Retreats at Dharmagiri
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it / www.dharmagiri.org
+ 27 (0) 33 7011138 NPO 028 378 / PBO 18/11/13/1926

Dharmagiri Ethos
Dharmagiri is a small hermitage nestled in the Southern Drakensberg Mountains, about 20 k’s from the village of Underberg in KwaZulu Natal which can accommodate approx 10 retreatants alongside 3 – 4 resident community. Dharmagiri was founded in 2000 by Kittisaro and Thanissara who spent 15 and 12 years respectively as monastics in the Forest School of Ajahn Chah. Dharmagiri has a monastic ethos and is particularly suitable for experienced practitioners. However we also warmly welcome those who are new to Dharma practice who may wish to join in on meditation days and weekend retreats which offer an introduction to core Dharma principles and meditation practices.

Principle of Dana
Dharmagiri is entirely run on a principle of Dana following the ancient practice of the Buddhist lineage where teachings are offered freely. It also follows the guidelines of the Forest monasteries which make no charge of those who visit and stay. Dana means ‘generosity’ or ‘free will offering’. Those who stay at Dharmagiri do so through the generosity of others, and likewise the gifts of retreatants make it possible for future practitioners to benefit from their time at Dharmagiri. For further information on Dana, contact the office.

Precepts
Those who stay at Dharmagiri are requested to observe the 5 precepts:
1. To abstain from the taking of life
2. To abstain from taking what is not given
3. To abstain from sexual misconduct and misuse of the senses (which includes the observation of celibacy at Dharmagiri)
4. To refrain from false, divisive, harsh and meaningless speech
5. To refrain from intoxication which leads to carelessness

Daily Schedule (outside of formal retreat time)
5.30 – 6.30 am - Meditation
6.30 – 7.00 - Puja (recitation of Pali text and mantras)
7.30 – Breakfast
8.15 – Work Meeting & work period
12.30 – Lunch
4.00 – Taped Dharma talk (on request)
5.30 – Supper
6.30 – 7.30 – Evening Meditation

Daily Work Contribution
At Dharmagiri there are no domestic or garden staff; all practicalities that ensure smooth running of the daily routine are undertaken by those who are resident, including those on self retreat. This usually amounts to offering a few hours work a day in the gardens, kitchen or in maintenance.
Food & Beverages
Dharmagiri provides three simple lacto-vegetarian meals per day. If you have any special dietary needs, kindly bring these items with you. There is a drinks counter which retreatants are welcome to access throughout the day and evening. Any speciality teas and beverages need to be provided by retreatants themselves.

Staying at Dharmagiri on a Self Retreat
We accept experienced practitioners of all contemplative traditions who wish to do a self retreat at Dharmagiri. Before accepting long term retreatants who have never practised at Dharmagiri or with Kittisaro and Thanissara, we prefer a ‘try out’ period. Please apply to the office for further guidelines regards your stay.

We require that self retreatants join in the morning meditation and daily Puja and contribute to the daily work. Other than that self retreatants are free to schedule their own day and are welcome to use the library, taped Dharma talks and join in the evening meditation. Self retreatants are also welcome to use the upper shrine for their daily meditation practice.
When Kittisaro and Thanissara are in residence they are available to offer some guidance and support to self retreatants.

Joining in a Guided Retreat
To join in a guided retreat, please contact the office. Longer retreats are usually suitable for more experienced practitioners. For beginners we recommend starting with a weekend. Formal retreat times at Dharmagiri are held in contemplative silence which we ask retreatants to agree to and respect. During each retreat there are times for communal check ins & discussion. Retreat leaders are available for consultation.

What to bring
The weather patterns here are varied and dramatic. Summer is wet and cool with very hot days now and then and the winter is normally dry but cold and icy. In summer, bring a raincoat and umbrella - gumboots are handy too - and clothes for very hot and cold days. In winter bring winter-woolies, shawls and thermo jackets. The evenings are mostly cool, so a small blanket or shawl for meditation all year round will also come in handy.
With the Mountain at our backdoor, you will definitely need a pair of walking/hiking shoes for some walking. Slip-on and -off sandals or shoes are useful for movement between your room, lounge and dining room.
If you need a special cushion etc. for meditation then please bring it along but we have meditation mats, cushions, benches and chairs in the meditation hall and shrine.
We also provide bedding and towels but do bring the following:

Sunblock, sunglasses and hat
Personal toiletries, tissues
Paper and pen if you wish to take notes
A flask if you wish to take hot water to your room at night.
A torch will come in handy
A water bottle for a hike up the mountain
Any personal medicine etc
A small knee blanket for meditation

To get to Dharmagiri:
Underberg Express: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Tel + 27 (0) 33 7021746
Leaves: Cost
Durban Airport: 13.00 R220
Durban Central: 13.30 R200
Pietermaritzburg Central: 15:00 R130
Midlands Mall (PMB): 15:15 R120
Departs:
Underberg; 08h00
Arrives Durban Airport: 12h30 R220

When booking a flight, please ensure that you arrive at Durban Airport in time to catch the Underberg Express at 13h00. Please arrange departure flights from 14h00 onwards as the bus only arrives at the airport at 12h30.

By car:
From Durban on N3: just before Howick turn left onto R617 Underberg
From Gauteng on N3 : just past Howick turn onto R617 Underberg
Proceed to Underberg
Drive through Underberg still on R617 direction Kokstad
4km outside Underberg, just before crossing a bridge turn right onto
Drakensberg Resort Road
From the turn-off it is 13.5km to Dharmagiri Gate on the Right Hand Side
Look out for “Mvuleni Farm” sign 300m before DG entrance


For those needing to overnight in Durban:
The back packer/ B&B we recommend is:
Blue Sky Mining - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Tel + 27 (0)31 916 5394
R250 per night ensuite
R80+ Dorm
They will pick up from the airport for free and take to the airport for a R150 charge.

Office and further information:

Please note: Dharmagiri Office does not provide telephone or email facilities, they are available in the local town of Underberg.

Please contact JP in the Dharmagiri Office – This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it – 033 7011138

Thank you for your interest.