ZenPen - Writing, Being and Meditation
2024-10-25 18:00 - 2024-10-29 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Join us for A Writing, Being, and Meditation Retreat with Dorian Haarhoff for a weekend, with the option to extend your experience to the following Tuesday for A Stream of Words Retreat.
We can make our minds so like still water that beings gather about us to see their own images, and so live for a moment with a clearer, perhaps even with a fiercer life because of our silence. W.B. Yeats
Zen (Chinese chán ‘quietude’) invites us to be present, to live, and write simply.
Pen (Latin penna ‘feather’) refers to the art of writing and to our implements.
What do writing, being, and breath share in common? They all bring alive and expand the present moment. They invoke a conversation with ourselves and others.
time to write…attend to stories… be present in bushveld, wooded valley, rest alongside perennial streams… walk amid rolling hills… stargaze… breathe… be….
Discover the writer inside you. We explore our innate creativity and imagination as we journey down the river of our lives, steady the boat and dip the oars into hidden depths.
Somewhere in this garden,
they say, a green man hides
in the camouflage of leaves and twigs.
His hair, a weeping willow, hung
in tendrils, fringes his tree-ring face…
He’s companion to the woman at the well
who trails her mint skirt to sweep the paths.
When the moon glides across ponds,
they say, the ripple of her grin
circles in undulating waves. (Dorian)
Come and source your bliss. Beginners are welcome.
Your Facilitator:
Dorian Haarhoff is a story-teller, poet, speaker and a writing mentor. A former Prof of English Literature (Namibia) he has also taught in a Canadian faculty. Dorian facilitates writing and story-telling retreats. He is passionate about developing innate creativity and imagination. He believes in the power of stories and images to create new realities. To bring healing. To build our belonging. His wordshops are based on his workbook, The Writer’s Voice.

Cost:
The cost includes accommodation of your choice, all meals from the evening of your arrival to lunch on your day of departure, a facilitator fee, a contribution towards teacher travel, and a voluntary R60 environmental levy. Those staying for 4 nights get an extra 10% discount (already included in the price).

2 nights
4 nights

Camping (own tent)
R1,600
R2,600

Dormitory
R1,800
R3,000

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R2,000
R3,400

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,200
R3,700

Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):
R2,400
R4,100

Single use of ensuite room (if space available):
R2,600
R4,400

To book:
Please click here for our user-friendly online booking form.
A 50% deposit will confirm your accommodation of choice.

Trees, Leaves, Shrubs and More
2024-11-08 18:00 - 2024-11-10 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Have you ever wanted to learn about identifying trees and shrubs? Join Eckhard Druschke for a relaxing getaway in the beautiful Groot Marico Bushveld for a weekend of walks & talks on tree and shrub identification.
Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.
Kahlil Gibran
Bring your walking shoes and binoculars, field guides, water bottles and notebook to enjoy some time in the bush. Suitable for all levels of fitness.
In the evenings, there will be star gazing, and Eckhard will talk about our amazing Southern African sky, identifying various constellations, planets, and stars, and offering insight into our vast and magnificent universe.
Your Guide:
Eckhard Druschke is a passionate nature enthusiast who has laid out all the self-guided hiking trails around TRC. He has hiked and climbed extensively in Africa, Asia, South and North America, including Patagonia, the Hindu Kush, and Mount Kailash, and not forgetting the Magaliesburg, the Lowveld, and the Drakensberg. He is a highly experienced, enthusiastic, and caring field guide with extensive knowledge about our local fauna and flora.

Cost:
The cost includes the accommodation of your choice, all meals from Friday supper to lunch on Sunday, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60.

2 nights

Camping (own tent)
R 960

Dormitory
R1 160

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R1 360

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R1 560

Single room with shared bathroom (only 3 available):
R1 760

Single ensuite room (if space available):
R1 960

To Book:
Click here to access our super-friendly online booking form.
A 50% deposit will secure the accommodation of your choice.

Echos from an Empty Sky - Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
2024-11-22 18:00 - 2024-12-21 12:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
“All things hang like a drop of dew
Upon a blade of grass.” ~ W.B.Yeats
This 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).
The 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.
These 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.
Ideally, 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.
Conditions for Joining the Retreat
This 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.
About Dónal Creedon
Dónal 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.
In 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.”
Cost
The 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.
TRC members receive a further 10% discount if membership is paid up for 6 months before the retreat.
The cost excludes Dana (an offering of appreciation to the teacher), and staff tips.

