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As we reflect on this year's journey, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. Your generosity has been vital in helping us to continue to offer a nurturing, contemplative space in Ixopo where individuals can explore their inner selves, find peace, and connect with others.
We encourage you to book your spot on our upcoming retreats this December and January designed to deepen your practice and promote well-being. Join us for a 4-day silent Christmas Retreat, where you can embrace the season's stillness through a Buddhist lens, cultivating mindfulness and compassion. Or consider joining our 2 or 4 or 10-day Vipassana retreat in January 2025 - an immersive experience for those wishing to dive deeper into their practice.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we can continue fostering mindfulness and compassion in our lives and in the wider community.
With affection and gratitude,
Chrisi and The BRC Team
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The reason why I think we should visualise this happening to others is because it is easier to see the faults of others than to see our own faults. So, visualise this, and even see a physical transformation happening to that person. This person whom you feel close to, whom you like, the very sight of whom gave you pleasure in the past, now turns into this ugly, ugly person, even physically speaking. This is a kind of analytic meditation, so do this meditation and visualisation for a few minutes, in an analytical way, using your imaginative faculty. At the end of it, relate that to your own experience. Then resolve, “I shall never let myself fall under the sway of such intense anger and hatred. Because if I do that, I will also be in the same position and suffer all these consequences – lose my peace of mind, lose my composure, assume this ugly physical appearance and so on.” Make that decision, and then remain in an absorptive meditation on this conclusion.
If one can use one’s imaginative faculty and do this visualisation practice, it can be a very powerful and very effective tool. For instance, in our day-to-day life we are exposed to many events and scenarios, like television, films and so on, in which there are scenes of violence and sex, but it is possible to view them with an underlying mindfulness of the effects of extremes, and, instead of being totally overwhelmed by the sight, you can take these scenes as a kind of indicator from which you can learn lessons…… as a great Tibetan master, Potowa, said - every experience comes as a teaching; every event, every experience one is exposed to comes as a kind of learning experience.”
With Metta
Elizabeth Gaywood
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There are still a few spaces left on the following December retreats:
Ingrid Adams, Sharon Paterson, Bernard Chatikobo and Chris Rooke | 4 days | 12-16 December
Shibuie is the ancient Japanese concept of Accidental Beauty in which the artist is just one ingredient in a number of dynamic interacting natural processes, the outcome of which is delightfully unpredictable, but strangely beautiful - not ego-driven or deliberate.
Ingrid will teach the classical Japanese brush painting techniques - Sumie - as these are applied to traditional subjects, such as landscape, bamboo and flower studies - as well as contemporary subjects. We will use the genuine, traditional materials: solid pine-soot ink, a hollowed-out slate to liquefy it, a deer-hair bamboo-stemmed brush and absorbent mulberry paper. Tools will be provided. Sharon will offer the Raku and explore various glazing and firing techniques. Each retreatant will receive a bisque-fired tea bowl to sumie-decorate and glaze. The kiln will be fired up, after which we will watch the magic as the bowls emerge triumphantly from the scorching heat! Chris will offer sunrise qigong and Bernard will lead forest walks and introduce 'forest bathing' with traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony.
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Bruce van Dongen | Weekend | 20-22 December
As the year draws to a close, gift yourself the opportunity to embrace the December holiday season with a mindful grounding. Join Bruce on a journey of self-discovery in exploring the roots of mindful awareness through Kundalini yoga. Immerse yourself in transformative practices that seamlessly blend into the beauty of nature, with outdoor sessions whenever possible. Engage in meditation, chanting and the gentle resonance of the gong and crystal bowls for healing relaxation. Take time to rejuvenate as you prepare to welcome the new year ahead.
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Tsunma Tsondru | 4 days | 23-27 December
Christmas is a time of the giving of gifts. All birthdays are honoured with gift-giving. Usually these gifts are of ‘things’. Yet the very best gift we can give is not anything tangible or material. It is to definitively take away the suffering of oneself, and of others. And this, after all, is the reason why we give material gifts in the first place. It’s also the reason why we do the myriad things we do in our lives. It’s because we are constantly in pursuit of this (seemingly unattainable) state of being: peace, happiness, contentment. The unlimited and ultimate gift would be to be happy without end, at peace without end, to give happiness and peace to all, without end. The Four Immeasurable Gifts are the ultimate gift. They are boundless equanimity, loving kindness, compassion, and joy. They define a path and practice leading to all-encompassing peace and happiness.
