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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260130T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20260201T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20251103T095022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T095022Z
UID:4460-1769796000-1769950800@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Accepting Yourself\, Finding Peace
DESCRIPTION:Cultivating inner peace through self-acceptance and self-forgiveness with Vera Hey. \n“The path is not to seek for love but merely to seek and find all the barriers within ourselves that we have built against it”. Rumi \nMany of us built an inner prison of beliefs about our deficient self. The biggest threat to our happiness and well-being is when we turn on ourselves with blame\, based on a chronic sense of not being enough or not being good enough. Our inner critic can be so harsh and unforgiving! \nIt takes a conscious commitment to befriend ourselves and cultivate self-forgiveness! Self-forgiveness is about becoming your own best friend. It is about building a connection with yourself that is more real and true than any personality traits we may have. \nDuring this retreat\, we’ll explore how to cultivate self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. We’ll also consider goals one may choose for this year to build a relationship with oneself. \nWe will utilise techniques from the mindfulness toolbox\, including guided relaxations\, meditation\, reflections\, gentle yoga\, and nature walks. \nFacilitator: Vera Hey\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She applies the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice to both her personal life and her career as a psychological counsellor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, an international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \nCost\nThe cost includes the accommodation of your choice\, all vegetarian meals from Friday lunchtime to Sunday lunch\, a facilitator fee\, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation Type\n  Cost per person\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R1\,500\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1\,700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R1\,900\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,100\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom:\n  R2\,300\n\n\n  Single-use ensuite room:\n  R2\,500\n\n\n\n  \nTo book\nPlease book using this online form. \nA 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/accepting-yourself-finding-peace/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:compassion,Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Walking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/©Souad_Herve-71-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251111
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251205
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20250511T170509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T113715Z
UID:4338-1762819200-1764892799@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Returning Home - Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
DESCRIPTION:‘We shall not cease from exploration \nAnd the end of all our exploring \nWill be to arrive where we started \nAnd know the place for the first time.’ \nT.S. Elliot ‘Little Gidding’ \nThe 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’. \nCome 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. \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\, and 5 days for the first week. \nFor those attending part of the retreat\, entry is possible on the following dates: \n\n\nTuesday 11 November \n\n\nSunday 16 November \n\n\nSunday 23 November \n\n\nWe appreciate your understanding\, as set entry dates help maintain the integrity and flow of the retreat for everyone involved. \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. \nRetreat Cost\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 \nDiscounts (already applied to listed fees): \n\n5% off for stays of 7 days\n10% off for stays of 2 weeks\n15% off for the full 23-night retreat\n\nTRC members receive an additional 10% discount if membership has been paid up for at least 6 months before the retreat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  1st Week      (5 nights)\n  7 Nights\n  11 Nights\n  14 Nights\n  23 Nights     (full retreat)\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R3\,800\n  R4\,500\n  R6\,200\n  R7\,000\n  R10\,100\n\n\n  Camping TRC Tent/Cabin\n  R4\,300\n  R5\,100\n  R7\,200\n  R8\,300\n  R12\,000\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R4\,300\n  R5\,100\n  R7\,200\n  R8\,300\n  R12\,000\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per   person):\n  R4\,800\n  R5\,800\n  R8\,300\n  R9\,600\n  R14\,000\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R5\,300\n  R6\,500\n  R9\,300\n  R10\,900\n  R16\,000\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom:\n  R5\,800\n  R7\,100\n  R10\,400\n  R12\,100\n  R18\,000\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R6\,300\n  R7\,800\n  R11\,400\n  R13\,400\n  R19\,900\n\n\n\nPlease note: \n\n\nThe cost does not include Dana (a traditional offering of appreciation to the teacher) \n\n\nStaff tips are also not included \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): \n\nAvailable Tuesday\, 11 November and change-over days\, if there are enough participants.\nReturn shuttle from TRC to OR Tambo: Thursday\, 4 December.\nCost: ~R1400 per person (round trip). Not included in retreat fees.\n\nAlternative: InterCape Bus: \n\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.\n\nFlight Timing Guidelines: \n\nArrival (to use shuttle or bus) by 10 AM latest (or 8 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.\n\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. \nPeople who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/meditation-retreat-with-donal-creedon-2025/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Contemplation,Dharma,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindfulness,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/walking-through-forest.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250919T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250921T160000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20250714T114200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250714T114629Z
UID:4363-1758304800-1758470400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Cultivating Equanimity and Gratitude with Vera Hey
DESCRIPTION:Cultivating Equanimity and Gratitude in a Reactive World. \n“Between the stimulus and the response there is space\, and in that space is your power and freedom\, that space is the hope of humanity!” Viktor Frankl \nWhat is Equanimity? It is a non-reactive\, mindful presence; it is inner balance and ease. It is our inner refuge. When we are able to come to equanimity\, then all other qualities that we cherish like joy\, love\, intelligence\, clarity\, etc\, arise naturally! \nSo\, what keeps us on the spinning wheel of obsessive thinking and running through our day? There is no life there\, no intimacy\, no wonder! \nLet’s explore together how to get off that wheel and step into the states of equanimity and gratitude\, which\, according to neuroscientists\, are states that bring us the experience of contentment\, inner peace and harmony. \nThis retreat will utilise techniques from the mindfulness toolbox\, including relaxation\, meditation\, reflection\, gentle yoga\, and nature walks. \nYour Facilitator:\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She applies the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice to both her personal life and her career as a psychological counsellor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, an international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \n  \nCost:\nThe cost includes the accommodation of your choice\, all vegetarian meals from Friday lunchtime to Sunday lunch\, a facilitator fee\, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation Type\n  Cost per person\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R1\,500\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1\,700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R1\,900\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,100\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom:\n  R2\,300\n\n\n  Single-use ensuite room:\n  R2\,500\n\n\n\n  \nTo book:\nPlease book using this online form. \nA 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/cultivating-equanimity-and-gratitude-with-vera-hey/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:communication,compassion,Contemplation,Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Spirituality,Walking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/istockphoto-486898882-612x612-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250425T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250428T133000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20250210T155554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T155554Z
UID:4325-1745604000-1745847000@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:The Twelve Links
