Hearts Rooted In Sangha: A BIPOC Loving-kindness Retreat

Please join Lev Michael Moses and Dr. Hy V. Huynh for a BIPOC retreat rooted in the Buddhist teachings of metta, or loving-kindness, and sangha, or community. This gathering offers a space to practice mindfulness and heart-centered Buddhist teachings in support of healing, rest, and collective care.

The retreat will be held mostly in silence, with gentle and optional opportunities to connect in both small and large group settings. All levels of meditation experience are welcome, including those who are new to Buddhist practice. Practicing in a BIPOC affinity space can help create greater ease, rest, and belonging, supporting the conditions for a deeper practice.

As part of the retreat, participants will co-create an ancestor and compassion altar to honor those who came before us and those we hold in our hearts, inviting their presence and support into the practice. Guests are welcome to bring a small item for the altar as a dedication.

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

Departure will take place 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 during 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 receipt for tax purposes.

Registration fees do not include dana for the teachers. In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are offered freely, and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely 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 is no longer able to 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 share any additional housing needs, such as a preference to be housed with others of the same gender, if you snore, use a CPAP machine, or 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, in addition to those with more serious financial need. Please email if you need financial aid beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship.

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