ON-SITE: Buddhism and the 12 Steps

Kevin Griffin

September 1 - 6, 2021

Address: 1661 W Rd, Hot Springs, NC, USA

# Nights: 5

Experience Level / Format: Special Requirement, see description. All levels of practice welcome. / On-site

  • Bed in Lodge (shared accommodations) – $500.00
  • Single Heated Cabin (Kuti) – $500.00
  • Tent Platform – $375.00

Join us for a unique meditation retreat combining traditional Buddhist practices with Twelve Step work. Primarily conducted in silence, the retreat focuses on insight/mindfulness meditation, with additional interactive exercises, lecture, and meetings exploring ways that Buddhism and the Steps can complement each other. The emphasis will be on bringing mindfulness to all our activities, whether in formal meditation, movement, speaking, listening, or eating.

Participants will practice Noble Silence outside of the interactive exercises and 12-Step-style meetings. All recovery paths are welcome, whether Twelve Step, Refuge Recovery, substance, process, or relationship-oriented. The intensive nature of the retreat allows for profound personal openings, insight, and transformation. The support of the community carries us through the sometimes challenging, sometimes inspiring elements of this deep inner work. A minimum of 30 days clean and sober is required for attendance.

Kevin Griffin will be assisted by Greg Pergament.

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 on 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.

About the Teacher

Kevin Griffin

Kevin Griffin (he/him) is a Buddhist teacher and author and recovering addict/alcoholic. He is best known for his ground-breaking work bringing together the Dharma with issues of recovery and the Twelve Steps. A Buddhist practitioner for 35 years and sober for over 30, he brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to his teaching and […]

Learn more about Kevin Griffin

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