Monk for a Month, monastic experiencein the community in Ladakh

Monk for a Month

Monk for a month is a Buddhist spiritual experience conceived by Conscious Journeys in collaboration with the Mahabodi Society of Leh. The aim of this practical learning program is to promote cultural exchange, foster a deep understanding of Buddhist monastic teachings and life, and deepen your knowledge of meditation practices, to improve your psycho-physical and spiritual well-being. Perched at an altitude of over 3,500 meters, Ladakh is an isolated plateau with high snow-capped peaks and wide valleys, with turquoise lakes dotting this high-altitude desert. This ancient and rugged land is often called “Little Tibet” and is home to one of the best-preserved Buddhist tantric communities. Ladakh – once the hub of the ancient Silk Road – is rightly described as a place where Buddhist spirituality and its ancient culture reign supreme, surrounded by untouched nature. It is a desert but cold area in northern India, dotted with tiny villages scattered on the Himalayan peaks adjacent to Tibet. The weather conditions are difficult and it can happen, if you are not careful, to suffer sunburn or frostbite even in summer. To live a spiritual experience of Himalayan Tibetan Buddhism and to take part in daily activities, Conscious Journeys proposes this meditation experience, dedicated to spiritual seekers or those who want to approach meditation and Buddhist spirituality of India. By participating in this experience, you will have the chance to practice meditation in one of the most traditional centers of the Ladakh. So if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of your daily life and you are willing to live an unique spiritual experience in an extraordinary Himalayan landscape far from the ordinary world, probably this itinerary is for you! The program lasts 30 days, however it can be reduced to 15 days ( if you do not have enough time), and will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about meditation practices, in this evocative environment away from everyday life.

The program

1 DAY: ARRIVAL IN LEH

Arrival at Leh airport and check-in at the Mahabodi meditation center. This first day will be dedicated to absolute rest: You will receive an introduction of the schedule of the following days.
Overnight at Mahabodi (L, D)

2 – 3 – 4 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

The meditation courses of these first 3 days will be based on the essence of the Buddha’s teachings. The peaceful stay during the retreat will provide the necessary time both for the body to adapt to the altitude (3500 m) and to have a direct experience of the spiritual practices of Buddhism. During these 3 days, the following tentative schedule will be observed:

  • 05.30 – wake up to the sound of the bell
  • 06.00 – 08-00 – first morning meditation session
  • 08.00 – 10.00 – breakfast and rest
  • 10.00 – 10.45 – seated group meditation
  • 10.45 – 11.15 – walking meditation
  • 11.20 – 12.00 – seated group meditation
  • 12.00 – 14.00 – lunch and rest
  • 14.00 – 14.45 – seated group meditation
  • 14.45 – 15.15 – walking meditation
  • 15.30 – 16.30 -Guided group meditation
  • 16.30 – 17.30 – Break for a tea
  • 17.30 – 18.30 – Yoga session
  • 18.30 – 19.00 – meditation at sunset
  • 19.00 – 20.00 – dinner
  • 20.00 – 20.45 – concluding Dhamma speech

Overnight at the Mahabodi (B, L, D)

5 – 6 DAY: INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION PRACTICES

After the 3-day meditation training, you will have a chance to practice directly on your own for the next days, so to implement what you have learned in the first three days of spiritual teaching. You will follow the everyday life and practices of the resident monks. You will always have the chance to seek for advice and guidance from teachers and monks regarding meditation techniques and practices.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

7 – 8 – 9 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

Second batch of retreat for the next three days. Same tentative schedule will be followed.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

10 – 11 DAY: INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION PRACTICES

The next 2 days will be dedicated to individual practice.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

12 – 13 – 14 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

Third batch of meditation teaching, before the end of the 15 days retrait. If you wish you can continue for another 3 batches of teaching classes or return back to your Country.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

15 – 16 DAY: INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION PRACTICES

For those who opted for 15 days program today you will be dropped at Leh airport. The others will continue with other 2 days of individual practices.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

17 – 18 – 19 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

Another batch of meditation retreat.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

20 – 21 DAY: INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION PRACTICES

The next 2 days will be dedicated to individual practice.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

22 – 23 – 24 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

Another batch of meditation retreat.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

25 – 26 DAY: INDIVIDUAL MEDITATION PRACTICES

The next 2 days will be dedicated to individual practice.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

27 – 28 – 29 DAY: MEDITATION RETREAT

Last batch of meditation retreat, before the end the retrait.
Overnight at Mahabodhi (B, L, D)

30 DAY: DEPART FROM LEH

After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your departure.

