A Reflective Experience at Tushita Meditation Center for Introduction to Buddhism

Earlier this year, in August 2022, I attended an introductory course in Buddhism at Tushita Meditation Center in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. My experience was nothing short of wonderful, both in terms of the environment and the content of the course.

Location and Atmosphere

The center is located in a serene and stunning location, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is a peaceful and spiritual place, with beautiful cedar trees and a diverse range of birds, including Himalayan bulbul, great tit, tree sparrow, and rufous treepie. The most memorable moment for me was sitting on a bench during a break, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

A photograph of one of the benches can be seen here. These benches are some of the most peaceful places to spend your time. Visitors who are not part of the residential program can also sit here as long as they agree to maintain silence. When I visited, it was during the rainy season, which is why the table was wet.

Course Overview

The course I attended was an introduction to Buddhism, focusing on the basic concepts of the religion. It consisted of about four hours of Buddhist teaching sessions every day, followed by about three hours of guided meditation. We were encouraged to read books from the extensive library on the premises and encouraged to write in a notebook to clarify our thoughts. No gadgets, including phones, laptops, or other electronics, were allowed, and all personal items had to be handed over on check-in.

Comparison with Vipassana

Many people ask if Tushita's course is the same as a Vipassana meditation course. The answer is no. Our experience was quite different. Tushita's course focuses on introducing people to the core concepts of Buddhism, providing a structured learning environment. We were only required to maintain silence for most of the time, with one hour for group discussions on seven out of the ten days we were there. There was also an opportunity to read books from the campus library, which was a refreshing change from the strict Vipassana protocol.

Student Demographics and Experience

I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of participants in this course. About 90 students from over 15 different countries converged in Dharamshala for this meditation retreat. Despite the silence, participants were kind and helpful to each other, creating a positive and optimistic energy. Friendships were formed, and a group photograph was taken on the last day of the retreat, capturing these joyful moments.

The course proved to be a worthwhile experience if you approach it with an open mind. Some of the Buddhist teachings might challenge your traditional beliefs, but Buddhism encourages critical thinking and contemplation. A few students chose to leave within the first few days because what they experienced did not match their expectations. However, more than 90 people stayed and genuinely enjoyed the experience, making the most of the course.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I strongly recommend attending an introduction to Buddhism course at Tushita Meditation Center if you are looking for a meaningful spiritual experience. However, my advice is to go there without pre-conceived notions and simply follow the flow of the course. It can be challenging to stay silent and away from distractions for an extended period, but the reward is immeasurable. You'll experience things for the first time, and the silent retreat could be a profound journey that changes your life.

Note: For more detailed insights, you can read more in my blog. But if you've decided to attend, it's best not to read my experiences, so you can go with an open mind and enjoy the journey without expectations.