The fundamental spirit at Dharmagiri is one of offering.
We are not providers of a service. We are collaborators in the transformation of the heart, mind and society in order to bring about a greater well being for the whole.
Ethical Guidelines
We ask guests to abide by the 5 Buddhist precepts:
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To maintain care and respect for all sentient beings - to refrain from harming and the taking of life.
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To practice generousity - to refrain from taking what is not offered.
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To cultivate love and respect in relationships - to refrain from misuse of the senses & sexuality.
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To practice speech that promotes truth and clarity - to refrain from false, harmful, deceptive and harsh speech.
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To cultivate a clear mind and respect the instrument of awakening which is consciousness - to refrain from intoxicating drugs & alcohol.
What to Bring
The weather patterns at Dharmagiri are varied and dramatic. Summer is the rainy season with both hot and cool days and the winter is dry, sunny in the day but cold when the sun sets. In summer bring a light raincoat and umbrella and clothes for very hot and cold days. In winter bring winter woolies, warm hat and thermo jackets. A shawl for meditation all year round will also come in handy.
There are meditation and yoga mats, cushions, benches and chairs in the meditation hall but if you need a special cushion for meditation, please bring it along.
A pair of walking shoes or hiking boots
Slip-on and -off sandals or shoes are useful for movement between your rooms.
Loose and comfortable clothing
Sunblock, sunglasses and hat
Personal toiletries and tissues
Paper and pen if you wish to take notes
A small flask if you wish to take hot water to your room at night
A torch/flash light & umbrella
A water bottle
Personal medicines and vitamins
A small blanket or shawl for meditation
Specialist teas and supplements if needed
We provides all beddings, linen and towels. We have hot water bottles and electric blankets for cold nights.
Daily work contribution
In the spirit of ubuntu we kindly ask retreat participants to assist with a few simple chores and to help keep communal areas tidy. This contribution usually requires about 30 to 40 minutes of ones time daily.
By working together to maintain the shared spaces, you actively participate in the collective well-being of the retreat. This shared responsibility strengthens the bonds between participants, creating a deeper sense of connection and belonging.
Your participation helps create a harmonious environment where everyone can benefit from the retreat experience, knowing that they have played a part in sustaining the space for themselves and others. Many people find that contributing in this way enhances their retreat experience, as it supports the cultivation of mindfulness and reinforces the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that is central to our community.