Insight Dialogue brings together meditative awareness, the wisdom teachings of the Buddha, and the power of relationship to support insight into the nature, source, and release of human suffering.

The fabric of life is relational whether involving sensory experience, internal perceptions, or relationships with others.  We are constantly receiving sense impressions and appropriating meaning to experience. In this retreat we’ll explore how this flow of experience is often taken as a basis for an independent, solid, unchanging self.

Coming to know the ways each of our particular body/heart/minds become entangled in the selfing process, we can begin to disentangle. We will contemplate unwinding the tension and suffering of selfing and othering, individually and systemically, and taste the freedom, relief, and compassion of this falling away. 

In Insight Dialogue we cultivate the stillness of concentration and the brightness of mindfulness directly in contemplation with others, allowing the heart and mind to become clear and radically present. The natural generosity of the human heart becomes a lived experience. 

The retreat will be held in noble silence except for structured periods of Insight Dialogue. There will be times of silent sitting, mindful movement, and dialogue in groups of two or more, with guided contemplations. This is an opportunity to encounter Insight Dialogue for the first time and, also for experienced ID meditators to deepen their practice. Free from habitual speech, free from online communications, supported by nature, we will create a space for practice that moves wisely between words and the wordless.

Prior silent meditation experience is required.  We welcome your questions about the suitability of this retreat for you. For more information about Insight Dialogue, watch this video of Phyllis demonstrating the practice in the “Getting Started” page.

mailto:phyllishicks@gmail.com

https://insightdialogue.org/relational-practices/insight-dialogue/ 

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 2023 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:

1. Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
2. Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
3. Unheated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
4. Heated kuti (single cabin, outdoor bathroom)
5. Canvas Tent (furnished, outdoor bathroom)
6. 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.