guinea and the rest of Melanesia. New Guinea is one of the most bio-culturally diverse places on Earth and Jhon’s people still live as their ancestors have for thousands of years, in harmony with nature.
Andrew McAulay Andrew was born in Hong Kong and educated in England. After spending some time in a meditation centre in his early 20’s, he returned to Hong Kong to help transform KFBG’s mission from agricultural aid to nature conservation and holistic education. He has chaired the KFBG Board since 1999 and also chairs the Board of KFBG's sister organisation, Partnerships for Community Development (PCD). Andrew loves to spend time in nature and continues to practice and teach meditation, as well as breathwork. He has also published two books of poetry.
Tea Ceremony Facilitator
Deborah McAulay Deborah was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a Mother of three, and her passion lies in Art, Nature, Community and Healing. She worked at KFBG for many years as the resident artist and Creative Director, where she founded the Artist in Residence programme and other community arts initiatives. Deborah was introduced to the practice of yoga as a child and went on to teach yoga and create healing spaces for women. She continues her involvement with the KFBG board and on certain retreats.

—————————————————————————————————————

The Power of Ritual: learning from indigenous wisdom 6-day retreat

Date: 18 March 2024 (Monday) - 23 March 2024 (Saturday)

Time: Start at 09:30 on first day and ends at 14:00 on the last day
Participants are expected to be in residence and participate in the entire programme.

Venue:
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (experiential activities)
Kadoorie Centre, Tai Po (accommodation and most sessions)

Language: English

Target Group: Aged 18 and above

No. of Participants: Maximum 25 participants

Total Residential Retreat Fee: Course Fee* (HK$8,300) + Accommodation Fee^ for five nights (starting from HK$1,500)

*The course fee includes guided and facilitated sessions and activities, vegetarian meals, outing arrangements and shuttle bus service between Kadoorie Centre and KFBG throughout the workshop.

^The accommodation fee for five nights varies based on the room type. Please refer to the registration form for detailed information.

Application: (Click Here) 

• To apply for the retreat, please complete the enrolment form and pay a deposit fee of HK$5,000 to reserve your place. The deposit fee is non-refundable unless your application is declined.
• KFBG will notify you of your enrolment result before 5 March. The retreat team will carefully review and consider all applications to ensure a diverse and cohesive experience for all participants.

Enquiry: 
Please send  an email to Ms. Jamie Ngai (Education Department) at jamie.ngai@kfbg.org

Terms & Conditions: 
Upon submission of your application and payment, you are deemed to have accepted all Terms and Regulations of this retreat, and the guidelines below:

Kadoorie Centre Rules and Regulations 
KFBG Visitor Guidelines

In case of any dispute, the organiser has the right to the final decision.

More about Kadoorie Earth Programme