Awareness, Wisdom, and the Heart’s Sure Release

Buddhist mindfulness practices awaken the heart’s natural ability to remain open, receptive, and clearly aware of the true nature of experience. Throughout this retreat, participants will learn to recognize present-moment awareness, then strengthen and steady it so it can deepen tranquility and insight. This is the Buddha’s path to the heart’s sure release.

As we explore this practice, we come to see that the sensitive heart naturally responds to the ways it becomes entangled and burdened. In time, that tightness can soften into a more natural freedom and tenderness. To support this process, we will set aside socializing and conversation, creating the conditions for a sustained, relaxed continuity of mindful awareness. With gentle, persistent effort to remain aware in all activities, liberating wisdom gradually emerges.

This retreat is appropriate for both beginners and experienced meditators.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. However, participants are asked to bring mindfulness to their actions in the days before arrival in consideration of staff, teachers, and fellow participants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially if anyone is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and wearing masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of spreading viruses on site. Anyone with symptoms of a communicable illness is strongly encouraged to stay home.

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

Departure will take place by 2:00pm on the final day of retreat. Please be sure you are able to attend the full program before registering.

All registrations are subject to the new 2026 cancellation policy, and all retreatants 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 reflects 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)

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 gives you a high likelihood of being placed in shared housing.

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

Additional financial aid is available for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those with more serious financial need. If you require aid beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship, please email to inquire.

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

Registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are offered freely, and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They depend on dana contributions from students, and your generosity helps sustain a community of practitioners committed to the Dharma.