RETREAT: From Emptiness to Wholeness

This 5-night retreat will be held in a contained and nurturing atmosphere of contemplative silence, and will explore the concepts of emptiness and not-self, which reveal the profoundly paradoxical nature of the Buddhist path of healing and transformation. Drawing on an understanding of the transient and insubstantial nature of our sensory experience, we will learn how to transform our addictive, limited notions of ourselves to experience greater wholeness and inner freedom.

Through embodied meditation practices which enable us to cultivate a calm and compassionate heart and mind, we will move beyond the fears which we usually associate with emptiness, to discover a peaceful abiding that arises when we embrace our experience in the silence with compassion, understanding and wisdom. The teachings of Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who Listens at Ease to the Cries of the World and represents the archetypal good-enough mother, will support our process of healing and transformation.

To enhance the integration of body, heart and mind, I will offer daily sessions of qigong movement meditation as well as short, individual sessions throughout this retreat. There will also be time for silent walks in the beautiful Mvoleni mountain range of the Southern Drakensberg, as well as for restorative rest, and delicious vegetarian and vegan food will be savoured in silence.

CPD accreditation: 42 General and 2 Ethics CEUs have been granted.

For bookings: Please contact Marlene at office@dharmagiri.org or (084) 7990393

This 5-night retreat directly follows a 4-night retreat at the Buddhist Retreat Centre (an hour away), from 22^nd-26^th September, creating a 9-day retreat, and although it can be attended separately, the intention is to offer an opportunity to deepen your practice and understanding through a longer retreat experience. Transport from the BRC to Dharmagiri on the 26^th Sept can be booked through janedharmagiri@gmail.com at a cost of approximately R250, depending on numbers. 

CPD accreditation for the full 9 days for health, mental health and allied health professionals: 66 points: 54 general and 12 ethics have been applied for.