Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamshala

Journey to Inner Peace: A Traveler’s Guide to Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamshala

Nestled high in the serene Dhauladhar mountains, overlooking the vibrant town of McLeod Ganj near Dharamshala, lies the Tushita Meditation Centre. For travelers seeking more than just scenic vistas, Tushita offers a profound opportunity to explore the depths of Buddhist philosophy and meditation in an authentic and supportive environment. This renowned centre, steeped in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, has been a sanctuary for spiritual seekers from around the globe since 1972.

If you’re considering a journey to Tushita, here’s what you need to know to plan your transformative experience.

Finding Your Way to Tushita

Tushita Meditation Centre is situated in Dharamkot, a small village above McLeod Ganj, at an altitude of approximately 1,888 meters (6,190 feet). Reaching Tushita is a journey in itself:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (DHM), about 13-15 km from McLeod Ganj. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Dharamkot and then Tushita. Flights connect Gaggal to Delhi and other major Indian cities.
• By Train: The closest major railway station is Pathankot Cantt (Chakki Bank) or Pathankot Junction, approximately 90-100 km away. From the station, you can take a taxi (around 2.5-3 hours) or a bus to McLeod Ganj. Another option, though further, is Amb Andaura station, from where taxis are available.
• By Bus: Several overnight buses run from Delhi (Majnu-ka-Tila or ISBT Kashmere Gate) to McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala. The journey takes about 10-12 hours. From McLeod Ganj bus stand, Tushita is a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride uphill (around 10-15 minutes). Local buses also ply between Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.

Once in McLeod Ganj, ask for Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamkot; most local taxi drivers are familiar with the location.

What to Expect: Courses and Retreats

Tushita is renowned for its 10-day residential “Introduction to Buddhism” courses. These popular courses are designed for beginners and those with some prior knowledge, offering a comprehensive overview of core Buddhist concepts such as:

• The Mind and Emotions
• Karma and Rebirth
• Love and Compassion
• The Nature of Reality (Emptiness)

These courses are intensive and held in a silent retreat environment for a significant portion of the duration to facilitate introspection. The days typically start early (around 6:00 AM) and include teachings, guided meditation sessions, discussion groups, and personal practice, concluding around 9:00 PM. All teachings and instructions are provided in English.

Beyond the introductory courses, Tushita also offers:

• Intermediate-level courses and group retreats
• Drop-in guided meditation sessions: Usually held daily (Monday to Saturday, when courses are not running) and are open to everyone. These are often “hybrid,” allowing online participation too.
• Movie Days: Featuring films with Buddhist themes or messages.
• Special pujas, teachings, and events by visiting Lamas and senior Sangha members.
• Personal (strict) Buddhist retreats for experienced meditators (minimum 10 days).

It’s crucial to check Tushita’s official website (tushita.info) for the most up-to-date schedule, course availability, and booking information, as popular courses get fully booked well in advance.

Accommodation: Simple and Serene

Accommodation at Tushita is basic, clean, and designed to support a contemplative lifestyle. It is available only for participants of residential courses or those undertaking approved personal retreats. Options include:

• Dormitories: Small (3-4 beds) and large (7-12 beds) with shared toilet and shower facilities.
• Single Rooms: Very limited in number and allocated based on the order of registration for courses. Some may have private Indian-style toilets and shared showers.

Pillows, sheets, and two blankets per bed are provided. However, it is highly recommended to bring your own sleeping bag, as the mountain weather can be cold, especially at night, regardless of the season. Duvets might be available for rent, subject to availability.

The Tushita Experience: Daily Life and Discipline

Life at Tushita during a residential course is structured and disciplined, creating an environment conducive to learning and meditation.

• Silence: A significant part of the residential courses is conducted in silence to help participants focus inward. Silence typically begins on the evening of the first day and continues until the end of the course.
• Schedule: Participants are expected to attend all sessionspunctually.
• Meals: Three simple, wholesome vegetarian meals are provided daily. Filtered drinking water is also available.
• Electronics: To minimize distractions, participants are required to deposit mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronic devices in the centre’s safe at check-in.
• Conduct: Tushita observes the five basic Buddhist precepts:
  1. Respect all life (no killing, even insects).
  2. Respect others’ property (no stealing).
  3. Be honest and straightforward (no lying).
  4. Be celibate (no sexual activity, including physical displays of affection).
  5. Be alert and mindful (avoid intoxicants like alcohol and drugs; smoking is discouraged but permitted in a designated area).
• Dress Code: Modest and respectful attire is required. Clothes should be loose-fitting and comfortable, covering shoulders and knees (no shorts above the knee, sleeveless shirts, or tight/revealing clothing).
• Gompa Etiquette: Specific respectful behavior is expected in the meditation hall (Gompa), such as not pointing feet towards teachers or holy objects, and not lying down.

Preparing for Your Stay: What to Pack

• Identification: Foreigners need a photocopy of their passport and Indian visa. Indian citizens need a photocopy of their ID.
• Donation: Course fees are payable in Indian Rupees only upon check-in. Credit/debit cards are generally not accepted.
• Warm Clothing: Layers are essential, including sweaters, jackets, warm socks, and a shawl or blanket for the meditation hall, as it can get cold even in summer.
• Sleeping Bag: Highly recommended.
• Rainwear: An umbrella or raincoat is advisable year-round, especially during the monsoon season (June to September).
• Footwear: Shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you’ll need to remove them before entering the Gompa and other buildings.
• Toiletries: Including your own bath towel and toilet paper (though some may be available for purchase).
• Medications: Any personal medicines you require.
• Flashlight (Torch): Useful during power cuts.
• Notebook and Pen: For taking notes during teachings.
• Water Bottle: To refill with filtered water.
• Earplugs: Especially if you are a light sleeper in a dormitory.
• Open Mind and Willingness: Be prepared for a psychologically engaging and potentially challenging experience that requires commitment and discipline.

What NOT to Bring (or to be deposited):

• Musical instruments
• Cameras (during courses)
• MP3 players, laptops, tablets, Kindles
• Mobile phones

Important Considerations:

• Health: You should be in good general physical and mental health to attend intensive courses. The courses can be psychologically demanding and are not a substitute for professional therapy.
• Monkeys: Be mindful of monkeys in the area. Do not feed them, and keep food items secured.
• Connectivity: Plan to be out of contact during residential courses. Settle all outside communication and travel arrangements before you arrive.
• Season: Tushita is generally open from February to November and closed on Sundays. The weather varies significantly; summers are pleasant, monsoons (July-September) are wet, and winters can be very cold.
• Donations: Tushita operates through the generosity of donations. Any additional contributions are welcome.

A Place for Genuine Seekers

Tushita Meditation Centre offers a rare and precious opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of modern life and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a place where the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism is shared with clarity and warmth, in a setting that inspires peace and reflection. If you approach your time at Tushita with an open heart and a willingness to engage deeply, you may find it to be a truly life-enriching experience.

Before planning your trip, always refer to the official Tushita Meditation Centre website (tushita.info) for the latest information on courses, schedules, costs, and booking procedures.