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If you’re heading to India and you’re keen to learn more about Buddhism or meditation, consider paying a visit to the Tushita Meditation Centre in the North. The Tushita Meditation Centre is set amongst forested hills above the Dalai Lama’s seat in exile in the town of McLeod Ganj. If you have the time there are a wealth of other things to do in the area including volunteer opportunities like teaching English. There are also various courses cookery courses, amongst others, on offer.
The Tushita Meditation Centre
The Tushita Meditation Centre was established in 1972. It teaches and practices Buddhism in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition. The user-friendly website states that ‘Tushita aims to provide a friendly and conducive environment for people of all nationalities and backgrounds to learn about and put into practice the teachings of the Buddha.’
As a result, the centre organises regular introductory courses on Buddhist meditation and philosophy. Intermediate level courses are also available, as well as daily guided meditation sessions, movie days and other courses like ‘Getting to Know Medicine Buddha’. The centre is located above McLeod Ganj, in Dharamkot.
Contact is Dharamshala’s free community magazine that aspires to ‘bring the East and the West together in the most meaningful and beneficial of ways’. The site supplies a travel guide as well as information on accommodation, courses, volunteering opportunities, restaurants in the area and other helpful links, if you wish to do more during your meditation retreat.
What else is on offer in the area?
A highlight is The Main Temple and The Dalai Lama’s residence, just 10 minutes walk from McLeod Ganj. The area is also rich in yoga, reiki and other meditation centres besides Tushita. There are several cooking classes on offer in the vicinity, most of which are focused on Tibetan and Indian cooking. Belly dancing and music classes are also available.
The Tibetan Astrology Centre, Tara Tibetan Astrological Service Centre and Yhongkow Gyal Tibetan Traditional Astrology Institute are not too far from the Tushita Meditation Centre. Tibetan medicine, acupuncture and massage are also available.
When it comes to shopping, McLeod Ganj is a colourful place. You’ll find intricate Tibetan artwork as well as street vendors selling jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, books and clothes.
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