March 9 - 10, 2012
March 24 - 25, 2012
April 21 - 22, 2012
June 2 - 3, 2012

2-day Non-Residential Retreats
Led by Glen Svensson

Shamatha is the practice of developing single-pointed concentration, developing a calm, clear and focussed mind. This practice is essential if we are to subdue and heal our agitated and unruly mind, to become masters of our mind.

Over 2 days we will become familiar with and practice various shamatha meditations and learn how to develop an effective daily shamatha practice. We will be focussing on mindfulness of breathing and settling the mind in its natural state as the two main methods for cultivating single pointed concentration.

We will supplement this with the practice of the Four Immeasurables. Shamatha practice becomes most effective if we combine it with opening our heart through the practice of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

Students will keep silence for the duration of the course.

Approximate daily schedule of this Non-Residential course:

Both days:

• 09:00 - 10:15 Session 1
• 10:30 - 11:45 Session 2
• 11:45 - 13:00 Lunch
• 13:00 - 13:45 Session 3
• 14:00 - 14:45 Session 4
• 14:45 - 15:15 Tea Break
• 15:15 - 16:00 Session 5
• 16:15 - 17:00 Session 6

Please note: This schedule might change on short notice!

Recommended Reading:

• "Attention Revolution (Unlocking the Power of the Focused Mind)" - B. Alan Wallace
• "The Four Immeasurables (Practices to Open the Heart)" - B. Alan Wallace
• "Genuine Happiness (Meditation as the Path to Fulfillment)" - B. Alan Wallace

Tushita's Donation Policy

Tushita Meditation Centre operates entirely on the basis of donations, most of which come from people attending our courses and retreats. Before the course starts (8:30am on the first day at the latest) we will ask you to please give your full donation for the course, payable in Indian Rupees only (unfortunately we cannot accept Foreign Currency, Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards).

The minimum amount that Tushita needs to cover our costs on these courses is 400 Rupees per person per day. This includes lunch and afternoon tea. It does not include any other meals or accommodation, since this is a non-residential course. Of course, extra donations to help Tushita are always welcome!

Please Note: It is not possible to join these courses for a shorter period than advertised ie, it is not possible to join for only one day of a 2 or 3-day course, so the donation we will ask for a 2-day course is 800 rupees, 1200 rupees for a 3-day course etc.

Course Registration

The ONLY way to register for Non-Residential courses is in our reception office. We will not be able to take any registrations for Non-Residential courses by email.

Space isn't a problem on our non-residential courses, so there won't be any problem in getting a spot. However, we'd really appreciate it if you'd sign up and make your donation in the office in the days before the course so we have a good idea of how many people to prepare and cook lunch for. If this proves to be absolutely impossible, it's OK just to come along to the office on the first morning but please be there by 8:30am!

Office Hours:

Monday - Saturday
9:30 - 11:30
12:30 - 16:00

Closed Sundays

Accommodation Options

Since this is a Non-Residential course, it will not be possible to stay here at Tushita. There are many guest houses and hotels nearby however, varied enough to meet all comfort levels and budgets. You can see more information here.

What to Bring

• Warm clothing which can be worn in layers and a shawl/blanket for using in the meditation hall are advisable. Bear in mind that we are at a slightly higher altitude than in McLeod Ganj, it is noticeably colder here.
• You are welcome to take notes during the course, so you may find a notebook, pen etc useful.
• It is handy to have your own water bottle. Filtered water is available in our dining hall and out of concern for the environment, we strongly discourage students from buying water in plastic bottles.
• An umbrella or rainwear, depending on the weather that day.
• We have a small shop and sell books and other items in our library so you may want to bring some extra money with you. It may also be possible to borrow books, see more by clicking here.

Please DO NOT bring: any musical instruments, camera, radios/tape/CD/MP3 players or mobile phones as you will be asked not to use them while you are here.

Course discipline

To create an atmosphere conducive for reflection and meditation, participants are required to keep silence (no talking at all!) for the duration of the course, especially since there may be a retreat running parallel to your course.

• Because we have monks and nuns living at Tushita, please dress respectfully (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or tight/revealing clothing).
• Participants must attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time.
• Please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow group members and staff.
• Please remember to switch off your mobile phone.

Also, while at Tushita we ask people to observe the following precepts:

• Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.
• Respect others' property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.
• Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others.
• Be celibate: no sexual activity. This also includes no holding hands, hugging, massages and other physical displays of affection.
• Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes (if necessary, one can smoke outside Tushita property).

Gompa Etiquette

"Gompa" is the Tibetan word for Meditation Hall. Because a Gompa is the location of study, meditation and devotional practices, Buddhists consider them to be holy places. In this tradition, the following modes of behaviour are considered respectful in a Gompa and we ask you to follow them while here:

• Do not point your feet towards the teachers, the altar or any holy object.
• Do not put Dharma materials – prayer books, texts, Dharma books or notebooks with Dharma in them – on the floor, or sit or step over them.
• Do not lie down or do any yoga exercises in the Gompa at any time.
• No idle chit-chat in the Gompa.