June 10, 2026
Thai Forest Lineage Retreat at Southern Dharma Retreat Center
June 10, 2026 – June 14, 2026
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, who lived in the 20th century and had a great influence on a generation of Western teachers and practitioners from around the world. 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. Like the Buddha himself, Ajahn Chah’s life and teaching is an invitation for all of us to find the end of suffering and peace.
During this retreat we will contemplate the most significant of Ajahn Chah’s teachings that emphasizes skillful living and the cultivation of tranquility and insight. Instruction in sitting and walking meditation for all levels of practice, as well as, chanting, Dharma talks and small group meetings to discuss your practice will be included in the retreat. Individual meetings with the teachers will be available on an as needed basis. The retreat will be conducted in noble silence which we ask everyone to observe. All are welcome to attend!
John Orr is a former Theravada monk who lived and learned with Ajahn Chah in his monastery in the Northeast of Thailand in the 1970’s. He regards Luang Por Chah, which means Venerable Father, as one of his most important teachers. It is with great joy that he shares the practical and down to earth teachings of this wise and compassionate human being.
A 5-day in-person Vipassana retreat
Led by John Orr and Venerable Somasihi Bhikkhuni
12:00 pm: Dharma Contemplations
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June 10, 2026
Dharma Contemplations is a guided exploration of Dharma teachings through deep, practical reflection.
The process involves sharing a short passage that is rich in meaning, metaphor, or teaching and then moving through several phases:
- Engagement with the text – Reading and listening to the words attentively.
- Emotional resonance – Noticing the feelings and bodily responses evoked by the passage.
- Cognitive investigation – Reflecting on the meaning and essence of the teaching.
- Integration – Setting the text aside to explore how the teaching impacts present-moment experience.
- Meditative absorption – Returning to meditation to consolidate insight and understanding.
This allows us to experience the teachings directly, rather than merely intellectually, and to test their relevance in daily life.
Join in person or on Zoom
