BRC Newsletter - September/October 2025

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The Buddhist Retreat Centre
Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa		For people of all religions
BRC Newsletter: September/October 2025 Dear Friends,

Buddha with protea		Image: Andrew Brown
Thank you to those who zoomed into our 45th Annual General Meeting. I include a few excerpts from the introduction to my chairperson’s report for those who are interested. The BRC celebrated its 45th year of operation and marked the 55th anniversary of its founding by Louis van Loon in May over Wesak. Louis was fond of recalling how when he bought the property in 1970 as a derelict, abandoned farm in pouring rain and thick mist, unseen, no-one else wanted to buy it, because it was so useless to do anything with that was remotely connected to farming. It was too hilly and overrun with bramble, bugweed, and wild wattle. But it suited his purpose just fine. There were significant turning points his life and in the history of the BRC every ten years. In 1960 Louis took his first Buddhist Refuge and Precepts with a Sri Lankan Theravadin monk and, a few weeks later, with a Tibetan lama. In 1970 he bought Nirodha Farm and in 1980 the BRC opened for its first retreat to one retreatant! Fifty-five years later and after an extraordinary amount of hard work, sacrifice and courage on his part, we are holding this AGM. Looking back, the Centre has acquired a very special character - something that would not have been possible if it had been a piece of flat land with farmsteads - and achieved many accolades: CNN recognised it as one of the 10 finest meditation centres in the world with articles in international journals and much exposure on television; “Buddha In Zululand” was screened on Dutch television and two years ago an evocative documentary “Bodhi is Light” by Richard Pakleppa was launched. Then came the recognition of the Centre as a Natural Heritage Site and later as a private nature reserve and visits by iconic teachers like Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzburg, Stephen and Martine Batchelor and Godwin Samararatne followed by the publication of our three recipe books with ‘Quiet Food’ becoming a national best seller in the non-fiction section and going international!

Just sitting		Image: Andrew Brown
Wesak 2025 was a time for reflection and gratitude, and Louis’ presence was deeply felt during the resonant full moon celebration. Stephen Coan graced the occasion with his presence and profound teachings connecting us with the essence of the Buddha’s wisdom and guiding us into a settled, centered stillness. The retreat was filled with breathtaking moments that reminded us of the peace and wisdom that the Buddha embodies. The lantern-lit perambulation around the Buddha rupa on the Saturday night accompanied by chanting and fragrant incense created a perfect atmosphere and the ceremony was enhanced by the calls of the fiery-necked nightjar in the background. Our 45th birthday is a testament to Louis’ enduring legacy and the strength of our community, which helps the Centre to thrive. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated BRC Team, our Patrons, our Teachers and our Sangha. As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of Wesak with us, honouring the teachings of the Buddha and nurturing our community and the spirit of place. This year started with an energising “Tuning Into 2025” with a large group and excellent teachers, with Brendon Small offering meditation, Marrion Clarke leading her unique brand of yoga, Di Franklin offering her restorative qigong and Nolwazi Bandezi her treatments. We have enjoyed numerous full retreats with esteemed teachers Sue Cooper, Choden and Mark Joseph. Notable among these was the profound five-day retreat with Ajahn Jutindharo.

Spring is in the air	Image: Andrew Brown
In June, we welcomed 42 enthusiastic retreatants to Duncan Rice’s inspiring three-day retreat, “A Journey Through Patanjali’s Eightfold Path.” This immersive experience was filled with guided candle-lit meditations, breathwork, and invigorating earth, moon, and sun salutations, all culminating in the transformative yoga of the heart. Evenings by the fireside were magical, with philosophical discussions and transformative fire rituals. The sunrise meditation at the Stupa was a breathtaking start to each day. When Louis first decided to introduce Buddhism to South Africa, he felt he had to present it not as yet another religion but as a spiritual unfoldment that was rooted in our everyday life. Hence, from the very beginning he explored ways of practising mindfulness in birdwatching retreats and art workshops. At first, this was frowned upon by colleagues in other countries who, by and large, had decided that the only way to establish the philosophy in the west was to import the genuine product, such as Zen and Vajrayana as these had been practised for centuries in their countries of origin. Of course, in the early days Louis had traditional retreats of study and meditation as well, but he was adamant to throw the doors of Buddhist practice right open and demonstrate that if dhamma practice can happen with every breath and step we take, it can be there too when we plant a tree or fly a kite. In our annual programme, we recognize the importance of prioritizing meditation, Buddhist psychology, and philosophy. What sets the BRC apart and makes it unique is our commitment to the essence of Buddhism and offering the core practices of meditation to provide a distinctive and deepening experience. Our intensive silent extended meditation retreats are well supported and the collaborative retreats with teachers offering different modalities such as yoga, qigong and tai chi are also gaining more traction. Going forward, we will keep endorsing what Buddhists call ‘Good Practice’ by engaging challenges with vision and ensuring that the Centre flourishes and continues to add a dimension of sanity and composure to a world that is in a state of flux. The work we have believed in for 45 years is now proving to be of more relevance than ever. Chrisi

