Retreats at DSMC
Dhamma Sukha Retreat Registration
Dhamma Sukha offers 10-day retreats in the meditation practice of Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation-TWIM, Metta-Loving Kindness, based on the earliest Buddhist Suttas. The goal is full awakening here and now, as described in the earliest ancient texts.
Three types of retreats are offered:
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Online retreats which is a less intense retreat that you do at home even while you have work and family to take care of.
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The Zoom Retreat offered usually in the winter months. More Intense practice, where we expect at least 6 hours of sitting sessions. Undisturbed by family. Typically you are not working.
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Physical On-site retreats (this page) here, at DSMC. Totally withdrawn from worldly affairs with noble silence practicing all day long.
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Unique Benefits of a Dhamma Sukha Retreat
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Offers rare TWIM Deep Metta Practice--not offered elsewhere. From the actual sutta texts -the instructions with the step no one else emphasizes to eliminate craving (tanha)--> Passambhayam
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GUARANTEED modern w/AC Single Cabins for each meditator.
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Reasonably price retreats- all inclusive - teachers accept Dana only at the end. Teacher's expenses all paid by DSMC.
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Individual private daily one-on-one interviews with the guiding teacher. This is rare to have daily guidance with your teacher.
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Excellent sumptuous Veg & Non-Veg food: "I loved the food! ..." Your diet preferences respected. Gluten Free.
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Beautiful tranquil forest environment.
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Creates real lasting personality change --as the Buddha intended.
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Nibbana through the Brahma Viharas!
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TWIM Retreat with Study Classes on the Suttas and some beginning Pali possible. Stories from the Jatakas and more.
Bhante Kusala is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who began monastic life at age 16. He holds advanced degrees in Pāli and Divinity, with additional studies in cognitive science. He has served as a translator for renowned teachers such as Bhante Vimalaramsi and Ajahn Brahm, and teaches internationally while offering spiritual care in hospitals. He has worked as a hospital chaplain and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University. Bhante Kusala received his teaching credentials in TWIM from Bhante Vimalaramsi in 2014. He holds a PhD in Pāli and currently resides between the Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara in Detroit and the West End Buddhist Temple in Toronto.
TWIM Metta Retreat at Dhamma Sukha
2026 Season
w/Delson Armstrong
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Delson Armstrong lives at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern inquiry, offering a bridge between traditional awakening paths and evidence-based transformation. He is the author of Mind Without Craving and profound small books on the subject of Dependent Origination. In 2017 he was asked to teach TWIM (Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation) by his teacher, Bhante Vimalaramsi. Since then has led hundreds of retreats and sutta study courses worldwide. Delson emphasizes experiential verification over doctrine: “Test teachings for yourself — take what works, leave the rest.” His instruction guides meditators toward deep peace, insight, and awakening with clarity, humility, and integrity.
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May 14 - May 24
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June 4 - June 14
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July 2 - July 12 Fireworks!
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Dependent Origination -Advanced Retreat-extra talks (Pre-req: one onsite retreat)
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Upcoming On-Site Retreats
The Buddha’s Cosmos: An 8-Day Study and Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Punnadhammo -author of The Buddhist Cosmos
Explore the vast vision of the Buddha’s universe with Ajahn Punnadhammo, abbot of Arrow River Forest Hermitage and author of The Buddhist Cosmos. A monk in the Thai Forest tradition for over thirty years, Ajahn brings the depth of long solitary practice and a grounded, thoughtful approach to both study and meditation—inviting participants to contemplate the Buddhist cosmos while offering ample time to meditate.
Other supportive meditation practices will be explored in addition to plenty of time to do TWIM Meditation -Interviews available.
This is a normal Dhamma Sukha Retreat - See TWIM retreat details below for more information about the usual lodging, food and transportation options.
Other Summer/Fall 2026 Retreats
Note - Deposit is $450 -Refundable up to 3 months before retreat starts- If signing up for waitlist do not send deposits.
August-Notify only
Retreat TBD -Possibly New Study Center Retreat-details later
"Teaching Retreat (Special Pricing)"
Sep 3-13, 2026
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Guided by David Johnson & Kirsten Jones
Join us for a special 10-day retreat led by David Johnson, longtime student of Bhante Vimalaramsi and author of The Path to Nibbāna. David brings decades of experience and a deep, steady understanding of the TWIM path. -
He’ll be joined by Kirsten Jones, a dedicated practitioner with a deep love for the Dhamma and a sincere wish to support others on the path. A few assistant teachers-in-training will also be part of the teaching team, learning and offering support throughout the retreat.
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This retreat is open to all — whether you're new to TWIM or continuing your journey — and is offered at a reduced rate of $995 for 10 days.
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This retreat will be led by David Johnson & Kirsten Jones. Lots of meditation and interviews. Special guest - Sound Healing Concert. Some Yoga practice and other additional events.
David Johnson
Kirsten Jones
TWIM Retreat-Walking the Path
Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2026
DSMC Policies
Missouri On-site 10 day Retreats:
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Short Retreats don't have deposits. Total Fee due and payable.
