MANAGERS INFO

Retreat Manager
Dominika Zwyretek bodhgayamanagers@yahoo.com

A warm welcome!
As managers of this retreat, we are delighted to be serving in the place that has supported the awakening of the heart since the time of the Buddha. 
Each year, we arrive at the Thai Monastery in Bodhgaya by the first day of the new year before the retreats begin.  With the Lord Abbot’s blessing, we begin work with our cooks, drying wheat in the sun and having it milled for porridge, making mats from locally harvested newari (rice straw), and grinding spices. 
We rely on various merchants to provide some of our signature touches such as homemade peanut butter, tofu and fresh baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  For more than 30 years, an ever-widening circle of relationships has emerged to support the program.

While the staff of the retreats has been dedicated to serving our yogis over the years, much has arisen in return. 
Several yogis have emerged as dharma teachers (see bios of Martin and Jaya) and the Pragya Vihar School, now educating over 500 poor children, was inspired by the good hearts of our sangha. 
Today, many yogis volunteer in the villages with several of the local charities we support after the retreats are finished.

***Service Week***

This culture of generosity is also evident in the creation of the retreat space. One week before the teachings begin, we invite all those who are registered to join us in preparing for the program. Mattresses need to be aired, meditation cushions sewn, the dharma hall cleaned… there is much to be done! 
As a part of our week together we will have sitting meditations, reflections on service as practice, and a few good laughs with new and old friends. 
Participants can arrive any day during this week.  Lunch is provided and there may be the possibility of staying inside the monastery during this time. 
For more information, contact bodhgayamanagers@yahoo.com

Copy of letter sent to those who registered for Bodh Gaya. 

Greetings

 We wish to thank you for contacting us with regard to our annual Bodh Gaya retreats from January 17-27 (finishing at noon) and from evening of January 27 to  noon on February 6, 2011. There will be a 90 minute dance/cultural event at our nearby school, Prajna Vihar School on afternoon of February 6.  Do come. It is very heart touching.

We enclose with this e-mail an attachment for the Bodh Gaya retreat and the Dharma Gathering in Sarnath, near Varanasi, from February 9 -19, 2011.  Click on attachment and then press Esc button to see page for Bodh Gaya and page for Sarntha. You will see information on the poster about Sarnath. Usually around half of those in Bodh Gaya come to Sarnath for all or part of the time.

We would very much appreciate it if you would kindly print it out, possibly laminate, the two A5 pages, and post up in India in any suitable place – wall, café, hotel, internet shop etc. Please feel free to forward the attachment or copy and past and send onto others who might be interested to join the programme.

This will be the 3^7th year of the annual retreats in Bodh Gaya. The Thai Monastery is a beautiful environment for a retreat. The retreat conditions are simple, clean and basic. We have use of a few cells for teachers, managers, monks/nuns, over 60’s and one cell if anyone is sick. Otherwise it is shared accommodation.

Our team of Indian cooks has been providing delicious Indian meals since the 1970’s. We cannot offer any special diet but you will find the meals, including rice, dhal, vegetables, salad and fruit. very nutritious.

If very necessary, you can stay in the Hotel Embassy, immediately opposite the Thai Monastery. Cost of a room is around 750 rupees (€10) per night or a little more. It is important that the silence is fully supported if staying in the hotel and there is a commitment to being present fully for the 10 days from the start until the end of the day in the monastery. The local telephone number of Hotel Embassy is 220-0711.

 Please arrive in the afternoon of January 17 for the first retreat with Radha or January 27 for the second retreat with Radha and Christopher. Days are generally sunny and warm but a sleeping bag is necessary at night.

 We are looking forward to seeing you. Everyday is a full day starting from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm with a two hour break at lunch. We give full meditation instructions in sitting, walking, standing and reclining postures, a daily talk, and regular meetings with the participants.  The whole programme is suitable for complete beginners and for those with years of meditation experience. Some people have been coming back regularly over many years.

 We look forward to seeing you and do pass the word on.

 With very best wishes

Christopher Titmuss and Dominika Zwyrtek