Accommodation: From Fri 22 November
8 Nights
15 Nights
22 Nights
29 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R5,200
R7,900
R10,300
R12,400

Camping TRC Tent/Cabin
R6,000
R9,300
R12,300
R14,900

Dormitory
R6,000
R9,300
R12,300
R14,900

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person)
R6,800
R10,700
R14,300
R17,300

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person)
R7,600
R12,200
R16,300
R19,800

Single room with shared bathroom
R8,400
R13,600
R18,200
R22,300

Single ensuite room
R9,200
R15,000
R20,200
R24,700

Single Rooms (Office Block)
R6,000
R9,300
R12,300
R14,900

Brown House en suite, shared
R7,200
R11,400
R15,300
R18,600

Brown House – single
R6,400
R10,000
R13,300
R16,100

Brown House – dorm
R5,600
R8,600
R11,300
R13,700

Accommodation: From Sat 30 November/Sat 7 December
7 Nights
14 Nights
21 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R4,700
R7,500
R9,900

Camping TRC Tent/Cabin
R5,400
R8,800
R11,800

Dormitory
R5,400
R8,800
R11,800

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person)
R6,100
R10,100
R13,700

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person)
R6,800
R11,500
R15,600

Single room with shared bathroom
R7,500
R12,800
R17,500

Single ensuite room
R8,200
R14,100
R19,400

Single Rooms (Office Block)
R5,400
R8,800
R11,800

Brown House en suite, shared
R6,500
R10,800
R14,600

Brown House – single
R5,800
R9,500
R12,700

Brown House – dorm
R5,100
R8,100
R10,900

Please contact us for work-exchange options or payment plans.
Transport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle
An 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.
The cost for the return airport shuttle is estimated at R1700 per person. This is an extra cost, and not included above.
TRC 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.
Please 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.
To Book
Please use our online booking form, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet. Bookings are open.
A 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us.
People who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation.

Taming the Wild Monkey Mind with Lama Zangmo
2025-03-06 18:00 - 2025-03-09 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
An untamed mind is compared to a wild elephant being led by a crazy, wild monkey of distraction. The untamed mind can do a lot of damage, as we can easily observe in daily life.
So, how do we go about taming our wild, monkey minds?
Lama Zangmo will talk about the benefits and the common difficulties encountered in meditation,
and how to deal with them. Sometimes being reminded of small things can make a big difference and help us to see the bigger picture and put things into perspective. For that reason it is helpful to be reminded and to gain more understanding of how to train the mind.
During this retreat, Lama Zangmo will also give instructions on the key aspects of the inspiring Dorje Chang Prayer, which is chanted regularly in all the Kagyu centres.
The text shows us how to apply ourselves on the spiritual path using the analogy of our body, pointing out that renunciation is the feet of meditation, devotion is the head of meditation and non-distraction is the body of meditation.
There will be guided meditation practice and time for questions.
Lama Zangmo

Lama Gelongma Zangmo is the resident Lama at Kagyu Samye Dzong London. She became a practising Buddhist when she arrived at Kagyu Samye Ling in 1977 and took refuge with His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. Having received teachings from many highly respected lamas who visited Kagyu Samye Ling, she was inspired to enter the four-year closed retreat in 1984, during which time she became ordained as a Buddhist nun. Lama Zangmo completed 2 more long retreats, during which she was asked to help and advise the new retreatants. bringing the total number of years Lama Zangmo spent in retreat to eleven and a half.
​Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche then asked Lama Zangmo to put her experience to good use by helping to run Kagyu Samye Dzong London, which was officially opened in 1998. Since then the London Centre has flourished under Lama Zangmo’s guidance and established itself as a much needed Dharma Centre in the capital city, providing a full and varied programme of teachings and events throughout the year.
In recognition of her long experience, selfless qualities and commitment, she became the first person in the UK to be honoured with the title of Lama by our Founder Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche, at a heart warming ceremony in Kagyu Samye Dzong London in June 2001.

Retreat Cost:
The cost of the retreat includes accommodation and all meals from supper on the first evening until lunch on Sunday. It includes a voluntary environmental levy of R60, and a contribution for teacher transport. The retreat excludes dana for the teacher.
Please contact us for discounted rates – don’t let a lack of finances prevent you from attending this retreat.
Dana for the teacher would be appreciated.

Accommodation, 3 nights

Camping (own tent)
R1,900

Dormitory
R2,200

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,500

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,800

Single room with shared bathroom
R3,100

Single ensuite room
R3,400

To book:

Please click here to book.
A 50% deposit will confirm your booking.​

Exploring the Mind/Body Connection
2025-03-20 18:00 - 2025-03-23 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Do your emotions affect your body?
A 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…
Have 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.
During 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.
You are welcome to come for the long weekend (3 nights), or for two nights.
Your Facilitator:
Vera 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.

