23 – 30 September

The profound purpose of Buddhist debate and reasoning is to clear away the wrong conceptions of our own natures and thereby to become free of suffering and even death.

This immersion course in Logic and Debate led by Atisha Mathur is tailored only for the students in the online debate course offered through Instituto Lama Tzong Khapa (ILTK) , Italy who would like to engage more deeply in face-to-face debate but are unable to go to Italy to take part in the annual retreat.

The Retreat spans 7 days, with check in starting at 1:00 pm on September 23rd, and check out starting from 1:00 pm on September 30th.

The program is aimed at deepening the understanding of debate through extensive practice sessions under the watchful eyes of the teacher and tutors along with Q&A sessions to clarify doubts.

Atisha was born and brought up in New Delhi. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Language and Literature of South Asia focused on Tibetan studies at the esteemed Orientale in Naples, Italy.

 His scholarly pursuits led him to the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India for two years where he was first immersed in the traditional approach to Buddhist studies. Atisha then went on to complete a 10-year rigorous study program at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Dharamsala.

Currently he continues his academic pursuits as a doctoral student at L’Orientale in Naples, Italy.

Since 2019, Atisha has generously shared his expertise in logic and debate with groups of students from all over the world.

This course is a combination of interactive teachings, discussions and pair and group debates.

1:00 pm – Check-In
4:00 – 5:00 pm – Introductory Talk about Thosamling Nunnery
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Dinner
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Session 1

6:00 – 7:00 am – Morning Meditation and Prayers (Optional)
7:00 – 8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 – 11:00 am – Session 1 (Practice)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Lunch
3:00 – 4:30 pm – Session 2 (Teaching)
5:00 – 6:00 pm – Dinner
6:30 – 8:00 pm – Session 3 (Practice)

7:00 – 8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 – 11:00 am – Concluding Session
11:00 – 11:30 am – Wrap-up and Feedback
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – Checkout

Thosamling Nunnery provides various options for accommodation. Prices vary depending on your choice. Send email to  [email protected] to receive a complete infopack.

Thosamling nunnery is located in Kangra Valley, a 20-minute drive from Dharamsala in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. The average elevation is 2000 ft. above sea level.

By Bus: Overnight buses leave daily from Delhi and take approximately 10 hours.

By Air: Thosamling is 45 min from Gaggal Airport. We can organize a transfer service for guests.

We recommend bringing comfortable warm clothes (shawl, trainers, sweatshirts, track pants, thick socks, beanies, gloves, etc) for temperatures are 25-28 degrees Celsius during the day, going down to 10-12 degrees Celsius at night.

Please also bring a torch or headlight in cases of power outages, a water bottle (we provide drinkable filtered water), alarm clock, flip-flops for the shower, as well as soaps, shampoos, and a towel. We provide meditation cushions, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Thosamling also has a small supply store with items such as toilet paper, notebooks, pens, incense, etc.

No killing: Do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.

No stealing: Do not take anything not freely given.

No lying: Do not lie or intentionally deceive others.

No sexual activity. This also includes holding hands, hugging and other physical displays of affection.

No intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes (we encourage you to stop smoking while here).

Keep silence: Keep silence in the appropriate areas. No singing or playing music and in general, maintain a quiet demeanour while on the property.

Be considerate of the monks and nuns: Dress respectfully (please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts or tight and revealing clothing).

Please settle all outside communication before the course begins.

Please settle your travel arrangements etc. before you come to Thosamling.

Do not leave Thosamling property for the duration of the course.

Participants must attend all sessions of the course and come to sessions on time.

All communication devices are to be deposited into our safekeeping at check-in.

For any further questions and to register, please contact [email protected]