Gathering the Gaze of Awareness: A Meditation, Yoga and Sensory Awareness Retreat

This retreat explores the deep meeting point between Buddhism and yoga through the practice of intimacy with present-moment awareness. Drawing on teachings from Buddhism, yoga — especially Kashmiri Shaivism — and contemporary wisdom traditions, the program invites participants to settle more fully into the living mystery of experience. The emphasis is not on achievement, but on listening: to breath, to body, to silence, and to the ever-new quality of each moment.

Practice will take place in an atmosphere of noble silence, supporting the inward work of attention and presence. Daily activities will include sitting meditation, walking meditation, yoga postures, sensory awareness practice, chanting, and the deep relaxation of yoga nidra. The yoga practice is grounded in breath awareness, with movement unfolding from that foundation. Together, these practices are intended to support a growing intimacy with the pristine awareness described as warm, luminous, and always present.

Each day will include instruction in meditation and yoga, along with an evening dharma talk. There will also be group meeting times and opportunities for one-on-one meetings with the teachers.

You are cordially invited

to celebrate the bigness

of being the mystery of the holy ordinary

the flowers of a moment

Ko Un

In 2026, no Covid-19 testing will 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 are optional and encouraged, especially if you are feeling unwell. If possible, please avoid higher-risk situations, and stay home if you have symptoms of any communicable illness.

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 3:00pm 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, which all retreatants must review and accept at the time of registration.

For 2026 retreats, pricing is based on lodging. Please choose 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 receipt for tax purposes. Registration fees do not include dana for the teachers.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Available housing options include:

• 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 that Southern Dharma no longer offers Heated Kutis. All Kutis are unheated and have no electricity.

Scholarship awards based on need 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. Additional housing needs, such as same-gender housing, snoring, CPAP use, or a need for single housing, should be noted in the appropriate registration fields.

Additional financial aid is available for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those with more significant financial need. Those who have previously used Hemera Foundation Fellowships may use any of the in-house scholarship options.

Teachers

Jeff Collins (he/him) has been leading meditation retreats for 30…

Gisela Konrad (she/her) has been leading meditation retreats for 25…