Kishanta: Fullness of Being

CEBU, Philippines - Much has been expended and much said on the matter of pursuit of inner calm, peace of mind and harmony with the natural realm – all with the objective of achieving a fuller life. Much has been discovered as well.

Among the myriad philosophies dissecting the secrets of attaining the good life, Zen stands out as a discipline. Zen, say practitioners, draws into the inner being facilitating an awakening oftentimes called the path of enlightenment. Enlightenment, they say, brings the varied elements within one’s sphere of living into focus and helps them attain a more meaningful existence.

Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism, translated from the Chinese word “chàn”. Chàn is itself derived from the Sanskrit “dhayana”, meaning “meditation”. 

Meditation, seated meditation, widely known by its Japanese name zazen, is at the heart of the practice of Zen. During zazen, practitioners assume the sitting position known as the lotus, half-lotus, Burmese or seiza postures. While in the sitting position with eyes closed, one reaches a state of full awareness by just counting or watching the breath.

Through this meditative state, one melds with nature, releases himself from worldly cares and becomes mindful of surrounding elements. It elevates the practitioner into an appreciation of the state of just being.

The inner serenity enjoyed by practitioners of Zen and the apparent benefit this meditation technique brings to its practitioners inspired the creation of Kishanta. This 29-hectare village, a quality project of AboitizLand, Inc., is taking shape on the hills of Talisay City, a short drive from the Cebu City central business district, through the South Road Properties.

Kishanta is derived from the Japanese word for life force, “ki”, and the Sanskrit term “shaanti”, which refers to the quiet peace and calm experienced in deep meditation.

It is easy to immerse in the sweet pleasures of Kishanta. The place is the ideal sanctuary for those seeking to recharge their energy flows and achieve peace and calm – think unbounded vistas and soothing breezes. 

AboitizLand designed Kishanta around the principles of the mind-body-soul balance consistent with its tropical Zen concept. The company, thus, integrated a host of amenities that promote well-being and help vecinos (Spanish for neighbors; AboitizLand’s term for its clients and homeowners) realize the serenity of a balanced being - a Zen Garden, herb garden, meditation and exercise spaces, jogging trails, a nature corridor and an infinity pool in a Zen-inspired clubhouse.

The clubhouse has a special area reserved for Tai-chi classes and a spa. A multi-purpose playcourt for adults and a children’s playground are also available at the clubhouse.

Kishanta offers a wide-range of lots on rolling hillside terrain. Lots packages average 250 square meters. Ready-to-occupy houses are also offered within the community’s 100-unit house-and-lot enclave Kishanta Zen Residences. There are five house models to choose from. Each residence allows for planned expansion with its relatively generous 150-square meter average lot area.

Kishanta started as a 15-hectare project. With positive uptake since its launch in 2007, though, AboitizLand has since expanded the village, offering lots on its adjacent property on a higher elevation.

The perfect place to recharge and pursue a fuller, more meaningful life, Kishanta has become the embodiment of Zen in Southern Cebu.