Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Immersion Retreat 2020
Join the Panchen Lama Tashi Lhunpo Project for a unique immersion experience at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery India, one of the largest Learning Centers of Tibetan Buddhism in India, and participate in Losar 2020, an incredible celebration of the Tibetan New Year!
We are very excited to present a unique opportunity to live within a Tibetan monastery and make a meaningful contribution to the lives of over 400 scholarly monks. By attending this retreat you will be supporting a global cause that is far-reaching for the benefit of all sentient beings. You will experience true generosity of spirit during the many activities including your meal offering for the monks and an individual book offering to the new library.
By no means an ordinary monastery, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery India is steeped in historical significance. The original Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Tibet was founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drupe in 1447, and became the largest, most vibrant teaching monastery in Shigatse, Tibet at that time. “Namla Nyi-ma Dawa, Sa la Gyawa-Panchen.” Thus goes the age-old Tibetan saying that is well known and recited often in all 3 provinces of Tibet. It means, “Just as the Sun and the Moon in the Sky, thus Gyawa-Panchen on Earth,” alluding to the great and consequential relationship between the two Lamas, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Panchen Lama, who have shared a special bond, strengthened by their shared desire to ensure the wellbeing of the Tibetan people and the continued preservation of the Buddha Dharma.
From this historical perspective, you could imagine the richness of the history, culture and art of ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices which you will learn first-hand from the Lamas and resident monks. This sojourn could be a life-changing spiritual awakening for you.
More About Retreat
During this 7-day retreat, you will experience life in a Tibetan monastery and learn about Tibetan Buddhist history, culture and art taught by high Tibetan Lamas in a serene monastic setting.
- Get to know day-to-day monastic life
- Wake up to the glorious chanting sounds of the monks
- Learn how to meditate guided by Lamas
- Enjoy delicious meals with monks of all ages and learn how to make Tibetan momos!
- Do walking meditation on the beautiful grounds of the Monastery
- Learn Buddhist philosophy from high Tibetan scholar Lamas
- Visit other Tibetan monasteries and the Golden Temple, and understand their significance
- In culmination of this special retreat, witness a true Tibetan New Year celebration called Losar
Losar
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is the most important festival in the Tibetan culture. It lasts for 15 days and is filled with traditions that date back hundreds of years. Festivities at the Monastery include traditional dances and ceremonies, offerings to deities, and chanting. These activities are attended by villagers and the entire community. Special meals are prepared. The abbot officiates the Gu-Thor ceremony, praying for peace for all sentient beings as the year comes to an end. Cham dance is a meditative dance performed by senior monks and ends with the burning of the effigy to clean and purify all negativities with Buddhas and deities’ boundless blessings of love and compassion.
Accommodations and Meals
All accommodations and meals are included in the price. With the exception of a one-night stay in Mysore, all accommodations will be in the Monastery. The guest rooms in the Monastery have appointments that are modest and comfortable; most are double occupancy with a private bath. Please indicate in your registration form if you are traveling with someone whom you would like to room with. Meals will be specially prepared by the monks and will be vegetarian. In some instances, local chefs may be invited to prepare meals for the participants. Meals during the Losar Festivities will be enjoyed with the local village communities as well as with the resident monks. You will witness the wonderful organizational talents of this monastic community and enjoy Losar, an amazing highlight of the year.