Cost:
The 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.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

2 Nights
3 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R1 400
R2 000

Dormitory
R1 600
R2 300

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R1 800
R2 600

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2 000
R2 900

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2 200
R3 200

Single-use ensuite room:
R2 400
R3 500

To book:
Please book using this online form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

Footprints: EASTER CAMP 2025
2025-04-17 18:00 - 2025-04-21 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Footprints
“The impression left by a foot on the ground.”
What impressions have your feet made throughout your life? If we look around – we are living in a world of war, climate change and uncertainty. The fast pace of life and our addiction to technology have brought about a loss of connection to ourselves, each other, and our planet. How do we stand amidst this? How are our feet placed on the ground? Are our footprints deep and heavy, out of balance, or not even there?
How would you like your footprint to be?
Over the Easter weekend, we will use the Tara Rokpa Therapy methods to look at how we stand on the ground. We shall explore how we can reconnect, find our balance, strengthen our connection to others and our planet. Can our footprints show our intention – do we step with soft feet, an easy mind and a light heart?
“Tread softly because you tread on my dreams” ~ W B Yeats
Spend a relaxing long weekend in the African Bush with the Tara Rokpa Therapy team. The weekend is open to all, and families are welcome. There will be planned activities on the theme of Footprints, as well as plenty of time to relax and play.
Participants are welcome to arrive a day earlier to settle in, or to stay on for another night.
Facilitators:
Tuula Styrman has worked and studied for over 40 years as a body therapist , masseur, lecturer, coach and trainer. She works at the Terhokoti -hospice in Helsinki, Finland offering gentle, supportive massage for hospice clients, their family members as well as for the personnel. She also works in schools with students and teachers, with healthcare professional as well as working people and people in challenging working environments.
Tuula actively educates social and health care professionals and volunteers in respectful touch and is one of the authors of “The Handbook for Respectful Touch” for Social and Healthcare Personnel. She is also one of the translators of the new edition of the Taming the Tiger book in Finnish,
Tuula has been involved with Tara Rokpa work from 1998 and completed her own Tara Rokpa process in Finland in 2002. She has trained in the Tara Rokpa Therapy process as a short course leader and is just about to complete her Therapist training process. She works with the method in Finland and Sweden.

Trish Swift B.Soc.Sc., MSS, M.Sc. Trish is a registered clinical social work therapist and is currently working in private practice in Harare. She has lectured at the University of Zimbabwe and is currently the Senior Tara Rokpa Therapist representing Africa. Traveling extensively throughout Southern Africa and Europe, she is a widely sought after and much-loved facilitator and therapist.

Jayne Pilossof is a compassionate and skilled kinesiologist who lives and works in Zimbabwe. With a background in textile design, she worked as a freelance designer before embarking on a transformative journey in 1994, when she began her own Tara Rokpa Therapy (TRT) process, completing it in 2000. Because she found it so inspiring and beneficial , she wanted to share this with others and began her own training to become a therapist. In 2010, she formally started her path to becoming a therapist, and completed the 5 year training to become a certified Tara Rokpa Therapist in 2014. Today, Jayne works as a Tara Rokpa therapist in Harare and Chitungwiza. She also works in South Africa, Germany, England, and other parts of Europe.
Costs:
The costs cover all accommodation for 4 nights, meals from Thursday evening until Monday lunch and a fee to cover the facilitator costs. For the cost of an extra day’s accommodation, please inquire at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za.

4 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R3,400

Dormitory
R3,800

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person):
R4,200

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person):
R4,600

Single room with shared bathroom:
R5,000

Single ensuite room
R5,400

We also have a family discount to make the weekend more affordable for families. Families will be allocated shared rooms together.

Family Rates
4 Nights

Adult
R4,200

Teen 1
R2,300

Teen 2, 3…
R1,700

Age 3 – 12
R1,000

Under 3s
R0

To Book:
Click here to book for the retreat.
A 50% deposit will confirm your booking.
Airport Shuttle
If there is sufficient interest, an airport shuttle to/from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg will be arranged. The cost would be an estimated additional R1500 per person.
Please ensure that your incoming flights land before 10 am, and please book international flights after 8 pm for your departure.
Alternatively, there is an intercity bus from the airport to Gaborone that departs the airport at 11 am, and stops in Groot Marico. These tickets must be pe-booked online.
Visit to Game Reserve
A visit may be arranged to a nearby game reserve after the retreat. Please contact Jayne to express your interest.

The Twelve Links
2025-04-25 18:00 - 2025-04-28 13:30 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
“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

Join 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.

Facilitator:
The 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.

Cost:
The 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.
Please do not let a lack of finances prevent you from attending. Please contact us for concessions/work exchange.

Accommodation
3 Nights

Camping (own tent):
R1,400

Dormitory:
R1,700

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,000

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,300

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2,600

Single ensuite room:
R2,900

To book:
Please click here to book. A 50% deposit will confirm your booking.

Training the Heart, Training the Mind
2025-08-07 18:00 - 2025-08-10 11:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Join Us for a 3-Night Retreat in the Heart of the Bushveld during this full moon weekend.
Reconnect with your innate wisdom and compassion during this 3-night Buddhist retreat at the serene Tara Rokpa Retreat Centre, nestled in the tranquil Bushveld region of South Africa. Guided by Lama Zangpo, this retreat will offer a deep dive into the heart practice of Chenrezik—the embodiment of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism—and explore the transformative teachings of Lojong (Mind Training), a practical approach to cultivating resilience, kindness, and wisdom in daily life.
Through Dharma talks, meditation, reflections, and group practice, you’ll develop tools to soften the heart, open the mind, and meet life’s challenges with greater equanimity and compassion. Whether you are new to Buddhist practice or looking to deepen your path, this retreat provides a supportive and nurturing environment for inner growth and connection.
Additional highlights include fresh air nature walks, time for rest and reflection, birdwatching, moongazing under the clear Bushveld sky, and nourishing vegetarian meals to support deep relaxation and renewal.
All are welcome. No prior experience is required.
Teacher

Lama Zangpo’s meditation journey began in 1996 when he met Lama Yeshe Rinpoche at Kagyu Samye Dzong Johannesburg and became a resident volunteer. His spiritual path took him from the Holy Isle to Arran, and later to Nepal, where he pursued intensive study and practice under the guidance of Drupon Rinpoche at the Thrangu Sekhar retreat. He has also supported communities in South Africa, the Congo, and most recently in Glasgow, where he now resides, helping to nurture and grow the local Buddhist community. Lama Zangpo is known for his compassionate approach and understanding of Buddhist meditation, making this weekend accessible for both beginners and those with more experience.

Cost

Retreat costs include accommodation, meals, a voluntary environmental levy of R60, and a contribution toward teacher travel expenses.Please note that the cost does not include dana (a traditional offering to the teacher) or staff gratuities.
We warmly encourage participation regardless of financial circumstances—no one should feel excluded due to cost.For additional discounts or work exchange options, please contact us at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za.

Accommodation type
Cost

Camping (own tent):
R1,900

Dormitory:
R2,200

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,500

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person):
R2,800

Single room with shared bathroom:
R3,100

Single ensuite room
R3,400

To Book
Please fill in the online booking form.

A 50% deposit will confirm your choice of accommodation.

Cultivating Equanimity and Gratitude with Vera Hey
2025-09-19 18:00 - 2025-09-21 16:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Cultivating Equanimity and Gratitude in a Reactive World.
“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
What 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!
So, what keeps us on the spinning wheel of obsessive thinking and running through our day? There is no life there, no intimacy, no wonder!
Let’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.
This retreat will utilise techniques from the mindfulness toolbox, including relaxation, meditation, reflection, gentle yoga, and nature walks.
Your Facilitator:
Vera 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.

Cost:
The 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.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

Camping (own tent)
R1,500

Dormitory
R1,700

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R1,900

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,100

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2,300

Single-use ensuite room:
R2,500

To book:
Please book using this online form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

Returning Home - Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
2025-11-11 - 2025-12-04 | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
‘We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.’
T.S. Elliot ‘Little Gidding’
The journey home is a theme that runs through many traditions, legends and stories. The home can be an actual place, our native Ithaca. In the Buddhadharma, home is the space of things (dharmadatu). Inwardly it is the vajra seat, the heart, the ‘still point of the turning world’. A place where struggle, speed, all wanting comes to rest. Meditation is both road and destination. Thus all our paths are a returning to ‘that which was the beginning’.
Come to TRC, far from the madding crowd, a heavens-haven of retreat and blessed nature. Leave behind the haste and tyranny of merciless acceleration. We will rely on the teachings of the siddhas as our principle guide. As always meditation, discourse and dialogue will be central to our retreat.
Retreat Participation Guidelines
This Buddhist meditation retreat is particularly suitable for those with some prior knowledge and experience of meditation. However, everyone is welcome, provided they are willing to fully engage with the spirit and structure of the retreat.
We ask that each participant come with a sincere commitment to the programme, and a willingness to set aside personal demands and agendas for the duration of the retreat. This commitment is essential for maintaining the supportive and focused environment necessary for deep practice.
Participation is based on ethical conduct grounded in the Buddhist precepts, and on mutual consideration and respect for others. If you feel unable to meet these conditions, we kindly request that you reconsider attending.
Thank you for your understanding and care in supporting a harmonious retreat space.
Retreat Attendance Options
Ideally, participants are encouraged to attend the full retreat to gain the greatest benefit. However, partial attendance is also welcome, with a minimum stay of one week, and 5 days for the first week.
For those attending part of the retreat, entry is possible on the following dates:

Tuesday 11 November

Sunday 16 November

Sunday 23 November

We appreciate your understanding, as set entry dates help maintain the integrity and flow of the retreat for everyone involved.
About Dónal Creedon
Dónal Creedon is a highly respected Buddhist meditation teacher, deeply appreciated for his warmth, openness, and sincerity. He brings many years of experience to his teaching, grounded in deep personal practice and study. He trained extensively with masters of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in Europe, India, and Nepal, including long periods of intensive retreat. Dónal’s teaching is rooted in this tradition, while also being informed by his time at the Krishnamurti Centre in Varanasi, where he served as the resident Buddhist scholar. Dónal’s approach integrates Buddhist meditative training with the radical spirit of inquiry inspired by J. Krishnamurti, offering a path that is both contemplative and deeply questioning.
Retreat Cost
The retreat fee includes Accommodation, Ova-lacto vegetarian meals from supper on the first night to lunch on the final day, a supplement for the teacher’s airfare, and an optional R60 environmental levy
Discounts (already applied to listed fees):

