Inner Peace in a Chaotic World

“Everybody wants a happy life. This goal is entirely dependent on our inner peace… We are trying to seek a joyful, happy life from the outside — that is a mistake.” – His Holiness the Dalai Lama

In a time when the world can feel increasingly unsettled, this retreat offers a supportive space to turn inward and reconnect with the steadiness that does not depend on external circumstances. While we cannot control the chaos around us, we can learn to cultivate inner peace through practice, presence, and awareness.

Guided by Ronya, participants will explore the ancient Buddhist Vipassana, or Insight, meditation practices that have helped countless people deepen their sense of inner calm. Set in the natural beauty and safety of the Southern Dharma Retreat Center in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the retreat provides an environment well suited to quiet reflection and sustained practice.

This silent meditation retreat includes formal sitting meditation, walking meditation periods, daily dharma talks, instruction sessions, group interviews, and Buddhist chanting. It is designed for experienced practitioners, including those who have previously attended a silent meditation retreat and those with an established daily meditation practice.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. Participants are asked to approach the days before arrival with mindfulness and care for the well-being of staff, teachers, and fellow retreatants. Masks are optional and especially encouraged for anyone feeling unwell. If possible, please avoid higher-risk situations before arrival, and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of any communicable illness.

First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5:00pm ET on the first day, with check-in beginning at 3:00pm. Returning participants may check in between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Departure is 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, which every retreatant must review and agree to 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 teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are offered freely, and teachers are supported through dana contributions from students. 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.

Need-based scholarship awards 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.

Please use the appropriate registration fields to share any additional housing needs, including preferences related to gender-based rooming, snoring, CPAP use, or a need for single housing if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be assigned to the lodge.

Additional financial aid is available for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those facing more serious financial need. If you require support beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship, please email to inquire further.

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