DESCRIPTION:“We all want to find happiness and be free from suffering. The twelve-part process of dependent arising shows how actions underlain by ignorance propel us from one rebirth into another\, keeping us trapped in suffering\, and how through understanding reality correctly we can break this cycle.” Geshe Sonam Rinchen \n  \nJoin us for a transformative Buddhist retreat focused on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination\, a profound teaching that reveals the interdependent nature of existence. The Twelve Links outline the cycle of suffering (samsara) and how our actions\, thoughts\, and experiences are interconnected\, perpetuating our grasping and suffering. From ignorance to birth and aging\, each link shows how one leads to the next\, trapping us in the cycle of existence. Through meditation\, teachings\, and reflection\, we’ll explore how understanding these links can break the cycle\, leading to wisdom\, liberation\, and lasting peace. \n  \nFacilitator:\nThe retreat will be led by Alan Muller who 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’s vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson. He has formed Ngondro groups since 2004 around Southern Africa. \n  \nCost:\nThe costs of this retreat cover three nights’ accommodation\, all meals from Friday supper to lunch on Monday (a public holiday). Dana for the facilitator is excluded from these costs. An amount of R200 to R500 a day for dana is suggested\, and if you would like to tip the staff\, that would be warmly welcomed. \nPlease do not let a lack of finances prevent you from attending. Please contact us for concessions/work exchange. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation\n  3 Nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent):\n  R1\,400\n\n\n  Dormitory:\n  R1\,700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R2\,000\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R2\,300\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom:\n  R2\,600\n\n\n  Single ensuite room:\n  R2\,900\n\n\n\n  \nTo book:\nPlease click here to book. A 50% deposit will confirm your booking.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/the-twelve-links/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Contemplation,Dharma,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wheel-of-Life-3-Poisons.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250320T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20250323T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240915T102550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T132350Z
UID:4197-1742493600-1742738400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Exploring the Mind/Body Connection
DESCRIPTION:Do your emotions affect your body? \nA pain in the neck or back; itchy palms; cold feet… Not a day goes by that our bodies don’t “speak” to us through tickles and tingles\, headaches and bellyaches etc… \nHave you ever noticed a connection between twitches and twinges\, shaking or lower backache and unnoticed emotions? Perhaps it is the body’s way of conveying underlying unnoticed needs. \nDuring this weekend retreat\, we will be exploring the connection between mind and body through discussions and direct experience\, using techniques from the Mindfulness toolbox such as relaxation\, meditation\, reflection\, gentle yoga\, and walks in nature. \nYou are welcome to come for the long weekend (3 nights)\, or for two nights. \nYour Facilitator:\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She uses the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice in her personal life and in her career as a psychological counselor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \n\nCost:\nThe cost includes the accommodation of your choice\, all vegetarian meals from Friday supper to Sunday lunch\, a facilitator fee\, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n          Accommodation Type\n           Cost per person\n\n\n\n   2 Nights\n   3 Nights\n\n\n   Camping (own tent)\n   R1 400\n   R2 000\n\n\n   Dormitory\n   R1 600\n   R2 300\n\n\n   Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n   R1 800\n   R2 600\n\n\n   Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n   R2 000\n   R2 900\n\n\n   Single room with shared bathroom:\n   R2 200\n   R3 200\n\n\n   Single-use ensuite room:\n   R2 400\n   R3 500\n\n\n\nTo book:\nPlease book using this online form. \nA 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/exploring-the-mind-body-connection/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Walking,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mind-body-dancing-girl-copy-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20241122T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20241221T120000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240123T175039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T154626Z
UID:3964-1732298400-1734782400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Echos from an Empty Sky - Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
DESCRIPTION:“All things hang like a drop of dew  \nUpon a blade of grass.” ~ W.B.Yeats \nThis year we will continue to explore the human condition\, particularly our common experience of disillusionment and disappointment in life. According to the Buddha\, the source of trouble is self-grasping and in particular the afflicted mind (kliṣṭamanas). \nThe Sanskrit word klista has the connotations of “pain\,” “affliction\,” “distress\,” “anguish\,” “anger\,” and “worldly trouble.” As long as the afflicted mind rules we are never out of trouble. The teachings on transience (anitya)\, self absence (anātman)\, dissatisfaction (duhkha)\, emptiness (shūnyata)\, and buddha nature (sugatagarbha) will form the background. In particular\, our lodestar will be the teachings on Buddha nature which point to another possibility\, beyond illusion\, the other shore (Pāramitā) as it were. \nThese teachings form the basis for Mahamūdra. Our intention is to bring these extraordinary teachings out of the text and into our lives in a non-theoretical way. Why not give it a go? Take a leap into the deep end. \nIdeally\, it’s best to attend the whole retreat if possible. Nonetheless\, it is acceptable to attend in part for a minimum of one week with entry dates on Friday 22 November\, Saturday 30 November\, and Saturday 7 December. \nConditions for Joining the Retreat\nThis is a Buddhist meditation retreat and is particularly suitable for those with some knowledge and experience. However\, everyone is welcome. Each person should be committed to the programme and leave personal demands and agendas aside. This is essential. Ethical conduct based on Buddhist precepts and consideration for others is assumed. If you cannot fulfill these conditions please do not come. \nAbout Dónal Creedon\nDónal Creedon is a Buddhist meditation teacher with many years of experience\, loved and deeply appreciated for his warmth\, openness\, and sincerity. He studied and practiced with Buddhist masters of the Kagyu practice lineage in Europe as well as in India and Nepal. This involved many years of intense retreat. Dónal also spent a number of years at the Krishnamurti Centre in Varanasi as resident Buddhist scholar. Thus the radical inquiry of Krishnamurti informs his approach. \nIn 2017\, he published ‘The Main of Light’\, a study that examines the teachings of J Krishnamurti in the light of Buddhist teachings\, specifically the teachings of the Mahamudra and Dzogchen lineages. The teachings of the Buddha and Krishnamurti both explore the most profound and fundamental questions of human existence. They directly address the questions of sorrow\, fear\, and death\, as well as the deepest meaning a human life can attain beyond the travail and illusion of dualism. They point to the sources of sorrow and the ending of sorrow\, to the possibility of living a life informed by intelligence and compassion. As Dónal says: “It is my hope that this study will serve as a modest contribution to what I feel is an immensely important area of human exploration. I hope it will stimulate questions not only in Buddhist and Krishnamurti students but anyone interested in the deep problems that affect our world so grievously.” \nCost\nThe costs include accommodation\, all ova-lacto meals from supper on the first night to lunch on the last day\, a supplement for teacher airfares\, and an optional R60 environmental levy. There is a 5 % discount if you stay for 2 weeks\, a 10% discount for 3 weeks\, and a 15% discount for 4 weeks. These discounts are already included in the cost.\nTRC members receive a further 10% discount if membership is paid up for 6 months before the retreat.