Newsletter #15

Dear Meditators

We are happy to inform you that Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo is coming to Prague on the 3rd of December. Everyone is invited to meet him. Details about Ajahn Tong’s visit and the Winter meditation courses at Tisarana are below.

Ajahn Tong in Prague (3-4 December)

Ajahn Tong, the head of our organisation and the greatest living Vipassana Master, will arrive around 5pm on 3rd December in Prague. He will be accompanied by monks and the International directors Thanat and Kate. Meditators can join them either at the Tisarana meditation center, the hotel or Zlute Lazne:

3.12 19:00-21:00 Tisarana (evening chanting and talk)

4.12 04:30-06:00 Tisarana (morning chanting)

4.12 06:30-07:00 Hotel (offer breakfast)

4.12 10:00-11:30 Zlute Lazne (talk and offer lunch)

Donations

If any meditators would like to make a donation to help repay the costs of transport, accommodation, food etc. they can transfer to Raiffeisen Bank, account no. 333438/5500, reference Ajahn Tong or K&T. The cost for Ajahn Tong and the group is 100 000 Kc and airline tickets for Kate and Thanat are 50 000 Kc.

Giving a donation to support an enlightened being is a wise action and creates great merit. There is no need to book to meet Ajahn Tong but check facebook (facebook.com/TisaranaPraha) or website (www.tisarana.cz/cs/) for updates.

Ajahn Tong’s visit to Europe

26.11 Wat Buddhavipassana, Wassenach
27-29 Wat Buddhavihara Amsterdam, Holland
30.11-3.12 Dhammanikhom Vipassana-Meditationszentrum, Heinersbrück
3-4 Tisarana Vipassananusorn Meditationcenter, Prague
04-12 Wat Buddhavipassana, Wassenach
12-15 Wat Buddhapiyawararam, Dreieich-Götzenhain

Winter Meditation Courses

November

  • 30–2 Loving-kindness weekend retreat. The intention of the loving-kindness (metta) retreat is to learn how to love yourself and others and is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Overnight stay is full but students can also attend for 1 or 2 days. Course is on donation (suggested minimum 450 kc per day for center costs). Contact Jonathan and Anna to register (or discuss details/donation). www.tisarana.cz, +420 722008067

December

  • 12-2 21 Day Vipassana Meditation Retreat (English and German). The aim of Vipassana meditation is to develop mindfulness and insight. Insight means understanding the truth of impermanence, suffering and non-self, which leads to freedom and peace. Students can come for a shorter period or start earlier/finish later but need to come for at least 16 days if they want to finish the Ajahn Tong Satipatthana Vipassana course. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome. Maximum 5 students. Course is on donation (suggested minimum 450 kc per day for center costs). Contact Jonathan and Anna to register (or discuss details/donation). www.tisarana.cz, +420 722008067
  • 22 Half-day Vipassana course. Introduction to insight meditation for beginners. 14:00 -17:00. Course is on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register +420 722008067.
  • 23 Half-day Satipatthana course. Introduction to insight mediation and focus on the Foundation of Mindfulness teaching of the Buddha. 14:00- 18:00. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register +420 722008067.

January

  • 4-6 Loving-kindness and Forgiveness Weekend Retreat Start the new year skilfully by developing loving-kindness (metta) and forgiveness for yourself and others. The course is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Maximum number of 5 students for overnight stay and 5 can attend during the day (for 1 or 2 days). Course is on donation (suggested minimum 450 kc per day for center costs). Contact Jonathan and Anna to register (or discuss details/donation). www.tisarana.cz, +420 722008067

Pilgrimage

There will be the usual pilgrimage to India and Nepal from the 12th February to 2nd March. This is for experienced meditators only. Email: dhammanikhom@gmail.com

Newsletter #14

Dear Meditators

There is no time like Spring,
When life’s alive in everything,

‘Spring’ by Christina Rossetti

Please check out Tisarana’s Spring and Summer Course schedule. Everyone is invited to meet Thanat, the International Director of Meditation, who will be visiting the center on the 10th May. In addition to being open everyday for retreats and groups there will be longer courses offered each month at the center and outside Prague (August) and introduction mediation courses at Žluté Lázně and Bamboo garden.

We ask for you help to find a beautiful cottage outside of Prague for the long meditation retreat in August and a property for a new center in the future.

May

  • 10 Meeting with Director Thanat Chindaporn, his wife Katherine and visitors from Thailand will do a talk and meet students at Tisarana. Time: 18:00 – 20:00. Everyone is welcome without reservation.
  • 13 Introduction to Meditation at Žluté Lázně. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 25-27 Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay overnight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.

