
RETREAT: Embracing Spring with Metta on the Sacred Mountain
20 September, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 27 September, 2025 @ 7:30 am UTC+2

This week-long Spring retreat at Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat Centre is held in containing, nourishing Noble silence at the foot of the beautiful Mvuleni Bamboo Mountain in the Southern Drakensberg.
Inspired by the wisdom teachings of the Dharma and of Buddhist and western psychology, we will cultivate mindfulness and compassion practices which calm the nervous system and help integrate body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen deeply and bravely with kindness and self-compassion, we will find solace in silence with a like-minded sangha (community) - a unique, silent retreat experience of being "alone together."
We will deepen the process of embracing the season of new beginnings and blossoming through an exploration of the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity). These immeasurable qualities of heart and mind deepen our connection to our embodied, heartfelt presence, strengthening our trust and inner wisdom, so that we can embody and express our authentic selves with greater confidence, clarity and appreciative joy. As we free ourselves from the curse of perfectionism, we strengthen our capacity for more open-hearted relationships with healthier, compassionate boundaries.
This silent retreat includes teachings, silent and guided meditations, daily qigong, poetry, time to walk, rest and replenish, as well as short, individual sessions with Sue to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement offered as optional extras (cost to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.
A 30-40 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is recommended for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. The fee for this will be the 30-40 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals has been confirmed, with an annual admin fee of R375.
Bookings: admin@stillmindretreats.com
TOTAL COST: Venue cost (Food and Accommodation) plus Teacher’s Fee on a sliding scale.
VENUE COSTS: Accommodation & Food:
On-Site:
6 x Single Monastic style en-suite rooms with mountain views:
R8550 booked as a single
1 x Twin room with shared bathroom:
R8025 booked as a single; R7675 per person shared
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Mvuleni Farm: (Adjoining farm 3-5 mins walk - "almost on-site!")
1 x Cottage Double bed with en-suite bathroom:
R8550 booked as a single; R8200 per person shared
1 x Double bed en-suite (bath & shower):
R8550 booked as a single
1 x Double bed with shared bathroom (bath & shower)
R8200 booked as a single
1 x Twin with shared bathroom (bath & shower):
R8025 booked as a single; R7675 per person shared
1 x Dorm en-suite 2-3 bedded sharing:
R8025 booked as a single; R7675 per person shared
Teacher’s Fee:
R8000/R7500/R7000/R6500/R6000/R5500 with reductions and payment plans on request
This retreat is offered on a donation-based sliding scale. Whilst the full and higher fees are greatly appreciated, the reductions and a payment plan allows this event to be more accessible.
A deposit of R3500 - R5000 (R3500 of which is non-refundable) confirms your place, but please email your booking to admin@stillmindretreats.com too, otherwise we cannot allocate this payment!. Payment is suggested in installments with full balance paid by 5 September, unless you have a pre-arranged payment plan with Sue.
In the spirit of dana, which is a practice of generosity, we will offer a donation with appreciation to the resident staff and the centre.
Optional Extras:
Massages by Nolwazi Bandezi: https://www.nenoskincare.co.za/
Full body Massage or 1 hr head and reflexology combo :
Costs TBC
Shuttle costs: King Shaka Airport, Durban to Dharmagiri
TBC
Please note, flights to King Shaka must arrive before 11am on 20 Sept and depart after 12pm on 27 Sept 2025.
Account Name: Stillmind Retreats
Bank: First National Bank
Account Number: 63069443760
Branch Code: 210835
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: Your name & DG
Please email proof of payment as well as confirmation of your booking including your contact number to admin@stillmindretreats.com.
Although individual circumstances will be taken into account the following applies to all bookings.
Please note that the refunded amount/percentage is calculated on the full retreat fee.
4 – 6 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event, your place is not filled there will be a refund less 50%.
2 - 4 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event, your place is not filled, a refund less 75%.
2 weeks or less prior to the retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit.
If your place is not filled, then no refund is possible, but individual circumstances will be taken into account.
Details
- Start:
- 20 September, 2025 @ 6:00 pm UTC+2
- End:
- 27 September, 2025 @ 7:30 am UTC+2
- Event Category:
- Residential Retreats
Venue
- Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat
- near Underberg, Southern Drakensberg KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
- View Venue Website