\nThe cost excludes Dana (an offering of appreciation to the teacher)\, and staff tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Accommodation: From Fri 22 November\n 8 Nights\n 15 Nights\n 22 Nights\n 29 Nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R5\,200\n  R7\,900\n  R10\,300\n  R12\,400\n\n\n  Camping TRC Tent/Cabin\n  R6\,000\n  R9\,300\n  R12\,300\n  R14\,900\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R6\,000\n  R9\,300\n  R12\,300\n  R14\,900\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person)\n  R6\,800\n  R10\,700\n  R14\,300\n  R17\,300\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person)\n  R7\,600\n  R12\,200\n  R16\,300\n  R19\,800\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom\n  R8\,400\n  R13\,600\n  R18\,200\n  R22\,300\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R9\,200\n  R15\,000\n  R20\,200\n  R24\,700\n\n\n  Single Rooms (Office Block)\n  R6\,000\n  R9\,300\n  R12\,300\n  R14\,900\n\n\n  Brown House en suite\, shared\n  R7\,200\n  R11\,400\n  R15\,300\n  R18\,600\n\n\n  Brown House – single\n  R6\,400\n  R10\,000\n  R13\,300\n  R16\,100\n\n\n  Brown House – dorm\n  R5\,600\n  R8\,600\n  R11\,300\n  R13\,700\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Accommodation: From Sat 30 November/Sat 7 December\n 7 Nights\n 14 Nights\n 21 Nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n R4\,700\n R7\,500\n R9\,900\n\n\n  Camping TRC Tent/Cabin\n R5\,400\n R8\,800\n R11\,800\n\n\n  Dormitory\n R5\,400\n R8\,800\n R11\,800\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person)\n R6\,100\n R10\,100\n R13\,700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person)\n R6\,800\n R11\,500\n R15\,600\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom\n R7\,500\n R12\,800\n R17\,500\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n R8\,200\n R14\,100\n R19\,400\n\n\n  Single Rooms (Office Block)\n R5\,400\n R8\,800\n R11\,800\n\n\n  Brown House en suite\, shared\n R6\,500\n R10\,800\n R14\,600\n\n\n  Brown House – single\n R5\,800\n R9\,500\n R12\,700\n\n\n  Brown House – dorm\n R5\,100\n R8\,100\n R10\,900\n\n\n\nPlease contact us for work-exchange options or payment plans. \nTransport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle\nAn airport shuttle will be available from OR Tambo to TRC on Friday 22\, and Sat 30 November\, and a return journey on Sat 21 December. Other shuttle trips may be organized on the change-over days\, depending on number of participants. \nThe cost for the return airport shuttle is estimated at R1700 per person. This is an extra cost\, and not included above. \nTRC will help with carpooling where possible. It is also possible to travel on the InterCape bus from OR Tambo airport (leaving at 11 AM) to Groot Marico (around R350) and TRC can arrange a pickup to the Centre (R200). The InterCape bus leaves Groot Marico at about 9 AM\, if you would like to return using the bus. \nPlease ensure that your flight arrives before 10 am (8 AM if you are using the InterCape bus)\, to give you time to collect your luggage and pass through immigration. On the return trip\, the shuttle will depart TRC around lunchtime\, to arrive at ORT by 5.30 pm. Please book local flights to leave after 7 pm\, and international flights to leave after 8 pm. \nTo Book\nPlease use our online booking form\, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet. Bookings are open. \nA 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us. \nPeople who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation. \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/a-meditation-retreat-with-donal-creedon/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Contemplation,Dharma,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Spirituality,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-06-at-12.11.01b.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240808T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240811T180000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240430T105645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240430T105743Z
UID:4064-1723140000-1723399200@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Making Friends with Ourselves - A Mindfulness Retreat
DESCRIPTION:“She looked her demons right in the eye and said “don’t you worry…” we will become the best of friends.” – N.R. Hart \nWe all have our “demons”. They are parts of ourselves that we don’t approve of\, don’t accept\, don’t like\, deny\, hate\, fight\, and do our best to conquer. What if we were to try the opposite? A different approach would be to invite\, get to know\, accept\, and turn into allies! \nDuring this three-day retreat\, starting on Thursday evening\, and ending on Sunday 11 August\, we’ll be meeting our “demons”\, giving them physical form via art materials\, conversing with them\, and befriending them. There is also the option of joining the retreat from lunchtime on Friday\, which is a public holiday. \nThis retreat will use techniques from the mindfulness toolbox such as relaxation\, meditation\, reflection\, gentle yoga\, and walks in nature. \nYour Facilitator:\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She uses the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice in her personal life and in her career as a psychological counselor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \n  \nCost:\nThe cost includes the accommodation of your choice\, all vegetarian meals from either Thursday supper or Friday lunchtime to Sunday lunch\, a facilitator fee\, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  2 nights\n  3 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R1\,600\n  R1\,900\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1\,800\n  R2\,200\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,000\n  R2\,500\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,200\n  R2\,800\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R2\,400\n  R3\,100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room (if space available):\n  R2\,600\n  R3\,400\n\n\n\nTo book:\nPlease book using this online form. \nA 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/making-friends-with-ourselves/
LOCATION:North West Province
CATEGORIES:compassion,Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Walking,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Benefits-of-Friendship-in-a-World-of-Individualism.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240209T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240211T180000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240101T180326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240101T184348Z
UID:3860-1707501600-1707674400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Speak with Clarity\, Listen with Compassion
DESCRIPTION:“When you are busy judging people\, you have no time to love them.”  \nMarshall Rosenberg \nWhen interacting with others\, we often find ourselves triggered and then communicate in ways that hurt or harm – ourselves\, the other\, or the relationship between us.  Our conditioned ideas of what it means to communicate\, especially during times of conflict\, frequently results in a loss of connection.  Judgement and defense\, as well as the strategies of criticism\, insults\, blame\, or put-downs\, are commonly used in our attempt to be heard or to meet our need to be “right”\, “good” or “winning”.  Despite our best efforts and intentions\, we habitually become “violent” with our words and then feel the pain of disconnection. \nThis retreat explores the principles and practices of mindfulness and non-violent communication (NVC)\, to foster connection and minimize the suffering of outmoded ways of engaging. We will practice both intra-personal and inter-personal mindfulness in order to cultivate skills of empathy\, compassion\, and a better understanding of self and other. Contemplative dyads are a way to promote social connectedness\, something that we are often lacking in daily life where our time is dominated by digital devices. Together\, these practices will help us communicate more consciously so that we learn to be aware of our feelings and needs\, make requests to meet these needs\, and stay open to the feelings and needs of others. \nYou can expect daily mindful meditation practice to support the empowering and enriching teachings of NVC\, gentle exercise\, and some downtime for rest and relaxation. \nAre you needing more time to refocus and reconnect? Retreat options available include extending your retreat to a 4-night break or incorporating the Weaving Intentions Retreat for a 9-night deep dive. \nYour Facilitators:\nLucy Draper-Clarke PhD is a mindfulness mentor and researcher-practitioner\, with a doctorate in Mindfulness and Teacher Education. She now runs Heart-Mind\, facilitating mindfulness retreats\, and supervising Masters and PhD candidates. Through the instruction of inspiring Buddhist teachers such as Rob Nairn\, Donal Creedon\, Jack Kornfield and Thich Nhat Hanh\, she has developed a daily meditation practice\, and loves to support others in starting their own. Her light-hearted approach allows retreat participants to learn through a joyful\, yet transformative experience. \n  \n  \nFelicity Joan Hart has practised meditation\, mindfulness and yoga for over 35 years and now teaches within these modalities. Her formal qualifications include an Honours Degree in Psychology\, international coaching qualifications\, and a PGC in Mindfulness-Based Interventions from the University of Stellenbosch. She is an enthusiastic student and teacher of Non-Violent communication as developed by Dr Marshall Rosenberg.   Her teaching style is interesting\, intuitive\, precise\, responsive and entertaining. \n  \n  \nCost:\nIncludes accommodation\, all meals\, tea and snacks\, and facilitated sessions. The food is ovo-lacto vegetarian\, with vegan/gluten-free options available on request. Cost is dependent on your choice of accommodation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation\n  2 nights\n  4 nights\n  9 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R2900\n  R3900\n  R7700\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R3100\n  R4300\n  R8500\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3300\n  R4500\n  R8700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3500\n  R4700\n  R8900\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available)\n  R3700\n  R4900\n  R9100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R3900\n  R5100\n  R9300\n\n\n\n  \nTo Book:\nPlease fill in the online booking form. A 50% deposit will confirm your booking. \nDeposit Terms and Conditions.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/speak-with-clarity-listen-with-compassion/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:communication,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Writing,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NVC-Retreat.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240202T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240211T180000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240101T183903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240101T183903Z
