We Are One, We Are Whole

During this spring retreat, we will connect with the Dharma of our true nature amidst the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In realizing our true nature, we come to see that we are one, we are whole—beyond gender, age, division, or separation. Nothing is lacking; nothing is in excess. In this awakening, we open our hearts to embrace the Earth and all living beings with love, healing, and compassion.

To abide in our deep inner calm, we will observe Noble Silence while practicing many forms of meditation—sitting, movement, nature contemplation, journaling, lying-down relaxation, and more. The program is designed to develop equanimity, insight, and mindfulness —the Threefold Practice of Won Buddhism. Our meditation will flow between practice at rest and practice in motion. The mind-body relationship is integral to this experience, so we will include ample movement (stretching, tai-chi, qigong) and rest time to balance chi-energy.

This retreat will include group and individual teaching and sharing time. In harmony with the interconnectedness of all things, we will practice outdoors as weather permits and bathe in the vibrant energy of the mountains.

In Won Buddhism, our true nature is symbolized by the image of a circle: no beginning, no ending—true voidness, marvelous existence. Won Buddhism is a modern, inclusive form of Buddhism that originated in Korea in 1916. Its founder, Sotaesan, envisioned a path that emphasizes equality across all economic groups, races, and genders, as well as between ordained and lay practitioners. He taught that great enlightenment is attainable without withdrawing from everyday life, and that practicing Gratitude and the Threefold Study leads both to personal awakening and to transformation of the world.

The retreat will be co-led by Kathleen Herr. Kathleen will facilitate some small group and practice sessions.

Please sign up only if you are committed to participating throughout the entire retreat. There will begenerous personal time, but please be aware that your full participation in group activities is essential for our practice community. This retreat requires prior multi-day residential meditation experience or permission of the teacher. (Rev. WonGong’s email: WonTempleNC@gmail.com).

We will not be requiring or administering Covid-19 tests in 2026, but please bring mindfulness to your activity in the days leading up to the retreat out of consideration for our staff, teachers and participants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially if a participant is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher risk situations and making use of masks whenever possible will minimize the likelihood of transmitting viruses to others while on site. We strongly encourage folks to stay home if they are symptomatic of any communicable illness.

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 2026 cancellation policy. All retreatants must review and agree to this policy upon registration.

For our 2026 retreats, all pricing is based on lodging. 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. We appreciate your generosity and support in building a community of practitioners committed to the Dharma. 

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are now currently offering five 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)
4. Canvas Tent (furnished, single)
5. Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)

*Please note: Southern Dharma is no longer able to offer Heated Kutis. All Kutis are Unheated with no electricity. 

Southern Dharma offers scholarship awards based on need at 25 or 50% discounts for lodge-based room assignments. Selecting a scholarship option affords you a high probability of being assigned to shared housing options. 

Please use the appropriate fields to let us know additional housing needs, such as specifying if you prefer being housed with others of the same gender, snore, use a CPAP machine, or need single housing (if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be placed in the lodge). 

Southern Dharma offers additional financial aid for BIPOC and Young Adults, in addition to those with more serious financial need. Please email registrar@southerndharma.org if you are in need of financial aid above the 25% or 50% scholarship.

Participants who have utilized Hemera Foundation Fellowships in the past are welcome to utilize any of the in-house scholarship options.