Online Meditation Retreats

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

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…

Diamond Sutra Daylong Meditation Retreat

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…

Hungry Ghosts 12th Century Japan

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…

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…

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…

Buddha - Monthly Sangha Gatherings

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 ~…

Mu Koan Online Class

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…

Online Meditation Class

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

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

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.

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.”