UID:3867-1706896800-1707674400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Get Set for 2024: New Year Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Do you need time to refocus and reconnect?\nAre you yearning to change direction or deepen your current work?\nDo you wish for a gentle start to 2024?\nHow would it feel to start the year simply?\n\nThis offering extends the Weaving Intentions retreat for a 4-night stay or includes the Speak with Clarity\, Listen with Compassion Retreat for a 9-night deep dive. \nFor the Weaving Intentions\, you will be invited to explore how to meet each moment of your life with clarity and care\, not just at the start of the year\, but each and every day. Lucy will guide you through practices of mindfulness meditation\, gentle yoga and expressive movement to awaken the senses and witness what is yearning to emerge. We will use embodiment practices to become receptive and open\, to attune and align\, and from this grounded place\, to touch into the qualities we wish to cultivate in the year ahead. During the week\, we will continue to practice together\, with more time for walks and journalling\, imagining\, and planning. \nIf you can stay for the second weekend\, we will learn how to use our words skillfully\, to put these intentions into action. The Speak with Clarity\, Listen with Compassion retreat explores the principles and practices of mindfulness and non-violent communication (NVC)\, to foster connection and minimize the suffering of outmoded ways of engaging. We will practice both intra-personal and inter-personal mindfulness in order to cultivate skills of empathy\, compassion\, and a better understanding of self and other. Contemplative dyads are a way to promote social connectedness\, something that we are often lacking in daily life where our time is dominated by digital devices. Together\, these practices will help us communicate more consciously so that we learn to be aware of our feelings and needs\, make requests to meet these needs and stay open to the feelings and needs of others. \n  \nOptions\nYou are warmly invited for 2\, 4 or 9 nights of nourishing practice.\nOption 1: The first weekend retreat (2 nights) runs from 2 – 4 February. \nOption 2:  A 4-night retreat runs from 2nd – 6th February \nOption 3:  A second 4-night retreat runs from 7th – 11th February. \nOption 4: The 9-night options runs from 2nd – 11th February\, including both weekend retreats. \n  \nYour Facilitators\nLucy Draper-Clarke PhD is a mindfulness mentor and researcher-practitioner\, with a doctorate in Mindfulness and Teacher Education. She now runs Heart-Mind\, facilitating mindfulness retreats\, and supervising Masters and PhD candidates. Through the instruction of inspiring Buddhist teachers such as Rob Nairn\, Donal Creedon\, Jack Kornfield and Thich Nhat Hanh\, she has developed a daily meditation practice\, and loves to support others in starting their own. Her light-hearted approach allows retreat participants to learn through a joyful\, yet transformative experience. \n  \nFelicity Joan Hart has practised meditation\, mindfulness and yoga for over 35 years and now teaches within these modalities. Her formal qualifications include an Honours Degree in Psychology\, international coaching qualifications\, and a PGC in Mindfulness-Based Interventions from the University of Stellenbosch. She is an enthusiastic student and teacher of Non-Violent communication as developed by Dr Marshall Rosenberg.   Her teaching style is interesting\, intuitive\, precise\, responsive and entertaining. \n  \n  \nCost\nThe cost includes accommodation\, all meals\, tea and snacks\, facilitated sessions and materials. The food is ovo-lacto vegetarian\, with vegan/gluten free options available on request. Cost is dependent on your choice of accommodation. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation\n  2 nights\n  4 nights\n  9 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R2900\n  R3900\n  R7700\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R3100\n  R4300\n  R8500\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3300\n  R4500\n  R8700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3500\n  R4700\n  R8900\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available)\n  R3700\n  R4900\n  R9100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R3900\n  R5100\n  R9300\n\n\n\n\n  \nTo Book\nPlease fill in our online booking form. \nA 50% deposit will confirm your booking. \nBooking Terms and Conditions \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/get-set-for-2024-new-year-retreat/
LOCATION:North West Province
CATEGORIES:communication,Contemplation,Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Walking,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TRC-Retreats.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240202T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20240204T180000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20240101T151231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240101T184839Z
UID:3850-1706896800-1707069600@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Weaving Intentions
DESCRIPTION:Instead of setting goals\, making New Year’s resolutions\, and creating long to-do lists\, how would it feel to start the year simply connecting deeply with how you long to live? \nDuring this retreat\, we will explore how to meet each moment of our lives with clarity and care\, not just at the start of the year\, but each and every day. Lucy will guide you through practices of mindfulness meditation\, gentle yoga and expressive movement to awaken the senses and imaginations. We will use embodiment practices to become receptive and open\, to attune and align\, and from this grounded place\, to touch into the qualities we wish to cultivate in the year ahead. \nDuring our time together\, we will explore how to weave these wishes into a community of support. We’ll learn how to recommit to these intentions each morning\, through simple rituals and practices. By planting these seeds of intention in community\, we can generate the momentum to support ourselves\, by staying close to these intentions in the midst of daily life. \nThis is Lucy’s gentle invitation. If it calls you\, please join her for a weekend of nourishing practice. \nAre you needing more time to refocus and reconnect? Retreat options available include extending your retreat to a 4-night break or incorporating the Speak with Clarity\, Listen with Compassion Retreat for a 9-night deep dive. \n  \nYour Facilitator:\nLucy Draper-Clarke is a retreat facilitator\, mindfulness mentor\, and researcher-practitioner in the fields of awareness\, compassion\, and social engagement and recently authored The  Compassionate Activist. After obtaining a doctorate in mindfulness and teacher education\, Lucy is now an Associate Researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. With a focus on compassionate activism and somatic meditation\, she works with those engaged in social transformation and healing\, to alleviate stress\, increase resilience and cultivate wise\, compassionate action. Nothing gives her more joy than supporting others to develop their own\, life-enhancing\, contemplative practices. \n  \nCost:\nIncludes accommodation\, all meals\, tea and snacks\, and facilitated sessions. The food is ovo-lacto vegetarian\, with vegan/gluten-free options available on request. Cost is dependent on your choice of accommodation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Accommodation\n  2 nights\n  4 nights\n  9 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R2900\n  R3900\n  R7700\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R3100\n  R4300\n  R8500\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3300\n  R4500\n  R8700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per   person)\n  R3500\n  R4700\n  R8900\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available)\n  R3700\n  R4900\n  R9100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R3900\n  R5100\n  R9300\n\n\n\n  \nTo Book:\nPlease fill in the online booking form. A 50% deposit will confirm your booking. \nDeposit Terms and Conditions. \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/weaving-intentions/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Embodied meditation,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Intentions-Retreat.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20231104T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20231202T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20221225T183524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230520T093012Z
UID:3554-1699120800-1701522000@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Selling Water by the River - Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
