Awakening the Feminine Buddha: From Tārā and Kwan Yin to Our Own Embodied Wisdom

At a time when the world can feel fragmented and uncertain, the qualities of the awakened feminine—wisdom, compassion, and fearless responsiveness—feel especially vital. This retreat offers an invitation to meet the Feminine Buddha as a living presence within ourselves, a wellspring of renewal, clarity, and resilience.

Drawing inspiration from Tārā, Kwan Yin, and the wise women of the early Buddhist traditions, we will explore the embodied dimensions of awakening. Through receptive awareness, compassion that listens deeply, and the ability to respond with both kindness and strength, we will cultivate practices that can be carried into meditation, relationships, and daily life.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. Still, participants are asked to practice mindfulness in the days leading up to the retreat out of care for staff, teachers, and fellow participants. Masks are optional and encouraged, especially if someone is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and using masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of transmitting viruses on site. Anyone with symptoms of a communicable illness is strongly encouraged to remain at home.

First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5:00pm ET on the first day of retreat. Check-in begins at 3:00pm. Returning yogis may check in between 3:00 and 6:00pm.

Departure will be by 2:00pm on the final day. Please be sure you can attend the full program before registering.

All registrations are subject to the new 2026 cancellation policy, and every retreatant must review and agree to it at the time of registration.

For 2026 retreats, pricing is based on lodging. Please select the option that best matches your ability to give at this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center, and your confirmation email serves as your tax receipt.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Five housing options are currently available:

• Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
• Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
• Unheated kuti (single cabin)
• Canvas Tent (furnished, single)
• Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)

*Please note: Southern Dharma is no longer able to offer Heated Kutis. All Kutis are unheated and have no electricity.

Need-based scholarship awards are available at 25% or 50% discounts for lodge-based room assignments. Choosing a scholarship option makes it highly likely that you will be placed in shared housing.

Please use the appropriate fields to share any additional housing needs, such as a preference to stay with others of the same gender, snoring, CPAP use, or a need for single housing if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be assigned to the lodge.

Additional financial aid is available for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those with more significant financial need. Please email if you require support beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship options.

Participants who have previously used Hemera Foundation Fellowships are welcome to use any of the in-house scholarship options.