Mind, Meditation and the Meaning of Life

Buddha said the mind is the creator of everything – all that is wholesome comes from the mind, all that is unwholesome comes from the mind.

What does this really mean?

During this short course, through meditations and teachings, we will explore what mind is, how it works and how it can be transformed in a positive way so we can experience lasting inner peace and true happiness.

 

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Teacher

David Marks is originally from Melbourne, Australia. After graduating from Law School in 1978 he traveled around Asia, developing an interest in eastern religion and meditation along the way.

He ordained as a monk soon after meeting his teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche and then studied at Nalanda Monastery for several years, later teaching here at Tushita, Kopan Monastery, and Root Institute. He has also been resident teacher at Vajrayana Institute and director of Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery.

After living as a monk for 30 years David returned to lay life but remains deeply committed to the path of awakening with a particular emphasis on the practice of meditation.

 

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Schedule

This course will be in silence.

Approximate daily schedule for both days:

09:00 – 09:45	Meditation
10:00 – 12:00	Teaching
12:00 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 16:00	Teaching
16:00 – 16:20	Tea Break
16:20 – 17:00	Meditation

Please note: This schedule might change on short notice!

Registration in Tushita’s Office Required!

 

Practical Information

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. We will ask you to please give your full donation for the course in our reception office in the days before the course starts, payable in Indian Rupees only (unfortunately we cannot accept Foreign Currency, Travellers Cheques or Credit / Debit Cards).

For example, the minimum amount that Tushita needs to cover our costs for a 2- / 3-day course is 1500 / 2000 Indian Rupees per person. This includes lunch and afternoon tea on this day. It does not include any other meals or accommodation, since it will be a non-residential course. Of course, extra donations to help Tushita are always welcome!

 

Course Registration

For our non-residential courses, registration is only possible in our reception office by making your full donation of 1500 INR for this 2-day course.

Office hours are: Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays)

• 9:00 – 11:30am
  – lunch break –
• 12:30 – 4:00pm

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. Here are some tips for finding accommodation in McLeod Ganj.

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.
• Please read our Library page: we sell books and other items, so you may want to bring some extra money with you; or check conditions for borrowing.
• 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.

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Read more on our Short Courses page.