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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Tara Rokpa Centre
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260612T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260616T130000
DTSTAMP:20260501T103217
CREATED:20260321T130528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T130913Z
UID:4506-1781287200-1781614800@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:The Journey to Awakening
DESCRIPTION:From Friday evening\, 12 June to Tuesday 16 June 2026 (Public Holiday)\, the Tara Rokpa Centre warmly invites you to a five-day Buddhist Dharma Retreat dedicated to teachings\, contemplations\, and meditations from Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa. \nBeginning on Friday evening and concluding on the public holiday of 16 June\, this retreat offers a precious long-weekend immersion in the Dharma — an opportunity to step out of daily busyness and enter a sustained rhythm of study\, reflection\, and meditation. \nWe will explore one of the principal texts of the Kagyu lineage — a work of enduring relevance and benefit to practitioners at every stage of the path. In its twenty-one chapters\, Gampopa presents a clear and systematic outline of the journey to Buddhahood\, weaving together profound philosophical insight with practical guidance for daily practice. His teachings on innate Buddha-nature inspire confidence in those entering the path\, while offering depth\, encouragement\, and direction to those already walking it. \nOpen to members of the ongoing study group with Alan Muller\, as well as anyone interested in Dharma and wishing for a taste of traditional Buddhist teachings\, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in classical instruction within a supportive retreat environment. Through guided teachings\, contemplative reflection\, and meditation\, participants will be invited to engage these timeless instructions both intellectually and experientially. \nIn order to make this retreat accessible to Dharma practitioners\, we are offering a special rate of R500 per night. Accommodation will be allocated on a first-come\, first-served basis\, and those who book and pay the 50% deposit earliest will be able to secure their preferred accommodation option. \nThis is a dana-based retreat. The facilitator offers their time and teachings freely and does not receive payment for leading the retreat. Participants are warmly invited to offer dana — generosity — to the teacher according to their means and appreciation\, in keeping with the long-standing Buddhist tradition of supporting the Dharma through voluntary giving. \nWhether you are new to Buddhist study or seeking to deepen your understanding\, The Journey to Awakening offers a steady\, authentic pathway into the heart of the Dharma. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFacilitator:\n\nAlan Muller took refuge in 1997 with Akong Rinpoche. In 2003\, he completed a one-year closed retreat under the guidance of Lama Yeshe Rinpoche at Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland. During this period\, he took novice monk vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost:\n\nR2000 for the weekend\, excluding dana for the teacher.\n\n\nTo book:\n\n\nClick here to access the user-friendly online booking form.\n\nA 50%  will confirm your booking and the accommodation of your choice.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/the-journey-to-awakening/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Contemplation,Dharma,Meditation
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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20261114T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20261212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260501T103217
CREATED:20260321T190210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T192218Z
UID:4526-1794679200-1797080400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to share that Donal Creedom will once again be offering a month-long Buddhist meditation retreat at Tara Rokpa Centre. \nThe provisional dates are 14 November to 12 December. Further details about the retreat theme and booking information to follow. \nRetreat Participation Guidelines\nThis 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. \nWe 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. \nParticipation 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. \nThank you for your understanding and care in supporting a harmonious retreat space. \nRetreat Attendance Options\nIdeally\, 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. \nProvisional Entry Dates: \n\nSaturday\, 14 November\nSaturday\, 21 November\nSaturday 28 November\n\nAbout Dónal Creedon\nDónal 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. \nProvisional Costs\nThe 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. \nDiscounts (already included in the table of costs): \n\n5% off for stays of 1 week\n10% off for stays of 2 weeks\n15% off for stays of 3 weeks\n20% off for stays of 3 weeks\n\nTRC members receive an additional 10% discount if your membership has been paid up for at least 6 months before the retreat. \nPeople who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  7 Days\n  14 Days\n  21 Days\n  28 Days\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R5 000\n  R8 400\n  R10 100\n  R12 200\n\n\n  Camping TRC Tent/Cabin\n  R5 700\n  R9 800\n  R11 900\n  R14 400\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R5 700\n  R9 800\n  R11 900\n  R14 400\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R6 400\n  R11 200\n  R13 700\n  R16 600\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R7 000\n  R12 600\n  R15 400\n  R18 800\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom:\n  R7 700\n  R14 000\n  R17 200\n  R21 100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R8 400\n  R15 400\n  R19 000\n  R23 300\n\n\n\n  \n\n\nFor the costs of additional days and other accommodation options off the main site\, please contact the office at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za. \n\nFor volunteer/work exchange options\, please contact the office at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za.\n\nTransport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle Details\nShuttle Service (OR Tambo to TRC): \nAvailable Saturday\, 14 November and change-over days\, if there are enough participants.\nReturn shuttle from TRC to OR Tambo: Saturday\, 12 December.\nCost: ~R1500 per person (round trip). Not included in retreat fees. \nAlternative travel: InterCape Bus: \nFrom OR Tambo airport to Groot Marico: Departs at 11 AM (~R350).\nTRC pickup/drop-off from/to Groot Marico: R175.\nReturn bus departs Groot Marico at 9 AM.\nWhen booking\, select OR Tambo (not Johannesburg) as your stop. \nFlight Timing Guidelines: \nArrival by 10 AM latest (or 9 AM if using InterCape).\nDeparture: Shuttle arrives at OR Tambo by 5:30 PM on 14 December.\nBook domestic flights after 7 PM\, and international flights after 8 PM. \nCarpooling: \nTRC will assist in arranging carpooling where possible. \nTo Book:\nPlease use our online booking form\, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet. \nA 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/meditation-retreat-with-donal-creedon/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Contemplation,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
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