Take time out at the BRC this Christmas to slow down into the moment and unwrap the Four Immeasurable Gifts. We will discover them through meditation, contemplation, journaling, and by just being present. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of introspection and silence.
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Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
Find meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, do some gentle yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.
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Conducted Retreats January 2025
☸ indicates retreats held in noble silence
Brendon Small, Di Franklin Marrion Clarke and Nolwazi Bandezi | Weekend | 3-5 January
It is difficult to make decisions about important issues in your life when you are immersed in them. You need some distance from them, physically and psychologically to see them clearly for what they are. Only then, can you gain a fresh perspective. So, if you feel you need a gentle, uncluttered space to tune into what lies ahead for you in 2025, this largely unstructured weekend will prove useful. Experience qigong, yoga and meditation with Di, Marrion and Brendon and healing treatments with Nolwazi Bandezi, a qualified therapist - by appointment.
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Christel Andersen | 2 days | 6-8 January
Christel has used the ancient Science of Numerology to empower and guide her clients for more than 20 years. It is an incredible personal development tool which brings wisdom, clarity and affirmation, in profound ways. Numerology is also a valuable guidance tool for planning a year ahead, making major life decisions, or simply understanding your current life situation. She uses her hands-on approach and creative skills of music, movement and art to teach Numerology.
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Warren Shaw | Weekend | 10-12 January
Why do we need to Recover to our true Self - to our Buddha nature? Often we may find ourselves using various substances or strategies addictively which can include everything from food, alcohol, recreational or prescription drugs, social media, or where we are in abusive relationships. When this affects our daily lives and more importantly the relationships that mean the most to us, we have lost our true nature of self.
In this retreat we will explore the Buddha’s teaching on the cause of suffering (Samudaya), the origin of suffering: our attachment, our craving and ignorance that generate negative karma. We will discover that there is a solution in the Four Noble Truths which results in the end of suffering (Nirhodha.) Our karma and shortcomings can be removed only by ourselves. This retreat will be helpful to people in need of recovery and speaks to any aspect of ourselves that needs to heal.
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Jonathan Preboy and Anna Scharfenberg | 10 days | 13-23 January
‘The retreat starts with an introduction on Monday evening and follows the original stages of insight meditation for ten days. The aim of insight meditation is to understand reality, to see things as they really are. The main tool of insight meditation is mindfulness of body, feelings and mind. Ajahn Tong states that “attending a meditation retreat is training in the power of mindfulness. With intensive practice the wandering, struggling and chaotic mind can become composed, peaceful, refreshed and purified of negative hindrances.” Retreatants are required to practise approximately ten hours per day (between 5 am and 10 pm), follow the Buddhist precepts and maintain respectful silence throughout the retreat. The BRC staff and teachers will provide their whole-hearted support, which includes daily reporting, loving-kindness meditation (Metta) and Dhamma talks. This retreat will overlap with the weekend retreat (17-19) and the 4 day retreat (19-23) and will be limited to 12 participants.
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Jonathan Preboy and Anna Scharfenberg | Weekend | 17-19 January
Vipassana (insight) meditation is based on mindfulness, which is always available, everywhere, without limit or cost. The challenge is how to realise it. The answer was provided by the Buddha. He taught ways to cultivate mindfulness that lead to insight and awakening. This retreat is an invitation for beginners and experienced meditators to practise Vipassana using the traditional Buddhist method of Ajahn Tong. For beginners it is a simple and direct technique to start meditating and for experienced meditators, it is a skillful method to deepen their insight. Mindfulness is developed by regular walking and sitting practice, by maintaining awareness during normal activities, such as eating, showering, dressing and supported by talks and feedback with the teachers. The weekend will be held in silence. Retreatants are welcome to join the subsequent 4-day meditation retreat.
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Jonathan Preboy and Anna Scharfenberg | 4 days | 19-23 January
Vipassana (insight) meditation uses mindfulness to reveal and release the mental and emotional patterns that cause suffering. The aim is not just to overcome suffering but to wake up and be fully alive in the present moment. This four-day retreat is an opportunity to deepen meditation practice using the traditional Buddhist method of Ajahn Tong. Meditators are encouraged to stay for the entire course but may also stay for a shorter time and beginners are welcome to learn how to start Vipassana meditation. Mindfulness is developed by regular walking and sitting practice (both in the meditation hall and outside in the forest), by maintaining awareness during normal activities such as eating, showering, dressing and supported by daily interviews with a teacher. The retreat will be held in silence.
