The Moon Gate at Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens
“There is always music amongst the trees and in the garden, but our heart must be still to hear it.”
“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.”
Are you attracted by Zen Buddhism? If so you can attend a meditation retreat in the hill forests of the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden with a master. The Venerable Chang Lin will hold a three-day event this month on the theme “Embracing Nature’s Wisdom”.
The Venerable Chang Lin
Formerly known as Alain Yip, the photographer Chang studied Buddhism and monasticism at Master Guo Ru’s temple in Taiwan. During his retreat, Chan says you will “follow the rhythm of nature and let things unfold naturally. Every moment is filled with meaning and every instant holds surprises. Let us temporarily set aside our responsibilities, take a break and mindfully experience the tranquility and stability nature offers.” This retreat will be held at Kadoorie Farm from 25 to 27 April. Language Cantonese. $2500 per person.
Forest Immersion Walks have taken place at Kadoorie Farm since 2018. Participants stroll through the forests up the hill past enclosures with exotic creatures such as monkeys, parrots and pythons. People are asked to open their senses, walk silently with companions, or pause to listen to the symphony of nature. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the moment and reconnect with Mother Earth.
From “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert Pirsig:
“When one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion, it is called a religion.”
“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and work out from there.”
The Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, established in 1956, works at nature conservation, rescue and care of animals, and education about sustainable living. It attracts up to 5000 visitors a week and is a favourite destination for school trips. Examples of facilities at KFBG:
PIERS JACOBS WILD LIFE SANCTUARY*: Here you may see, if you are quiet, rescued barking deer, beautiful little creatures with a loud bark, among the trees.
RAPTOR ROOST: A large aviary at the edge of the Walter Kerr Garden behind the piggery. Birds are often disorientated by glass skyscrapers. They fly into them injuring themselves. If they’re lucky injured birds are taken to Kadoorie Farm for vet care and recovery. Some are abandoned pets.
NATIVE MAMMAL DISPLAY: Here lives Manis, a leopard cat, born of rescued parents. Manis has an environment carefully designed to give her hiding places and climbing features to keep her feeling safe and entertained.
PARROT SANCTUARY: Abandoned, stray, rescued parrots live in this enclosure. “Sir Horace Kadoories loved parrots and made a special request we try to help these intelligent birds.”
MONKEY HAVEN: Many abandoned or rescued macaques reside at Monkey Haven. There is plenty of food for them in the forest and visitors are asked not to feed them.
A wonderful, Zen-inspiring location to visit. $50 for adults, $20 for children. School groups $25.
*NOTE: Piers Jacobs Wildlife Sanctuary will be closed from 2 April to September 2025
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