stupa buddhism Tushita Meditation Centre meditation FPMT
 


INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM

Introduction to Buddhism Course - April 2007Tushita 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.

During the first six days of 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

Light Offerings at Lama Yeshe's StupaThe daily schedule combines teachings with various styles of meditation and discussion groups.  The course ends 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.



March to November 2009 Introduction to Buddhism Course Dates

Month Dates Description
March 2009 2 - 10 9-day residential course
This course is also an excellent preparation for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s public teachings August 4 – 6.
For more information please visit: www.dalailama.com & Mc Leod Ganj > HHDL’s Teachings.
March/April 2009 24 - 2 10-day residential course
April 2009 7 - 16
21- 30
10-day residential course
10-day residential course
May 2009 6 - 15 10-day residential course
June 2009 16 - 25 10-day residential course
July 2009 1 - 10

10-day residential course
July/Aug 2009 28 - 6 10-day residential course
August 2009 18 - 27 10-day residential course
September 2009 19 - 28 10-day residential course
October 2009 5 - 14
10-day residential course
October/November 2009 24 - 2 10-day residential course
November 2009 5 - 14
17 - 21
10-day residential course
Special 5-day Residential course

Please note : All dates are subject to change at short notice. Please confirm with Tushita before making your final travel arrangements.

Unless otherwise stated, all of these courses are 10-day residential courses, which begin in the afternoon of the first date and end after lunch on the last date.

For others activities during the year please visit our Calendar of Events.

Approximate Schedule for 10-Day Residential Introduction to Buddhism Courses

Day 1 Check In
1:00pm Registration (in the Dining Hall)
4:30pm Welcome and Introductory talk
6:15pm Dinner
7:30pm Introduction to Meditation
Day 2-7
06:00am Wake up
6.45 - 7.30am   Mindfulness Meditation 
7:30am Breakfast
9:00 - 11:00am Teaching
11:15 - 12:00pm Stretching (if teacher available)
12:00 - 2:00pm Lunch & Karma Yoga Jobs
2:00 - 3:00pm Discussion Groups
3:30 - 5:000pm Teaching
5:30 - 6:15pm Guided Meditation
6:15pm Dinner
7:30pm Evening Meditation
Day 8-9
6:00am Wake up
6:45 - 7:30am Mindfulness Meditation
7:30am Breakfast
9:00 - 9:45am Guided Meditation
10:15 - 11:00am Guided Meditation
11:15 - 12:00pm Stretching (if teacher available)
12:00 - 2:15pm Lunch & Karma Yoga Jobs
2:15 - 3:00pm Guided Meditation
4:00 - 4:45pm Guided Meditation
5:30 - 6:15pm Guided Meditation
6:15pm Dinner
7:30pm Evening Meditation
Day 10
6:00am Wake up
6:45 - 7:30am Mindfulness Meditation
7:30am Breakfast
9:00am Final Talk and Feedback
12:00pm Picnic Lunch
1:00 - 3:00pm Check out

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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!
 
Intro Course Katag
  • 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.

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