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

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

1st Week (5 nights)
7 Nights
11 Nights
14 Nights
23 Nights (full retreat)

Camping (own tent)
R3,800
R4,500
R6,200
R7,000
R10,100

Camping TRC Tent/Cabin
R4,300
R5,100
R7,200
R8,300
R12,000

Dormitory
R4,300
R5,100
R7,200
R8,300
R12,000

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R4,800
R5,800
R8,300
R9,600
R14,000

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R5,300
R6,500
R9,300
R10,900
R16,000

Single room with shared bathroom:
R5,800
R7,100
R10,400
R12,100
R18,000

Single ensuite room
R6,300
R7,800
R11,400
R13,400
R19,900

Please note:

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

Staff tips are also not included

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

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

Transport to/from TRC & Airport Shuttle Details
Shuttle Service (OR Tambo to TRC):

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

Alternative: InterCape Bus:

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

Flight Timing Guidelines:

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

Carpooling:
TRC will assist in arranging carpooling where possible.
To Book
Please use our online booking form, which can be completed easily on a phone or tablet.
A 50% deposit will secure your choice of accommodation. You are also welcome to discuss a payment plan with us.
People who stay for longer periods will be preferentially allocated their choice of accommodation.

Listening to Our Hearts
2025-12-16 18:00 - 2025-12-21 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | North West Province
Join Alan Muller and Anton Krueger for a transformative retreat focused on the deep connection between mindfulness and compassion. Drawing from a rich array of dharma teachings, Alan will explore the essential Buddhist practice of compassion—how it arises from mindful awareness of suffering and fuels our wish to alleviate it.
Alan’s talks will be woven together with a selection of inspiring stories, reflecting the wisdom of Aleks Krotoski: “Stories are memory aids, instruction manuals, and moral compasses.” Through these narratives, we’ll deepen our understanding and cultivate compassion in our daily lives.
In addition, Anton Krueger (Mindfulness Africa) will guide a series of meditations and reflections, creating space for insight and embodied practice throughout the retreat.
About Alan Muller

Alan 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.

About Anton Krueger
Anton helps to run a Kagyu Buddhist centre in Makhanda (previously Grahamstown). His passion is facilitating creativity, improvisation and mindfulness workshops. He’s a member of Mindfulness Africa and has presented papers on Mindfulness and Creativity in China, the USA, India, Sweden, Scotland and Italy. He’s also a creative writer and Head of the Department of Literary Studies in English at Rhodes University.

Cost
You are welcome to attend the entire retreat or any part of it. The cost per person includes accommodation of your choice and wholesome meals, from supper on the day of arrival to lunch on the day of departure. A facilitation fee is included, while staff gratuities and dana are optional extras. There is a 5% discount for staying the full 5 days, which is already included in these costs:

Accommodation Type:
2 Nights
5 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R1,400
R2,600

Dormitory
R1,600
R3,100

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person)
R1,800
R3,600

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person)
R2,000
R4,000

Single room with shared bathroom
R2,200
R4,500

Single ensuite room
R2,400
R5,000

If you’d like to stay for a shorter or longer time, please feel free to contact us at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za for the cost — we’ll be happy to help you find the option that suits you best.
To Book:
Please book by clicking on this online booking form – please indicate your preferred arrival and departure dates under “Other Info”.
A 50% deposit will confirm your booking – here are the payment details.

Christmas & New Year 10-Day Mindfulness and Relaxation Retreat(ish)
2025-12-23 18:00 - 2026-01-02 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Facilitated by Anton Krueger
In this holiday retreat, we’ll explore exercises from the Mindfulness-Based Living Course designed by Rob Nairn and Mindfulness UK, which will provide a foundation for our daily practice. Beyond this, we’ll decide together about making space for other practices such as Green Tara and Chenrezig, guided relaxation with Pippa, gentle walks, enquiry sessions, journaling, painting, and even a 5 Rhythms movement experience. There might also be swimming and singing around a campfire. If you have something you’d like to offer – yoga, Tai Chi, contact improv – there’d also be space for you to share your practice with the rest of us. We’ll see what unfolds.
For myself, I’ll be setting aside 2-3 hours each day for writing, so there will also be time for rest, quiet and solo practice. Come for the whole ten days, or simply drop in – all welcome.
About Anton Krueger
Anton helps to run a Kagyu Buddhist centre in Makhanda (previously Grahamstown). His passion is facilitating creativity, improvisation and mindfulness workshops. He’s a member of Mindfulness Africa and has presented papers on Mindfulness and Creativity in China, the USA, India, Sweden, Scotland and Italy. He’s also a creative writer and Head of the Department of Literary Studies in English at Rhodes University.

