Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Meditation Retreats in Hot Springs, NC
Southern Dharma Retreat Center was founded in 1978 with a vision to foster personal and collective awakening through mindfulness, wisdom, and ethical practice. Our mission centers on providing meditation retreats, dharma instruction, and community support grounded in Buddhist traditions while embracing inclusivity for practitioners of all backgrounds. We prioritize stewardship of our land and resources, creating a welcoming environment where compassion and diversity are celebrated. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers uphold Buddhist precepts in daily operations, offering programs that cater to both beginners and advanced practitioners. We maintain a commitment to accessibility through scholarship programs, sliding-scale fees, and accommodations for diverse needs.The centers rustic facilities are nestled in a biodiverse mountain ecosystem, enhancing the contemplative experience. Our board and staff actively work to diversify teaching lineages and participant demographics, ensuring representation across race, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through initiatives like disaster relief and community partnerships, we extend our values of service beyond the retreat setting. This intentional approach reflects decades of experience in nurturing spiritual growth while adapting to evolving community needs.
Services
Meditation Retreats
Dharma Instruction
Community Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Scholarship Programs
Disaster Relief Services
Residency Programs
Online Retreats
Facility Rentals
Teacher Training
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive retreats for all experience levels with sliding-scale fees and scholarships.
- Our staff and board prioritize diversity across race, age, and spiritual traditions.
- We maintain a 150-acre biodiverse mountain sanctuary for immersive contemplative practice.
- We provide disaster relief and community support programs rooted in Buddhist ethics.
- Our facilities include accessible options and accommodate dietary restrictions.
What people say
Truly transformative experience
Welcoming diverse community
Beautiful mountain setting
Generous scholarship options
Compassionate staff
Services
Meditation Retreats
Our residential meditation retreats combine Buddhist traditions with modern accessibility, offering structured silence and guided sessions. Participants benefit from experienced teachers, communal meals, and rustic accommodations in a natural setting. Programs cater to diverse needs through variable pricing and specialized offerings for BIPOC and young adults.
Community Programs
We facilitate local and regional programs addressing social equity, environmental stewardship, and disaster relief. Initiatives include mutual aid distribution, mental health support groups, and partnerships with regional organizations to extend Buddhist practice beyond retreat settings.
Scholarship Programs
Three-tier pricing models and targeted scholarships ensure accessibility for underserved populations. Our Young Adult and BIPOC programs specifically reduce barriers to participation through subsidized fees and fellowship grants from partner foundations.
Residency Programs
Six-week+ residencies provide room and board in exchange for facility maintenance and program support. Residents engage in daily meditation practice while contributing to the centers operations through hands-on service roles.
Online Retreats
Live-streamed meditation sessions and dharma talks offer remote access to our teachings. These programs include closed captioning and flexible scheduling to accommodate participants unable to visit our physical location.
People
Rachel Zink
Interim Executive Director
Rachel specializes in nonprofit leadership transitions with nine years as executive director of Arts For Life. She focuses on building sustainable organizations through the Executive Transition Management model.
Keith Felicity
Interim Retreat Center Director
A certified peer support specialist with Buddhist Recovery Network training, Keith brings mental health expertise and LGBTQIA+ outreach experience from their role at Wild Heart Meditation Center.
Lizeth Sanchez
Facilities Lead
Lizeth combines environmental stewardship with practical skills in repurposing natural materials. Her work focuses on sustainable land management and outdoor maintenance projects at the retreat center.
Joshua Lerman
Kitchen Manager
Joshua integrates Buddhist and Jewish traditions into mindful culinary practices. With SF Zen Center experience, he emphasizes food as a spiritual practice and environmental connection in meal preparation.
Vanessa Moss
Registrar & Communications Coordinator
A third-generation practitioner with ecology expertise, Vanessa manages retreat logistics while pursuing an MFA in literature. She represents the centers intergenerational commitment to dharma practice.
Questions
What types of meditation retreats do you offer?
We provide silent meditation retreats across Buddhist lineages, teacher-led programs, and specialized sessions for BIPOC and young adults with variable pricing options.
How do I apply for financial assistance?
Select the subsidized fee tier during registration or apply for our Young Adult, BIPOC, or need-based scholarships through our website.
Are your facilities accessible for disabled visitors?
We offer limited accessibility accommodations but note our rural location and terrain present challenges for mobility-impaired visitors.
Can I volunteer at Southern Dharma?
Yes! We accept volunteers for specific programs and offer work weekends where you contribute labor in exchange for retreat participation.
How did Hurricane Helene impact operations?
We suspended temporary Oasis site operations in November 2024 but continue disaster relief through dispersed support networks and mutual aid partnerships.
Do you offer online meditation programs?
Yes, we provide virtual retreat options with live-streamed sessions and closed captioning for remote participants.
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