June

  • 8-10 Love (Metta) and Forgiveness Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay overnight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 15-30 Long Meditation Retreat Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together at Tisarana. Maximum 6 people. It is also possible to attend for a shorter time. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 17 Introduction to Meditation at Žluté Lázně. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 23 Insight Meditation Course at Bamboo Garden. Everyone is invited to learn how to meditate at the lovely Bamboo Gardens. The aim of insight (Vipassana) meditation is to manage stress and wake up and enjoy life. The course will provide instructions, a talk and an opportunity to meditate together. Time 15:00-18:00. The cost of the course is by donation. Please contact Laura Kocourek to register. +420 – 606 560 359 or lehall24@gmail.com

July

  • 5-9 Long Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay overnight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 5-25 Long Meditation Retreat Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together at Tisarana. Maximum 6 people. It is also possible to attend for a shorter time. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 15 Introduction to Meditation at Žluté Lázně. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

August

  • 10-26 Two Week Intensive Meditation Retreat outside Prague. This is an opportunity to do the foundation Vipassana meditation course developed by Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo. Maximum 12 people. Shorter retreats are possible. Cost 450 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  •  12 Introduction to Meditation at Žluté Lázně. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

September

  • 2 Introduction to Meditation at Žluté Lázně. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

Schedule updates will be posted on facebook.com/TisaranaPraha.

First day of spring-
I keep thinking about
the end of autumn.

Haiku by Zen Master Basho

Newsletter #13

Dear Meditators

Ajahn Tong’s visit to Germany attracted many Thai and Western students. We are very grateful for his support and wish him good health and strength. Other Tisarana news; Thanat and Kate have donated a large Buddha statue to the center and Václav Šmilauer has received his teachers certificate.

We are still looking for a property about 30-40 km outside Prague for a meditation center and would appreciate your help with the search. Below are the Summer Meditation courses.

June

  • 11 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to come and learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the morning. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 17 Insight Meditation Course at Bamboo Garden. Everyone is invited to learn how to meditate at the lovely Bamboo Gardens. The aim of insight (Vipassana) meditation is to manage stress and wake up and enjoy life. The course will provide instructions, a talk and an opportunity to meditate together. Time 15:00-18:00. The cost of the course is by donation. Please contact Laura Kocourek to register. +420 – 606 560 359 or lehall24@gmail.com

July

  • 1-9 Week Meditation Retreat at Rataje naSázavo. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together near the beautiful village of Rataje. Students can share rooms or bring a tent (large garden/forest). Maximum 12 people. It is also possible to attend for a shorter time. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 16 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the morning. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 31.7.-13.8 Meditation course with Thanat Chindaporn, head teacher from Chomtong, Thailand (and other teachers and translators), in a beautiful meditation center in central Slovakia. Suitable for beginners – foundational course (javorie.com). Cost 330€ for accommodation and food, teaching donation-based. Shorter stay possible. Organized by sister organization vipassana.sk. For details: https://vipassana.sk/en/2017-javorie/ contact the organizers through web, e-mail at info@vipassana.sk or facebook https://www.facebook.com/vipassana.sk/

August

  • 11-27 Two Week Intensive Meditation Retreat at Rataje nad Sázavo.This is an opportunity to do the foundation Vipassana meditation course developed by Ajahn Tong Sirimangalo. The retreat will be held in a large house near the beautiful village of Rataje. Students can share rooms or bring a tent (large garden/forest). Maximum 12 people. Shorter retreats are possible. Cost 400 Kc per day. Teaching on donation.  Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 13 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to learn how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the morning. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

September

  • 2 Love and Forgiveness Meditation at Bamboo Garden. Everyone is invited to learn Metta (loving kindness) meditation and how to practice forgiveness at the lovely Bamboo Gardens. Time 15:00-18:00. The cost of the course is by donation. Please contact Laura Kocourek to register. +420 – 606 560 359 or lehall24@gmail.com

Tuesday group talks and updates will be posted on facebook.com/TisaranaPraha.

Newsletter #12

Dear MeditatorsThe meditation master, Ajahn Tong, will be visiting Germany in May. As he does not travel outside of Thailand often, due to his age of 93 years, this is a wonderful opportunity for Tisarana students to meet him and pay respect. The Spring and Summer meditation courses are also listed below.May

  • 5-7 Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay oveight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register
  • 13-14 Ajahn Tong will visit Wat BuddhaVipassana for the Vesak Celebration (near Bonn)
  • 15-19 Ajahn Tong will visit Wat Buddhapiyawararam in Götzenhain (near Frankfurt)
  • 19-21 Ajahn Tong will visit Dhammacari meditation center (near Munich). This is the recommended venue to pay respect to Ajahn Tong. To register contact: Angelika at Dhammacari Meditationszentrum, Allgramsdorf, 84056 Rottenburg a. d. Laaber Tel 0049 (0)8785969877 vipassana@dhammacari.de Accomodation: bring a tent or sleep in the big tent that is provided (dormitory) or rent a room in one of the guesthouses in the area.
  • 28 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to lea how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the moing. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

