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The Buddhist Retreat Centre
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Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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For people of all religions
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BRC Newsflash: June/July 2025
Dear Friends,
- We have good news! Iconic meditation teacher, Ajahn Sucitto, will be visiting South Africa in January and February 2026 . He will offer a 7-day retreat at the BRC from 6-13 February 2026. Book early to avoid disappointment.
- For those who could not join us for Duncan Rice’s Hatha and Raja yoga on 13 June he is offering another Hatha Yoga weekend from 16-18 January 2026. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Stephen Coan brought such a presence and grace to the BRC with his beautiful rendering of Wesak - just doing what the Buddha did - breathing in and out with the settling, sitting, breathing and becoming into a still centredness - there were many breath-taking moments. Thank you to our Sangha friends who came to celebrate the life and teachings of the Buddha and to mark our 45th birthday. Paying homage to the Buddha with the lantern-lit circumambulation, the chanting and incense made for an evocative ceremony under a full moon and starry sky.
With Metta,
Chrisi
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| Doing what the Buddha did |
Image: Lennart Eriksson |
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Stephen Coan who will be leading “Buddhism - the basics - with simple meditation practices” from 14-16 November writes:
Wesak 2025: Doing What The Buddha Did
On the closest weekend to the full moon of May the feast of Wesak is celebrated at the Buddhist Retreat Centre. This year the full moon rose on a Monday, so the Wesak retreat was held the preceding weekend from 10 to 12 May.
This feast has been celebrated since the retreat first opened its doors 45 years ago in 1980. It has usually been led by the centre’s founding father Louis van Loon, often in tandem with other teachers, including Antony Osler, the centre’s first teacher, and latterly with myself. We had to cancel the retreat in 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. The following year it took place with face masks though by then Louis was too frail to attend and I went solo.
What exactly is Wesak? The name is an Anglicisation of Vesak derived from the Pali word vesākha or Sanskrit vaiśākha given to the lunar month of Vaisakha coincidental with May in the Gregorian calendar, which has been selected as the month of the full moon that witnessed the birth, enlightenment of the Buddha. The feast is celebrated around the world, especially in Buddhist countries and communities adhering to the Theravadan tradition of Buddhism. It’s fitting the Buddhist Retreat Centre has opted for this date as the Theravadan tradition - ‘The Doctrine of the Elders’ - is the oldest Buddhist tradition and the one which inspired Louis to create the centre in the first place.
Over the years Louis and I led the Wesak retreat under a variety of titles, one I recall was ‘Why Does the Buddha Smile?’ Whatever the heading and whatever the subject matter – usually the life of the Buddha and his teachings – saw Louis speak from a mostly Theravadan position, me from a more Zen Buddhist point of view. The two traditions blended quite happily. This year the title for the Wesak retreat was ‘Doing what the Buddha Did’ and it was held in Noble Silence, occasionally relaxed for talks and discussion.
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| From seeking to seeing : The heart of meditation |
Image: Odette Ryan |
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On the Friday evening there was an introductory talk in the studio followed by sitting meditation in the zendo. Simply breathing in and breathing out in a cool space on a hill above the Ufafa valley near Ixopo. Just doing what the Buddha did. Why? Because out of this experience Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, and out of his experience came the teachings: the Dharma and the Noble Eightfold Path and all that led to. For a couple of days in May we followed a regime of sitting and walking meditation, some talks, and free time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the centre. At their best in the autumn sunshine.
On Saturday evening the moon was rising in the sky when we assembled in the zendo. It has become something of a tradition at Wesak to sit in silence for a while and then read aloud the passages from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Old Path, White Clouds describing the Buddha’s enlightenment while sitting under a pipal tree 2500 years ago. In this reading the question ‘why did the Buddha smile?’ gets an answer. The Buddha having attained a level of understanding that sees him transcend the net of birth and death, smiles. ‘His smile was like a flower blossoming in the deep night which radiated a halo of light,’ writes Thich Nhat Hanh, ‘It was the smile of a wondrous understanding.’
The reading ended we relaxed back into the silence before leaving the zendo wearing our saffron robes to be handed a smoking stick of incense, then walking single file to the Buddha statue guided by a pathway of candles planted into sand-filled brown-paper bags and once there circumambulating the Buddha the traditional three times, thereafter, one by one, placing the incense sticks into a brass bowl at the foot of the statue, making a bow of respect and withdrawing into the growing group of retreatants silently standing beneath the moon and the stars.