Cost
You are welcome to attend the entire retreat or any part of it. The cost per person includes accommodation of your choice and wholesome meals, from supper on the day of arrival to lunch on the day of departure. A facilitation fee is included, while staff gratuities and dana are optional extras. There is a 5% discount for staying 5 days, and a 10 % discount for staying 10 days, which is already included in these costs:

Accommodation Type:
2 Nights
5 Nights
10 Nights

Camping (own tent)
R1,400
R2,600
R4,500

Dormitory
R1,600
R3,100
R5,400

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (sharing, per person)
R1,800
R3,600
R6,300

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (sharing, per person)
R2,000
R4,000
R7,200

Single room with shared bathroom
R2,200
R4,500
R8,100

Single ensuite room
R2,400
R5,000
R9,000

If you’d like to stay for a shorter or longer time, please feel free to contact us at retreat@tararokpacentre.co.za for the cost
— we’ll be happy to help you find the option that suits you best.

To Book:
Please book by clicking on this online booking form – please indicate your preferred arrival and departure dates under “Other Info”.
A 50% deposit will confirm your booking – here are the payment details.

Accepting Yourself, Finding Peace
2026-01-30 18:00 - 2026-02-01 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Cultivating inner peace through self-acceptance and self-forgiveness with Vera Hey.
“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
Many 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!
It 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.
During 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.
We will utilise techniques from the mindfulness toolbox, including guided relaxations, meditation, reflections, gentle yoga, and nature walks.
Facilitator: Vera Hey
Vera 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.
Cost
The 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.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

Camping (own tent)
R1,500

Dormitory
R1,700

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R1,900

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,100

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2,300

Single-use ensuite room:
R2,500

To book
Please book using this online form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

Family Easter Camp 2026
2026-04-02 17:00 - 2026-04-06 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
A family-friendly retreat in nature
Easter Camp at Tara Rokpa Centre is traditionally a family affair — and a true “come as you are” gathering. We embrace the idea of family in its broadest and warmest sense: not only parents and children, but also friends, solo visitors, community members, urban tribes, and anyone wishing to connect with the joyful, inclusive spirit of Easter Camp.
This year, our weekend will be gently held within the Tibetan understanding of the Five Elements — earth, water, fire, air and space.
The five elements offer a dynamic way of understanding life. All living beings are composed of these elements — only their proportions differ. When the elements are in balance, there is harmony and well-being. When they fall out of balance, disharmony can arise. This balance is never fixed; it is constantly shifting within us and around us.
Over the weekend, we will explore the Tibetan schema of the five elements in practice and in experience. We will become familiar with their qualities and characteristics, observe how they interact, and begin to notice our own mind–body states in relation to them. In doing so, we cultivate greater awareness, balance and understanding — in ourselves, in our relationships, and in the natural world.
A Relaxed and Nourishing Weekend
This will be a relaxed, heartwarming time in the wide-open bushveld — a chance to rest, reconnect, and simply be.
Activities will include reflections, visualisations, playful exploration with art materials and natural objects, and guided relaxations from the Tara Rokpa Therapy toolbox. There will also be gentle, mindful movement to bring caring attention to the body.
Children are warmly welcomed! If there are sufficient numbers, there will be a morning programme designed especially for them, including creative activities and, of course, the much-loved Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday. Babies and toddlers will need to be cared for by their parents or caregivers. Please ask us about discounted rates for caregivers who do not take part in the facilitated activities.
Other optional activities include meditation, walks in the beautiful Tara Rokpa Centre surroundings, swimming, mountain biking, birding, star-gazing, singing around the campfire, or simply sleeping — especially for those arriving from over-busy, stressful lives.
Practical Details
The retreat begins with supper on Thursday. Guests are also welcome to arrive for lunch on Friday. We conclude with lunch on Easter Monday — a long weekend of simplicity, connection and joy in the beautiful Tara Rokpa Centre.
Come and join us for a nourishing, family-friendly Easter in nature — where everyone is welcome, and nothing is required but your presence.

Take time to breathe.
To play.
To rest.
To reconnect with what truly matters.

Facilitators:

Pippa Cope offers mindful movement, including somatics and Donna Farhi-inspired yoga. She has been involved with the Tara Rokpa Therapy process for 20 years as a senior helper in South Africa and Zimbabwe and has offered workshops in Canada. Pippa has been resident at TRC for over 20 years as jack of all trades. She previously spent her professional life working as an Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and Community Development manager.

Sharon Benatar is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. She has facilitated life skills training and personal development through workshops and individual therapy for over 25 years. Sharon is a senior helper /certified facilitator of “Learning to Relax”, and “The 5 Elements” courses (Tara Rokpa Therapy/ Back to Beginnings, a therapeutic approach developed by Ven. Akong Rinpoche). She has run residential workshops at Emoyeni retreat Centre (Magaliesburg) for over 20 years. She facilitated the first UJ Honours Art Therapy studio work in 2020. She has facilitated mentor workshops in The More To Life programme. Sharon draws inspiration from Eastern/Western approaches to healing, personal growth, and finding inner and outer balance. This is supported by the creative arts (art materials, image/symbol and poetry), deep relaxation and mindfulness/meditation.
Cost
We try to keep the costs as low as possible to allow families as well as individuals to attend. Accommodation is allocated according to confirmed bookings and preference.
The costs include all meals from supper on Thursday (4-night stay) or lunch on Friday (3-night stay) to lunch on Monday. The fees include a contribution to the facilitators and an optional R60 environmental fee for adults but exclude staff tips.

