Ganesh mystic statue

 Driving up the Pacific Highway we turn west to investigate the Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby. We had heard of its peaceful gardens and wanted to discover them for ourselves.

The day we visited was fine, however there are lots of undercover areas and many large courtesy umbrellas available for wet days.

After passing through the Welcome Hut we wove our way through the Sand Castle, Water Pourer Pond and Labyrinth, which brought us to the Crystal Gallery, Words of Wisdom Bookshop and Childrens Playground.

We relaxed at Lotus Café and enjoyed some of the local produce, where from the verandah we had commanding hinterland views and a promise of the treasures to come. After finding our way past the Ganesh (God of new beginnings) and Lakshmi (Goddess of abundance) we arrived at the the entrance to the giant 4m high Blessing Buddah and Lotus Pond. This place of tranquillity and reflection would be  perfect for some special event . After a few more mystic statues we come to my favourite part of the gardens, Bamboo Avenue. Looking down the stairs through the black bamboo to the Avalokitesshvara (Buddah of Compassion) created a magical atmosphere of light and dark which was very uplifting to the spirits.

Yoga and Art workshops are available, as are readings and meditation. In 2010, after a private audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the owners of Crystal Castle have undertaken to create a World Peace Stupa Project, to be guided by the Gyuto Monks of Tibet. The completion of this project can only add to this already special escape.

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