Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. I am a very severe diabetic patient. I would like to join the meditation retreat at Tusita for 1 month or longer and ordain if possible. Please find my application form as attached for your consideration.
A. We are not accepting any lay person who have health problem to ordain as a monk/sayalay. Hence, you are only accepted to come and practice as a yogi.
Q2. Does the Society offer meditation classes to non Buddhists? What are the schedules like?
A. Yes, we do accept non Buddhist. They should just follow the discipline that all other yogis follow except that it is not compulsory to perform religious duties.
1. Need to attend meditation interviews everyday, and Dhamma talks whenever there is.
2. Need to attend morning puja, free choice to chant or not, can attend in silence.
3. Should be open to express whatever thoughts to Meditation Teachers.
4. Need to keep 8 Precepts*, exception for 6th precept only for health problem.
*The 8 Precepts are :-
1.) I take the precept to abstain from destroying living beings.
2.) I take the precept to abstain from stealing.
3.) I take the precept to abstain from unchaste conduct.
4.) I take the precept to abstain from false speech.
5.) I take the precept to abstain from taking anything that causes intoxication or heedlessness.
6.) I take the precept to abstain from taking food at improper time.
7.) I take the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, listening music, seeing show and from wearing garlands, using perfumes and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
8.) I take the precept to abstain from high and luxurious beds and seats.
Q3. What is the daily schedule of the meditation retreat ?
A. Please refer to the timetable below:
Tusita Hermitage Daily Timetable (2014.08 Updated)
3:30am-4:00am——Exercise (Optional)
4:00am-5:30am—— Group Sitting
5:35am-6:15am——Morning Chanting
6:30am-7:30am—— Breakfast & Free-time
7:30am-8:00am—— Cleaning compound & Free-time
8:00am-10:00am—— Group Sitting
10:00am-11:00am—— Walking Meditation & Free-time
11:30am-1:30pm——Lunch & Rest
1:30pm-3:00pm—— Group Sitting
3:00pm-3:30pm—— Walking Meditation
3:30pm-5:00pm—— Group Sitting
5:00pm-6:30pm——Exercise & Free-time
6:30pm-8:30pm——Group Sitting
8:15pm——Dhamma Talk （Tue & Thu）
9:30pm——Bedtime
****Interview****
Male yogi : every Mon, Wed and Fri (after morning chanting) ;
Female yogi: every Tue, Thu and Sat (12:30pm) ;
New yogi MUST come for interview everyday
Tusita Saturday Program
1) 3:30am-6:30pm——same as the weekday schedule above
2) 6:30pm-7:30pm——Guided Meditation & Group Sitting
3) 7:30pm-8:00pm——Devotees interview
4) 8:00pm-9:15pm——Q & A Session & Dhamma talk
Tusita Sunday Program
1) 6:30am——Breakfast
2) 6:45am——Market Piṇḍapata
3) 8:00am-9:20am——Group Sitting
4) 9:20am-9:50am——Offering to the Buddha & group chanting
5) 9:50am-10:55am——Dhamma Talk in Chinese
6) 11:00am——Laity Taking 5 Precepts & Lunch Dana
7) 11:00am-9:30pm——Same as the weekdays schedule above
Q4. Can a yogi who have gastric problem takes only 5 precepts ?
A. Yogis with gastric problem can take allowable medicine such as honey (provided) in the afternoon. If they still fail to overcome gastric problem after proper attempts, they can request permission from their Interview Teacher to allow them other sets of precepts which allow taking food in the afternoon. Yogis have to make do with simple biscuits and drinks provided.
Q5. This is my first time to join your meditation retreat, so I would like to know whether I have to prepare my own necessity, egs. sleeping bag, soap, toilet paper.
A. Please refer to the following notes :-
ITEMS TO BRING: Drinking bottle, mosquito repellent, sleeping bag (optional), yoga mat, torchlight, personal toiletries and medications.
Please also bring an exercise book and a pen to write report after each sitting. You will need to pass the report to the Meditation Teacher during the interview session.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: Valuables or jewelries, handphone, laptop.
We don’t have locker, no safe-keeping. Yogis should bring only minimum items. Learn to live simple.
Q6. Is there a place to hand wash and hang dry our clothings?
A. Yes, plenty.
Q7. Any idea how is the weather like in May?
A. The weather in Kuching is tropical weather, almost even whole year round. Healthy people often find it unnecessary to use warm clothes or blankets. However, if one still wants to use them, one must bring along oneself.
Q8. My friend & I would like to seek for your permission to visit & have a short stay at Tusita Hermitage. May I know if this is possible ?
A. We are regret to inform you that we do not accept non-retreat visit and stay in Tusita. All stay must be for retreat purpose only.
Q9. I would like to request for an opportunity to meditation at your Nepal Monastery?
A. Our Nepal monastery is not ready yet to be opened for outsider at this stage of development.
Working in progress…….