4 Nights
3 Nights

Adult
R2 700
R2 200

Teen 1
R2 000
R1 600

Teen 2, 3…
R1 300
R1,100

Age 3 – 12
R 800
R 700

Under 3s
R0
R0

To Book:
Please click here to fill in our online booking form for each adult attending. Let us also know the names and ages of any children attending.
A 50% deposit will confirm your booking.

A Qigong Journey - Five Elements Unfold
2026-05-01 18:00 - 2026-05-03 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Qigong is a graceful healing art rooted in the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. Through flowing movements, mindful postures, deep breathing and meditative focus, it nurtures the flow of Qi – our vital energy. By balancing and cultivating this life force, Qigong helps us tap into our inner vitality, thereby reducing stress, building stamina and enhancing overall well-being. It strengthens circulation, boosts immunity and fosters a profound sense of harmony.
During this weekend retreat, we will learn some basic qigong and gain insight into its relationship with Chinese medicine and the five elements. The course will offer simple and gentle, yet powerful ways to reconnect and balance body and mind through the practice of qigong.
Cost:
The 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.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

Camping (own tent)
R1,500

Dormitory
R1,700

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R1,900

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,100

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2,300

Single use ensuite room:
R2,500

Facilitator:
Wendy Newstadt is a qigong teacher and a shiatsu therapist. She studied qigong with Grandmaster Nan Lu in New York while studying and graduating as a shiatsu therapist from Ohashi Institute of Shiatsu in New York in 1997. She has been a shiatsu therapist and teacher since then and is currently teaching qigong in Johannesburg. Wendy is also a trained dance teacher, and she incorporates elements of dance into qigong classes.

To book:
Please book using online booking form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

The Journey to Awakening
2026-06-12 18:00 - 2026-06-16 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, South Africa
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.
Beginning 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.
We 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.
Open 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.
In 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.
This 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.
Whether 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.

Facilitator:

Alan 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.

Cost:

R2000 for the weekend, excluding dana for the teacher.

To book:

Click here to access the user-friendly online booking form.

A 50% will confirm your booking and the accommodation of your choice.

Compassion in Action Weekend
2026-07-17 18:00 - 2026-07-19 13:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Celebrate Mandela Day and Mandela Month by joining us at Tara Rokpa Centre for a special weekend of selfless service – Compassion in Action.We invite you to bring your skills, energy, and toolboxes to support the ongoing care and development of TRC’s infrastructure and beautiful natural surroundings. In gratitude for your contribution, we offer free accommodation, wholesome vegetarian meals, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in a spirit of generosity, community, and shared purpose.

Bookings
Please book, using our online booking form. There is no charge for this weekend. Please list your multitude of skills under “Other Info” to help us plan!

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
A Buddha mis-quote

Work hard, have fun, and enlightenment will come!
A Richard Branson mis-quote 🙂

Gentle Awakenings
2026-08-07 18:00 - 2026-08-10 14:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Awaken your body and spirit from winter’s embrace with a weekend of gentle restorative and somatic yoga, taking place over the long weekend of 7–10 August. This weekend coincides with Woman’s Day, a celebration of strength, compassion, and renewal, as well as the 25th of the lunar month, known as Dakini Day, a time traditionally associated with wisdom, inspiration, and the awakening of inner potential. All participants — women and men alike — are warmly invited to connect with this energy and bring it into their own practice.
This retreat is designed for practitioners of all levels, offering a nurturing space to reconnect with your body, calm the mind, and restore your natural vitality. Through mindful movement, guided relaxation, and visualization exercises, you will release tension held in both body and mind, enhancing mental clarity, improving sleep, and cultivating a deep sense of well-being.
Beyond the yoga mat, immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the pristine Bushveld with gentle walks, and allow yourself the luxury of time — to sleep, read, birdwatch, stargaze, or simply soak in the quiet. This is a weekend to slow down, restore your energy, and awaken fully to the present moment, honoring your body, mind, and spirit.
Facilitator:
Pippa Cope offers mindful movement, including somatics and Donna Farhi-inspired yoga. She has been involved with the Tara Rokpa Therapy process for 20 years as a senior helper in South Africa and Zimbabwe and has offered workshops in Canada. Pippa has been resident at TRC for over 15 years as jack of all trades. She previously spent her professional life working as an Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and Community Development manager.
Cost:
The cost for the weekend includes the accommodation of your choice, all meals from supper on Friday to lunch on Sunday, and a voluntary environment fee of R60. It excludes staff tips and dana for the facilitator. Dana is an expression of gratitude for the guidance over the weekend.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

Camping (own tent)
R1,400

Dormitory
R1,700

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R2,000

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,300

Single room with shared bathroom:
R2,600

Single use ensuite room:
R2,900

Bookings:
Please book using our user-friendly online booking form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

A Mindful Weekend
2026-09-24 18:00 - 2026-09-27 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
To be confirmed.
During this three-day long weekend retreat, we’ll be exploring techniques from the mindfulness toolbox such as relaxation, meditation, reflection, gentle yoga, and walks in nature.
Your Facilitator:
Vera 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.