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Mervyn Croft | Weekend | 24-26 January
This silent retreat will provide an opportunity to explore two aspects of Buddhist meditation practice – the gradual development of calmness and peacefulness in our mind; and the practice of awareness, to live with more clarity and more centredness in the present moment. This foundation of calmness helps us to meet our confused thoughts and emotions with more acceptance and kindness and, leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of our minds. The retreat will create a gentle and relaxed space in which to explore the benefits of spending time quietly with ourselves, to allow the qualities of calmness and clarity to develop in a natural way and to enjoy the nurturing effect of being silent in a beautiful environment.
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Choden | Weekend | 31 January-2 February
Choden, a South African born Buddhist monk, will offer a weekend workshop exploring compassion within the context of mindfulness practice. He currently resides in Edinburgh in Scotland and teaches on the University of Aberdeen Postgraduate Studies in Mindfulness MSc. During the workshop he will offer skills and practices for tapping into the compassionate potential within us. In so doing, we will discover source of inner vitality and well-being that can support us when we are down and help us respond to the inevitable difficulties of life. Choden will draw on the wealth of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, as well as insights from evolutionary psychology and neuroscience. In 2013, he co-authored a book with renowned British psychologist Paul Gilbert called Mindful Compassion (2013) which was a synthesis of psychology, science and Buddhism.
He will focus on the cultivation of self-compassion as an antidote to self-criticism and the cultivation of compassion for others by drawing on the Buddhist model of the 4 Limitless Contemplations (loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity). This will include the practice of tonglen or taking and sending. The workshop will be experiential and will include a combination of imagination and mindfulness-based practices.
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Krishia Schilz and Nelson Alvares
Find meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, do some gentle yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.
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About the BRC
Perched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas river system in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance. Here, for forty-four years, people of all religions and none have come to experience peace and tranquillity. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one's life.
The BRC was voted by CNN as one of the ten best meditation centres in the world.
CNN Travel awarded another feather in the BRC’s cap by voting it as one of the ten best spiritual centres in South Africa.
The BRC was awarded Natural Heritage status in 1995 under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs and received a certificate to that effect signed by President Nelson Mandela for turning an eroded farm into the natural paradise it has become - thousands of indigenous trees were planted by retreatants under the supervision of Mervyn Croft - with 160 species of birds, including the Blue Swallow, otter, deer, antbear and indigenous forests. The Centre was also given the special status of “Custodian of the Blue Swallow” for its work in preserving the breeding areas of this endangered bird.
Recently, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife granted the BRC “Private Nature Reserve” for the conservation of the rare Blue Swallow and Mistbelt Grassland.
The BRC facilitated the founding of Woza Moya, the community-based NGO, located in Ufafa Valley, twenty-two years ago, on the estate. Their vision is for all people in the community to be healthy and productive, to live in a safe and clean environment, with good access to services and social justice. The Centre continues to support the organisation by showcasing their crafts in the shop and sponsoring their trainers and consultants.
We have been very touched by your appreciative letters, emails and friendship towards the BRC - your spiritual home from home.
We are deeply grateful for your generous gifts to the Centre in the form of PUY and Monthly contributions, new beds and bases, office chairs and a desk, a new refrigerator, microwave oven, bathroom towels, indigenous trees and seedlings, books for our library, a generator, garden benches, pillows, towels and linen, geyser insulation blankets, clothing and Dana for our staff, an inverter and beautiful antique scrolls and Imari platters and ceramics, framed prints and Thankas, new tablecloths and serviettes, a brand new Magimix, signage for our forest paths - and so much more. Thank you to all of you who continue to support our work in Ixopo with monthly and Paid Up Yogi contributions and donations, with gifts, or with skills and time. And, of course, to everyone who comes to the Centre - you keep us open and viable - and to our teachers who keep the Dharma wheels turning. We are deeply grateful for your generosity towards us; it encourages us to continue Louis’ beautiful vision and legacy for the future.
Please continue to support the BRC by becoming a friend of the Buddhist Retreat Centre (a registered non-profit organisation) and find out more about the BRC's Paid-Up-Yogi and Sangha Friends’ projects.
Chrisi
Visit our website for further information, directions, image gallery etc.
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Going With The Flow: Integrating Meditation And Mindfulness Into Our Daily Life
