Thai Forest Lineage Retreat

Ajahn Chah was one of the key Eastern teachers who helped bring the Dharma to the West. A Thai Buddhist master of the 20th century, he profoundly shaped generations of Western teachers and practitioners around the world. Rooted in the Thai forest tradition, his teaching is known for its simplicity, clarity, and directness, inviting us to look closely at the mind and understand what gives rise to suffering. Like the Buddha, Ajahn Chah’s life and teachings point toward the end of suffering and the possibility of peace.

Throughout this retreat, participants will explore some of Ajahn Chah’s most important teachings, with an emphasis on skillful living and the cultivation of tranquility and insight. The program includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation for all levels of practice, along with chanting, Dharma talks, and small group meetings to support reflection on your practice. Individual meetings with the teachers will also be available as needed. The retreat will be held in noble silence, and all participants are asked to observe it. Everyone is welcome.

John Orr is a former Theravada monk who studied with Ajahn Chah at his monastery in Northeast Thailand in the 1970s. He considers Luang Por Chah, meaning Venerable Father, to be one of his most important teachers, and he shares these practical, grounded teachings with deep joy and appreciation for this wise and compassionate human being.

For 2026, Covid-19 testing will not be required or administered. Still, participants are asked to bring mindfulness to 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 using masks whenever possible can help reduce the spread of 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 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 every retreatant must review and agree to it during registration.

For all 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.

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 registration 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 assigned to the lodge.

Southern Dharma also offers additional financial aid for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those facing more serious financial need. If you need support beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship, please email to inquire.

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