Buddhist Meditation Retreats in Indiana

Awakening Dharma is offering Buddhist meditation retreats in Indiana. These are small, family-style retreats with about 10 people only. They feature home-style cooking and a supportive environment. These have been hosted in locations around the state of Michigan and now there is a new location in Indiana.

Learn more by reading the In-Person Retreats FAQ.

Jhana Meditation Retreat in Beaverton Michigan April 2025 — Jhana Meditation Retreat in Beaverton, Michigan – April 2025

Key Facts

Small intimate, home-like retreats with 10-20 participants
Frequent interviews with the teacher gives ample opportunity for guidance
Led by experienced retreat teacher authorized in both Zen & Theravada practices
Oriented towards intermediate and advanced students
Warm-hearted and supportive environment
Vegetarian food including homemade desserts

Retreats are led by Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi who began practicing daily meditation in 1976. Since then, he has studied Buddhism extensively—investigating and engaging in Zen, Tibetan, Theravada, and Western non-dual traditions. He was authorized to teach in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in 2007 and the Zen Buddhist schools of Soto and Rinzai in 2022. Stephen is a senior student of Roshi Mark Sando Mininberg and a transmitted teacher in the White Plum Asangha—the body of teachers in the Maezumi-roshi lineage.

Student Feedback

“I attended an in-person 2-week silent meditation retreat with Stephen Mugen Snyder, Roshi, in March 2026. I felt at home the entire time and was deeply touched by the level of care that Mugen Roshi and his wife Julie put into making the experience as comfortable, nourishing, and conducive to practice as possible for all of us. I have found Mugen Roshi’s open-hearted and direct teaching style to be really motivating, inspiring, and trustworthy. The first couple of days of the retreat were structured, but the remaining time in retreat was mostly open sitting to allow students to adjust their schedule in line with their personal rhythms. As an early morning meditator, I appreciated that a lot.

I feel transformed in ways that are hard to put into words and am deeply grateful to everyone who makes these retreats possible. I would encourage anyone considering joining Mugen Roshi’s retreat to go for it. It may change your life.”
— Polina Borisova

Incredible experience. Material was masterfully presented. Concise detailed instructions with no fluff. Teacher is warm and compassionate while encouraging rigorous, disciplined practice. I’ve been practicing for a couple decades and was shocked at how potent and impactful a remote(via Zoom) retreat could be. Support from the field of practitioners was palpable and very appreciated. Mugen Roshi is surrounded by lovely, humble students commited to practice. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who sincerely wants authentic Buddha Dharma.

Deep gratitude to Mugen Roshi and the Awakening Dharma Sangha
— Nolan O’Malley

“I’ve been on several retreats with Stephen over the years and every one of them has been life changing. I experienced the depth of wisdom, skill of teaching and expression of compassion and kindness throughout each retreat. The guidance and support of Stephen and Awakening Dharma has been a priceless gift.”
— Derek koji McClure, Attended the 3-Week Awakening retreat in October 2024 and 2025