DESCRIPTION:Selling Water by the River \nA Buddhist meditation and study retreat with Dónal Creedon. \n4 November to 2 December 2023 \n“All is hazard that we have\,\nThere is nothing biding;\nDays of pleasure are like streams\nThrough fair meadows gliding.\nWeal and woe\, time doth go\,\nTime is never turning;\nSecret fates guide our states\,\nBoth in mirth and mourning.” \nThomas Campion (1567-1620) \n  \nConditions for Joining the Retreat\nThis is a Buddhist meditation retreat and is particularly suitable for those with some knowledge and experience. However\, everyone is welcome. Each person should be committed to the programme and leave personal demands and agendas aside. This is essential. Ethical conduct based on Buddhist precepts and consideration for others is assumed. Activities such as offering various therapies etc for money is not permitted however it is fine to help others if needed. \nIdeally\, it’s best to attend the whole retreat\, however\, it’s acceptable to attend part for a minimum of one week with entry dates on the 4th\, 11th\, and 18th. \nIf you cannot fulfill these conditions please do not come. \nAbout Dónal Creedon\nDónal Creedon is a Buddhist meditation teacher with many years of experience\, loved and deeply appreciated for his warmth\, openness\, and sincerity. He studied and practiced with Buddhist masters of the Kagyu practice lineage in Europe as well as in India and Nepal. This involved many years of intense retreat. Dónal also spent a number of years at the Krishnamurti Centre in Varanasi as resident Buddhist scholar. Thus the radical inquiry of Krishnamurti informs his approach. \nIn 2017\, he published ‘The Main of Light’\, a study that examines the teachings of J Krishnamurti in the light of Buddhist teachings\, specifically the teachings of the Mahamudra and Dzogchen lineages. The teachings of the Buddha and Krishnamurti both explore the most profound and fundamental questions of human existence. They directly address the questions of sorrow\, fear\, and death\, as well as the deepest meaning a human life can attain beyond the travail and illusion of dualism. They point to the sources of sorrow and the ending of sorrow\, to the possibility of living a life informed by intelligence and compassion. As Dónal says: “It is my hope that this study will serve as a modest contribution to what I feel is an immensely important area of human exploration. I hope it will stimulate questions not only in Buddhist and Krishnamurti students but anyone interested in the deep problems that affect our world so grievously.” \nCost\nThe costs include accommodation\, all ova-lacto meals from supper on the first night to lunch on the last day\, a supplement for teacher airfares\, and an optional R60 environmental levy. There is a 5 % discount if you stay for 2 weeks\, a 10% discount for 3 weeks\, and a 15% discount for 4 weeks. These discounts are already included in the table.\nTRC members receive a further 10% discount if membership is paid up for 6 months prior to the retreat.\nThe cost excludes Dana (an offering of appreciation to the teacher)\, and staff tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  1 week\n  2 weeks\n  3 weeks\n  4 weeks\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R4\,200\n  R7\,000\n  R9\,500\n  R11\,600\n\n\n  Camping TRC Tent/Cabin\n  R4\,900\n  R8\,300\n  R11\,300\n  R14\,000\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R4\,900\n  R8\,300\n  R11\,300\n  R14\,000\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R5\,600\n  R9\,700\n  R13\,200\n  R16\,400\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R6\,300\n  R11\,000\n  R15\,100\n  R18\,800\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R7\,000\n  R12\,300\n  R17\,000\n  R21\,100\n\n\n  Single-use of twin/double room\, shared bathroom:\n  R7\,000\n  R12\,300\n  R17\,000\n  R21\,100\n\n\n  Single ensuite room\n  R7\,700\n  R13\,600\n  R18\,900\n  R23\,500\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R7\,700\n  R13\,600\n  R18\,900\n  R23\,500\n\n\n  Single Rooms (Office Block)\n  R4\,900\n  R8\,300\n  R11\,300\n  R14\,000\n\n\n  Brown House en suite\, shared\n  R6\,000\n  R10\,300\n  R14\,200\n  R17\,600\n\n\n  Brown House – single/shared\, pp\n  R5\,300\n  R9\,000\n  R12\,300\n  R15\,200\n\n\n  Brown House – dorm\n  R4\,600\n  R7\,700\n  R10\,400\n  R12\,800\n\n\n\n  \nTransport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle\nAn airport shuttle will be available from OR Tambo to TRC on the 4th of November\, and a return journey on the 2nd of December. Other shuttle trips may be organized on the change-over days\, depending on the numbers. \nThe cost for the return airport shuttle is estimated at R2000 per person. This is an extra cost\, and not included above. \nTRC will help with carpooling where possible. It is also possible to get the InterCape bus from Park Station to Zeerust (around R350) and TRC can arrange a pickup to the Centre. \nPlease ensure that flights arrive before 10 am\, to give you time to collect your luggage and pass through immigration. On the return trip\, the shuttle will depart TRC after lunch\, to arrive at ORT by 5.30 pm. Please book local flights to leave after 7 pm\, and international flights to leave after 8 pm. \nTo Book\nPlease use our online booking form\, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet. \nAs soon as the costs are published\, a 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us. \nPeople who stay for longer periods will preferentially be allocated their choice of accommodation. \n  \nPhoto Credit: \nTania Romanov Amochaev
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/meditation-retreat-with-donal-creedon-2023/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_0040.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20231020T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20231022T130000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20230904T113528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230904T113810Z
UID:3829-1697824800-1697979600@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Letting Go
DESCRIPTION:One day a donkey was walking along the road carrying a heavy load of baggage. He became very thirsty and finally spotted a little lake but it was way down off the road. So he took the load off his back\, and ran to have a drink of water. When he came back the baggage was gone. In shock he exclaimed: “What am I going to carry now?” \nLike a donkey in the story\, we all feel attached to our baggage. We all have things that we could let go of and be better off\, and our journey would be that much lighter! But we are very attached to our grief\, pain\, disappointments\, judgments\, attitudes\, habits\, etc. Those things keep us stuck\, and keep us from experiencing being fully at home in our precious lives. \n“If you let go a little you’ll find a little peace\, if you let go a lot you’ll find a lot of peace. If you let go absolutely you’ll find absolute peace and tranquility.” Ajahn Chah \nLetting go enables us to embrace change and new beginnings\, and allows us to live in openhearted presence. \nDuring this weekend we’ll be exploring a process of letting go of our attachments. Our days will include meditation\, walks in nature\, and gentle yoga. \nYour Facilitator:\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She uses the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice in her personal life and in her career as a psychological counselor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \nCost:\nThe cost of the retreat includes accommodation and all vegetarian meals from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. It includes a facilitation fee and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. It excludes staff tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  2 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R1\,400\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1\,600\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R1\,800\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,000\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R2\,200\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R2\,400\n\n\n\n  \nTo book:\nTo book\, please fill in the online booking form. \nA 50% deposit confirms your booking. The deposit is not refundable but is transferrable to another retreat or person\, or can be used for up to a year.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/letting-go/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Spirituality,Walking,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-01-at-10.49.27.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230809T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230813T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20230204T180325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230624T173118Z
UID:3570-1691604000-1691935200@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Befriending Your Demons - A Women's Day Retreat
