Presence
In a world where mindfulness has become widely embraced, it is essential to remember its roots. Twenty-five centuries ago, the Buddha emphasized the importance of engaging fully and being present in every interaction. Whether savouring a meal, greeting someone, or tackling complex tasks, success lies in varying degrees of attention.
The BRC is privileged to welcome Ajahn Sucitto who will be on sabbatical from 7 January taking a well-deserved break in Ixopo and thereafter offering a 7-day silent retreat “Use the body to steady the heart” from 6-13 February.
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This year Ajahn Sucitto observed his 50th Vassa (3-month annual retreat observed by Theravada Buddhists during the wet season) as a Bhikkhu, commemorating 50 years of practice and teaching. With five decades of experience, Ajahn’s retreat represents an opportunity to explore practices that guide wandering minds toward tranquillity.
Join us for a reset in a gentle environment with some caring guidance - and your own deep attention. Through training in the steady pace of embodied mindfulness, you can return to your own true centre.
For 2026, let’s commit to being ambassadors of kindness.
With Metta,
Chrisi and The BRC Family
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There are still a few spaces left on the following January retreat:
Dr Hu Jin-Yun | Weekend | 30 January-1 February
Participants will learn the key techniques of how to master qigong and incorporate it into their daily lives, effortlessly. These techniques are easy to learn, are useful and powerful. The healing power of qigong works on both the physical and spiritual level - if it is done correctly. These techniques include breathing, timing, warm-ups, postures, movement and mind projection. Dr Hu will also introduce Chinese medicine for detoxing, lowering cholesterol, decreasing body fat and relieving water retention. This retreat is designed to suit beginners, as well as those who have practised qigong previously.
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Conducted Retreats February 2026
Shogan Parker | 2 days | 3-5 February
This retreat invites you into the quiet art of haiku as a contemplative practice. Rooted in the spirit of Zen, haiku offers a simple yet profound way to see clearly, feel deeply, and return to the present moment. Through silence, walking, writing, and shared attention, we will explore how just three lines - and one breath - can open the heart and still the mind.
This retreat is for anyone seeking to reconnect with presence through the quiet doorway of poetry and the practice of seeing.
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Ajahn Sucitto | 7 days | 6-13 February
Are you struggling? Overwhelmed by what the world throws at you? You need a reset, a matter of a gentle environment, some caring guidance - and your own deep attention. In brief a retreat. Through training in the steady pace of embodied mindfulness, you can return to your own true centre, a place of stability and peace. The retreat will offer teachings and the shared practice of meditation, qigong and chanting. Previous experience of retreats is recommended.
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Chamtrul Rinpoche | Weekend | 13-15 February
Most of us spend a third of our life asleep. Taking the average life span into account, this is equivalent to about twenty-five to thirty years. Even though the mental state is more subtle when the body is asleep, it doesn't mean that we can't have an alert, meditative, observing mind. In fact, certain practices prove to be even more effective during this state, as we are less distracted by the five physical senses. In order to access dreams and to turn them towards the Buddhist path, we first have to realise that we are in fact dreaming. Tibetan Dream Yoga is the original form of Lucid Dreaming documented for 1,000 years. Also known as Milam - the yoga of the dream state - it is a collection of advanced tantric techniques. The initial aim is to awaken the consciousness in the dream, state. In the Tibetan tradition, dream yoga is also used to practise Bodhicitta (the seed of enlightenment) and to develop wisdom.
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Dianne Franklin | 4 days | 15-19 February
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'.
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Steve Davis | Weekend | 20-22 February
Join Steve for an enjoyable weekend of identifying some of the BRC’s 160 species of birds - including the summer residents, the rare Blue Swallow, Knysna Turaco and Emerald Cuckoo. Wake up to birdsong and walk the hills close to where the Blue Swallows nest. The BRC has been awarded “Private Nature Reserve” status by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for its conservation of the Blue Swallow and its pristine mistbelt grasslands. Included will be talks, slide shows, meditation and some quiet time communing with nature. Bring your binoculars and a sunhat.
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Hannelize Robinson | Weekend | 27 February - 1 March
Yoga teaches us the ability to remain present, calm and stable no matter what situation we find ourselves in. It is not about perfecting the shape of the pose or increasing flexibility – it is about knowing what the shapes do and how they impact our physiology and our energy. Yoga helps us to thrive in the external world that is always changing and simultaneously allows us to disconnect from our daily lives and reconnect to that aspect of being that never changes. This retreat offers a reprieve from the sensory overload and constant stimulation of modern life. Throughout your retreat, you will discover practical tools to manage stress, enhance resilience, avoid burnout, and promote overall well-being.
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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.
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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-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 and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife proclaimed part of the estate as “Nirodha 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 - five 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 end of October 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.
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