Foundations of Awakening: Cultivating the Five Spiritual Strengths

The five spiritual strengths, sometimes called the five priceless jewels, are right effort, mindfulness, trust, concentration, and wisdom. In meditation practice, these qualities are considered essential. The Buddha taught that they are “priceless” because, when they are developed, they help create the conditions for insight and joy, while also supporting us as we gradually meet and work through the forces of greed, hatred, and delusion that arise in daily life.

Practicing together in community, we will explore how to nourish and deepen these five strengths through meditation, reflection, and inquiry. The retreat is designed to support one another on the path in an atmosphere of shared practice and care.

Held mostly in silence, the retreat will include periods of sitting and walking practice, guided instructions, dharma talks, and Q&R. It is suitable for practitioners of all experience levels.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. However, participants are asked to bring mindfulness to their activities in the days leading up to the retreat, in consideration of staff, teachers, and fellow participants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially for anyone feeling unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and using masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of spreading 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. Check-in begins at 3:00pm. Returning participants may check in between 3:00 and 6:00pm.

Departure is by 2:00pm on the final day of retreat. Please make sure you are able to 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 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.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Please note that 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.

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 can no longer offer Heated Kutis. All Kutis are Unheated and have no electricity.

Scholarship awards are available based on need, with 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 indicate any additional housing needs, including whether you prefer to be housed with others of the same gender, whether you snore, whether you use a CPAP machine, or whether you require single housing if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be placed in the lodge.

Southern Dharma also offers additional financial aid for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those facing more serious financial need. If you need financial 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.