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| Lantern-lit path
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Image:Tsunma Tsondru
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When all were assembled a short version of the Metta Sutta (Loving-Kindness sutra) from the Theravadan tradition was read aloud:
may all beings be happy and secure
may their minds be contented.
whatever living beings there may be
feeble or strong
long or tall
stout or medium
short, small or large,
seen or unseen,
those dwelling far or near
those who are born and those who are yet to be born
may all beings, without exception, be happy-minded.
let not one deceive another
nor despise any person whatever in any place.
in anger or ill will let not one wish any harm to another.
just as a mother would protect her only child
even at the risk of her own life
even so let one cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings.
let one's thoughts of boundless love pervade the whole world -
above, below, and across
without any obstruction
without any hatred
without any enmity.
may all beings be happy and secure
may their minds be contented.
This was followed by the chanting of the Three Refuges (‘I take refuge in the Buddha’, ‘I take refuge in the Dharma’, ‘I take refuge in the Sangha’) from the Soto Zen tradition:
namu kie butsu 南無歸依佛
namu kie ho 南無歸依法
namu kie so 南無歸依僧
From nearby tree, a Fiery-necked nightjar joined in, two others responding in the distance. Their calls continued as retreatants gradually headed off to hang their robes in the zendo and walk through to the studio for a hot drink of choice and a slice of cake. Noble Silence was lifted and people sat chatting for a while around a warm fire.
With Metta,
Stephen
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| Raku- embracing impermanence |
Image: Andrew Brown
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Conducted Retreats July 2025
☸ indicates retreats held in noble silence
Shogan Parker | Weekend | 20-22 June
This weekend retreat offers a grounded introduction to Buddhist meditation. Whether you are completely new to the practice or returning to the basics, this is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and begin again — right where you are. With breath as our anchor and body as our home, we settle into the immediacy of the present moment. The bowl reminds us to empty ourselves of distraction, to receive whatever the moment offers, and to meet experience with humility and care.
The retreat will include guided sitting and walking meditation, open discussions on the principles of the Buddhist philosophy, and time for quiet reflection. Together, we will explore how awareness, kindness, and clarity naturally arise through steady, embodied practice — supported by the stillness of the BRC and the power of shared silence.
All are welcome, regardless of background or belief. No prior experience with meditation is needed.
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Shogan Parker | 2 days | 24 June-26 June
Nowhere Else To Be is a series of mid-week zazenkai held in Noble Silence at the BRC. Each zazenkai invites us to rest deeply in the present moment and attune to the simplicity and stillness of the unfolding moment. We will return to the basics of practice - stillness, silence, breath. With nowhere else to be and nothing else to do, we settle into what is.
This zazenkai is suitable for those with a regular meditation practice or prior retreat experience who feel ready to spend a day in silence, stillness, and simplicity. It offers a simple, structured, and spacious container in which to reconnect with presence, nature, and the still point within. The emphasis is on returning to what is already here — without distraction, without pressure, without needing to be anywhere else. Come sit with us - there is nowhere else to be.
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Buhle Mabanga, Zawadi Yamungu, Tinashe | 2 or 4 days | 27 June 1 July
We warmly invite you to Return to Presence, a deeply nourishing, African-rooted retreat designed to support your healing, alignment, and reconnection with your true self. Facilitated by Buhle,Tinashe, and Tholinhlanhla this retreat is a portal into presence, embodiment, and ancestral remembering - a homecoming.
Over the course of 2 or 4 rejuvenating days, we will:
Let go of what no longer serves us, individually and collectively, through guided emotional release and inner child healing
Align with your centre through yoga, African sound healing, and the spirit of Ubuntu
Awaken to the present moment, beyond the mind, beyond the ego
Be held in sacred sharing circles for reflection, connection, and integration
Engage with a compassionate psychologist, who will hold space and respond to your questions on healing, life, and transformation
Close with a manifestation circle, affirming your soul-aligned desires
Rooted in nature, community, and tradition, this retreat offers a gentle but powerful return to presence. In a fast-moving world that constantly pulls us into overthinking, distraction, and disconnection, this space offers a sacred pause. Through movement, sound, journaling, breathwork, rest, and meaningful dialogue, we will co-create a space where healing becomes possible, and presence becomes our guide. You will leave feeling more grounded, whole, and alive.
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| Feel that stretch - yoga for health |
Image:Odette Ryan
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Judy Farah | Weekend | 4-6 July
Get moving again! The upsurge of interest in the ancient practice of yoga attests to its proven physiological and psychological benefits. Our sedentary, western lifestyle has stiffened our limbs and spine to such an extent that many people find the yoga asanas (poses) difficult to perform. Iyengar yoga evolved to deal with this problem - safely, without forcing the body into harmful contortions. This retreat is suitable for beginners and for those who may have practised other forms of yoga. For those who wish to consolidate their practice to a deeper level, the additional 5-day retreat is strongly recommended (6-11 July).
