Queer Vihara 2026

Loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity are the four states of being that are contemplated in this practice. We will also contemplate the Four Elements (Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind) in their relationship to the four divine abodes. 

The purpose of this retreat is to decolonize the practices of the Brahma Viharas and the Four Elements. The former is a Samatha (concentration) practice, and the latter is a Vipassana (insight) practice. By pairing these practices, we will honor the lineage of developing concentration and insight together. We will discuss how colonization has impacted Buddhist lineages and discourse, facilitate discussions of personal experiences with colonialism, and provide resources to navigate the current stage of colonialism to liberate ourselves from its machinations. Each day of the retreat will be dedicated to learning, practicing, and experiencing each Brahma Vihara and Element. 

We will celebrate the divine nature of queerness with guided meditations, somatics, nervous system theory, group discussions, and forest/mountain hikes. This retreat will center QTBIPOC meditators passionate about decolonization and advocacy. From beginners to long-time meditators, all are welcome to join the retreat and find refuge.

Euna is a multicultural, unaffiliated renunciate who has dedicated their life to the Dhamma (Laws of Nature). They love exploring diverse, inclusive, and fun routes to awakening. Enthusiastic about ascetic training in caves and wilderness, nervous system theory, and Brahma-Vihara practices. Formally trained in Vipassana & Samatha meditation (Myanmar Theravada and Korean Seon lineages), and monasticism at Mahapajapati Monastery. Completed BA in Ethnic Studies: Race, Gender, and Power at Mills College. Currently, board secretary at Mahapajapati Foundation, resident steward at Mahapajapati Monastery, and Registered Behavior Technician. Learn more about their adventures at scoby.substack.com. 

Moni Kuhel, LMT, CNMT, SEP

Moni is a queer, non-binary, white-bodied nervous system therapist. They have been in private practice since 2006, facilitating healing through nervous system regulation and supporting systemic coherence. In addition to their work as a somatic practitioner, they spent 6 years as Assistant Faculty and Lead Mentor with Organic Intelligence (OI), mentoring students and co-teaching the three year HEART program with both Steve Hoskinson and Robin Craig. Prior to that they spent nine years assisting in the Somatic Experiencing (SE) three year programs.

Moni began their personal meditation practice in 2019. They started offering queer meditation retreats in 2024 after finding that having a spiritual and healing practice in community was something that was missing and needed their life. They offer a blend of meditation and somatic practices that they feel supports the body and soul’s intrinsic impulse towards being whole and healthy. They feel that compassionately tending, witnessing, and reflecting this impulse helps individuals get to a place of integration, wholeness, and feeling fully alive and engaged in this world.

Moni has a particular interest in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and is working to address and support collective liberation from systemic oppression.

Lodging

Lodging options are shown here: https://dharmatreasure.org/personal-retreat-lodging/

This is a bring-you-own food retreat.

You will have access to a shared kitchen where you can prepare your food.

On group retreat, we have the following cancellation policy:

• 60 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $200 cancellation fee
• 60-20 days prior to retreat: Half refund
• 20 days or less prior to retreat: No refunds

Eventbrite fee will not be refunded.

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