“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
—Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), 5th or 6th century BCE
Parc de Garraf, and a Unique Monastery
Just south of Barcelona is a large natural preserve (30,000+ acres) called Parc del Garraf. Lots of folks frequent this supremely rugged landscape to hike, bike, climb, or just to enjoy the expansive views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Near a small collection of residences, called Plana Novella, you’ll find a peaceful surprise–a Buddhist Monastery and the small Sakya Tashi Ling Buddhist community.
Some interesting facts…
The Monastery occupies what was once the country mansion and agricultural estate (vineyards, wheat, goats, etc.) of the rich Catalan family of Don Pedro Doménech Grao y Doña María de Vilanova. They had made their fortune in the Americas (likely, in Cuba… think Bacardi rum, for example) toward the end of the 19th century and came back home to build their dream house in these rocky and brushy limestone mountains above the sea.
Yes, ’tis true, their fortune was indeed made with the help of slave labor (as those familiar with history may have suspected), as was the case of many such Catalans who went off to “do America” and who then came back with their pockets bulging with coin. (Some even commissioned the famous architect Gaudí to build their residences–e.g., have you ever visited Park Güell?) Curiously, when they returned to Catalunya, these nouveau riche types were sometimes referred to by their compatriots as “Indianos” (Indians).
Fast forward a century or so and, in the 1990s, the rundown estate was purchased and renovated by the Sakya Buddhist order. It is now open to the public during certain hours and days and is well worth a visit (leave a donation to help them preserve their infrastructure!). And definitely consider the guided tour given by one of the friendly monks. (Maybe even come back for one of their meditative spiritual retreats.)
A few images
All from the iPhone. No images from inside the mansion as interior photography is not permitted.
