Thai Forest Lineage Retreat

There have been many Eastern teachers responsible for helping to bring the Dharma to the West. One of those is the Thai Buddhist master, Ajahn Chah, who lived in the 20th century and had a great influence on a whole generation of US-born teachers and practitioners. Ajahn Chah practiced and taught in the Thai forest tradition and his teaching is known for its simplicity, clarity and directness, which encourages us to look at our minds and see what it is that is causing suffering. Like the Buddha himself, Ajahn Chah’s life and teaching is an invitation for all of us to find the end of suffering and peace.

During this retreat we will contemplate some of his most significant teachings, emphasizing skillful living and the cultivation of tranquility and insight. Instruction in sitting and walking meditation for all levels of practice, as well as, chanting, Dharma talks and small group meetings to discuss your practice will be included in the retreat. Individual meetings with the teacher will be available on an as needed basis.

This retreat will be conducted in Noble Silence. Certain additional optional practices will also be offered, including the possibility of taking the Eight Precepts and not taking any solid food following the main noon day meal, as was the practice of the monastics in Ajahn Chah’s temple.

All are welcome to attend this retreat, regardless of prior experience with meditation and/or Buddhist teachings.

John Orr is a former Theravada monk who lived and learned with Ajahn Chah in his monastery in the Northeast of Thailand in the 1970’s. He regards Luang Por Chah, which means Venerable Father, as one of his most important teachers. It is with great joy that he shares the practical and down to earth teachings of this wise and compassionate human being.

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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.