Awakening is what happens when we discover who we really are in the deepest spiritual sense. Awakening can happen to anyone, but for most of us it takes real effort and training. The methods that define the Buddhist path to awakening date back 2,500 years and have been passed on from teacher to student ever since. Awakening Dharma continues this tradition, fostering awakening and its embodiment in worldly life—through the application of authentic, rigorous Buddhist and modern practices.
Upcoming Meditation Retreats
Koan of Cessation
A Two-Day Online Retreat
When: August 22, 2026 – August 23, 2026
Where: Online, via Zoom
The Koan of Cessation will be an exploration of what Cessation is, how its viewed in Theravada Buddhism, and guided…
Practicing the Diamond Sutra
A Day-long Online Retreat
When: August 9, 2026 at 11:00 am
Where: Online, via Zoom
The Diamond Sutra is a key Mahayana/ Zen/ Chan practice guide to full awakening. In this daylong we will penetrate…
Graceful Exits: Practicing with Chronic Illness and Death
A Day-long Online Retreat
When: May 16, 2026 at 11:00 am
Where: Online, via Zoom
Illness is ever-present in human life. Death is a certainty none can evade. In this daylong, we will learn about…
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…
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…
Monthly Sangha Gatherings
When: Monthly Program, Ongoing
Where: Online, via Zoom, with Mugen Roshi
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm US Pacific Time 2025 Schedule January 16th ~ February 13th ~ March 6thApril 17th ~…
Unfolding the Koan “Mu”
A Day-long Online Retreat
When: November 29, 2026 at 11:00 am
Where: Online, via Zoom
Mu is not only the first koan, it can be viewed as the only koan. Koan Zen teachers work with…
Living from the Absolute Heart
A Day-long Online Retreat
When: September 13, 2026 at 11:00 am
Where: Online, via Zoom
Off the Cushion Practices In this daylong we will explore the “off-the-cushion” practices of the brahma viharas, the Absolute Heart…
Experiencing Stream Entry
A Day-long Online Retreat
When: December 13, 2026 at 11:00 am
Where: Online, via Zoom
This daylong will focus on the awakeness of stream entry and how to develop, cultivate, and live from these qualities…
Zen Precepts and Jukai
Self-Paced Course
When: Register at any time
Where: Online
The Zen precepts are the lifeblood of Buddhism. The precepts are the awakened functioning of the Absolute, the source of…
See more upcoming Programs & Meditation Retreats.

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
Key Facts

- Day-long, Two-week, and Three-week meditation retreats hosted online via Zoom
- Oriented towards intermediate and advanced students
- Led by experienced retreat teacher authorized in both Zen & Theravada practices
- Warm-hearted and supportive environment