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this 4-night retreat from Wednesday 9 August (public holiday) to Sunday 13 August with Vera Hey. You are also welcome to come for a shorter stay – email us for options. Men also welcome! \n“You cannot defeat darkness by running from it\, nor can you conquer your inner demons by hiding them from the world. In order to defeat the darkness\, you must bring it into the light.”― Seth Adam Smith \nWe all have our “demons”. They are parts of ourselves that we don’t approve of\, don’t accept\, don’t like\, deny\, hate\, fight\, and do our best to conquer. What if we were to try the opposite? A different approach would be to invite\, get to know\, accept\, and turn into allies! \nDuring this four-day retreat\, starting on Women’s Day (9th of August)\, and ending on Sunday 13 August\, we’ll be meeting our “demons”\, giving them physical form via art materials\, conversing with them\, and befriending them. \nThis retreat will use techniques from the mindfulness toolbox such as relaxation\, meditation\, reflection\, gentle yoga\, and walks in nature. \nYour Facilitator:\n\nVera Hey is a mindfulness practitioner and an experienced mindfulness facilitator. She uses the insight and awareness gained from her mindfulness practice in her personal life and in her career as a psychological counselor. She is a student of Rob Nairn\, international Mindfulness and Meditation teacher\, and has completed his facilitator training course. \n\nCost:\nThe cost of the retreat includes accommodation\, and all meals from Wednesday (or Friday) supper to Sunday lunch. It includes a facilitation fee and a voluntary environmental levy of R60. It excludes staff tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  2 nights\n  4 nights\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R1\,200\n  R2\,400\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1\,400\n  R2\,800\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R1\,700\n  R3\,300\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R2\,000\n  R3\,900\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R2\,200\n  R4\,300\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R2\,400\n  R4\,700\n\n\n\nTo Book:\nTo book\, please fill in the online booking form. \nA 50% deposit confirms your booking. The deposit is not refundable but is transferrable to another retreat or person\, or can be used for up to a year. \n\n“Insomnia is just another word for chit chat with demons during bedtime.” – Daniel Saint \n\n\n“Our demons are our own limitations\, which shut us off from the realization of the ubiquity of the spirit. Each of these demons is conquered in a vision quest.” – Joseph Campbell \n\n\n“Everybody has flaws\, everybody has demons\, everybody has ghosts\, but I think you watch people and you see everybody trying to do their best.” — Jason Katims \n\n\n“Sometimes the worst place you can be is your head.” \n\n\n“We stop looking for monsters under the bed when we realize they are inside of us.” \n\n\n“Sometimes\, you can’t defeat the demons you enjoy playing with.” \n\n\n“I can’t drown my demons\, they know how to swim.” \n\n\n“Some of my demons left me\, some are just asleep.  \nA few always travel with me\, others haunt me from the deep.  \nThe little ones are charming\, they are allowed to stay.  \nThe big ones tear up inside\, I just wish they’d go away.” \n\n\n“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss\, the abyss will gaze back into you.” — Friedrich Nietzsche \n\n\n“Overcome the demons with a thing called love.” – Bob Marley \n\n\n“When you feel my heat\, look into my eyes\, it’s where my demons hide. Don’t get too close\, it’s dark inside. It’s where my demons hide.” – Imagine Dragons \n\n\n“She looked her demons right in the eye and said “don’t you worry…” we will become the best of friends.” – N.R. Hart
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/befriending-your-demons-2/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:compassion,Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Relaxing,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/st_george_dragon-16_9.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230217T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230219T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20221110T180206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221110T181640Z
UID:3296-1676656800-1676815200@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Vajrayana Practice Weekend
DESCRIPTION:with Alan Muller \nPlease join us this Lunar New Year weekend to reconnect with practice\, lineage\, and old and new Dharma friends. The benefits and merits of practicing together with fellow travelers on the path are immeasurable. Alan will tell us stories\, give us practical advice\, and guided meditations. There will be time for walks\, chats\, and your own practice. \n“When you run after your thoughts\, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown\, you run after it. Instead\, be like a lion who\, rather than chasing after the stick\, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once.” – Yogi Milarepa \n\n\n\n\nLama Yeshe Rinpoche has advised us to practice the first two special foundational practices of Refuge and Bodhicitta\, and Dorje Sempa.\n\n“If your mind is engaging either in the mantra or visualization then you will have the fruition. It’s not about numbers\, it’s about how you involve body\, speech and mind.”\nLama Yeshe Rinpoche.\n\n\n\n\n\nYour Facilitator\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe retreat will be led by Alan Muller who 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’s vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson. He has formed Ngondro groups since 2004 around Southern Africa. \n\n\n\n\n  \n\nCosts\nThe cost includes meals and accommodation but excludes dana and staff tips. Please don’t let a lack of finances prevent you from coming – email us at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za for options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R800\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1000\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per   person):\n  R1300\n\n\n   Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per   person):\n  R1500\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3   available):\n  R1700\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R1900\n\n\n\n  \n\nBookings\nTo book\, click on this user-friendly link. \nA 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. \n\nTestimonial\n\n\n\n“I have to report on the most awesome dharma talk I attended today. Alan talked on How to practise meditation more effectively. I have always known he is\, probably our foremost South African Bodhisattva and have noticed how the advice he gives is increasingly deeply wise and compassionate.\n\nHis talk blew me away! I was totally transfixed the entire talk.. He covered pivotal advice of great masters and then drew it all together showing how it all applied in our daily lives. The talk was easy to follow and also very dense. It could have served as the outline for a longer retreat. The content was superb and the structure of the talk equally superb and aimed to get us to really understand what he was teaching us.\n\nI think he is a teacher who can guide us magnificently. We lament that we don’t have teachers. But we have Alan\, right here. He is gentle and humorous in his presentation and does not go for big drama. I appreciate this and I’m sure other people will do so.\n\nI am so so excited and serious. I believe Alan is the teacher (or one of them) that we are looking for.\n\nMaxine Fine
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/vajrayana-practice-weekend/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,compassion,Dharma,Fun,Insight,Meditation,Mindfulness,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/un205-896x580-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230203T170000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20230205T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20221114T122113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221114T133752Z
UID:3535-1675443600-1675605600@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Imprinting Intentions – a New Year Retreat
DESCRIPTION:with Dr Lucy Draper-Clarke \nPerhaps there’s no need for personal growth\, to make a mark or to get ahead? Instead of goals\, resolutions\, and To Do lists\, how would it feel to be present without resistance and to watch life unfold? \nIf this sounds like the gentle invitation you need for 2023\, then please join Lucy Draper-Clarke\, who has been holding intentions retreats at TRC since 2009. Give yourself the space to focus on how you would like to be\, and to imprint gentle intentions as a daily life practice. \nDuring this retreat\, we’ll explore how to meet each moment of our lives with clarity and care\, not just at the beginning of the year\, but every day. We will take the opportunity to become receptive and open\, to attune and align\, and to resource ourselves for whatever lies ahead. \nLucy will guide you through practices of mindfulness meditation\, gentle yoga\, and expressive movement to awaken the senses and the imagination. These work to resource and rebalance the body\, heart\, and mind. From this place\, we can touch into the qualities and aspirations we wish to cultivate for the year ahead. \nHow many of us make New Year’s resolutions\, and then become disillusioned? For this retreat\, we will explore how to recommit to our intentions each morning\, through simple rituals and practices. By planting the seed of intention in community\, we can generate the momentum needed to keep our intentions alive in the midst of daily life. \nProgramme:\nAfter the first evening of introductions and grounding practices\, we will wake up to gentle moving and sitting meditation sessions in the Octagon\, followed by a healthy breakfast in the open dining area. There will then be an extended ‘Imprinting Intentions’ workshop before tucking into a filling vegetarian lunch. Participants can either rest in the afternoon or visit the nearby waterfall in Tara’s Valley\, or die Oog – the Eye. This is the 14m deep source of the Marico river\, and popular with swimmers and divers. Our Saturday evening practice will be Expressive Movement\, which takes us through a full dance wave; from finding Presence\, Expressing what we notice in our embodied mind\, Releasing blocks and old patterns\, then moving to Dreaming and Integrating\, where our future might emerge in the moment. Later\, we can sit together at the open fire and watch the magnificent night sky. \nYour Facilitator:\nLucy Draper-Clarke has a doctorate in mindfulness and teacher education and loves to run retreats as well as support yoga teacher training schools. She has practised yoga for 20 years and taught yoga and mindfulness in Southern Africa since 2006\, while also offering embodied practices at Wits. While doing so\, she has been lucky enough to study with inspiring Buddhist mindfulness\, Vinyasa yoga teachers\, and Expressive Movement dance therapists. Her light-hearted and compassionate approach to teaching allows participants to explore their inner worlds through a joyful\, yet transformative practice. \nCost:\nIncludes accommodation\, all meals\, tea and snacks and facilitated moving and sitting meditation sessions. Cost is dependent on your choice of accommodation. The food is ovo-lacto vegetarian\, with vegan/gluten-free options available on request. It excludes any tips for staff. