The Dharma of Autumn Awakening

Autumn represents a season of abundance and richness, when the labor of summer has offered a harvest that is collected and stored for the journey into the winter months. And though there is still profound richness, we are living through an apocalypse struggling to learn lessons through a pervasive pandemic, economic instability, political unrest, climate change, and various forms of systematic violence. As a result, both our individual and collective grief and trauma seems overwhelming blocking us from connecting to the richness of the autumn.

Join Lama Rod in this retreat as we engage in contemporary tantric practice that incorporates profound and accessible teachings appropriate for all levels of practice that will help guide us through the grief and trauma to touch the power and vitality of autumn and the natural world. Together we will be exploring tantric deities like Medicine Buddha and Tara along with love and compassion practices, earth-based practices, dialogues, discussions, and laughter while being inspired by teachings from Lama Rod’s latest book Love and Rage and his upcoming book New Saints.

Prerequisite: Prior multi-day residential meditation retreat of any length.

In support of this year’s experience, we are prioritizing participation from the LGBTQIA+/trans and BIPOC communities. We will work to ensure that participants are not turned away on financial grounds and will operate an open application process.

A third of the spaces plus any remaining spaces from the application process will also be made available first come, first served to practitioners meeting the prerequisite on September 1st at 2pm ET.

Lama Rod will be assisted by Karen Ziegler.

Answers to many basic questions about our residential retreats can be found on the Planning Your Visit page.

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. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request. We also 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 2022 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.