Gathering The Power To Be Open In This World Of Pain And Delight (Men's)

the path is whatever passes – no
end in itself.

the end is,
grace – ease –

healing,
not saving.

– Gary Snyder

A monk went to see a master named Fayan and said, “My name is Huichao. I ask you, Master, what is Buddha?” Who knows what answer Huichao might have expected, but Fayan’s answer was so simple: “You are, Huichao. You are what you seek, Huichao. You cannot go around yourself, only in and in. And in that process, you may find that your nature is buddha-nature, and you’ll be home.”

As we do the work, we open ourselves to all experience, be it an itch, a sweet breeze – or deep grief, or shame or lust or boredom – you name it. Can you simply let it be without identifying with it or pushing it away? Be so with it that resistance disappears and this moment of experience is your life? If this becomes possible, vulnerability may be our challenge – but is also the doorway to the living truth of our love.

In the flow of this men’s retreat, we will have periods of silent meditation with instructions offered, as well as a daily Dharma talk. We will do some direct meditative work with grounding and power each evening, followed by a guided compassion meditation in which we are invited to open our hearts to the energies of suffering and beauty in this world. And while the retreat will be largely in silence, we will have times for structured discussions and explorations. All self-identified men are welcome, no prior meditation experience is required.

We no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations to attend our programs, but do still require testing. We 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!

NEW IN 2024: 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 2024 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.

For our 2024 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 (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.

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.