Buddhist Practice and Transforming Racism Inside and Outside: A Retreat for White People
Donald Rothberg
April 6 - 10, 2022
In this retreat, we will combine periods of silent practice with developing foundations for the internal and external transformation of racism and our relationship to whiteness—as an integral part of our spiritual practice. These foundations will include: (1) knowing in more depth and being inspired by the Buddha’s revolutionary rejection of caste in the India of nearly 2600 years ago; (2) perspectives from core Buddhist wisdom teachings helpful for understanding and transforming race and racism; (3) knowing more deeply the origins and history of whiteness, race, racism, and multi-racial solidarity; (4) the centrality of mindfulness and heart practices like lovingkindness, compassion, forgiveness, and empathy, to investigate and transform our conditioning around race and whiteness; (5) grounding in ethical integrity and action, including wise speech; and (6) the importance of community, including both smaller communities that can be supportive home bases, relatively free of “shame and blame.”
The retreat will integrate sitting and walking meditation with talks, exercises, discussion, small group meetings, and the identification of resources to work with after the retreat. Those attending the retreat will have the option of attending a six-session group immediately following the retreat, to continue the momentum of the retreat.
Donald is offering this retreat in honor and in the memory of his mother, Bernice, who dedicated many years of her life to working for racial justice and the eradication of poverty.
Prerequisite: One four-day or longer mindfulness retreat or permission of the instructor. The main aim of the prerequisite is to ensure that everyone has received and practiced for some time basic mindfulness (and if possible, lovingkindness) instructions; if you meet the spirit of the prerequisite and are interested, but haven’t done a four-day or longer retreat, please inquire.
Until further notice, registration for our residential programs is restricted to individuals who have or will receive their final Covid-19 vaccination at least two weeks before their arrival on site. We will be restricting total retreat capacity to allow for comfortable, unmasked participation, as well as the option of outdoor dining. Please be prepared to present proof of your vaccination upon request. We also require all registered participants to present negative results from a Covid test performed in the 3 days prior to the start of your retreat AND that you consent to being tested upon your arrival at Southern Dharma. Any rapid antigen test is acceptable for testing, including over-the-counter at-home tests.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our staff, teachers, retreatants, and larger community!
Check-in from 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated – email registrar@southerndharma.org to request.
Departures will take place by 2:00pm on the last day of retreat. Please make sure that you can attend the full program before registering.
For our 2022 retreats, three fee tiers are offered. Please choose the option that best fits your ability to give in this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center. Your confirmation email is your receipt for tax purposes.
We are deeply grateful for your support.
Note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition the teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students. Similarly, Southern Dharma keeps registration fees low to ensure the Dharma is accessible to all. Fees cover only a fraction of Southern Dharma’s operating expenses. We appreciate your practice of generosity to continue the dissemination of the Dharma.
Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. We are currently offering six housing options:
- Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
- Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
- Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
- Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
- Basic Tent Platform
Please use the appropriate field in the registration process to let us know your preferences in regards to housing, if any, and also specify if you insist on or prefer being housed with others of the same gender. All housing options are priced the same except for the Basic Tent Platform.
Southern Dharma is now offering 50% scholarship awards for BIPOC and Young Adults in addition to those with financial need. Indicate your interest in a Southern Dharma in-house scholarship during the registration process.
This program is also eligible for Hemera Contemplative Fellowships. Please note that you must apply for the Fellowship prior to registering for any program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Teacher
Donald Rothberg, Ph.D. (he/him), is a member of the Teachers…
Learn more about Donald Rothberg