Buddhist Meditation Retreats in Michigan

Awakening Dharma is offering Buddhist meditation retreats in Michigan. 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 such as Beaverton, Port Sanilac, and Newaygo.

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

Buddhist meditation retreat
  • Small intimate, home-like retreats with 8-15 participants
  • Oriented towards intermediate and advanced students
  • Led by experienced retreat teacher authorized in both Zen & Theravada practices
  • Frequent interviews with the teacher gives ample opportunity for guidance
  • Vegetarian food including homemade desserts
  • Warm-hearted and supportive environment
Stephen Mugen Snyder, Sensei

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 was drawn to Stephen because he talks openly and concisely about the jhānas and how to have deeper realisations with these meditations. Being able to talk about these practices in a practical manner has shown me the possibilities of where the practice can lead to.”

“I met Stephen during an incredibly difficult time… his gentle questioning, ‘What else is here?’ transmitted a recognition of great beauty in me that I’d neglected to see. In finding my own innate goodness, I came to know the innate goodness of life itself.”

“Stephen guided me into a whole new aspect of meditation that changed my perception of what meditation is about. In one-on-one meetings, Stephen always has useful and loving advice to offer.”

“Because of daily meditation practice and Stephen’s guidance, I feel more tender, capable, and peaceful in all aspects of life.”

“Stephen teaches in a clear, grounded, and thoughtful way, with a dash of humor. He has been an anchor for me as my practice has progressed over the years.”

“Stephen is the first teacher I have worked with who leaves me without a sense of inner conflict and whose conduct matches his teaching.”

“With Stephen’s thoughtful guidance—both in group talks and one-on-one sessions—I found a deep and lasting connection with my heart, and a taste of inner peace.”

Upcoming Meditation Retreats

Meditation Retreat

Come Home: Awakening the Heart of Longing October 2026

Residential and Online Retreat

When: October 1, 2026 – October 21, 2026

Where: Battle Creek, Michigan and Online, via Zoom

Update: Option for online attendance of this retreat has been added. More below. We will turn to the qualities and…

Meditation Retreat

Coming Home: Awakening in this Lifetime

Three-week Residential Retreat

When: September 10, 2027 – October 1, 2027

Where: Shoals, Indiana

We will turn to the qualities and functions of the source of all reality and manifestation – the Absolute. During…

Jhana Meditation Retreat Shoals Indiana

Practicing the Jhānas Retreat

Two-week Retreat: Residential and Online

When: April 1, 2027 – April 14, 2027

Where: Shoals, Indiana and Online

Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw The Practicing the Jhānas retreat will be a…

See more upcoming Programs & Meditation Retreats.

See In-Person Retreats FAQ.

Airports students use are typically either Saginaw Airport (MBS) or Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) or the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Beaverton is about a 2-hour drive from Detroit, Michigan or Ann Arbor, Michigan.