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After three months deposit is not refundable if canceled.
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Full payment of fees due 4 weeks before opening day.
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Cancelations received less than four weeks before opening day will not be refunded-contact us for any exceptions.
Scholarship Fund Coming Soon
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Your donation helps someone attend a TWIM retreat who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Every gift, large or small, brings the Dhamma to more hearts.
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Offer dāna by supporting retreat scholarships. Your generosity directly helps others deepen their meditation practice.
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Would you like to help someone experience a TWIM retreat? Your contribution will go toward scholarship funds for those in need.
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Many who wish to attend retreats face financial hardship. You can help. 100% of your donation goes toward supporting fellow meditators.
“When you give to support another’s path, you walk it with them.”
Your donation helps make retreat practice accessible to all.
Recent Tour of DSMC -July 2024
This 10-night (and some shorter) Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation retreats are residential retreat. All retreats are take place at our lovely retreat facility in the Ozark Mountains. The quiet and spacious facility is split into an upper Meditation/Meditator grounds and the lower Monastic area.
Participants will be instructed and guided in the practice of tranquil wisdom insight meditation. This is the method taught by the Buddha and described in the earliest Buddhist texts. Tranquil wisdom insight meditation is ideal for beginning students or advanced meditators seeking to cultivate greater wisdom and insight. Learn meditation here.
Our retreats are neither difficult nor a test of endurance, but rather a joy-filled journey on the middle path of clarity and wisdom. Every day an instructional talk, based on early Buddhist texts from the Majjhima Nikāya or other suttas, along with anecdotes from personal experience, is shared as the evening Dhamma talk. For the first few days instructional videos are played by the creator of TWIM, Bhante Vimalaramsi and other TWIM masters, along with comments from the teacher leading that retreat.
A daily one-on-one personal teacher interview provides each participant with individualized guidance and instruction. The retreat program provides an integrated and supportive environment for optimizing meditation practice. Eight precepts comprising a code of moral conduct are maintained during the retreat, which is conducted in mindful silence with an emphasis on ease and lightheartedness
The retreat facility is located 2 hrs. south of the St. Louis Intl Airport in St. Louis. You can drive in or arrange a a personal pickup from our staff.
This is a non-profit retreat. DSMC offers teaching and guidance freely and without payment any kind. Retreat fees only cover the direct costs of your accommodations. All donations to Dhamma Sukha are welcome and essential to continue functions at the monastery. DSMC covers the cost of all the teachers transportation and lodging.
However teachers accept donations (Dana) at the end of the retreat for their own living expenses after the retreat. Please give generously!
Requesting Financial Assistance
From time to time, we may have limited funds available to help reduce or cover the cost of a retreat for those facing financial hardship.
If you are in a situation where you cannot afford the full retreat fee—or any portion of it—you are welcome to reach out to us to inquire about possible assistance.
Please contact info@dhamasukha.org to find out whether any scholarship funds are currently available. If so, we’ll be happy to discuss how we may be able to support your attendance.
While we cannot guarantee assistance at this time, we are working to build a scholarship fund through community generosity, and we will do our best to help when resources allow.
Arrival and Departure
If you are driving, plan to arrive at DSMC between 3:00 and 4:30 pm on the first day to check in. Parking is available. Find the retreat manager in the dining hall, do some paperwork and then get settled in your cabin. Orientation and the first talk is given.
The retreat will end after the morning meditation and breakfast on the last day of the retreat around 8:30am after which we shuttle to the airport or you depart by car.
Note: Anyone who arrives by 12:00pm at the airport to be picked up may go with us to the India Palace for lunch. Meditators who have flights after 2pm on the last day will go with us to the full weekend India Buffet and then get dropped off at the airport. Sign up for our transportation and join the group.
Arrival by Air
Out-of-town participants requiring ground transportation to and from the retreat center should request the DSMC shuttle at an extra cost to get to DSMC. We are 2 hrs South of St. Louis Airport. Details may be found here
Arrival by Car
Please arrive between 3:00 and 4:30pm on the first day of your retreat. Locate the retreat manager to be assigned your cabin and do your paperwork. Please print out a map just in case your GPS takes you into the forest...:-( All details with maps
Accommodations
Comfortable single cabins! A few cabins can be shared but you don't have to.
Includes access to a new bath and shower facility just a few steps away.
Beds, blankets, AC, Heat, racks, clock, lamp and drawers provided.
Food
The dining room offers indoor seating for up 30 people. Breakfast (cereals: hot and cold, eggs, toasts, pancakes- Always GF &Dairy and Non-Dairy options) (Totally Soy-free is cannot supported.) Lunch is served buffet style. Two meals are served daily at 7:00 and 11:30 am. Lunch is gluten-free and includes either vegetarian or meat/fish entrees. Hot and cold beverages including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee in K-cups are available. Special requirements-please ask us.
K-Cups -Coffee is drunk here :) - And many teas.
