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    <title>Tharpaland International Retreat Centre</title>
    <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/</link>
    <description>International Retreat Centre For Kadampa Buddhists</description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:rights>Copyright Tharpaland International Retreat Centre 2012</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2012-01-31T11:00:56+00:00</dc:date>
    <generator>Tharpaland International Retreat Centre http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org</generator>


    <item>
      <title>Tuesday Evening Class In Biggar</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/tuesday-evening-class-in-biggar</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Tuesdays 7.00 &#45; 8.30pm with Buddhist nun Kelsang Devi

	Simply Meditate

	meditations for a happy life

	Weekly drop in meditation classes offer the chance to learn how to make our mind calm and peaceful. By training in Buddhist meditation we will learn to develop inner peace, which enables us to stay happy and positive even in the most difficult circumstances.
	Each class is self contained with two guided meditations, some simple instructions on how to meditate and a chance to discuss and ask questions, all in the comfort of a chair. You can join at any time, no need to book or reserve a place.

	Devi is a Buddhist nun and experienced meditator and teacher, having spent many months in silent retreat and as Resident Teacher at Mahabodhi Centre in Edinburgh for 3 years.

	Devi is a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, having studied with him for over 10 years. Her teachings are very clear and powerful, with a lightness, warmth and humour which make them accessible to all.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-31T11:00:56+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Thursday Evening Class in Castle Douglas</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/thursday-evening-class-in-castle-douglas</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Thursdays 7.30 &#45; 9.00pm with Buddhist nun Kelsang Devi

	Simply Meditate

	
	meditations for a happy life

	Weekly drop in meditation classes offer the chance to learn how to make our mind calm and peaceful. By training in Buddhist meditation we will learn to develop inner peace, which enables us to stay happy and positive even in the most difficult circumstances.
	Each class is self contained with two guided meditations, some simple instructions on how to meditate and a chance to discuss and ask questions, all in the comfort of a chair. You can join at any time, no need to book or reserve a place.

	

	Devi is a Buddhist nun and experienced meditator and teacher, having spent many months in silent retreat and as Resident Teacher at Mahabodhi Centre in Edinburgh for 3 years.

	Devi is a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, having studied with him for over 10 years.

	Her teachings are very clear and powerful, with a lightness, warmth and humour which make them accessible to all.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-26T11:30:25+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Monday Evening Class In Annan</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/monday-evening-class-in-annan</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mondays 7.00 &#45; 8.30 pm. with Buddhist nun Kelsang Changchen

	Simply Meditate

	meditations for a happy life

	Weekly drop in meditation classes offer the chance to learn how to make our mind calm and peaceful. By training in Buddhist meditation we will learn to develop inner peace, which enables us to stay happy and positive even in the most difficult circumstances.
	Each class is self contained with two guided meditations, some simple instructions on how to meditate and a chance to discuss and ask questions, all in the comfort of a chair. You can join at any time, no need to book or reserve a place.

	

	Changchen has been studying and practising Buddhism for many years. Having spent 3 years in silent solitary retreat as well as many group retreats, she is a very experienced meditator. She conveys clarity in her teachings and inspires with her love, compassion and warmth.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-23T11:00:30+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Wednesday evening class in Dumfries</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/wednesday-evening-class-in-dumfries</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Wednesdays 7.30 &#45; 9.00pm at Gracefield Arts Centre, with Buddhist nun Kelsang Devi

	Simply Meditate

	meditations for a happy life

	&amp;nbsp;

	Weekly drop in meditation classes offer the chance to learn how to make our mind calm and peaceful. By training in Buddhist meditation we will learn to develop inner peace, which enables us to stay happy and positive even in the most difficult circumstances.
	Each class is self contained with two guided meditations, some simple instructions on how to meditate and a chance to discuss and ask questions, all in the comfort of a chair. You can join at any time, no need to book or reserve a place.
	&amp;nbsp;

	Devi is a Buddhist nun and experienced meditator and teacher, having spent many months in silent retreat and has been Resident Teacher at Mahabodhi Centre in Edinburgh for 3 years.

	Devi is a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, having studied with him for over 10 years. Her teachings are very clear and powerful, with a lightness, warmth and humour which make them accessible to all.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2012-01-18T11:30:22+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Sojong Ceremony</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/courses/sojong-ceremony</link>
      <description><![CDATA[For ordained Sangha only]]></description>
      <dc:date>2011-05-15T08:30:39+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Mahayana Precepts</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/courses/mahayana-precepts</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A Pure Life &#45; The practice of taking and keeping the eight Mahayana precepts

	Once a month, on the 15th Mahayana Precepts are granted at Tharpaland IRC.

	The practice of taking and keeping the eight Mahayana precepts is a special practice of moral discipline that is performed with bodhichitta motivation. The essence of the practice is to take eight precepts and to keep them purely for a period of twenty&#45;four hours. By doing this practice again and again we acquaint ourself with the practice of moral discipline and thereby make our human life meaningful.

	We receive many great benefits from practising moral discipline in this way. It helps us to solve the problems of this life by avoiding the causes of suffering; and it creates the cause for us to take fortunate rebirths in future lives and thereby protects us from the sufferings of lower rebirth. In particular, because it is performed with bodhichitta motivation, this practice is very powerful for purifying negative karma. It accumulates a vast collection of merit and creates the cause for us to attain the unsurpassed happiness of enlightenment.

