5-Day Meditation Retreat in Ocoee, TN

It's easy, in this time of amplified societal and personal stress, to find ourselves stressed and overwhelmed. This five-day silent meditation retreat offers the space to step away from the noise and enter calm and stillness. It's an opportunity to let go of the concerns of everyday life and, beyond past, present and future, to uncover deep peace and insight. It's a space in which we can taste the peace and wisdom that is our birthright.

While a single day of retreat can offer a taste of stillness, a multi-day retreat allows that stillness to settle in—to move beyond surface calm. With each passing day, as distractions fade, clarity emerges. You’ll notice how stress arises and dissipates, how habitual patterns loosen their grip, and how joy and ease naturally take their place. It is a practice that can bring peace and joy, compassion and insight to our everyday lives.

Gareth's teaching meets you where you are: whatever your practice is, that's fine, just bring it with you. Drawing mostly from the Pali canon and the Chan Buddhist tradition, Gareth will offer additional methods and guidance to help you strengthen and deepen your practice. In addition to dharma teachings and practices, this retreat will include periods of loving-kindness practice, chanting services, and other calming and grounding practices to help us stabilize and settle in turbulent times.

Nestled within the lush forests of Camp Ocoee, this retreat offers a tranquil escape where nature itself supports your practice. Mornings begin with the gentle hush of the trees, days unfold by the serene lake, and each session takes place in the warm, inviting lodge designed for deep reflection. With comfortable accommodation, nourishing vegetarian meals, and a community of fellow practitioners, you’ll find the perfect environment to settle into stillness.

Whether you're experienced in meditation or new to multi-day retreats, this extended period of silence will help you cultivate a steadier mind and a more open heart—both on and off the cushion.

If you are longing for a true reset, the kind that lingers long after you return home, this retreat is for you.

Cost: $340 ($68/day) to cover the cost of both food and lodging for 5 days

Register here: hhttps://redclaysangha.org/event-6179837?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3/21/2026

Testimonials from past attendees:

"The 5-day retreat offered me a chance to disconnect from daily distractions and find inner peace. I experienced reduced stress, improved concentration, and a deeper understanding of myself. The structured environment also encouraged self-discipline and emotional balance. Plus, being in a community of like-minded individuals was supportive and inspiring. This type of immersion is very difficult to experience in a daylong retreat."
- Amit (attended retreat in 2024)

"You might not expect that sitting, walking, and eating in complete silence alongside others for nearly five days could foster such a strong sense of community, but I discovered a renewed connection with everyone around me once the noise of everyday life was left behind.

The clear mountain air and serene setting created the perfect environment to unplug from the constant demands of modern technology. I found it surprisingly easy to set aside my phone and refrain from using it for nearly a week.

I am happy for future opportunities to participate in more retreats and hope to gain further insights from peacefully coexisting within such an accommodating community."
- Clay (attended retreat in 2024)