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Judy Farah | 5 days | 6-11 July
For those who wish to consolidate and deepen their yoga practice, this 5-day intensive retreat is highly recommended. Apart from increased levels of fitness and vitality, you will reap the benefits of being in the tranquil, natural environment of Ixopo. You will leave feeling stretched, relaxed and fit for life.
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Christel Anderson and Eleen Polson | Weekend | 11-13 July
Christel and Eleen, long-time collaborators, invite you to a transformative weekend dedicated to tuning your body, heart, and soul through sacred music, meditation, and contemplation. Engage in morning attunements with breath, voice and mantra, alongside gentle body movements such as neigong, kundalini yoga, biodanza, and song circles. We will also immerse ourselves in nature observation and meditation.
Enjoy ample time to relax in the serene beauty of the Centre and savour delicious meals. Through our shared experiences of sound, we will cultivate peace and healing within ourselves and the world.
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Sharon Paterson, Bernard Chatikobo, Krishia Schilz and Belinda Best | 2 or 5 days | 13-18 July
Join Sharon for a unique and meditative ceramics workshop, where we will explore the ancient art of Raku, a traditional Japanese technique which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of Raku, from preparing and shaping the clay to glazing and firing, embracing the unpredictability of the firing process and the beauty of imperfection. Included will be an organic saggar firing where participants will be shaping and burnishing their pots. Through this creative journey, we will cultivate mindfulness - letting go of expectation and embracing the present moment. No prior ceramics experience is necessary – just an open heart and mind. For a more holistic experience Bernard will be offering forest walks and introducing 'forest bathing' with traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. Krishia will be offering morning yoga and Belinda will be offering Reflexology blended with Himalayan Sound Alchemy and Rife Frequency therapy.
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Dave Gardner | Weekend | 18-20 July
In this retreat, participants can expect to be guided gently through the process of becoming mindful through meditation and movement. David will lead sitting meditation as well as walking and moving meditation in the inspiring and nourishing sanctuary of the BRC. He will also facilitate intentional open discussions around the fire to stoke the wholesome sparks of enquiry and deep listening. Whether you are a beginner or committed practitioner, this process will empower you to cultivate presence, clarity, adaptability, creativity and patience. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of noble silence and introspection.
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Andrea Rocha | 2 days | 22- 24 July
This mid-week retreat will offer a mixed modality intensive workshop including yoga and movement, guided meditations, Reiki healing, chanting, crystal work and energetic activation to cleanse, balance and recalibrate your energetic centres for clarity and alignment to a high vibrational frequency. Delicious vegetarian meals, connection to nature and downtime to rest, reflect and relax will ensure you leave feeling alive and revitalized.
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Brendon Small, Kugan Naidoo, Warren Horsley and Nolwazi Bandezi | Weekend | 25-27 July
If you are yearning for a serene environment to explore the possibilities that await you in the second half of 2025, this largely unstructured weekend promises to be enriching and rejuvenating. Immerse yourself in the calming practices of qigong, meditation, and hatha yoga guided by skilled instructors Brendon, Kugan and Warren. Additionally, Nolwazi Bandezi, a qualified therapist, will be available for personalized healing therapies by appointment, enhancing your journey of self-discovery.
The BRC offers the perfect backdrop for you to embrace the art of simply "being," allowing you to connect deeply with yourself. Join us for a transformative experience that invites reflection, healing, and growth.
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As autumn approaches, we invite you to take a break and join us for an unstructured personal retreat at the BRC. During your stay, you can enjoy gentle yoga, qigong, massage therapy, and meditation - to promote relaxation. Alternatively, you may choose to simply enjoy the tranquillity of our space, embracing the art of doing nothing. Imagine cozying up by a warm fire, savouring delicious vegetarian meals, and immersing yourself in silence. This retreat offers a slower rhythm, allowing you to step back from the busyness of life and find peace within
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| Autumn glow |
Image: Odette Ryan |
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-five 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.
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.
How you can help to keep the Dharma wheels turning at the BRC and continue its legacy for the future:
Become a Spiritual friend by:
- Booking for a retreat – we have a broad range of retreats on offer until the 8 January 2026
- Offering a donation
- Pledging a monthly contribution of R50 or more
- Joining our Paid Up Yogi scheme which involves paying a contribution forward whereby your credit can be used at any time in the future towards a retreat, with a 10% discount
- Gifting a voucher to a friend or family member
- Supporting our film “Bodhi Is Light”
- Purchasing our popular recipe books
- Organising a group visit midweek
- Supporting our GoodMoodFood take-away prepared meals
- Booking a mid-week self-retreat with the option of yoga, qigong, meditation, and healing treatments
The continued existence of the Centre as a sanctuary for healing is dependent on the goodwill and support of our Sangha.
Chrisi
Visit our website for further information, directions, image gallery etc.
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www.brcixopo.co.za
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066 395 4682 | 082 579 3037
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