Grounding in Presence, Compassion, and Wise Intention

Rooted in presence and compassion, this retreat invites you to meet the present moment with clarity and wise intention. As the Buddha taught, “Intention, I tell you, is karma.” Through contemplative practice and radical kindness, we will explore how the quality of our response now can help shape what unfolds next. Together, we’ll move toward the future with practices that support courage, peace, and steadiness.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. However, participants are asked to bring mindfulness to their choices 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. Avoiding higher-risk situations and wearing masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of transmitting viruses while 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 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

Departure is by 2:00pm on the final day of retreat. Please be sure you can 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.

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. We appreciate your generosity and your support in sustaining 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 is no longer able to offer 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 gives you a high likelihood of being placed in shared housing.

Please use the appropriate fields to let us know about any additional housing needs, such as whether you prefer to be housed with people of the same gender, whether you snore, use a CPAP machine, or need 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 with more significant financial need. Please email if you require financial 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.