Upcoming Retreats

R1125 to R1350
“What is very unfortunate in our busy, stressful lives is that human beings are becoming more and more like machines, and in the process are also losing a sense of the importance of feelings. So when human beings don’t experience feelings then they cannot feel love for themselves, they cannot feel love for others, they cannot feel warmth for themselves or for others.”  Godwin Samararatne
On this three-day retreat we will be exploring and combining two of the central aspects of the Buddhist path – the practice of meditation and the practice of metta or lovingkindness. With meditation we turn our awareness inwards and make contact with the turbulence that is so often present in our mind and our body. As our mind begins to relax and to soften it allows us to make contact with the inner feelings of calmness and peacefulness that are so easily lost in living a hectic and stressful lifestyle. From this base of calmness and feeling centred, the practice of lovingkindness and compassion begins to flow. We learn to be friendly with ourselves, with our fears and insecurities, our personal frailties and demons. Once we feel grounded with this warm connection with ourselves, we can begin to extend our practice and open our hearts to others.  
The retreat will be conducted in silence, with the exception of the discussion sessions and will include meditation practice, talks and walks.
MERVYN CROFT has been engaged in Buddhism for over 30 years, including a period of 13 years as a member of the resident community at the Buddhist Retreat Centre, Ixopo. He has participated in retreats in the Theravada, Zen and Tibetan traditions and for many years was a student of Godwin Samararatne from Sri Lanka. In 2000 he co-founded the Emoyeni Retreat Centre where he lives and teaches.

R750 - R900
This retreat uses writing, drawing, tai chi and meditation to explore our inherent creativity. We will look at "writer's block", writing from the moment, storylines and making writing part of one’s reflective practice. We will begin to explore our stories, our voices and the way we relate to the world around us. Writers, wanna-be-writers, secret yearners and the curious are all welcome.
Invitation: To build on the creative space fostered during the retreat, you are invited to add an additional 3 days to your stay at Emoyeni for some uninterrupted writing. (R350 / day)

MAREN BODENSTEIN has written stories for children, adults and radio. Her story ‘Love Song to the Rocks’ was broadcast on BBC 4 two years ago. She has completed a novel under the mentorship of the British Council Crossing Borders programme and has held writing workshops in many contexts. She makes a living by writing and mentoring writing skills for various organisations. Her books on HIV and AIDS for teachers have been translated into French, Portuguese and Swahili. She lives at Emoyeni in a stone house.

R830- R980
Coping with the pace and pressure of modern living requires us to change rhythm, to slow down, to value subtlety and calm - and the ancient path of hatha yoga still offers a powerful means to do this. Combining breathing, stretching and relaxation with mental focus can release tension and transform body biochemistry - and bring us into the here and now with benefits that ripple through mind, body and spirit. This retreat is suitable for yoga beginners and blends gentle practice with meditation and opportunities to discuss and reflect on the mind-body connection. Bring loose comfortable clothes - and a yoga mat if you have one.
TRACY COLLYER teaches a form of Integral Yoga and obtained her teachers cert. with Monica Fairall at the IYI ashram in India. After years of dancing, teaching and choreography Tracy went into the corporate world to follow the illusive pull of “success and survival”. All changed when a minor surgery turned to near death, and a slow recovery allowed time for self reflection. The business was sold a few years later. She now teaches yoga from a studio in Glenashley, Durban where she lives with her family.

R340 - R450 per day
The Retreat Centre is available for you to spend some quiet time in the beautiful bushveld/mountain environment of Emoyeni. On these individual retreats you may structure the day according to your own needs, taking time to relax, meditate, read or walk up the slopes of the Magaliesberg. You are welcome to join in our early morning and evening meditation sessions and to make use of our well stocked library. Should you wish to receive instruction on meditation, or discuss the Buddhist teachings, or structure your retreat in a more formal way, one of the residents will be available to assist you. You could choose to come for a few days or might like to undertake a longer retreat of a week or a month or longer.