Because of the ongoing uncertainty of the covid19 delta variant, many of the meditation programs that will be offered will be held online via zoom.
Fall & Winter 2024
Karma and Liberation
A Day-long program offered by John Orr in-person in TN
**CANCELLED. Rescheduled date TBD**
Saturday, September 14, 2024
10:00 am – 4:00 pm EST
An understanding of karma is central to our Dharma practice and liberation from suffering. Some of what we say and do creates wholesome karma and other actions unwholesome karma. The important point is karma isn’t punishment, but an opportunity to learn. Through awareness of karma we grow in our wisdom, reverence for life and ability to forgive. Our day together will include dharma discussion, meditation and chanting.
Registration and Information – No preregistration necessary, but please arrive before the program begins at 10:00 AM. There is no fee for attendance. Dana (generous giving) is encouraged to the teacher and the center.
Website: www.dharma4et.org.
Questions? Contact: mail@dharma4et.org
Location: Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center
108 W 10th Ave (lower level), Johnson City, TN
Fall Class: “That which is already awake is the path: Awakening to the joy and unconditional love within”
Online Zoom class through the Deep Spring Center
September 24 – December 17, 2024 : every other Tuesday
6:45-9:00 pm EST
Guided by Barbara Brodsky, Aaron and John Orr
The class will be a mixture of meditation instruction and practice, Dharma talks and exploring together. For experienced students with a background in Insight Meditation or similarly related meditation practice.
More Info & Registration*: https://deepspring.org/calendar/fall-2024-class-that-which-is-already-awake-is-the-path/2024-09-24/
* Registration deadline is Sunday, September 22, 2024
The Social Sangha – Black Mountain, NC
Monthly Dharma Talks offered by John Orr at the Quietude Center
Thursdays Sep 26, Oct 24, Dec 19, 2024
6:30-8:00 pm EST
Meditation followed by Dharma talk and discussion. No registration is necessary. All are welcome!
Event info: https://thesocialsangha.com/dharma-john-orr
Location: The Quietude Center
1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Discover the Divine Abodes:
Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity
A day-long workshop, in-person with John Orr in TN
Sunday, September 29, 2024 : 9am – 4pm
Explore the Brahma Viharas (Divine Abodes) during this day-long workshop using mindfulness practice, guided heart centered meditations, and chanting from various spiritual traditions. We will make contact with our powerful loving heart, nurture its healing energy, and manifest it in the many contexts of our daily lives.
Registration is required. Space is limited. Offered at no cost. Donations for the teacher and center appreciated.
Registration and Information: https://meaningfullifecenter.org/divine-abodes-john-orr/
Location: Meaningful Life Center in Knoxville, TN
116 Carr Street, Knoxville TN 37919
Remembering Our Awakened Essence
In-person Vipassana Retreat with Deep Spring, in MI
Monday October 14 – Friday October 18, 2024
Teachers: Barbara Brodsky, Aaron and John Orr
This silent retreat will be a mix of vipassana and pure awareness practices and meditations that support the open heart. There will be sitting and walking meditation, chanting together, instruction for all levels of experience and daily dharma talks. Weather permitting, some meditation and instruction will be held on the lake shore. All are welcome.
Registration and Information: https://deepspring.org/calendar/retreat-fall-2024-live-maryville/
Registration deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024
Location: Maryville Retreat Center in Holly, MI
Thai Forest Lineage Retreat
In-person Vipassana Retreat at Southern Dharma, led by John Orr
Thursday, November 7 – Sunday, November 10, 2024
There have been many Eastern teachers responsible for helping to bring the Dharma to the West. One of those is the Thai Buddhist master, Ajahn Chah. Ajahn Chah practiced and taught in the Thai forest tradition and his teaching is known for its simplicity, clarity and directness, which encourages us to look at our minds and see what it is that is causing suffering. During this retreat we will contemplate some of his most significant teachings, emphasizing skillful living and the cultivation of tranquility and insight. All are welcome to attend!
The retreat will be led by John Orr, a former Theravada Monk who lived and learned with Ajahn Chah in his monastery in the Northeast of Thailand in the 1970’s.
Registration and Information: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1383/thai-forest-lineage-retreat/
Location: Southern Dharma Retreat Center, Hot Springs, NC
Non-Duality of Sacred Darkness and Sacred Light
New Year’s Retreat, in-person at Southern Dharma
December 28, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Led by John Orr and Eve Decker
We all have forces of darkness and light within us. Our meditation practices and the Dharma gives us the teachings and tools to be able to hold the darkness in the light of our awareness, acceptance, kindness and compassion. Our inner work isn’t to get rid of what we each may deem as being “dark” within ourselves, but to let our innate light and love hold the darkness in Non Dual Awareness.
This year’s retreat will be your last chance to welcome in the new year at Southern Dharma led by John Orr as your teacher. We request that everyone who attends already have completed one silent weeklong meditation retreat.
Registration and Information: https://southerndharma.org/retreat-schedule/1386/new-years-retreat-non-duality-of-sacred-darkness-and-sacred-light/
Location: Southern Dharma Retreat Center in Hot Springs, NC
Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events in 2025
February 8-13 * Healing Workshop. Online through Deep Spring
April 12-19 * Emerald Isle, NC. In-person Retreat
June 20-27 * Maryville Retreat Center Holly, MI. In-person Retreat
November 6-9 * Southern Dharma, NC. In-person Retreat