Types of retreats
There are many ways to experience the Buddhist Retreat Centre.
You might come to deepen a meditation practice, explore Buddhist teachings, learn something new, spend time in nature, or simply step away from the demands of everyday life. Some retreats are carefully structured and led by experienced teachers; others give you the freedom to create your own retreat at your own pace.
Whatever brings you here, the BRC provides a quiet and beautiful setting in which to slow down, become more present and give yourself some time and space.
Conducted Retreats
Most retreats on the BRC programme are conducted retreats. These are led by one or more teachers or facilitators and have a planned programme around a particular theme or practice.
The range is deliberately broad. Retreats may explore Buddhist teachings, meditation and mindfulness, or approach these through practices such as yoga, qigong, tai chi, writing, art, photography, cooking or nature.
Conducted retreats vary in length and style. Some are relaxed and experiential; others involve more sustained periods of meditation or silence.
Participants are generally expected to attend from the beginning to the end of the retreat, as the programme develops its own rhythm over the course of the retreat.
Intensive Meditation Retreats
Some retreats at the BRC are designed specifically for intensive meditation practice.
These retreats provide a more concentrated opportunity to develop or deepen a meditation practice, with an emphasis on sitting and walking meditation, contemplation and sustained awareness.
Intensive retreats can be particularly valuable for people who already have some experience of meditation.
If you are new to meditation, you may wish to discuss the programme with the Centre prior to booking.
Silent retreats
Retreats marked with a [WHEEL] on the retreat schedule are held in an atmosphere of silence and introspection.
Self-Retreats
You don’t need to wait for a scheduled retreat to experience the BRC.
A Self-Retreat allows you to make your own retreat, without following a formal programme or having a teacher lead you through each day.
You decide how to use your time. You might meditate, read, walk, birdwatch, write, rest or simply sit and be still. You can explore the grounds, visit the stupa and Zen gardens, walk the labyrinth, or spend time in the library.
A Self-Retreat can be as structured or unstructured as you need.
You might come because you:
need some quiet time away from a busy life;
want space to think about an important decision;
would like to establish or renew a meditation practice;
want to spend time in nature; or
simply need to slow down.
You can also combine a Self-Retreat with a conducted retreat by arriving early or staying on afterwards, by arrangement.
[Find out more about Self-Retreats]
Come for the Day
You don’t have to stay overnight to experience the BRC.
Day visitors are welcome by prior arrangement, except during silent and intensive meditation retreats when the Centre needs to preserve the quiet environment for retreatants.
A day at the BRC gives you an opportunity to step away from your normal surroundings and enjoy the Centre and its natural environment.
You might:
walk through the hills and indigenous forests;
spend time in the Zen gardens or labyrinth;
visit the stupa;
meditate;
explore the grounds and birdlife; or
simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the Centre.
Lunch is available at the Centre and is vegetarian (not vegan).
Please contact the office in advance to arrange your visit. Day visitors are asked to make a donation of R200 to support the Centre.