As the sage says: “Your cup is full. How can I put anything in it till you empty it out first?”

English proficiency is essential for this trip, as teachers and guides will speak exclusively in English.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

  • Overnight in monastery in double kuti
  • Meditation retreat at selected center
  • Full board during all the retrait program
  • Transport from Leh airport to the meditation center and return
  • Meditation teaching and supervision as per program
  • Technical organization

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

  • Air flights
  • Medical and baggage insurance
  • Travel cancellation insurance
  • Consular visa (to be done before departure)
  • Enter the places with optional visit
  • Photo fees (optional)
  • Any tips and personal expenses
  • Anything not specifically indicated in “The price includes”

Departure dates:
7 July 2024 (Registration deadline 19 May)
25 August 2024 (Registration deadline 30 June)

  • Viaggi Bhutan Turismo responsabile e sostenibile
  • Viaggi Bhutan Turismo responsabile e sostenibile
  • Viaggi Bhutan Turismo responsabile e sostenibile

HOTELS

TYPE OF STAY: MONASTERY
During this program you will overnight stay in simple traditional rooms, comfortable and clean (Kuti)

TRANSPORT

Private cars or mini-buses equipped with AC, depending on the number of participants, will be used for transport to and from Leh Airport

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit Ladakh is from May to September.

TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURES

A conscious approach to travel requires a considerable capacity and willingness to adapt and adjust to the local environment and culture. If you wish to travel with us, we request you to be open enough to experience local culture, religious and traditions without bias and pre-conceived ideas you might have before the departure and which belong to our Western cultural way of thinking. Exploring with fresh eyes, with patience and openness, you will be able to access the real essence of the cultural heritages and spirituality through the places and people you are going to meet; if you are ready to do this effort you will really enjoy the beauty of the rich culture and religiousness of Ladakh, the extraordinary of the nature, the solemnity of Buddhist monasteries. As a foreign visitor to Ladakh we request you to respect the rights and beliefs of local people and to minimize your impact, both culturally and environmentally. Be aware of your actions and how they will affect the people and environment around you. Here are just a few suggestions of things you may like to consider while visiting Ladakh: Dress appropriately – “more is better”, revealing clothing is not suitable, especially for women, but men should also not go shirtless. T-shirts and trousers/long skirt are the recommended dress. Sleeveless and/or low-cut tops, and shorts are not suitable for either men or women – always cover your shoulders and legs. Demonstrating an effort to be sensitive to their culture will enhance your experience with the Ladakhi people. You will also avoid sunburn if you cover up! Please don’t encourage begging – don’t hand pens, money or sweets directly to the children. This not only encourages begging, but also causes conflict between the children themselves. One of the many organizations in Ladakh set up to help children could put your kind donation to better use. Every school in the rural areas would gladly accept your gift of pens and distribute them amongst the children. Leave nothing but footprints…. Let’s help to keep unnecessary rubbish from accumulating in these magnificent mountains. Avoid buying anything in plastic bottles as there is no recycling available and plastic is often burned, polluting the environment further – instead fill up your own water bottle with boiled, filtered or treated water. Smile… easy to give, wonderful to receive. A smile surpasses all cultural boundaries. When you arrive in Leh, remember that you are at an altitude of 3500m. Rest at your guesthouse on the day you arrive in Leh and drinks lots of water – great excuse to read a book, sit around and chat and just be lazy. Listen to your body! However, this tour has been designed as to reduce the effect of altitude as much as possible. After a first day of rest in Leh we have organize a meditation retreat of 3 days, which will be useful to acclimatize. Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes (3,000m and above). It occurs as the result of our bodies’ inability to adapt to a sudden increase in altitude. If given time, our bodies will adjust and a gradual ascent will decrease the possibility of altitude sickness. During these first days we suggest you to drink a lot of water and pay attention to your body sensations. Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, mild shortness of breath with minimal exertion, difficulty sleeping, dizziness or light-headedness, mild weakness, fatigue or a general unwell feeling may occur especially at the beginning of the tour. However, in the event of more serious symptoms that may be a sign of HACE (High Altitiude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) you must descent immediately as these are life threatening conditions. We strongly recommend being vaccinated against rabies before visiting Ladakh. There are many stray dogs here and we recommend caution when approaching any dog. Be particularly careful with dogs when out and about in the evening in Leh.

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    Conscious Journeys is a local DMC that directly organizes all ground services of the tour (transportation, guides, accommodation and activities), while it does NOT provide external services such as air flights and travel insurance. We can guide you to the flights you can buy on your own, or we can have them quoted by a travel agency we trust.

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