The Dharma of Harriet Tubman: Liberation as a Path to Awakening
Spring Washam
September 16 - 21, 2025
In a world that feels increasingly heavy with fear, division, and uncertainty weighing on our hearts—it is more important than ever to remember the deeper truth: liberation is not just resistance, it is a frequency, a state of being, and a path we must walk together. Harriet Tubman was more than a historical figure; she was a spiritual master, a bodhisattva, and a being of higher consciousness. Her life was a profound embodiment of the Buddha’s teachings, a path of courage, wisdom, and compassionate action. She moved beyond the limits of fear, time, and space, guided by divine wisdom and an unshakable commitment to freedom.
In this five-night retreat, we will explore:
- The 5D Dharma of Harriet Tubman – How she embodied the awakened mind, moving between seen and unseen worlds
- The Four Immeasurables – Cultivating love, compassion, joy, and equanimity as a foundation for liberation
- Meditation & Insight Practices – Deepening mindfulness and inner freedom through stillness and awareness
- Liberation Through Action – What it means to walk the path of the bodhisattva in a world of injustice
- Sacred Storytelling & Reflection – Drawing on ancestral wisdom to understand our own path to freedom
Harriet Tubman’s life is a powerful teaching on fearlessness, interconnection, and the ultimate freedom that transcends suffering. Her legacy calls us to awaken to break free from both external oppression and the inner chains of doubt, fear, and conditioning.This retreat is a space of deep rest, remembering, and reconnection. It is a time to honor the ancestors, align with the truth of our being, and step into the power of collective liberation.
We will not be requiring or administering Covid-19 tests in 2025, but please bring mindfulness to your activity in the days leading up to the retreat out of consideration for our staff, teachers and participants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially if a participant is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher risk situations and making use of masks whenever possible will minimize the likelihood of transmitting viruses to others while on site. We strongly encourage folks to stay home if they are symptomatic of any communicable illness.
First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5pm ET on the first day of retreat. Check-in begins at 3pm. Returning yogis can check-in between 3 and 6pm.
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.
All registrations are subject to our new 2025 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.
For our 2025 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:
- Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
- Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
- Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
- Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)
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 offers 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.
In 2025, the Hemera Foundation will not be offering fellowships in the same manner as pervious years, there will be no application or approval process. Southern Dharma is deeply grateful for Hemera Foundation’s continued support of the center’s ability to provide scholarships through their generous grant. Yogis who have utilized Hemera Foundation Fellowships in the past are welcome to utilize any of the in-house scholarship options.
Teacher
Spring Washam (she/her) is a Dharma teacher, author, and visionary…
Learn more about Spring Washam