INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM

Tushita aims to provide a friendly and conducive environment for people of all nationalities to contact, learn and put into practice the teachings of the Buddha. With this in mind we organize regular introductory courses on Buddhist philosophy and meditation.

Established in 1973, Tushita has gained an international reputation for its Introduction to Buddhism courses, which are equally appropriate for beginners as well as those with some background knowledge. These courses are usually residential and 10 days long (although in 2010 we will also be able to offer several 5 and 8-day courses, see Course Dates below).

During the course, experienced Western and Tibetan teachers explain Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation from a modern perspective. Topics include:

• the mind and emotions
• karma
• rebirth
• love and compassion
• the nature of reality

The daily schedule combines teachings with various styles of meditation and discussion groups.  10-day courses end with a two-day intensive meditation retreat to give you the chance to familiarize yourself with and gain insight into the topics that were covered in the teachings. Most importantly, you will learn how to apply these Buddhist techniques to increase peace, happiness, and compassion in your daily life.

To create an atmosphere conducive for reflection and meditation, participants are required to keep silence for the duration of the course except during discussion groups or question and answer periods.

Since many of the ideas presented may be new or different from one's own beliefs, we also ask people to keep an open mind and be prepared to analyse and contemplate not only the teachings, but also one's own views.

• 2010 Introduction to Buddhism Course Dates
• Approximate Schedule for 10-Day Residential Introduction to Buddhism Courses
• Approximate Schedule for shorter Residential Introduction to Buddhism Courses
• Course Registration
  
• Course Discipline
  
• Basic Discipline for Guests at Tushita
  
• Practical Matters for Guests at Tushita
• What to Bring
• Reading List
• Travel Information
• Introductory Course FAQ
• Accommodation FAQ

2010 Introduction to Buddhism Course Dates

Approximate Schedule for 10-Day Residential Introduction to Buddhism Courses

5 and 8 day Introduction to Buddhism Courses have the same schedule on Day One and for the body of the retreat (Teaching and Meditation Program) but do not have the 2-day Intensive Meditation Retreat. 
The last day has the same check-out schedule as below.

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Course Registration
To register for an Introduction to Buddhism course, please read all of the above and below information about the course. Then complete the on-line registration form in the Registration section of this website or visit the Tushita Office. Please don't email just to ask about availability on the course; usually there is enough space even up to the first day of the course, and you'll save both yourself and Tushita staff save time and effort by just completing the form!
 

• Check-in time is 1pm on the first day of the course. If you arrive after 2pm, you may lose your place to people on the waiting list.

• Please note it is not possible to reserve a single room unless you are elderly or have a medical condition. For more information about our room allocation system please visit accommodation FAQ

• Course participants MAY be able to stay at the centre two days after the course. Please consult the office for room availability.
  

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Course discipline

• Do not leave Tushita property for the entire course. Please settle all travel arrangements, calls, etc. before you come to Tushita! 
• Participants must attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time. 
• You are expected to observe silence (no talking at all) from the evening of the first day until the end of the course.
• Please put all communication / entertainment devices (laptop / mobile phones /cameras / MP3/CD players) etc into our safe at check-in.
• Please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow group members.

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Basic Discipline for Guests at Tushita
The following information outlines the discipline we ask of our guests in order to keep the atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and spiritual pursuit.


Please observe the following five precepts:

o	Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.
o	Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.
o	Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others.
o	Be celibate: no sex (men and women must have separate accommodation).
o	Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants, such as cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs

 



Be considerate of others, especially those in retreat:

• No singing or playing music.
• Keep silence around the rooms at all times.  Even when you are not in silence, please keep silence around others who are observing silence.
• Because we have monks and nuns living at Tushita, please dress respectfully (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or tight and  revealing clothing)

The following etiquette is considered respectful behaviour in a Buddhist temple:

• Please stand up when the teacher enters the hall.
• Do not cover your head during teachings: no hats, scarves, etc.
• Never point your feet towards the teacher, 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 in the gompa between sessions or while you are watching a teaching or video. If you need to rest, lean against the wall.
• Always keep silence in the meditation hall, especially during teachings, pujas and when there are people meditating.
• Do not read non-Dharma books in the gompa.

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Practical Matters for Guests at Tushita

• Shop: There is a small shop at Tushita that sells toiletries, stationery, biscuits, etc.

• Food:  We serve vegetarian meals, containing eggs and milk products, and cannot provide for special diets. See our Meals page for further information.

• Help keep Tushita clean:
  
  • All course participants will have a karma yoga job to keep Tushita clean.
  • Please leave your room tidy for the next guest.
• Other:
  • We have only one blanket available per person. Please bring your own sleeping bag!
  • Keep doors and windows closed when not in the room (to keep thieves and monkeys out). 
  • Lock your door from the inside at night.  Valuables can be stored in the Tushita safe for security.
  • Do not feed stray dogs or monkeys, but rather chase them away.

Click on the following links for information on

what to bring        weather advice        travel information

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Tushita is under the guidance of Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche and a member of the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) – a worldwide network of Buddhist centres and activities dedicated to benefiting others:  www.fpmt.org

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MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY!