InterBeing: Buddhist Insight and Contemporary Jewish Mysticism

Using the vehicle of Noble Silence and a variety of Jewish and Buddhist meditation approaches, this retreat will help us look deeply into our own lives, the nature of the human experience, and what we are called to do as actors in the unfolding of existence on this planet. No prior background in Jewish or Buddhist practice is necessary, and all teachings will be accessible regardless of spiritual or
religious identification.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a great teacher of Buddhism for our age, coined the verb “to inter-be” as a way of understanding the empty nature of the concept of a separate self or annatta, in the Buddhist framework. All beings “inter-are” and all separateness is ultimately an illusion. This way of understanding reality fits nicely with contemporary Jewish mysticism.  “Mysticism” in this context refers to a direct experience of the Divine where the Divine can be understood as “Interbeing Blossoming “or “Everything is God and Nothing but God,” in the words of the Baal Shem Tov. In these teachings, an awareness of reality as an experience of interbeing can support a direct realization (albeit temporarily) of “no separate self”.

The retreat includes basic meditation instruction and practice time in a variety of contemplative techniques that aim to cultivate clear seeing and the opening of the heart of compassion. Buddhist and Jewish perspectives on these practices will elucidate how to integrate the wisdom of the Dharma with the foundational Judeo-Christian teachings familiar to many practitioners. This will include a transformed understanding of theology that is consistent with radical non-dualism.

In addition to daily periods of silent meditation, the retreat will include contemplative chant using Jewish liturgical mantras. Many practitioners find that the chanting practice enhances their ability to stay present and open-hearted within the silence of a meditation retreat. There will also be times for questions and answers, as well as small group and private interviews with Rabbi Roth. The
retreat will include a contemplative celebration of Shabbat (the Sabbath), the Jewish vehicle for a weekly day of contemplation.

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!

Check-in from 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated – email registrar@southerndharma.org 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 2023 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.