During a challenging period of gun violence, political strife and climate change, the dharma teachings and our meditation practices are as vital as ever. Using the practices of Insight Meditation and Pure Awareness we will awaken to our true nature and lovingly hold the space for our ever changing and evolving world.

There will be instruction in cultivating moment-to-moment mindfulness in sitting, standing and walking meditation throughout the day. This continuity of attention allows us to see clearly conditioned patterns of thought, feeling and emotion in such a way that it opens up moments of choice as to how we want to relate to what we are experiencing. This combination of clear seeing (Vipassana) and spaciousness (Pure Awareness) becomes one practice that enables us to find freedom from suffering and an ever deepening compassion for ourselves and all beings.

Within the framework of noble silence: guided heart centered meditations, chanting from various spiritual traditions, optional yoga/movement, small group meetings to discuss what we are experiencing and individual meetings as needed are included in our week together.

We request that everyone who attends already have completed either two teacher led silent weekend meditation retreats or a five day or longer teacher led retreat. If you have any question as to the appropriateness of this retreat for you, contact Southern Dharma.

Join us for our annual New Year’s Retreat as we welcome in 2023 in silence, community and peace.

Until further notice, registration for our residential programs is restricted to individuals who have or will receive their final Covid-19 vaccination at least two weeks before their arrival on site. We will be restricting total retreat capacity to allow for comfortable, unmasked participation, as well as the option of outdoor dining. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request. We also require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!

Check-in from 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated – email [email protected] to request.

Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the last day of retreat. Please make sure that you can attend the full program before registering.

For our 2022 retreats, three fee tiers are offered. Please choose the option that best fits your ability to give in this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Your confirmation email is your receipt for tax purposes.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students. Similarly, Southern Dharma keeps registration fees low to ensure the Dharma is accessible to all. Fees cover only a fraction of Southern Dharma’s operating expenses. We appreciate your practice of generosity to continue the dissemination of the Dharma.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:

1. Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
2. Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
3. Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
4. Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
5. Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
6. Basic Tent Platform

Please use the appropriate field in the registration process to let us know your preferences in regards to housing, if any, and also specify if you insist on or prefer being housed with others of the same gender. All housing options are priced the same except for the Basic Tent Platform.

Southern Dharma is now offering 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and Young Adults in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a Southern Dharma in-house scholarship during the registration process.

This program is also eligible for Hemera Contemplative Fellowships. Please note that you must apply for the Fellowship prior to registering for any program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.