Join this distinctive meditation retreat, where traditional Buddhist practice meets recovery work in a deeply supportive setting. The retreat is held primarily in silence and centers on insight meditation and heart practices, while also including interactive exercises, lectures, and meetings. Throughout the program, participants are invited to bring mindfulness into every part of the day — whether in formal meditation, movement, speaking, listening, or eating. Daily Qigong practice with Greg Pergament will add an extra layer of healing and vitality to the experience.

Outside of the interactive exercises and 12-Step-style meetings, Noble Silence is observed. All recovery paths are welcome, including Twelve Step, Recovery Dharma, substance, process, and relationship-oriented paths. The immersive format creates space for meaningful personal openings, insight, and transformation, supported by a community that holds both the challenging and inspiring aspects of this inner work. Participants must be at least 30 days clean and sober to attend.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered, but guests are asked to remain mindful in the days before arrival out of consideration for staff, teachers, and fellow participants. Masks are optional and encouraged, especially if someone feels unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and using masks whenever possible can help reduce the spread of viruses on site. Anyone experiencing 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 opening at 3:00pm. Returning yogis may check in between 3:00 and 6:00pm. Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the final day, so 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 considered a tax-deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center, and your confirmation email serves as your receipt for tax purposes.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Five lodging options are 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 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. Please email if you require aid beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship. 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 devoted to the Dharma.

Healing retreat in Hot Springs