This course will be similar to other weekend courses in Tovana- a taste of a silent practice of Vipassana meditation. But there will be a difference- a big part of the course will be personal. The guidance will be performed by several guides, and each practitioner will have a meeting with one once a day in order to receive personal instructions, to share and converse on the experiences from the practice in order to allow insights.

This is a reminder of the old tradition that was practiced in the time of the Buddha, when old practitioners offer instructions to the less experienced ones.

The retreat will be held usually in Hebrew (except courses with teachers who come from abroad).
Translation will be given when necessary.

Volunteering in the course

For the holding of courses and their success many helping hands are needed, both as members of the kitchen staff and particularly for management of the courses and the kitchen. Volunteers in the courses experience a "Service Retreat" that is an opportunity to combine giving and practicing meditation and is a bridge between sitting on the pillow and everyday life.

Tovana is based and mostly run by volunteers. During the year, there are about 200 practitioners volunteering in various courses in Ein Dor, in addition to about 50 volunteers in permanent roles.
You are invited to volunteer and practice while doing.

For more details about weekends please send an e-mail to weekends@tovana.org.il

For more details about retreats please send an e-mail to rishum@tovana.org.il

What is the meaning of Dana?

Since the time of the Buddha, the Asian tradition of Dharma (the spiritual path) is of the kind of mutual generosity. The local community shows its appreciation and respect for the spiritual practice by supporting the monasteries with the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and medicines. In return, the community is supported by courses, teachings and guidance, that are offered by the monks and nuns. 

For 2,500 years this lively expression of collaboration and mutual existence offered spiritual support, both for the spiritual community and for the lay practitioners.