Natural Dharma Fellowship

Ancient wisdom, modern relevance, tranquil refuge.

United States New Hampshire paid

located in the serene New Hampshire landscape, Natural Dharma Fellowship's Wonderwell Mountain Refuge offers a sanctuary for deep contemplative practice. Since 2011, this center has been a beacon for preserving ancient Buddhist teachings while making them profoundly relevant to contemporary life. Beyond traditional silent retreats, Wonderwell thoughtfully integrates practices like contemplative care, social justice, and ecological sustainability, creating a rich tapestry of offerings. The historic 1911 summer home, now a recognized New Hampshire state historic site, provides a comfortable and spacious setting for exploring meditation's meaningful potential. With experienced teachers and a commitment to community, Wonderwell fosters an environment where wisdom and compassion can truly flourish, inviting visitors to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

Highlights

Historic 1911 summer home, now a state historic site
Programs exploring contemplative care, social justice, and ecological sustainability
Guided by authorized teachers from the Kagyu lineage
Vegetarian meals with abundant gluten-free and dairy-free options
Sweeping views of Mount Croyden and surrounding nature

Good for

experienced meditatorsactivistseducatorsnature loverssilent retreatscouples

Setting

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge is set on twenty-five acres of rolling hills in Springfield, New Hampshire. The tranquil and serene property is surrounded by woods, meadows, gardens, and century-old stone walls, offering sweeping views of the sky and mountains, including Mount Croyden. The historic main building, originally a 1911 summer home, provides a comfortable and spacious atmosphere for reflection and practice.

The practice

Natural Dharma Fellowship, grounded in the Buddhist tradition, offers retreats that emphasize mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion. While rooted in ancient lineage teachings, the center also explores contemporary themes like contemplative care and social justice. Visitors can expect a blend of traditional meditation practices and discussions on how these teachings apply to modern life.

A typical day

Daily schedules at Wonderwell vary significantly depending on the specific retreat program. Some retreats may feature silent meditation sessions, while others incorporate mindful movement, workshops, or discussions. All retreats include three vegetarian meals daily, served buffet style, with 24-hour access to snacks and hot beverages.

Accommodation

The stately main building, a recognized New Hampshire state historic site, features 15 bedrooms of varying capacities, sleeping up to 36 people. It includes a large meditation hall, dining facilities, and 13 bathrooms. The center is continuously undergoing renovations to ensure it remains comfortable, safe, and code-compliant.

What to bring

Given the New Hampshire climate, especially in cooler months, pack layers and warm clothing. Comfortable attire for meditation and any mindful movement practices is recommended. As the center is surrounded by nature, sturdy shoes for walking the grounds might also be useful.

Website naturaldharma.org

Address 253 Philbrick Hill Road, Springfield, New Hampshire, USA

How to get there

Wonderwell is located at 253 Philbrick Hill Road, Springfield, New Hampshire. From Boston, take Highway 93 North to Highway 89 North, then Exit 12A. Follow the signs to Route 114, and turn right onto Philbrick Hill Road. From Lebanon, NH, take Highway 89 South to Exit 13 (Grantham), then follow Route 114 South before turning left onto Philbrick Hill Road.

Nearest airport: Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) (55 km)

The Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) is approximately 55 km from the center. Visitors would need to arrange their own taxi or ride-share from the airport, or inquire with the center about potential pick-up services from bus stops.

Nearest city: Lebanon

Public transport: The Dartmouth Coach provides bus service from Boston and New York City to nearby stops, including New London (the Wonderwell stop) and Lebanon, NH.

Languages

English

How to book

Booking information and retreat schedules are available on the Natural Dharma Fellowship website.

Pricing

Natural Dharma Fellowship operates on a paid cost model, with specific retreat fees detailed on their website. The commuter registration option also includes all meals.

Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.

Visit Natural Dharma Fellowship website

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Jan, Aug, Sep

Avoid: May, Oct, Apr

New Hampshire experiences distinct seasons. Summers (July, August, June) are the warmest, while winters (January, February, December) are the coolest. The driest months are typically January, August, and September, while May, October, and April tend to be wetter. Visitors should pack accordingly for the season, with warm layers essential during colder periods.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What types of retreats are offered at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge?

Wonderwell hosts a diverse range of retreats, including silent meditation retreats, contemplative retreats for activists, educators, and artists, gatherings focused on ecological sustainability, and yoga and mindful movement retreats. The specific offerings vary throughout the year.

What are the meal options like at the center?

All meals served at Wonderwell are vegetarian, with fresh, local, and organic ingredients prioritized whenever possible. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available at every buffet-style meal. Snacks, coffee, and a variety of teas are also provided throughout the day.

Is the center suitable for beginners in meditation?

The center's mission includes making ancient teachings relevant to contemporary life, and while specific retreat suitability may vary, many programs are designed to be accessible. It's best to check the details of individual retreats on their website to determine if they are suitable for beginners.

How do I get to Wonderwell Mountain Refuge from Boston?

From Boston, you can drive approximately 2 hours north on Highway 93 to Highway 89 North, then follow specific directions from Exit 12A. Alternatively, the Dartmouth Coach offers bus service from Boston (Logan Airport and South Station) directly to New London, which is the Wonderwell stop.

What amenities are available at the retreat center?

Wonderwell offers free parking, coffee and tea service, and a comfortable setting in a historic building. The property includes a large meditation hall, dining facilities, and a covered porch for outdoor practice. The surrounding grounds feature woods, meadows, and gardens.