Our introductory courses are designed for beginners and those with some background knowledge of Buddhism. They present a complete overview of the Buddhist path and are considered quite intensive.

During the first seven days, Buddhist thought and practice is explained from a modern perspective by experienced Western teachers (ordained and lay). Topics include: meditation, the mind and emotions, karma, rebirth, love and compassion in the Mahayana tradition and the nature of reality. We also try to organize daily talks by highly qualified and respected Tibetan masters covering specific texts and topics. The daily schedule combines teachings with meditation sessions, question-answer periods and discussion groups. Participants are required to keep silence 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 analyze and contemplate not only the teachings, but also one's own views.

The last two full days take the form of a meditation retreat designed to give participants an opportunity to familiarize themselves with and gain insight into the topics. The retreat is conducted in total silence and the meditations are guided.

During one of these days, we’ll take the Mahayana precepts if Preceptors are available. This is a set of eight vows which entail refraining from: killing, stealing, lying, sex, taking intoxicants, dancing, wearing ornaments or perfume and using throne-like seats. On this day only one meal is taken before noon. These vows are taken with an altruistic intention and as an aid to developing more awareness of one's behaviour and enhancing meditation. More explanation will be given during the course.

Basic Discipline for Guests at Tushita

Please observe the following five 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 sex (men and women must have separate accommodation).
• Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants, such as cigarettes, alcohol, drugs.

Be considerate of others, especially those in retreat:

• No singing or playing music.
• Keep silence around rooms and in the Silent Area in the front garden.

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.

Help keep Tushita clean:

• You will be assigned a karma yoga job to help keep Tushita clean.
• Separate your waste into 3 categories to keep Tushita green:

• Please leave your room tidy for the next guest.

Food and Accommodation:

• We serve 3 vegetarian meals a day, which may contain: eggs and milk products. We cannot provide special diets.
• No single rooms are available for course participants.
• We have only one blanket available per person.

Office Matters:

• Please complete all office business – including checking out – during office opening hours.

Others:

• Do not feed stray dogs or monkeys, rather chase them away.
• Keep doors and windows closed when not in the room (to keep thieves and monkeys out, also lock your door from inside at night).
• Valuables can be stored in the Tushita safe for security.

• Participants must attend all sessions of the program and not go down to McLeod Ganj at all during the course (please settle all travel arrangements, calls etc. before you come up to Tushita).
• Please come to sessions on time.
• You are expected to observe silence (no talking at all) from the evening of the first day to breakfast on the final day.
• Please be gentle in your behaviour and sensitive to fellow group members.

• Please reconfirm your registration at least three days before the course starts.
• Check-in time for the course is 1 – 3pm. If you arrive after 3pm, you may lose your place to people on the waiting list.
• Course participants can stay two days before and after the course. For longer periods, please consult the office.