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:

  • To refrain from harming and the taking of life – to maintain respect for life.

  • To refrain from taking what is not offered – to practice generosity.

  • To refrain from misuse of the senses & sexuality – to practice renunciation.

  • To refrain from harmful, deceptive and harsh speech – to practice speech that promotes truth, accord and clarity.

  • To refrain from intoxicating drugs & alcohol – to respect the instrument of awakening which is consciousness

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.

Dharmagiri provides three simple vegan / vegetarian meals per day. If you have any special dietary additions, please let us know. If your dietary needs are highly specialised, please kindly bring food items needed to supplement your diet. There’s a drinks counter and biscuit tin which retreatants are welcome to access throughout the day and evening.