We wish you a gentle and meaningful New Year. We welcomed 2026 at Emoyeni with a wonderful New Year retreat led by Mervyn, with shared practice, reflection … and thunderstorms! As the centre settles back into its familiar rhythm, we’re grateful for the community that continues to gather here – in person and in spirit.

We’re pleased to share these upcoming retreats and weekends at Emoyeni. The offerings below include a mix of facilitated retreats, Open Weekends and a Work Retreat.

Open Weekends  

Weekends of 9–11 &  23–25 January, 6–8 February

Standard Rate: R1 820 (shared ablutions) | R2 160 (en-suite)

Generous Rate: R2 420 (shared ablutions) | R2 760  (en-suite)

Open Weekends are self-directed retreats where you can use the time for quiet reflection and personal practice. Open Weekends start on Fridays, with a light supper at 18:30, and on Sundays, after lunch served at 12h30. Evening meditation runs from 19:30–20:30. Morning meditation begins at 07:00, with breakfast served in silence at 07:30. Lunch is served at 12:30. After breakfast, guests are invited (but not required) to contribute one hour of mindful work in the garden or kitchen. The rest of the day is free for personal practice, rest or walking in nature. The meditation hall is open day and night, and guests are welcome to use the library, walk the labyrinth or explore the surrounding Magaliesberg landscape.

Work Retreat

Weekend of 16–18 January 2026

MAREN BODENSTEIN

Work retreats offer a simple way to experience the balance between offering service and receiving support. During a work retreat, Emoyeni offers free board and lodging in exchange for 10 hours of service over the weekend. The work will include a mix of outdoor tasks and practical work around the centre, such as preparing and maintaining rooms for upcoming retreats. It’s also a good opportunity to be of service, to lend a hand and help build our community, supporting the ongoing life of Emoyeni’s retreats.

“Start where you are!” 

– A Pema Chödrön–inspired retreat

 MERVYN CROFT

Weekend of 30 January – 1 February 2026

Standard Rate: R2 280 (shared ablutions) | R2 740 (en-suite)
Generous Rate:  R2 820 (shared ablutions) | R3 380 (en-suite);

The New Year often arrives with pressure to resolve, improve or reinvent ourselves. This retreat offers a gentler alternative – starting exactly where you are. Over this weekend, Pema Chödrön’s work will inform guided meditations, mindful walks in nature and shared reflection – simple, grounded practices that will continue to support your daily life long after the retreat ends.

Finding meaning and purpose

KHENPO JAMYANG GOMPO 

Weekend of 13-15 February (2 days)

Standard Rate: R2 280 (shared ablutions) | R2 740 (en-suite)
Generous Rate:  R2 840 (shared ablutions) | R3 380  (en-suite)

We all wish to have happiness and to avoid the uncomfortable feelings that seem to dominate our daily life – feelings of dissatisfaction, unease and anxiety that keep us awake at night, our agitation with loved ones and our anger towards others. It is times like these that create uncertainty and a feeling of helplessness; we want to be happy, contented and have a sense of peace in our hearts. Khenpo will gently guide participants to a deeper understanding of how these emotions arise and how we can find a sense of meaning and purpose in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

25th Anniversary Fundraiser

We really need to upgrade our geysers systems in our two off-grid houses – Zinya and Aloe House. Our target is to raise R50,000. So far, R20,000 has been pledged – R30,000 to go!

The maintenance of our accommodation facilities is a central priority – and your help would be highly valued. Any financial contributions, however small, would be much appreciated. If you are able to support us financially in this way, please deposit your contribution directly into our bank account. The details appear below, including ‘Our reference’ so we can identify the contribution.

Account Name: Emoyeni Retreat Centre
Account Number: 033-215-103
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Rustenburg
Branch Number: 052646
Our reference: Fundraiser25

We thank you wholeheartedly for your support – and we very much appreciate the contributions we have already received.

Looking forward to seeing you soon at Emoyeni,
The Emoyeni Team