Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati) Retreat

Participants will deepen their sensitivity to the body’s felt experience and the energies of the mind through training in one of the earliest forms of Buddhist meditation. Guided by the instructions of the Anapanasati Sutta, the retreat will be rooted in direct experience rather than theory, inviting an embodied, practical, and experiential approach. Those who join are encouraged to set aside the distractions of daily life and step into what lies beyond. To support this, complete silence will be maintained outside of group sessions and interviews with Rachael. All internet-capable devices will be collected upon arrival and securely stored until the retreat concludes. The final meal will be served at midday, and this atmosphere of seclusion is intended to deepen meditation and support the freedom and bliss it can reveal. Everyone is warmly invited to take part in this rare and sacred opportunity.

Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered in 2026. That said, participants are asked to remain mindful of their activities in the days before arrival, in consideration of staff, teachers, and fellow retreatants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially if anyone is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and wearing masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of spreading viruses on site. Anyone with 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 the retreat. Check-in opens at 3:00pm. Returning participants 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, 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 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.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Five housing options are 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% off for lodge-based room assignments. Choosing a scholarship option gives you a high likelihood of being placed in shared housing.

Please use the relevant fields to share 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 need single housing if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be placed in the lodge.

Additional financial aid is available for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those with more serious financial need. Please email if you require financial aid beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship options.

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