August 28, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Start Time: 7:30 pm
Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch
Price range: R2,700 through R2,900
Residential Meditation Retreat Western Cape
Service and Devotion - The Path of the Heart
Discover on this meditation retreat in Western Cape how a life of service and devotion, and engaging in compassionate actions, is a path to attaining the highest spiritual goals and make our life profoundly meaningful.
Select an Option:
Description
How can life be more meaningful? Most people answer that question with two things: make money, and enjoy yourself. But if that worked, it would have worked by now. The money gets spent, the enjoyment wears off and that same question comes back - along with something else many of us miss in this modern world: real, meaningful connection with other people.
However, Buddha answered this question over two and a half thousand years ago, and his answer still applies today.
On this meditation retreat in the Western Cape 'Service and Devotion – The Path of the Heart' we will learn this answer for ourselves. Our guide is Gen Kelsang Namkhyen, Resident Teacher at Tushita KMC in Cape Town and a Buddhist monk for 27 years.
Together we will explore what happens when we stop chasing superficial pleasures and worldly goals, and instead pursue the highest purposes a human life can hold: attaining enlightenment and benefiting others.
What you will learn on this retreat:
- How to find meaning in the context of your own life
- How to strengthen your heart with strong faith and purpose
- How to become much more compassionate and empathetic towards others
- Actions we can do from our heart, out of love and respect for all living beings
- Practical prayer & meditation practises
The retreat is held at the Christian Brothers' Centre in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch - comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting, with three meals a day. The schedule leaves plenty of time between sessions to relax or explore the surroundings. Each session includes an explanation, preliminary prayers, and a meditation, with room for questions.
Retreat Schedule
Friday 19.30-20.45 | Introduction
Saturday
09.00-10.15 | Session 1
11.15-12.30 | Session 2
16.45-18.00 | Session 3
19.00-19.45 | Heart Jewel puja (optional)
Sunday
09.00-10.15 | Session 4
10.45-12.00 | Session 5
Breakfast starts at 7:30 on Saturday & Sunday
Retreat Venue
Retreat Teacher
Gen Kelsang Namkhyen
Gen Kelsang Namkyhen is the Resident Teacher of Tushita Kadampa Meditation Centre.
He ordained as a Buddhist monk in 1999 and taught extensively in the UK and The Netherlands before coming to South Africa in 2020.
Benefits of a Buddhist Meditation Retreat
"This immersive experience empowers us to carry the transformative benefits of meditation into our daily lives"
A Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Retreat offers profound opportunities for inner transformation and spiritual growth. During these retreats we immerse our self in a tranquil environment away from the distractions of daily life. This allows for a deepening of our meditation practice.
The retreats provide a perfect space to explore the potential of our mind, promote clarity and an insight into the nature of reality.
By engaging in meditation sessions we can purify our minds, reduce stress, and develop a more profound connection with our true nature. This immersive experience empowers us to carry the transformative benefits of meditation into our daily lives promoting harmony, inner strength along with a deeper understanding of our self and our world.
Venue and Accommodation
Nestled at the foot of the Stellenbosch mountains, this peaceful retreat centre offers a welcome escape from the pace of city life. Set in tranquil, beautiful surroundings, the centre accommodates day events as well as overnight retreats, with on-site accommodation available. Groups can self-cater using the fully equipped kitchens or arrange for catering to be provided. Simple, serene, and thoughtfully maintained, it’s a space that invites rest, reflection, and connection with nature.
FAQs
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes. No previous experience of meditation or Buddhism is required. The retreat includes practical teachings and guided meditations suitable for everyone.
Is this a silent retreat?
Only partly. We try to observe silence until lunchtime.
What are the prayers for?
The prayers we do during retreat serve various purposes. We can use them as a reminder of what minds to develop as a preparation for meditation. They also serve as a request to enlightened beings to bestow their blessings so that our spiritual practice will bear fruit, and finally they can express a wish or aspiration like ‘May everyone be happy’ or ‘May I attain enlightenment’.
What is Buddhist faith?
Buddhist faith is not blind faith. We are encouraged to study and contemplate Buddha’s teachings, and to put them into practice to gain our own experience of them. As our understanding and experience grows so will our faith in Buddha and his teachings. Ultimately all Buddha’s teachings can be verified through our own experience, including enlightenment.
What is meant by devotion?
Devotion in this context means deep faith in Buddha and his teachings and our own determination to practice the teachings in order to develop our mind for the benefit of ourself and others.
What is the food like at the retreat?
- All meals are vegetarian. Vegan food is available on request. If you have any special dietary needs, please email Kriss Barker
- Meals: dinner on Friday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sun
- You may bring snacks – shared kitchen space (with fridge) is available
Can I bring my pet to the retreat?
Yes, well behaved pets are welcome. When you book, please inform Kriss Barker if you are planning to bring your pet, as we will need to make sure that your cottage mates are comfortable sharing their space with your furry friend.
Is there WiFi and cell reception at the retreat centre?
Yes
What should I bring with me to the retreat?
- Your curiosity, and interest in learning more about Buddhist practice. A notebook and pen if you wish to take notes.
- Chairs are available in the meditation room, but if you prefer to sit on a cushion, bring it along! You might also want to bring a blanket or shawl, as if might be a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings in the meditation room.
- Any special snacks, or your favourite brand of coffee or tea (for those aficionados!)
- Comfy clothes
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