Cost:
The cost includes the accommodation of your choice, all vegetarian meals from Thursday supper to Sunday lunch, a facilitator fee, and a voluntary environmental levy of R60.

Accommodation Type
Cost per person

Camping (own tent)
R1,900

Dormitory
R2,200

Twin/double room with shared bathroom (per person):
R2,500

Twin/double room with en suite bathroom (per person):
R2,800

Single room with shared bathroom:
R3,100

Single-use ensuite room:
R3,400

To book:
Please book using this online form.
A 50% deposit will confirm the accommodation of your choice.

Becoming Fearless - Green Tara Practice Retreat
2026-10-09 18:00 - 2026-10-11 14:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
Green Tara is one of the most beloved meditation deities in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. She embodies the compassion and enlightened action of all the Buddhas, swiftly helping to liberate us from fear and guiding us on the path to awakening. Traditionally, she is depicted with her right leg bent, ready to spring into action, and her loving expression reflects her role as the mother of all Buddhas, offering protection, guidance, and care to all beings.
Her name carries deep significance: Tara means “Star” in Sanskrit, while her Tibetan name, Drolma, translates as “Rescuer”. Green Tara is especially associated with alleviating the eight outer fears — lions, elephants, fire, snakes, thieves, water, bondage, and evil spirits — and the eight inner fears — pride, ignorance, anger, jealousy, wrong views, attachment, miserliness, and deluded doubts. Her practice is both protective and liberating, inspiring confidence, courage, and compassion in those who engage with it.
Chöje Akong Rinpoche, the founder of Tara Rokpa Centre, requested that Green Tara prayers be recited daily at TRC. In this spirit, we dedicate this weekend to the study, reflection, and practice of Green Tara, creating space for both deepening our understanding and embodying her qualities in our own lives. This retreat will also be an occasion to commemorate the life of Chöje Akong Tulku Rinpoche on the 13th anniversary of his passing, honouring his extraordinary contributions and the living legacy of his teachings.
The weekend is suitable for all practitioners, whether you wish to deepen your existing Green Tara meditation practice, explore her symbolism and methods, or spend time reflecting on Akong Rinpoche’s life and teachings. Prayers and practices will be led by senior practitioners, providing guidance and support for both study and meditation.
To make this retreat accessible to practitioners, we are offering a special rate of R500 per night, for a total of R1000 for the weekend. Accommodation will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with those who book earliest able to secure their preferred option.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to engage with a profound and compassionate aspect of Tibetan Buddhism, cultivating courage, clarity, and heart-centered wisdom in a supportive and reflective retreat environment.
Costs:
The cost is R1000 for the weekend – includes accommodation and meals from Friday supper to lunch on Sunday, but excludes staff tips.
Booking:
To book, please click here for our user-friendly booking form.
A 50% deposit will secure your place. Here are the banking details.

Meditation Retreat with Dónal Creedon
2026-11-14 18:00 - 2026-12-12 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
We are delighted to share that Donal Creedom will once again be offering a month-long Buddhist meditation retreat at Tara Rokpa Centre.
The provisional dates are 14 November to 12 December. Further details about the retreat theme and booking information to follow.
Retreat Participation Guidelines
This Buddhist meditation retreat is particularly suitable for those with some prior knowledge and experience of meditation. However, everyone is welcome, provided they are willing to fully engage with the spirit and structure of the retreat.
We ask that each participant come with a sincere commitment to the programme, and a willingness to set aside personal demands and agendas for the duration of the retreat. This commitment is essential for maintaining the supportive and focused environment necessary for deep practice.
Participation is based on ethical conduct grounded in the Buddhist precepts, and on mutual consideration and respect for others. If you feel unable to meet these conditions, we kindly request that you reconsider attending.
Thank you for your understanding and care in supporting a harmonious retreat space.
Retreat Attendance Options
Ideally, participants are encouraged to attend the full retreat to gain the greatest benefit. However, partial attendance is also welcome, with a minimum stay of one week. We appreciate your understanding, as set entry dates help maintain the integrity and flow of the retreat for everyone involved.
Provisional 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.
Provisional Costs
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

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.

End of Year Retreat
2026-12-16 18:00 - 2026-12-27 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Tara Rokpa Centre, Tara Rokpa Centre, Groot Marico District, North West Province, South Africa
End of Year Retreats with Anton Krueger and Dan Coughlan

meditation
breathwork
enquiry

Coming soon!
Provisional Dates:

First Serving: 16–21 December 2026
Second Offering: 22–27 December 2026
