Making Peace with Your Ego: Finding Freedom Through Letting Go

Lisa Ernst

July 26 - 30, 2023

SLIDING SCALE: $212.50 - $745

Please keep in mind that program fees do not include compensation for the teacher(s). You will be invited to offer donations to both the teacher(s) and the Center at the end of the retreat.

# NIGHTS: 4

Experience Level / Format: All levels / In Person

  • Bed in Lodge (shared accommodations) – $525.00
  • Furnished Canvas Tent – $525.00
  • Single Heated Cabin (Kuti) – $525.00
  • Single Unheated Cabin (Kuti) – $525.00
  • Tent Platform – $425.00

“Live in the nowhere you come from even though you have got an address here.” –Rumi

During this retreat, we will explore the nature of our identity and sense of self we use to live in the world, as well as the wise space of heart and mind that lets go. As we practice meeting all of the activity of self with mindfulness, steadiness, and kindness, our insight and compassion grow. The more we make peace with our ego, the more we dwell in our own boundless, empty nature. These practices also empower and support us in our challenging everyday lives. 

This silent retreat will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, daily instructions, dharma talks, q&a and meetings with the teacher. All experience levels welcome.


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.

About the Teacher

Lisa Ernst

Lisa Ernst (she/her) is a meditation teacher, artist and founder of One Dharma Nashville. In her teaching, Lisa emphasizes both transformational insight and everyday awakening as an invitation to embrace all of the path’s possibilities. Lisa has been meditating for nearly 30 years in the Zen and Vipassana traditions. She received dharma teaching authorization in […]

Learn more about Lisa Ernst

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