Returning Home – Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon

‘We shall not cease from exploration

And the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.’

T.S. Elliot ‘Little Gidding’

The journey home is a theme that runs through many traditions, legends and stories. The home can be an actual place, our native Ithaca. In the Buddhadharma, home is the space of things (dharmadatu). Inwardly it is the vajra seat, the heart, the ‘still point of the turning world’. A place where struggle, speed, all wanting comes to rest. Meditation is both road and destination. Thus all our paths are a returning to ‘that which was the beginning’.

Come to TRC, far from the madding crowd, a heavens-haven of retreat and blessed nature. Leave behind the haste and tyranny of merciless acceleration. We will rely on the teachings of the siddhas as our principle guide. As always meditation, discourse and dialogue will be central to our retreat.

Retreat Participation Guidelines

This Buddhist meditation retreat is particularly suitable for those with some prior knowledge and experience of meditation. However, everyone is welcome, provided they are willing to fully engage with the spirit and structure of the retreat.

We ask that each participant come with a sincere commitment to the programme, and a willingness to set aside personal demands and agendas for the duration of the retreat. This commitment is essential for maintaining the supportive and focused environment necessary for deep practice.

Participation is based on ethical conduct grounded in the Buddhist precepts, and on mutual consideration and respect for others. If you feel unable to meet these conditions, we kindly request that you reconsider attending.

Thank you for your understanding and care in supporting a harmonious retreat space.

Retreat Attendance Options

Ideally, participants are encouraged to attend the full retreat to gain the greatest benefit. However, partial attendance is also welcome, with a minimum stay of one week, and 5 days for the first week.

For those attending part of the retreat, entry is possible on the following dates:

• Tuesday 11 November

• Sunday 16 November

• Sunday 23 November

We appreciate your understanding, as set entry dates help maintain the integrity and flow of the retreat for everyone involved.

About Dónal Creedon

Dónal Creedon is a highly respected Buddhist meditation teacher, deeply appreciated for his warmth, openness, and sincerity. He brings many years of experience to his teaching, grounded in deep personal practice and study. He trained extensively with masters of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in Europe, India, and Nepal, including long periods of intensive retreat.  Dónal’s teaching is rooted in this tradition, while also being informed by his time at the Krishnamurti Centre in Varanasi, where he served as the resident Buddhist scholar. Dónal’s approach integrates Buddhist meditative training with the radical spirit of inquiry inspired by J. Krishnamurti, offering a path that is both contemplative and deeply questioning.

Retreat Cost

The retreat fee includes Accommodation, Ova-lacto vegetarian meals from supper on the first night to lunch on the final day, a supplement for the teacher’s airfare, and an optional R60 environmental levy

Discounts (already applied to listed fees):

• 5% off for stays of 7 days
• 10% off for stays of 2 weeks
• 15% off for the full 23-night retreat

TRC members receive an additional 10% discount if membership has been paid up for at least 6 months before the retreat.

	1st Week      (5 nights)	7 Nights	11 Nights	14 Nights	23 Nights     (full retreat)
Camping (own tent)	R3,800	R4,500	R6,200	R7,000	R10,100
Camping TRC Tent/Cabin	R4,300	R5,100	R7,200	R8,300	R12,000
Dormitory	R4,300	R5,100	R7,200	R8,300	R12,000
Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per   person):	R4,800	R5,800	R8,300	R9,600	R14,000
Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):	R5,300	R6,500	R9,300	R10,900	R16,000
Single room with shared bathroom:	R5,800	R7,100	R10,400	R12,100	R18,000
Single ensuite room	R6,300	R7,800	R11,400	R13,400	R19,900

Please note:

• The cost does not include Dana (a traditional offering of appreciation to the teacher)

• Staff tips are also not included

• For the costs of additional days and other accommodation options off the main site, please contact the office at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za.

• For volunteer/work exchange options, please contact the office at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za.

Transport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle Details

Shuttle Service (OR Tambo to TRC):

• Available Tuesday, 11 November and change-over days, if there are enough participants.
• Return shuttle from TRC to OR Tambo: Thursday, 4 December.
• Cost: ~R1400 per person (round trip). Not included in retreat fees.

Alternative: InterCape Bus:

• From OR Tambo airport to Groot Marico: Departs at 11 AM (~R350).
• TRC pickup/drop-off from/to Groot Marico: R175.
• Return bus departs Groot Marico at 9 AM.
• When booking, select OR Tambo (not Johannesburg) as your stop.

Flight Timing Guidelines:

• Arrival (to use shuttle or bus) by 10 AM latest (or 8 AM if using InterCape).
• Departure: Shuttle arrives at OR Tambo by 5:30 PM on 14 December.
• Book domestic flights after 7 PM, and international flights after 8 PM.

Carpooling:

TRC will assist in arranging carpooling where possible.

To Book

Please use our online booking form, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet.

A 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us.

People who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation.