ON SITE: The Essential and Practical Practice of Emptiness

Buddha’s teachings on emptiness are often perceived as esoteric and distant from the realities of daily life. But there’s much more to this foundational teaching and how it can serve you in your life. This retreat is designed to help you explore the essential and accessible teachings on emptiness and experience directly how they  benefit your life on the cushion and off. As we access emptiness, it reveals itself as the very nature of freedom from suffering. This insight enables us to release rigid identification with self and conditioned patterns and appreciate more deeply our own interconnected, boundless nature.

“Because of emptiness, all things are possible.” – Nagarjuna

This retreat includes periods of sitting and walking meditation, instructions, dharma talks and small group or private meetings with the Lisa, assisted by Gareth Young. It is suitable for all levels of experience. Each participant will have the opportunity to attend a small group or private meeting with the teacher on Friday and Saturday.

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 in keeping with CDC recommendations. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request.

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

Check-In 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated; email registrar@southerndharma.org to request
Optional SDRC Grounds Tour with Staff 4:30-5:30pm
Dinner with Mandatory Orientation for all retreatants 6pm

Departures will take place by 2:00pm on last day of retreat

For our 2021 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.

Registration fees do not include dana for the teacher. 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 four housing options: 1) Bed in Lodge in a shared double room, 2) Bed in Lodge in dorm with privacy partitions, 3) Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom), 4) 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 or prefer being housed with others of the same gender.

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 scholarship during the registration process. More information available here.

This program is also eligible for Hemera Contemplative Fellowships! Apply here before registering.