The The Centre has been established on an exquisite 125 hectare country estate near the village of Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, 90 kilometers south of Pietermaritzburg, one and a half hours’ drive from Durban. Set in hilly grasslands amongst dams, indigenous bush and forests, it overlooks one of the great valleys in the Umkomaas river system. The Centre was awarded National Heritage status by President Nelson Mandela in recognition of its success in establishing indigenous vegetation on the property and providing suitable habitats for wildlife to return, including the endangered Blue Swallow. It is a birder’s paradise with more than 160 species recorded. Walks lead to many interesting sites and viewpoints on the property.

Forty retreatants can be accommodated in single and twin-bedded rooms, en-suite cottages and thatched chalets overlooking the secluded valleys on the property – a short distance away from the dining room, office, library, studio and meditation hall. The Centre is justly famous for its fine lacto-ovo vegetarian cuisine which is featured in its own best-selling recipe books, Quiet Food and The Cake the Buddha Ate. The BRC menu includes organically grown vegetables and farm-baked bread. Click here to view.

The Retreat Centre offers a tranquil environment for the study and practise of philosophy, psychology, meditation and the arts associated with Buddhist culture. The Centre therefore encourages adherence to traditional moral principles during retreats, such as respect for all forms of life, abstinence from alcoholic drinks and hallucinogenic drugs and, during some traditional, intensive meditation retreats, the practice of Noble Silence. Radios and pets are not allowed at the Centre. Only some retreats are suitable for children: please check with the Administrator.

Rooms are equipped with all necessary linen, blankets, heating and towels. Bring warm, casual clothes [a tracksuit, waterproof jacket], a torch, walking shoes and umbrella.

Please ensure that you have a confirmed booking before arriving at the Centre. Visitors are welcome to arrive before (or stay longer after) a retreat on a “Self Retreat”, by arrangement. Lunch on the first day is at 12h30 and is available at R.80 (Saturdays/Sundays); R.50 (Weekdays). Dinner is from 17h30-18h30 so please try and arrive before then. Retreats start at 19h00. The kitchen closes at 18.45. Please notify the office if you are likely to arrive later than 19h00. Visitors are advised to arrive before dark, especially in wet and misty weather. Retreats finish with lunch on the last day.