June

  • 2-4 Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay oveight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 11 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to come and lea how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the moing. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

July

  • 6-9 Long Weekend Retreat in Troja. Beginners and experienced meditators are welcome to practice Vipassana meditation together. A maximum of 4 students can stay oveight. It is also possible to attend for a day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.
  • 16 Introduction to Meditation Course. Everyone is welcome to lea how to practice Vipassana meditation by the river at Žluté Lázně. Time: 9:00−12:00 in the moing. Cost: free/donation. For more information www.zlutelazne.cz

New information about Ajahn Tong, the Tuesday group Dhamma talks and courses will be posted on facebook.com/TisaranaPraha

Newsletter #11

Dear Meditators,Tisarana will be open for meditation retreats until 13 January and start again after 6 February. If you are interested in doing a retreat please book early as it is usually busy at Christmas. The weekend course, 28-30 October, is fully booked but there are more courses coming up.

November

  • 06 Introduction to Meditation (Strakonice). Vipassana meditation with instructions, training and a talk at the Strakonice High-School Club, Máchova 174, Strakonice from 14:00-17:00. For booking, contact Marcela Miková at marcelamikova@seznam.cz or +420-737689217.
  • 25-27 Weekend Retreat (Troja). An opportunity to practice Vipassana meditation together. The retreat is open to beginners and experienced meditators. A maximum of 5 students can stay oveight. It is also possible to attend during the day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.

December

  • 11 Christmas Meditation at Žluté Lázně “Love and Forgiveness”. This is a special Vipassana and Metta meditation course to mark the end of the year. Everyone is welcome. Time 9:00-12:00. Free (by donation) www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 16–18 Weekend Christmas Retreat (Troja). Everyone is invited to practice Vipassana and Metta meditation together. Open to new and experienced meditators, oveight maximum of 5 students. It is also possible to attend during the day. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna to register.

The Tuesday group talks and course updates will be posted on facebook.com/TisaranaPraha.Anna and Jonathan will be away from 13 January until 6 February.If you would also like to organise a Vipassana course for colleagues, friends or new students anywhere in Czech you can contact the teachers or organisers.If any experienced meditators are interested in visiting the Buddhist sites in India and doing a 10 day retreat in February with our organization, contact Samaneri Sila +49-1522-4030356 / silavaddhani@gmail.com.

Newsletter #10

Dear Meditators,Anna and Jonathan will be in Wat Chom Tong, Thailand, from 8-29 September. While they are away the center will be open for the Tuesday group and introductions for new students. Telephone calls to to the center will be forwarded to Vaclav and the emails to Jana.Below are the new meditation courses. All current events and late changes will be posted to www.facebook.com/TisaranaPraha/.

September

  • 04 Meditation by the River. Everyone is welcome to lea and practice Vipassana together at Žluté Lázně on Sunday from 9:00−12:00 pm. On donation. www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 30–02 Vipassana Retreat in Troja. A weekend meditation retreat for experienced meditators, organized by Buddha Mangala. Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Maximum 10 students for oveight stay. Contact Misha to register: buddha.mangala@gmail.com.

October

  • 04 Meditation by the River. Everyone is welcome to lea and practice Vipassana together at Žluté Lázně on Sunday from 9:00−12:00 pm. On donation. www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 28–30 Weekend Retreat in Troja. This Vipassana Retreat is for beginners and experienced meditators. Students can also attend for one day. Maximum 10 person for oveight stay (sharing rooms). Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna.

December

  • 16–18 Christmas Metta Retreat in Troja. This Vipassana and Meta Retreat is for beginners and experienced meditators. Students can also attend for one day. Maximum 10 person for oveight stay (sharing rooms). Cost 400 kc per day. Teaching on donation. Contact Jonathan and Anna.

If any experienced meditators are interested in visiting the Buddhist sites in India and doing a 10 day retreat in February with our organization, contact Samaneri Sila +49-1522-4030356 / silavaddhani@gmail.com .

Newsletter #9

Dear Meditators,There is a lot happening this Summer. The dates for the shorter meditation courses are below but we are still open for introductions and retreats everyday. The group meets every Tuesday and is open to new and older students. The title of the talk is on facebook.Congratulations to Libor Votruba and Václav Šmilauer. They will receive the Service to Buddhism award in Chiang Mai, Thailand on the 19th May.We made contact with Marek Němec, president of the Czech-Thai Society and look forward to working with him in the future. www.czechthaisociety.czYou can find us on facebook www.facebook.com/TisaranaPraha/ and are welcome to like, follow and share our page and events.