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R 3\,100\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R 2\,900\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R 2\,700\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n  R 2\,500\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R 1\,900\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R 1\,700\n\n\n\n\nTo Book:\nClick on this link to book. \nA 50% deposit secures your place. This is non-refundable but is transferable to another TRC retreat. Do not let your inability to pay prevent you from attending. Contact Tara Rokpa Centre for scholarships\, payment options\, and volunteer trade opportunities. \nFor general retreat information about what to bring\, please click here. \nPhoto credit: National Trust\, UK \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/imprinting-intentions-a-new-year-retreat/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Embodied meditation,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindful Movement,Mindfulness,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Imprints-sepia.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20220616T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20220619T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20220123T111000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220123T111000Z
UID:3230-1655402400-1655647200@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Study\, Reflection and Meditation
DESCRIPTION:with Alan Muller \nThe Buddhist path emphasizes study\, reflection\, and meditation. But sometimes we neglect the study aspect. The study of Buddhist texts is somewhat different from how we normally approach the study of academic subjects. Study\, in the spiritual context\, is very necessary as it provides the view\, the basis\, the perspective needed in order to progress along the path to the ultimate goal. \nDuring this retreat\, we will study sections of the famous text by Atisha Dipankara – The Lamp for the Path to Enlightened in order to learn how to approach Buddhist study. This is an ancient text but is still most relevant to our busy modern lives\, and gives an overview of the entire Buddhist path\, and the steps we need to take to become realised. \nAlan will combine the study sessions with reflections and meditations so that we can fully absorb the advice of the ancient master Atisha. Alan leads a study group in Johannesburg on this text\, so it is an ideal opportunity to spend dedicated time studying together. This is however a stand-alone retreat and is open for all. It is a three-night retreat\, starting on the evening of the public holiday\, 16 June. \nAtiśa Dīpankara (982–1054) was an Indian professor at Vikramshila University\, and one of the greatest Buddhist masters of his time\, being well-versed in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. He is also credited with spreading the Dharma from India to Tibet\, spending the last years of his life in Tibet on the advice of the Bodhisattva Tara. \n  \n  \nCost\nThe cost covers accommodation and all meals from Thursday evening until lunch on Sunday. It also includes an R60 voluntary environmental fee but excludes dana and staff tips. Please don’t let a lack of finances prevent you from attending – email us at tararokpacentre@gmail.com. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n   R2\,800\n\n\n  Single-use of twin/double room (if space available)\, shared bathroom:\n   R2\,600\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n   R2\,500\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n   R2\,200\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing\, per person):\n   R1\,900\n\n\n  Dormitory\n   R1\,500\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n   R1\,200\n\n\n\nTo Book\nClick here to access the user-friendly online booking form. \nA 50% nonrefundable\, but transferrable deposit will confirm your booking and the accommodation of your choice. \nFacilitator\nThe retreat will be led by Alan Muller who 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’s vows. Alan remained a novice monk for six years and now presents courses and retreats as a layperson. He has formed Ngondro groups since 2004 around Southern Africa. \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/study-reflection-and-meditation/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,compassion,Dharma,Insight,Meditation,Philosophy,Tibetan Buddhism
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/buddha-nature.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20220318T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20220321T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20220111T160004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220116T170941Z
UID:3128-1647626400-1647871200@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Loving Awareness
DESCRIPTION:with Lucy Draper-Clarke \nAs you step into this new year\, what needs your loving awareness? A relationship\, a project\,\nyour work\, home\, or family? You may be holding sorrow for the past or anxiety about the\nfuture. The best place to start is bringing caring attention to your own body\, heart\, and mind.\nTime away\, and time in\, can return you to the ease and joy of the present moment. \nThis 3-night retreat is an invitation to reflect and refocus\, as we reimagine a world that is\nbuilt on an ethic of care. Lucy will guide you through embodied awareness practices\, including yoga\, qi gong\, and expressive movement\, to prepare the heart-mind for meditation. \n  \n\n  \nThen we’ll sit together and cultivate the innate qualities of being human – love\, compassion\, joy\, and equanimity. Finally\, you can explore how to integrate these experiences into daily life. \nPrevious retreat participants had this to say about Lucy: \n“Lucy brings to mindful movement her special warmth and generosity\, together with the\nqualities of a very skilled teacher. She creates an environment of complete kindness and\ngentleness which in turn enables both the beginner and the more experienced to feel trulywelcome.” Carolyn Pollack \n“Lucy is a warm\, wise\, and wonderful teacher\, embodying fully the heart-mind connections she gently encourages in others. What she offers comes directly from her heart\, enabling her to provide exactly what is needed spontaneously in the moment.” Joanna Monaghan \nCost\nThe costs include the facilitation fee\, accommodation\, a voluntary R60 environmental levy\, and all meals and tea break snacks from supper on the day of your arrival\, until lunch on the day of departure. It excludes staff tips. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   3 Nights\n   2 Nights\n\n\n  Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n    R4\,000\n    R3\,100\n\n\n  Single-use of twin/double room\, shared   bathroom:\n    R3\,800\n    R3\,000\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n    R3\,700\n    R2\,900\n\n\n  Shared Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n    R3\,400\n    R2\,700\n\n\n  Shared Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n    R3\,000\n    R2\,400\n\n\n  Dormitory\n    R2\,700\n    R2\,200\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n    R2\,400\n    R2\,000\n\n\n\nPlease do not let tight finances prevent you from coming – email us at tararokpacentre@gmail.com. \nBookings\nPlease click here to fill in the user-friendly online booking form. \nA nonrefundable\, but transferrable deposit of 50% is required to confirm your space. \nYour facilitator\nLucy Draper-Clarke has a doctorate in mindfulness and teacher education and loves to run retreats as well as support yoga teacher training schools. She has practised yoga for 20 years and taught yoga and mindfulness in Southern Africa since 2006\, while also offering embodied practices at Wits. While doing so\, she has been lucky enough to study with inspiring Buddhist mindfulness\, Vinyasa yoga teachers\, and Expressive Movement dance therapists. Her light-hearted and compassionate approach to teaching allows participants to explore their inner worlds through a joyful\, yet transformative practice. \n  \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/loving-awareness/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:compassion,Embodied meditation,Food,Fun,Inquiry,Insight,Mindfulness,Music and Rythm,Relaxing,Yoga
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/greg-rakozy-oMpAz-DN-9I-unsplash.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Heart-Mind":MAILTO:lucyheartmind@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20211226T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20220102T180000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20210725T145233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211120T085023Z
