Forest Refuge Schedule 2026

To explore virtual program options, please visit the IMS Online page.

IMS’s Forest Refuge program supports experienced meditators in sustained, longer-term retreat practice. A personal retreat, under the guidance of the following teachers, helps strengthen practice, faith, confidence and self-reliance.

Please Note

A self-sustaining practice is necessary to undertake a Forest Refuge retreat.
Before you apply, please make sure you meet the Forest Refuge application requirements. We expect that candidates have participated in at least one six-week structured and teacher-led insight meditation retreat, or six similar one-week retreats.
The teaching schedule may change without notice. It is our intention that retreatants will have the opportunity to practice with a variety of experienced and well-qualified insight meditation teachers.
When retreat space is limited, priority will be given to those applying for longer stays.

The Forest Refuge: Sustained Practice in Deep Silence

In “The Forest Refuge: Sustained Practice in Deep Silence,” teachers Joseph Goldstein, Winnie Nazarko, Caroline Jones, Ajahn Sucitto, Tara Mulay, and Devin Berry discuss the origins of the Forest Refuge and share their experiences practicing and teaching in this special environment.

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Supporting our teachers

Here at IMS, our teachers are continuing the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of freely offering the teachings while living in the midst of contemporary society. What this means is that they rely on the generosity of retreat participants for a sustainable income.

There is an opportunity at the end of your personal retreat to make an offering to teachers – this is known as teacher dana. At the Forest Refuge, where retreatants often stay for long periods, IMS supplements teacher dana as needed to provide an adequate offering.

Your contributions help teachers to lead a life devoted to teaching both at IMS and in other parts of the world, including communities without the means to donate. Your gifts also allow teachers to take time for their own practice, ensuring that their teachings are continuously enriched.

For availability of specific dates, call 978-355-2063 or email fr@dharma.org.

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Closed – September 1 – September 30, 2026

We have 1 spot available for this unique retreat experience!

Susie Harrington & Jaya Rudgard

Touching the Earth: A NatureDharma Retreat

On this month-long retreat, we will have the opportunity to connect our dharma practice with the natural world. The Buddha practiced, became enlightened, taught, lived, and died outdoors—and throughout history, Buddhist practice has been intimately connected to the natural world as a teacher, a place of practice, and a refuge. Fundamental to our time together is the understanding that through mindfulness and presence, the natural world can be our teacher. Our sitting, walking, dharma talks, and instruction will be outside. The forest, the meadows, and the open sky will be our meditation hall. You will have the opportunity to practice while sitting on a bench near others on the Forest Refuge’s decks, or to find a quiet place along the extensive trails to practice alone in the woods. When weather conditions are less supportive, we will sit in the meditation hall. The instructions and dharma talks will provide context, invitation, and skillful means for deepening your nature practice. Support and guidelines will be offered to address concerns about the challenges of practicing outside.

A minimum stay for the full month of September is required. (Retreat is scheduled for September 1 arrival – September 30 departure.)

Teachers:
Susie Harrington & Jaya Rudgard

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Open – October 1 – October 31, 2026

Caroline Jones & Annie Nugent

Teachers:
Caroline Jones & Annie Nugent

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Open – November 1 – November 30, 2026

Devin Berry & DaRa Williams

The Brahmaviharas: A Refuge for the Heart

The Buddha described the Brahmaviharas (Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity) as sublime expressions of an awakened heart. We will immerse ourselves in these boundless qualities—deepening our capacity for love and wisdom. With dedicated practice, we uncover the natural radiance of the heart, learning how these qualities serve as both refuge and path. For those attending the full month, there will be space to explore metta as a concentration practice, gently gathering the mind into stillness. Through dharma reflections, instructions, and individual support, we will explore the transformative power of the Brahmaviharas.

Teachers:
Devin Berry & DaRa Williams

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Open – December 1 – December 31, 2026