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Detailed List of Retreats

Buddhism: The Basics

Teacher: Stephen Coan
Cost: 2 days accommodation + R400 surcharge
Dates: Friday 14 November 2025 - Sunday 16 November 2025

stephen coan2024Looking for an entry point into Buddhism? Then this is the retreat for you! Who was the Buddha? What is Buddhism? Is it a religion or a philosophy? What are its teachings and practices? These questions and others will be addressed in this retreat which will examine the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path while at the same time foregrounding the simple meditation practices - sitting and walking - from which the experience-based teachings emerged. A schedule of talks, discussion, and practice held within the supportive frame of Noble Silence will also include time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the centre.

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Stephen Coan, variously author, journalist, film and theatre director, has been teaching and retreating at the Buddhist Retreat Centre for nearly four decades. Inspired and informed by the Theravada and Zen Buddhist traditions, his retreats place emphasis on the centrality of practice in living a skilful and enlightened life while also exploring the interface between poetry and silence and the profound benefits of doing nothing, seriously.