UID:2959-1640541600-1641146400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:The Value of Meditation in Challenging Times
DESCRIPTION:Theme\nEach of us has the potential to be whole and free\, but few of us realise this potential. Many of us go through our lives under a spell of imperfection – thinking and feeling that things are not right with us and life never really hits the spot. There is a gnawing feeling of dissatisfaction that the Buddha called dukkha.\nThis is not surprising because we live in a disjointed society that does not promote wholeness and connection; and many of us struggle with our own psychology and suffer lifelong effects of disconnection\, trauma\, and addiction in subtle and pervasive ways.\nYet we can work with this situation and gradually come to know and feel that part of us that was always undamaged and free – what is called Buddha Nature in Buddhism. Yet it takes trust and patient work.\nChoden will draw on his experience of meditation over many years and will offer insights and methods that cover the full range of experiential mind training: mindfulness\, compassion\, insight\, and wisdom.\nHe will offer practical skills to help people relate skilfully to difficult issues and blocks within themselves – beginning to break the spell of imperfection – whilst also offering methods for cultivating positive\, life-affirming resources that bring us closer to our Buddha Nature within. He will also offer some advice on how to carry our practice into daily life and make challenging life conditions part of our meditation practice. \nStructure\nThis will be a light retreat since it is taking place over the Xmas/New Year period. There will be structured teaching and practice sessions with a long break in the afternoons for people to go on nature walks. We will be including periods of silence in the mornings. \nThere will be a late-night Chenrezig practice on New Year’s Eve and see in the New Year together. Chenrezig is a Tibetan Buddhist chanting and mantra practice. We will also do this practice together every evening and offer simple instructions on how to do it. This part will be optional. \nPeople may attend the whole retreat or part thereof. The preferred option is for all participants to arrive on Sunday 26 December\, and then to leave earlier\, if needed. Alternatively\, if you want to come for the New Year’s weekend\, you are welcome to arrive on Thursday 30 December at 6 pm\, and depart on Sunday 2 January. This is to minimise the disruption of arrivals to the retreat atmosphere. \nFacilitators:\nA monk within the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism\, Choden (aka Sean Mc Govern) completed a three-year\, three-month retreat in 1997 and has been a practising Buddhist since 1985. He is originally from South Africa where he trained as a lawyer and learned meditation under the guidance of Rob Nairn\, an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher. He is now involved in developing secular mindfulness and compassion programmes drawing upon the wisdom and methods of the Buddhist tradition\, as well as contemporary insights from psychology and neuroscience. He is an honorary fellow of the University of Aberdeen and teaches on their Postgraduate Study Programme in Mindfulness (MSc) that is the first of its kind to include compassion in its curriculum. He co-wrote a book with Paul Gilbert in 2013\, ‘Mindful Compassion’ that explores the interface between Buddhist and Evolutionary approaches to compassion training. He is also the co-author of two other books: ‘Mindfulness Based Living Course’ (2018)\, and ‘From Mindfulness to Insight’ (2019). In 2016 he completed a one-year retreat focused on the foundation practices of Tibetan Buddhism \nCost\nThe costs include accommodation\, all meals from supper on the day of arrival\, to lunch on the last day\, an optional environmental fee of R60\, and a surcharge for flight costs. \nThese costs exclude dana for the facilitators and staff tips. Dana boxes will be put out on the last day of the retreat for your offerings. \nPlease don’t let a lack of finances prevent you from attending – contact us at tararokpacentre@gmail.com. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   Accommodation Type\n 7 Nights\n 3 Nights\n\n\n Single-use of ensuite room (if space available):\n R6700\n R3100\n\n\n Single-use of twin/double room (if space available)\, shared bathroom:\n R6500\n R2900\n\n\n Single en suite room (only 1 available)\n R6500\n R2900\n\n\n Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n R6200\n R2800\n\n\n Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n R5500\n R2500\n\n\n Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n R4800\n R2200\n\n\n Dormitory\n R4000\n R1800\n\n\n Camping (own tent)\n R3300\n R1500\n\n\n\n  \nBookings\nPlease fill in the online form to book. \nA 50% deposit will confirm your choice of room. The deposit is non-refundable but is transferrable to another retreat. \n 
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/the-value-of-meditation-in-challenging-times/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Insight,Meditation,Mindfulness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/©Souad_Herve-39-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20210416T180000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Johannesburg:20210418T140000
DTSTAMP:20260502T141604
CREATED:20210307T144303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210310T084721Z
UID:2910-1618596000-1618754400@tararokpacentre.co.za
SUMMARY:Insight Retreat : Working Creatively with Negative Emotions - Choden
DESCRIPTION:Many people relentlessly battle with their emotions and end up leading conflicted and unhappy lives. But this does not have to be the case. In Buddhism the negative emotions are described as ‘mind poisons’\, but the poison contains hidden gold.\nThis retreat will focus on working creatively with the negative emotions that afflict us. It will be drawn from the Tibetan Buddhist approach of learning to recognise and express the wisdom nature of our emotions. The view here is that our emotions are a source of vitality that can enliven and enrich our lives. The key is how we relate to them: either they can fuel an inner storm of conflict and suffering or they can fuel a path of inner abundance and waking up.\nChoden will offer a path to working with the afflictive emotions of fear\, anger\, desire\, jealousy\, pride and ignorance. These are like the primary colours of our emotional life which\, when combined\, result in the rich variety of emotions we feel.\nThe path of practice will be to recognise when these emotions are triggered and how they feel within us. This is a mindfulness skill. Next\, we turn to look at the mind that is afflicted by anger or desire\, for example\, and see its empty and insubstantial nature. This is a key insight skill. We then apply the antidote of compassion drawn from the 4 Immeasurable Qualities (loving kindness\, compassion\, sympathetic joy and equanimity). Finally we learn to rest ‘in the midst of our experience’ and allow the wisdom energy to integrate within our being.\nThe retreat will involve teachings and guided practices from Choden\, as well as sharing and inquiry and some periods of silent sitting. \nCost:\nThe cost includes accommodation\, meals\, a supplement to cover travel costs\, and an R60 optional environmental levy. Excluded are dana and staff tips. \nDana is an offering to the facilitator as Dharma teachers aren’t renumerated\, but dana would be appreciated. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  Camping (own tent)\n  R900\n\n\n  Dormitory\n  R1100\n\n\n  Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):\n  R1400\n\n\n  Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):\n  R1600\n\n\n  Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):\n  R1800\n\n\n  Single use of ensuite room (if space available):\n  R2000\n\n\n\nTo book:\nTo book\, please click here. \nA 50% deposit\, non-refundable\, but transferrable\, will secure the accommodation of your choice. \nAbout Choden:\nA monk within the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism\, Choden (aka Sean Mc Govern) completed a three-year\, three-month retreat in 1997 and has been a practicing Buddhist since 1985. He is originally from South Africa where he trained as a lawyer and learned meditation under the guidance of Rob Nairn\, an internationally renowned Buddhist teacher. He is now involved in developing secular mindfulness and compassion programmes drawing upon the wisdom and methods of the Buddhist tradition\, as well as contemporary insights from psychology and neuroscience. He is an honorary fellow of the University of Aberdeen and teaches on their Postgraduate Study Programme in Mindfulness (MSc) that is the first of its kind to include compassion in its curriculum. He co-wrote a book with Paul Gilbert in 2013\, entitled Mindful Compassion that explores the interface between Buddhist and Evolutionary approaches to compassion training. He is also the co-author of two other books: Mindfulness Based Living Course (2018) and From Mindfulness to Insight (2019). In 2016 he completed a one-year retreat focused on the foundation practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
URL:https://tararokpacentre.co.za/event/insight-retreat-working-creatively-with-negative-emotions-with-choden/
LOCATION:Tara Rokpa Centre\, Tara Rokpa Centre\, Groot Marico District\, North West Province\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Buddhism,Dharma,Inquiry,Insight,Meditation,Mindfulness,Spirituality,Tibetan Buddhism
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