Dawn shot		Image: Andrew Brown
Blessed Are Those Who Plant Trees Under Whose Shade They Will Never Sit In A dear Sangha friend recently celebrated and marked his 60th birthday by planting a tree at the BRC. Over the past year, he and his wife have helped to rewild a section of the estate by generously donating 70 indigenous trees that are rooted and flourishing beautifully. We eagerly anticipate the blessing of summer rains, when this young forest takes its next leap toward maturity. Our friend is going to make this an annual pilgrimage. Spring is in the air with the promise of renewal inviting us to embrace change and growth. In Buddhism, this time of awakening mirrors our spiritual journeys, encouraging us to shed old habits and embrace new beginnings. It is the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate our spirits and change our way of being. Whether through Zen Sitting, or Somatic movement or Writing In The Twilight or just drumming, our September and October retreats offer a safe space to connect with ourselves and the world around us. Join us on retreat and step into a season of personal growth. Winter Zazenkai At The BRC: 16-18 September For the last three months, I held mid-week gatherings at the BRC for anyone who had "nowhere else to be" and wanted to sit seriously - zazenkai. A zazenkai is simply an opportunity to sit with friends who have made the commitment to themselves and each other to sit in meditation with dedicated resolve. As with traditional Zen centres, the zazenkai offers a taste of sesshin without the intensity of a week-long retreat. Here in the valley, I wanted to honour that spirit while shaping something unique to the BRC. The foundation of our zazenkai is the zazen-kinhin. This is a formulaic meditation marked by a period of zazen (seated meditation) broken with a phase of walking meditation and then settling down again for a second session of zazen. We return to the stillness and the breath - nothing more. Each moment a unique point of our life and each worthy of honour. We bow to one another, we sit, we chant, we breathe, we stand, we walk, we sit, we breathe, we bow again. Shogan

Early spring colour		Image: Andrew Brown
There are still a few spaces left on the following September retreats: Somatic Movement - Ease of Being Lisa Firer \| Weekend \| 12-14 September Join Lisa for a deeply relaxing and nourishing weekend of mindfulness-based Clinical Somatic Movement. Exploring the communication between the brain, nervous system and muscular-fascial systems, we will learn about pandiculation, nature's way of releasing built-up tension from the body. Slow down and learn gentle practices to help release chronic muscle tension that underlie pain and stress in body and mind. Develop your inner awareness and bring comfort and ease to your body. Basic Mindfulness practices and meditations will be woven throughout the retreat. This weekend is suitable for everyone and will meet you where you are. All bodies welcome! Read more Somatic Movement Relaxation Lisa Firer \| Weekend \| 19-21 September This weekend offers a blend of practices for body, mind and heart: Gentle somatic movement to release muscle tension, dance sessions to cultivate vitality and mindfulness meditation to hold all of our experience in loving awareness. If you need to move, feel more connected and at ease in your body, cultivate vitality, connection and joy, this is the weekend for you. Read more Qigong - Gently Nurturing Life Di Franklin \| 4 days \| 21-25 September The gentle movements that you will learn to do on this relaxed mid-week course will help to build your immune system and improve your general well-being. The mindful way in which you move will work on your internal organs as you generate energy 'qi'. Read more Travelling Light: Words To Lighten The Load Along The Road Dorrian Haarhoff \| Weekend \| 26-28 September 2025 Writing and Mindfulness are close travelling companions, walking ancient paths. As they step through the natural world of wonders, they communicate sometime in silence, sometimes in words. They offer healing of body, mind and spirit. Come and practise how to release stress onto the page. Read more Writing In The Twilight: Leave A gift, Leave A Legacy Dorrian Haarhoff \| 2 days \| 28-30 September Cultivating the world within, as we age can be a source of blessing to us and others. Come and practise how to turn ageing into sage-ing though the silence and sounds of words. Share the richness of your story down the line to generations living and yet unborn. Read more