Detailed Information
What to Wear Be prepared for summer weather temperatures in the 80-90's during the day and 60-70s at night. All buildings and cabins are air-conditioned. Its cooler in May and Sept/Oct.
Both men and women are asked to wear modest clothing that doesn't distract other meditators. Please cover shoulders and shorts can go halfway to the knees. Sleeveless shirts like tank tops, short dresses, leggings, body-hugging and revealing clothing are not appropriate. No political or harsh language on shirts please. Shorts can be worn if they go down to the knee when standing.
We suggest dressing comfortably by wearing loose and light-weight clothing to help you be comfortable sitting and walking. You may want to bring a wrap or shawl for the meditation hall and cool evenings.
The traditional color to wear for an 8-precepts retreat is white. White symbolizes purity and helps to empty the mind. However, this is optional and left to your own discretion. If you have a light rain jacket and umbrella you can bring those - we do have a few umbrellas here for borrowing. Most people bring slip-on sandals to easily go in and out of the meditation rooms. A light bathrobe for the short walk to the bathroom at night is a good idea. Bring a small flashlight to walk around the facility at night, but we also will have several flashlights for borrowing. Laundry room available. If you forgot something we'll get it for you.
What to Bring for Meditation
Chairs for sitting will be provided in the meditation hall. You may wish to bring your own special chair, if desired, along with meditation cushions or pillows.We have a large supply of futons and cushions for the floor.
Other Necessities to Bring
Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided by the center. You may want to bring a special personal pillow or blanket, if desired. Bring personal toiletries (toothpaste, bath soap, sunscreen, Kleenex, etc), flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries and a water bottle. There will be a notification bell to announce meals and group gatherings.
What to Leave at Home
Do not bring valuables, nonprescription drugs or alcohol. Do not bring food, unless you have made prior arrangements with the retreat manager for accommodation of medically required special dietary needs.
Avoid using scented cosmetics or perfumes that may be allergic to others. Reading and writing are discouraged during this training period, except during the evening dhamma talks. You may take notes. Candles, incense, and smoking are not allowed in any rooms.
Clocks and Phones
Please attend to personal matters before coming so a not to hamper progress in mediation. To support the practice of silence, participants’ cell phones and tablets, and computers will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and held in a secure area until breakfast on the last day of the retreat. Analog watches are ok.
Emergency Phone Numbers
There is no public phone on the facility. If your family needs to reach you in an emergency, they may call these emergency contact numbers:
Retreat Manager, David Johnson cell phone:
573-604-1481
Retreat Admin, Kirsten Jones cell phone:
573-604-4279
Cats and Dogs
There is one dog that comes and goes from the dining hall and three cats. If you are severely allergic to cats you probably should ask us whether its ok to come. 99% ok-only once was there any issue. Meditation and cabin areas are always animal free.
Simplicity and Renunciation
Meditation retreats offer a sacred space that is protected and removed from the world. They allow participants a rare opportunity to look deeply inside, quiet the mind, and open the heart. Often the most beneficial and rewarding experiences of spiritual life happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is a key element that enables participants to develop patience, steadfastness, loving-kindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom.
These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice that is called “taking what is offered.”
Trauma and other Challenges
Intensive silent meditation retreats can be a beautiful and transformative experience. However, they can also invoke challenging emotional and mental states that are best engaged when physically and psychologically healthy. If you have experienced trauma and suspect that it would be difficult for you to be alone in silence, intensive retreat may not be the right practice for you at the moment. Recent painful experiences such as the death of a loved one can make silent retreat more difficult for some practitioners while others may find retreat healing or comforting. If you are in doubt about whether retreat is appropriate for you at the moment, consult a therapist or mental health professional.
Though our teachers are trained to recognize the symptoms of trauma and severe distress, they are not in the role of therapists or psychological professionals (even if they hold that training professionally). Retreat teachers are unable to give the kind of individual psychological care necessary to care for acute trauma symptoms.
If you are currently under the care of a psychiatric professional, please discuss your attendance with them. Practitioners should be in a stable period of mental well-being and have adequate self-regulatory resources to attend an intensive silent retreat.
Taking What is Offered
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Taking Any Residence – whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the accommodation assigned and continue to practice in this spirit throughout the retreat.
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Taking Food that is Offered – Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice. The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious meals. Gluten-free alternatives will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with other special dietary needs may arrange with the retreat manager to bring supplemental food items with them to the retreat. Food items are prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall.
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Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, participants are expected to embrace the practice of silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, using telephones, computer, email, or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening dhamma talks and teacher interviews. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency or a specific need that arises.
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Serving the Community – After Breakfast there will be a Yogi-Job for 30 minutes in which the main purpose is to bring the meditative practice to daily life. It may include sweeping, weeding or other cleaning tasks.
The retreat is organized and managed by volunteers as a community service. Dhamma Sukha Teachers freely give the teachings and their time to be of service to the Buddha, the Dhamma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community).