By Theo Mayekiso, edited by Nic Paton
This past Saturday 21st June, despite being the heart of winter, we were blessed with a beautiful, sunny day for our walk on the Table Mountain contour paths from Constantia Nek, which proved to be a resounding success. The event, themed “Ubuntu and Compassion”, was filled with moments of reflection, shared compassion, and community spirit.
The walk began with a Welcome and “Welcome to Land” led by Cecil. This “mini tradition” is based on the Australian practice of recognising the indigenous reality of our lives, including the people and land which form our worlds.
Cecil offered a frank take on the depth and variety of his own heritage, and connected his story to the larger whole, a profound thought that included all as we set out northwards along the upper contour path.
We enter this place with reverence. My ancestors, the San and particularly the Khoi who are the original people of this land are in the ground, water, plants, animals and the air. Let us remember them as we walk though this land. We are not here to take or extract, but to tread lightly and with respect. – Cecil Plaatjies
Ascending Hoerikwaggo
This set a contemplative tone for our Silent Ascent – The Compassion of Nature. The serene environment allowed for individual reflection as we made our way upwards. Our first pause featured a moving performance by the Choir with “Hoerikwaggo”, a song celebrating Table Mountain
This led us to the High Point of our journey, marked by the presence of the Venerable Alex Kunkhyen in his Tibetan Buddhist tradition, offering a moment of deep significance, including an invocation to embody compassion.
The One-on-One Descent provided a powerful opportunity for personal introspection and sharing. Participants paired off and engaged in meaningful discussions around three key questions:
- “What is an example of my experiencing or showing compassion?”
- “What is an example of my failure to show compassion?”
- “How am I trying to live a compassionate life today?”
As we continued our descent towards the Cecilia Gorge, a profound riverside homily “River and Forest” was offered by Theo Mayekiso (reproduced in full below).
“Spirit of life, may we carry the spirit of Ubuntu and compassion within us, allowing it to guide our steps and soften our hearts. May we be instruments of kindness, extending grace to all we encounter, just as nature generously offers its gifts. Amen.” – Theo Mayekiso
Remembrance
Pippa Jones at this moment recalled our late brother Imam Muhsin Hendricks who had led a wonderful reflection on a previous walk with us under the towering Bluegum. We were caught in a moment of sad but spontaneous “memorying”, offering prayers for justice in the case of his murder. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
The next reflection, “Flowing with CTII” led by Lauren Seckington, our US based sister who has served us for these last few months so well as an intern, resonated deeply with many. We wished her well and thanked her for her work including on this website. We were happy to hear that she experienced the CTII family as a true and generous community of belonging.
Naju Govender spoke at the Dullah Omar bench next to the Diep River. Having been a key part of the schools program, it was great to have her share a personal reflection of compassion directly from the heart.
We combined this with an “Open Mic” where Steve Salmon shared from his long and fascinating spiritual journey, and taught us a wonderful “global handshake”.
Overall, the walk was a truly enriching experience, fostering a sense of connection, introspection, and collective compassion amidst the beauty of nature.
Theo’s thoughts
Friends, as we gather here amidst the ancient whispers of the trees and the steady flow of the river, we find ourselves in a space that reminds us of deep connection. Look around you – the roots of these trees intertwine beneath the earth, sharing nutrients and supporting one another. The river, too, is a symbol of life’s continuous journey, nourishing everything in its path.
This beautiful setting perfectly mirrors the spirit of Ubuntu – that profound African philosophy that teaches us ‘I am because we are.’ It’s about our interconnectedness, our shared humanity, and the understanding that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of others.
On this midwinter walk, as the cold reminds us of vulnerability, let us open our hearts to compassion. Compassion isn’t just a feeling; it’s an active practice of empathy and kindness. It’s seeing the struggles of others and being moved to offer support, understanding, and love. Just as the forest provides shelter and the river gives life, we too can be sources of comfort and sustenance for those around us.
Let us reflect on how we can embody Ubuntu and compassion in our daily lives. How can we reach out to someone who is struggling? How can we offer a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or simply a listening ear? May the peace of this forest and the steadfastness of this river inspire us to live with open hearts, truly seeing and valuing one another.