Drumming up a storm		Image: Andrew Brown
Conducted Retreats October 2025 Finding Meaning And Purpose - Buddhist Insights Into The Nature Of Mind Ven Khenpo Jamyang Gompo \| Weekend \| 3-5 October We all wish to have happiness and avoid the uncomfortable feelings that seem to dominate our daily life; feelings of dissatisfaction, unease, anxiety that keep us awake at night, our agitation with loved ones and anger towards others. It is times like these that create uncertainty and a feeling of helplessness; we want to be happy, contented and have a sense of peace in our hearts. Khenpo Jamyang Gompo will gently guide participants to a deeper understanding of how these emotions arise and how we can find a sense of meaning and purpose in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Read more A Family Retreat With Children In Mind 30% discount for a family Natasha Sauer \| 2 days accommodation \| 7- 9 October Children's senses are deeply enriched by nature. This precious connection to the natural world needs to be nurtured and protected in childhood. In the peaceful surroundings and the reverent mood of the BRC the children's soul life will be deeply nourished. They will experience mindful storytelling, gentle puppetry, nature crafts and activities, joyful singing and nature trails to explore together and silent moments of wonder. Read more Practical Consciousness - A Simple Guide To Raising Your Consciousness Dash Singh \| Weekend \| 10-12 October In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding harmony can feel like an elusive dream. This retreat will unlock the secrets of mindful living and conscious growth. Discover practical tools to cultivate clarity, calmness, and insight. Through affirmations, meditation, journaling, visualizations, and more, immerse yourself in a soul-nourishing experience filled with enriching discussions and deep rest. Together, embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and conscious living. Read more Bringing Rumi’s Wisdom Into Everyday Life Leonina Kaestele \| 2 days \| 14-16 October Jalaluddin Rumi’s poetry (1207–1273) offers a profound source of strength and insight that helps us stay grounded and resilient in daily life. This mid-week retreat invites you to explore Rumi’s timeless wisdom, a guiding thread that fosters stability, joy, and personal growth. This workshop offers a hands-on, experiential approach to Rumi's teachings. Through reflective exercises, we will explore selected quotes and connect their meaning to real-life situations and personal experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to engage deeply, applying Rumi's wisdom to enrich their own lives and gain tools for navigating daily challenges with grace and insight. This workshop is ideal for professionals (therapists, caregivers, social workers) or anyone seeking self-empowerment and personal growth. Read more Dreaming Is A Birthright Nomfundo Zama \| Weekend \| 17-19 October 'Exploring African Spirituality And Dreaming African Spirituality' offers a profound framework for inner work, creating a sacred space where dreaming becomes a tool for transformation. This retreat emphasizes that dreaming is more than rest; it is an active dialogue with ancestors, spirit, and self. Within African spiritual practices, dreaming serves as a guide, revealing paths to healing, growth, and clarity. Participants will be guided through practices that cultivate inner stillness and self-reflection, learning to facilitate a better life experience by unlocking their dream space. Honouring African spiritual traditions, this retreat helps participants harness their dreams for deeper self-awareness, personal empowerment, and alignment with their life's purpose. Read more Sacred Drumming: Exploring Natural Rhythms Richard Ellis and Marc Kress \| Weekend \| 24-26 October Drumming and music-making are ancient ways of transcending our routine lifestyle, opening ourselves to spiritual realms of healing and creativity, which is experienced as liberating and rejuvenating. In this retreat, we will learn basic drumming techniques and explore rhythmic creativity including a segment on Shamanic, Celtic, and Nordic Viking drum patterns which will be combined with meditation practice and contemplation. A Sound Journey meditation using exotic instruments will also be included. The objective of this retreat is to find a balance between the hands-on experience of drumming and its more profound spiritual effects on the human psyche. Read more Expel the Fire from Your Heart: Pa Tuan Chin Qigong Paul Dorrian \| 4 days \| 27- 31 October Pa Tuan Chin is a C12th A.D. Qigong Form which was developed by the Chinese general Yueh Fei, who was also well versed in traditional Chinese Medicine, Calligraphy and Martial Arts. This Form is composed of eight different exercises which provide to the practitioner a silken like quality, hence its English name, ‘The Eight Pieces of Brocade.’ It has been suggested by many scholars that it is based on the exercise system that Bodhidharma gave to the Shaolin monks eight centuries earlier. Each of these flowing and gentle exercises has been designed to strengthen and re-energise a specific part or organ of the body. Read more Tibetan Monks' Visit Khenpo Gompo, Geshe Jamyang, Tashi Sonam, Tenzin Yeshi \| 2 days \| 28-30 October The BRC is privileged to host senior Tibetan monks during their visit to South Africa.. During their stay in Ixopo, the monks will also lead prayers, meditation, and chanting sessions. We invite you to join us for this unique experience that promises to uplift and deepen your spiritual journey. Read more Step Into Spring With A Personal Retreat 15% discount mid-week We invite you to take a break and join us for an unstructured personal retreat at the BRC. During your stay, you can participate in meditation, yoga and qigong. Or, simply enjoy the tranquillity of the space - doing nothing seriously. A self retreat offers a slower rhythm, allowing you to step back from the busyness of life and find peace within. Read more

Tibetan monks circumambulating the stupa		Image: Chrisi van Loon
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 qigong, yoga and meditation 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.
www.brcixopo.co.za \| 066 395 4682 \| 082 579 3037 Share: \| Follow us:
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