June

  • 05 Meditation for Beginners. Lea how to meditate and overcome stress. At Žluté Lázně on Sunday from 9:00 -12:00 pm. Free (by donation). www.zlutelazne.cz
  • 25−26 Weekend Meditation Retreat. Jonathan and Anna will be teaching Vipassana meditation at Eliška’s cottage in Pyšely. Everyone is invited to lea and practice meditation together. Maximum 12 persons either staying in a shared room/tent or day visitor. Cost 300 Kč per day. Please contact Eliška to book and get details; +420734599321, eliska.cieslarova@gmail.com

July

  • 02 Vipassana Meditation Course at Zen Garden. Jonathan and Anna will teach an introduction meditation course at Klara’s Zen Garden yoga center. Information at www.zen-garden.cz/en/home/workshops/vipassana-2-7/.
  • 16 Meditation Course in a beautiful Bamboo Garden . The date and time will be confirmed later. www.bambusy.cz
  • 17 Meditation for Beginners. Lea how to meditate and overcome stress. At Žluté Lázně on Sunday from 9:00−12:00 pm. Free (by donation). www.zlutelazne.cz

Anna and Jonathan will be away 13−17 June.

August

  • 14 Meditation for Beginners. Lea how to meditate and overcome stress. At Žluté Lázně on Sunday from 9:00−12:00 pm. Free (by donation). www.zlutelazne.cz

spiritual marketplace

Newsletter #8

Dear Meditators,rnrnTisarana is now open everyday for introductions and meditation retreats with Jonathan and Anna; call them at +420-722008067 or email info@tisarana.cz.rnrnNew center. We are still looking to buy a property within 20-30 km of Prague to establish a meditation retreat center. We ask for everyone’s help to find the right property; an old monastery, farm house or hotel would be suitable. If you would like to make a donation for the new center please contact us directly.rnrnTuesday group. Jana Šafrová is organising the group every Tuesday, 6-8 pm. New students and experienced students are welcome. Contact +420-776085941, JanaSafrova@seznam.cz.rn

Special courses in March

rnBesides the center in Trója being available 7/7 for anyone, the following is coming up:rn

rnIf you would also like to organise a Vipassana course for colleagues, friends or new students anywhere in Czech you can contact the teachers or organisers.rn

Thoughts are a trip into what is not happening.rn(Paul Hedderman)

Newsletter #7

Dear Meditators.rnrn2016. The organisers have arranged for Anna and Jonathan to continue teaching Vipassana in Prague next year. But when they travel (from 7th Jan to 2nd Feb) the center will only offer group meditation and introductory lessons for new students (no retreats).rnrnLoooking for a new center. Tisarana is looking to buy a property within 20-30 km of Prague to establish a meditation retreat center. We ask for everyone’s help to find the right property and help to raise money and renovate. An old monastery, farm house or hotel would be suitable.rnrnTuesday group. Jana Šafrová will be helping to organise the groups every week. On the 17th there will be discussion and talk about the meaning and lessons from “Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day”. Please attend and contribute. Contact 776085941, JanaSafrova@seznam.cz.rn

Courses

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November

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December

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rnIndia. If anyone is interested in touring places of the Buddha sites and doing a meditation retreat in India contact: silavaddhani@gmail.comrnrnNew students please note that the Tisarana meditation center in Prague-Trója is open 7 days a week. For retreats in December book early as the center is busy. Contact: Jonathan & Anna (+420 722008067) or Jana (+420 776085941) or email info@tisarana.cz.

Newsletter #6

Dear Meditators,rnrnAnna and Jonathan visited Thailand for Aja Tong’s 92nd birthday. They were very grateful for the opportunity to receive his loving kindness and wisdom and thank Libor for sponsoring their flights.rnrnNew students please note that the Tisarana meditation center in Prague-Trója is open 7 days a week and it is possible to come to practice meditation any time. For retreats in December book early as the center will be busy. Contact: Jonathan & Anna (+420 722008067) or Václav (+420 777576180) or send a message to info@tisarana.cz.rnrnThe Thursday meditation group, which meets 6-8pm, will move to Tuesday night in November.rn

Courses

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October

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  • 17. Yellow Spa (Žluté lázně) Vipassana course. Jonathan and Anna, with help from Vaclav and Libor, will be teaching at Žluté Lázně tomorrow (9:00 to 12:00 am). Everyone is welcome. There will be instructions, meditation and a talk. See details at www.zlutelazne.cz. In future, we will be holding a regular course once a month at Žluté Lázně.
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November

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  • 21. Zen Garden Vipassana course. We have been invited by Klára, Yin Yoga teacher, to offer a Vipassana course at her center. Time: 10am to 1pm. Please confirm if you are interested, or go through the www.zen-garden.cz website where the course is advertised (it is already almost fully booked, don’t hesitate).
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rnPlease forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested.