Our focus will be on a deeply engaged arts immersion experience that incorporates a non-sectarian (Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana) approach to expression. 

Program fee (upon acceptance): $1,500

Application/Audition fee: $25

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 22 2025

INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER YOUR APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND FINAL DECISIONS WILL BE MADE AFTER REGISTRATION CLOSES. Thank you 🙂

About the Program

Are you a musician with a spiritual thirst? Are you developing your artistic skill while in search of something? We are now offering a 8 week Buddhist Arts Intensive Program from Sunday, June 22, 2025 to Sunday, August 17, 2025 to 6 individuals who are between the ages 20-35, have a deep spiritual aspiration and inclination towards music. Our program is open to singers/songwriters, musicians and artists of all levels of experience! While music is the “thick” of this program, other forms of art may be discovered and expressed. Our 8 weeks together will include a studio recording session and culminate in performance with DharmaVoci at the Bodhi Fest Buddhist Arts Festival in Asheville, NC. 

In choosing to enter into this intensive training you will discover new levels of understanding and meaning in your life and depart offering joy and inspiration to others through your creativity. The essence of Dharma practice is to respond appropriately with your whole being to whatever life brings you in each moment.  

During this program you will receive Dharma teachings, possible Dharma transmissions, teacher guidance, music mentorship, workshops, singing lessons, access to multiple music platforms, subscriptions and more! Heartwood respects all the spiritual masters of Theravada, Vipassana, Mahayana, Zen and Vajrayana and offers refuge for contemplatives, serious practitioners, and those who are new to the dharma. 

There are many people who come and go during the week as we are full with Sangha activities and Dharma learning. Harmony and respect is our way of life as we observe the Buddha’s teachings and appreciate each other’s presence and path. The communal living experience is rich with lessons and opportunities that allows us all to step forward from suffering and into selfless service causing happiness, contentment and joy.  

Our co-founding Abbot, Venerable Pannavati’s, exposure to multiple religions has led her to understand that the world of faith would benefit from a deeper, meaningful, spiritual dialogue, as opposed to attachment to the language variations within communities of faith which keep them divided. So, this opportunity is open to non-Buddhists who have deep compassion for the world and interest in discovering the Dharma. 

How To Apply

To be considered for the Residential Arts Intensive Program, please complete the application, and submit an audition fee and video introduction along with a demo of your musical or artistic expression. You can really be flexible and creative in your submission, we are not looking for perfection but searching for potential and heart. Once your application and video have been reviewed, you will receive further information regarding a telephone/zoom call or in-person meeting with program mentors. You’ll be asked to examine your motivation for engaging in this program.

Please keep in mind that one of the core values at Heartwood is developing humbleness of wishes. Please consider carefully whether you have the sincere ability to take only what is offered and what is not offered in the training program. 

Heartwood Refuge is under the spiritual direction of its founder, Venerable Pannavati Bhikkhuni. By becoming a resident you agree to follow her spiritual guidance and the leadership of the sangha.

Additional Skills 

When you register to apply for this program please include any instruments that you play or technical skills that you have such as garageband, Logic, Pro Tools, social media marketing, content creation, photography, videography, digital art, and more! 

Sample Schedule

MON

6:00 a.m. Individual Meditation & Dharma Practice 

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. AIP (Arts Intensive Program) Activity 

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Health & Wellness/Rest  

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Main Meal

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Service 

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. AIP Activity 

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Study/Flex Time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Supper and Clean Up

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. AIP Fellowship 

 TUES 

6:00 a.m. Individual Meditation & Dharma Practice 

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Group Dharma Study

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Health & Wellness/Rest  

1:00 p.m. – 2 p.m. Main Meal

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Service 

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. AIP Activity 

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Study/Flex Time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Supper and Clean Up

7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Group Meditation

8:00 p.m. Optional Tea time 

 WED

6:00 a.m. Individual Meditation & Dharma Practice 

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. DharmaVoci/ RAIP 

12:00 p.m. Dharma Talk 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Main Meal

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. AIP Activity 

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Study/Flex Time

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Supper and Clean Up

7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Fellowship  

SAT

Self Care

Click RAI Program Description for full Program Description!