At Peace in the World – IMH Fall Retreat 2025
Join Insight Meditation Houston for a transformative 3-day retreat (September 25 to September 28) taught by Howard Cohn at the beautiful American Bodhi Center. Learn to cultivate inner peace through wisdom and love, regardless of external circumstances.
For details on the retreat, logistics, accomodation, registration fees, scholarships, please continue reading below.
Find Peace Amidst Life’s Challenges
In our turbulent world marked by conflict, division, and uncertainty, we often feel overwhelmed by heartbreak and anger. Yet each of us possesses the capacity to be at peace in the world, regardless of external circumstances.
Inner peace doesn’t depend on having a perfect world around us—it depends on how we relate to whatever arises. This retreat will guide you through time-tested practices of Vipassana (insight meditation) and Metta (loving-kindness meditation) to strengthen your mind and soften your heart.
Whether you’re new to meditation or have years of experience, you’ll discover practical tools for navigating life’s challenges with greater equanimity and compassion.
Join Insight Meditation Houston for a transformative 3-day retreat at the beautiful American Bodhi Center. Learn to cultivate inner peace through wisdom and love, regardless of external circumstances.
Retreat Details
When
September 25-28, 2025
Thursday arrival through Sunday departure
Where
American Bodhi Center
29123 Mellman Rd
Hempstead, TX 77445
This nourishing 3-day retreat creates a supportive environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Set on 500 acres of peaceful Texas countryside, you’ll have the perfect setting for deep practice and inner reflection.
Designated times of noble silence help create a contemplative atmosphere that supports personal insight and spiritual growth throughout your stay.
Meet Your Teacher: Howard Cohn
Howard Cohn brings over 50 years of meditation experience and 40 years of teaching to this retreat. He has led the Mission Dharma sitting group in San Francisco for more than 35 years and is a senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Known for his kind heart and warm humor, Howie has studied with teachers from multiple traditions including Theravada, Zen, Dzogchen, and Advaita Vedanta. His approach combines deep wisdom with practical guidance, making ancient teachings accessible to modern practitioners.
With an MA in Counseling Psychology, Howie brings both spiritual insight and psychological understanding to his teaching, creating a safe and nurturing environment for inner exploration. His dharma talk can be found on Dharma Seed.
Your Retreat Experience
Beautiful Retreat Location
The American Bodhi Center spans 500 acres of pristine countryside just north of Hempstead, Texas. This smoke-free campus provides the perfect sanctuary for deep practice and reflection.
Facilities include a grand meditation hall with excellent acoustics, comfortable dormitories, a welcoming dining hall, and a well-stocked library. The expansive natural grounds offer numerous walking paths and quiet spots for contemplation.
The center’s rural setting creates a natural buffer from daily distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience and connect with nature’s healing presence.
Comfortable Accommodations
Dorm Rooms: $450
Bunk beds for 4-8 people with shared bathroom facilities down the hall. Perfect for those seeking community connection.
Private Cubicles: $450
Partitioned sleeping areas within dorm rooms offering more privacy while maintaining shared bathroom access.
Double Rooms: $500
Shared by 2 people with private bathroom facilities. Ideal for couples or friends attending together.
Private Room: $575
A completely private room, offering solitude and personal space with en-suite or nearby private bathroom facilities.
Camping: $375
Pitch your own tent on designated campsites. Access to shared bathroom facilities. For those who love the outdoors.
Scholarship: $250
50% scholarship is available for limited number of participants. Accommodation will be in the shared rooms in the respective dorms.
Bed in a Dorm Room
Bed in a Private Cubicle
Bed in a Double Room
Private Room
All accommodations feature separate dormitories for men and women. Room assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d like to room with someone specific, please include their name on your registration form.
Registration & Scholarships
How to Register
Register Now
Complete registration online with convenient PayPal payment options. Choose your preferred accommodation type when registering.
Registration closes September 14, 2025
For cancellations by September 8, full refund minus $50 deposit.
Financial Assistance
We believe cost shouldn’t prevent anyone from attending. Limited scholarships offering 50% off retreat fees are available for students and those with financial need.
Apply using “Scholarship – Male” or “Scholarship – Female” registration options, then submit the scholarship form that will be sent via email. For any questions, please reach out at meditationhouston@gmail.com.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Register Now
This retreat offers a precious opportunity to step away from daily pressures and reconnect with your inner wisdom and compassion. In the supportive community of fellow practitioners and under Howard Cohn’s gentle guidance, you’ll discover practical tools for living with greater peace and joy.
Whether seeking to begin a meditation practice or deepen an existing one, you’ll leave with concrete skills for meeting life’s challenges with equanimity and an open heart.
Space is limited. Register early to secure your preferred accommodation.