Simplicity: A Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
November 14 @ 6:00 PM - December 12 @ 1:00 PM SAST
‘I have desired to go
Where springs not fail,
To fields where flies no sharp and sided hail
And a few lilies blow.
And I have asked to be
Where no storms come,
Where the green swell is in the havens dumb,
And out of the swing of the sea.’G.M.Hopkins
We often yearn for a simple life in a world of increasing complexity. ‘Out of the swing of the sea’ as the poet says. Yet our basic approach is beset with contradictions of a complex nature whose CEO is ego with its bureaucratic tentacles. The work of path is to destroy the bureaucracy, remove the pretender and instal the rightful heir: Buddha . Buddha meaning awareness without two, original intelligence (Jnana/prajna).
Sounds difficult?
Simple but not easy it is said.
Fortunately we have guides to lead us out of the thicket of deluded views, from the centre of noise to the still centre.
Conditions for Joining the Retreat
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. We appreciate your understanding, as set entry dates help maintain the integrity and flow of the retreat for everyone involved.
Entry Dates:
- Saturday, 14 November
- Saturday, 21 November
- Saturday 28 November
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. It excludes staff tips and dana for the teacher.
Discounts (already included in the table of costs):
- 5% off for stays of 1 week
- 10% off for stays of 2 weeks
- 15% off for stays of 3 weeks
- 20% off for stays of 3 weeks
TRC members receive an additional 10% discount if your membership has been paid up for at least 6 months before the retreat.
People who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation.
| 7 Days | 14 Days | 21 Days | 28 Days | |
| Camping (own tent) | R5 000 | R8 400 | R10 100 | R12 200 |
| Camping TRC Tent/Cabin | R5 700 | R9 800 | R11 900 | R14 400 |
| Dormitory | R5 700 | R9 800 | R11 900 | R14 400 |
| Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person): | R6 400 | R11 200 | R13 700 | R16 600 |
| Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person): | R7 000 | R12 600 | R15 400 | R18 800 |
| Single room with shared bathroom: | R7 700 | R14 000 | R17 200 | R21 100 |
| Single ensuite room | R8 400 | R15 400 | R19 000 | R23 300 |
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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 Saturday, 14 November and change-over days, if there are enough participants.
Return shuttle from TRC to OR Tambo: Saturday, 12 December.
Cost: ~R1500 per person (round trip). Not included in retreat fees.
Alternative travel: 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 by 10 AM latest (or 9 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.