Settling, Seeing, and Spacious Awareness: A Retreat for Experienced Students

In the context of a small retreat, we will train in three inter-related modes of practice. First, we will settle and stabilize our minds and bodies, through dedicated concentration practice, in both sitting and moving forms of meditation. As we settle, we then become better able to examine closely both our experiences of our bodies, thoughts, and emotions, and the general patterns of experience. We see more clearly when we are reactive, when we suffer, when there is a thick sense of self, and we learn to be more with the impermanent flow of experience. We can also thirdly tune in more, as we settle and see, to an increasingly unconfined and luminous awareness beyond reactivity, that is a source of freedom, wisdom, and compassion, both in retreat practice and daily life.

There will be both group and one-on-one meetings with the teacher and there will also be a session of Qigong.

Prerequisite: Completion of at least two 5-night or longer silent Insight Meditation retreats or permission of the teacher.

Note: If you choose to register for the self-guided retreat supported by Donald Rothberg taking place September 21-24, you can request to stay at the retreat center and volunteer (4 hours/day) between the two programs. Staff will not be observing noble silence during that time, but group practice periods will continue each day. You will have access to the kitchen to prepare your own meals during this time. If you are interested in this option, please email registrar@southerndharma.org prior to registering for both programs to make sure we still have volunteer spaces available.

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.