ON-SITE: Knowing, Emptiness & the Radiant Mind

Dr. Hun Lye

September 9 - 12, 2021

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

# Nights: 3

Experience Level / Format: All Levels / On-site

  • Bed in Lodge (shared accommodations) – $340.00
  • Furnished Canvas Tent – $340.00
  • Single Heated Cabin (Kuti) – $340.00
  • Tent Platform – $265.00

Although primarily grounded in the Tibetan tradition, Dr. Lye will draw from a broad range of Buddhist sources to help participants in this retreat develop an understanding and appreciation of the three qualities of knowing, emptiness and radiance. These qualities of our innermost minds turn up again and again in most Buddhist contemplative practices, whether originating from the lush jungles of Thailand, the meditation halls of China, or the snowy peaks of Tibet.

This retreat includes periods of teaching and silent contemplation interspersed with simple ritual—chants and opportunities for discussion. This retreat is appropriate for all levels of practice, including beginners.

Note: For those who participated in a similarly titled retreat with Dr. Lye in the past, new readings and contemplations will be offered this year to complement and further enhance your engagement with the topic.

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

Dr. Hun Lye

Dorjé Lopön Dr. Lye (he/him) grew up in a Buddhist home in Malaysia. From a young age, he studied and practiced Buddhism with teachers of various traditions. He met his first Tibetan teacher in the United States when he was an undergraduate student. After earning a doctorate degree in Buddhist Studies at University of Virginia […]

Learn more about Dr. Hun Lye

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