Our “Meditation in Action” Programme (MIA) offers participants the chance to experience daily meditation, teachings and community life integrated into one path that allows us to recognise the basically good nature of human life and society. The richness of community life allows us to observe our reactive and emotional patterns with curiosity, honesty and patience.

Meditation

Our day starts and ends with meditation sessions: one hour in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening, including chants. The practice rooms, with their peaceful and dignified atmosphere can also be used for personal practice during free time. Participants are asked to commit to regular practice. This programme also includes at least a half day of extended practice per week.

Teachings

Meditation Instruction:
On site, a trained meditation instructor will guide you through any obstacles and difficulties that you might encounter in your practice.

Teachings and discussion groups:
During regular teachings and discussions, we study various aspects of Shambhala Buddhism’s philosophy and psychology. These studies shed light on our meditation practice and daily activities.

Other programmes participation

Subject to Dechen Chöling general programme scheduling, the Shambhala Core Teachings on meditation (including Shambhala Training Levels 1 – 5 and the “In Everyday Life” and “Basic Goodness” series of courses) are offered (i.e. included) in the MIA Programme. During your stay you will be able to take part in other programmes on our public calendar too.

Actively taking part in the community:
In our daily activities, we cultivate an approach based on trust in basic goodness. Those activities, within a team, fostering mindfulness and awareness, are a true opportunity for all of us to develop these qualities and to meet our obstacles and fears with friendliness. Our team leaders are generally advanced practitioners.

As a participant of this programme, you will offer your help to a variety of teams:

  • The Kitchen: Preparing organic, nutritious and balanced meals.
  • Housekeeping: Maintaining a welcoming and uplifted atmosphere in Dechen Chöling.
  • Facilities: Keeping buildings and equipment in working order.
  • Landscape: Maintaining our beautiful land.
  • Garden: Tending and improving the garden. We love flowers and we produce some of our own vegetables.
  • Other: During the summer in particular, many other possibilities can arise (childcare, etc.).

In general you will spend a few weeks within one department. We do our best to accommodate preferences, but this is not always possible.

Everyday life

Members of our community are of various ages and origins. It is useful to speak French and/or English. Goodwill is part of our culture. Our community is sociable, creative and enterprising. In the evenings, we watch movies together, we have a singing group and a dance group and sometimes language lessons are offered. Campfire evenings and outings to the local ‘night markets’ are common in summer.

Usual Schedule

  • 7:30 to 8:30 Chants and meditation
  • 9:30 to 12:30 Active Community Period
  • 12:30 Lunch
  • 14:00 to 16:00 Active Community Period
  • 17:30 to 18:30 Meditation and chants
  • 19:00 Dinner

On Wednesdays the entire morning is devoted to practice, including a brief Dharma presentation, guided by one of our meditation instructors. You will have two days off per week in which you are free to do whatever you like. Some people like to take the bus into Limoges, others go swimming or biking, and some like to practice meditation.

Accommodation

Participants in the MIA programme sleep in a dormitory in winter and share two-person tents in summer.

Cost

The MIA programme costs €14.00 per day, covering food and accommodation. The minimum time to participate is normally 2 weeks.

MIA Testimonials

To register

For more information, application and any questions, please contact [email protected] or apply directly online

We very much look forward to welcoming you into our community for a couple of weeks, a summer, or more.