	We first need to receive these precepts from a qualified Preceptor, and then we can take them on our own as often as we wish. Instructions on both these methods are included in this sadhana. If we wish to take the essence of this precious human life we should strive to engage in this practice as often as we can.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2011-05-14T23:30:56+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Offering to the Spiritual Guide</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/courses/offering-to-the-spiritual-guide</link>
      <description><![CDATA[A special Guru yoga practice of Je Tsongkhapa&#39;s tradition

	Twice a month we perform &amp;quot;Offering to the Spiritual Guide&amp;quot; &#45; on the 10th and 25th at 7.30 pm.

	Offering to the Spiritual Guide is a special Guru yoga of Je Tsongkhapa in conjunction with Highest Yoga Tantra. It was compiled by the first Panchen Lama, Losang Ch&amp;ouml;kyi Gyalts&amp;auml;n, as a preliminary practice for Vajra&#45;yana Mahamudra. The main practice is relying upon the Spiritual Guide, but it also includes all the essential practices of the stages of the path (Lamrim) and training the mind (Lojong), as well as both the generation stage and completion stage of Highest Yoga Tantra.

	The essence of Guru yoga is to develop a strong conviction that our Spiritual Guide is a Buddha, to make prostrations, offerings, and sincere requests to him or her, and then to receive his or her profound blessings. According to the Guru yoga of Offering to the Spiritual Guide, we develop conviction that our Spiritual Guide is the same nature as Je Tsongkhapa, who is an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri.

	By relying upon Je Tsongkhapa, our compassion, wisdom, and spiritual power naturally increase. In particular, because Je Tsongkhapa is an emanation of the Wisdom Buddha Manjushri, his faithful followers never experience difficulty in increasing their wisdom. There are many other benefits from practising Offering to the Spiritual Guide. These are explained in the book Great Treasury of Merit, which contains a complete commentary to the practice.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2011-05-10T12:30:56+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>About meditation</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/about-meditation</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.

	If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in difficult circumstances. Find out more about the benefits of meditation.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-12-31T19:56:44+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>What to expect at a class</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/classes/what-to-expect-at-a-class</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The meditations we teach are open to everyone. Our practice is gentle and everyone can learn according to their wish and capacity. Classes are aimed at helping people find peace and happiness by using meditation in daily life and applying meditation techniques to everyday situations. They can be attended on a drop&#45;in basis so there is no need to book in advance.

	

	Classes begin with a simple guided breathing meditation to reduce stress, tension and distractions. This is followed by a talk on how to incorporate meditation and Buddhist principles into daily life. This may include topics such as improving relationships, developing confidence, gaining peace of mind, coping with stress and dealing with anger.

	There is a guided meditation at the end of the class to help us gain deeper experience of the subject of the class. The class concludes with discussion, questions and answers giving you the opportunity to clarify points.]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-12-31T14:50:17+00:00</dc:date>
    </item>

    <item>
      <title>Practical Information About Retreat</title>
      <link>http://nkt-irc-tharpaland.org/tharpaland/practical-information-about-retreat</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Meditation

	Retreaters can meditate using a cushion on the floor or sitting in a chair.

	In the session breaks

	Throughout the retreat there is time everyday, to relax and walk in the beautiful surrounding forest and enjoy the expansive views around Tharpaland. Also each person on a group retreat will help out in the breaks with a small job to ensure the retreat runs smoothly.

	Meals

	Breakfast and 2 healthy and nutritious meals will be served each day. All meals are either vegetarian or vegan. There is also a wheat free option for those with allergies. Please indicate in advance if you require a vegan or wheat free diet&amp;nbsp;(We are sorry but we are unable to provide any other more specialised diets at the moment).

	Please also indicate 48 hours in advance if you will require lunch or supper on your arrival day. Lunch is at 1pm and supper is at 6pm.

	Facilites

	We have different types of accommodation. Single rooms with ensuite facilities, single rooms with shared facilities, twin rooms, dorm and dorm cubicle. (A dorm cubicle is a small room within the dorm, with a curtain screen for privacy).

	Retreaters have access to shower facilities, a washing machine, small snack / &amp;nbsp;tsog shop and a small Dharma shop&amp;nbsp;(We are very sorry but we are unable to provide disabled facilities at the moment).

	What will you need?

	For single rooms bed linen and a towel is provided.&amp;nbsp;For a dorm or dorm cubicle, please bring a sleeping bag and a towel.
	Please bring a torch, warm weather&#45; proof clothing, good sturdy shoes or boots for walking, and toiletries.
	As we only have a small food shop for tsog and a small Dharma shop you will need to bring anything else with you. However please only bring what you will need as space is limited.

	Tharpaland has a small library of Dharma books which you can borrow during your retreat.

	Procedure for bookings

	Please visit our booking page to book either online or offline.

	Please contact us if you have any enquiries.

	Once we receive your booking form we will process your booking and get back to you to arrange for payment of a deposit to secure your place, or to ask for further information. Please note: some retreats do book up quickly so there can be a waiting list.
	Places are booked up according to the date of receipt of the booking form and your place is only secured by payment of a deposit.

	Payments

	Deposit payments for group or solitary retreats can be made&amp;nbsp;by cheque to Tharpaland IRC , by bank transfer or credit card on line.
	For payment information please contact us.
	Deposits are non refundable and non exchangeable.
	Please do not pay a deposit until we confirm we have a place available to you.

	In order to qualify for a place on group or solitary retreat, a reference from your Resident Teacher or Administrative Director will be required.

	Please wait until you have a secure retreat place before making any travel arrangements.

	Cost of Retreats

	Group Retreats

	Please see the individual page for the retreat you wish to join for the most up to date costs or telephone us on 01387 860618

	Solitary Retreats

	The prices for solitary retreat operate on a sliding scale, reducing in price for longer stays and for shared facility accomodation.
	&amp;nbsp;]]></description>
      <dc:date>2010-07-01T08:42:56+00:00</dc:date>
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