The Tushita Mystery School is not so much about the mastery of a subject but the Mastery of one’s person.
The fundamental point of view of the Tushita Mystery School is to stimulate and draw out the unique gift each person enters this life with. It is not about superimposing another belief system or religion or social programming onto the individual, but, rather, helping the individual towards the empowerment and enjoyment and satisfaction of their own purpose of Being.
Is the Tushita Mystery School associated with any religion or religious group?
No. The point of view of The Way of Life is based on the living teaching of wisdom masters and teachers, who have realised their true nature, which is the true nature of you and me and everybody (we just haven’t fully realised and embodied it yet, which is why we might want to attend the Mystery School). Realising your own true nature makes religions-as-we-know-them obsolete. At the same time you could say that realising and living your own true nature is the only religion, where our innate intelligence becomes the cultural system of behaviors and practices, world views, ethics, and social organisation that relate humanity to an order of existence. Not some outside authority or scripture or deceased god-realised master.
Who are the Retreat teachers and facilitators?
The teachers of Insight Awareness Meditation (IAM) retreats are all trained at Tushita Hermitage and through their continuing on-going study.
They are devoted to the study of happiness, vitalness, wellbeing and the understanding of the wisdom community.
The meditation and breathing practices taught are a constant discipline in their own bodies and minds, to enhance their own growth and understanding of their own inherent Life’s values – the core values of how to live naturally well, humourfully, with certainty and stability within Life’s parameters.
They are able to show this to you through their own understanding and practice.
Who can attend Tushita Mystery School workshops and retreats?
Anyone. If a workshop or retreat or introductory event appeals to you, it is for you to do if you so choose. Also, as the wisdom teacher Yanchiji explains: “The Mystery School is dedicated to the advancement of love, service, cooperation, and understanding, in relation to all beings and all dimensions of society.
Tushita Mystery School is founded in the realisation of the holistic human being, and is therefore committed to drawing out the innate gifts towards humanity and all nature that every one of us comes with.
Education is not education unless it demands us to be students of Life. Otherwise it is merely programming.”
New to meditation? Here is a useful guide answering commonly asked Questions about Meditation from the standpoint of IAM Meditation.
What do I need to bring to a workshop or retreat?
To whatever degree you can, bring an open heart and mind, plus whatever basic personal belongings you need to use on a daily basis. Food, accommodation including linen are provided, and there is a small shop where you can purchase items such as notebooks, pens and toothbrushes. There is also a small local dairy just up the road at walking distance, supplying the local community with daily needs.
How much does it cost to attend a workshop or retreat?
Currently the IAM Meditation retreats have a cost of $220(shared) and $295(single) for 3-day retreats and $320(shared) and $395(single) for 4-day retreats. Accommodation and food are included.
The Life Conversations weekend retreats in August 2024 with Arohananda on the topics of Sexuality and Death have a registration/administration fee of $70 PLUS a cash donation/koha at the time of the retreat. This covers the teaching of the retreat, venue, accommodation and food.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
For IAM Meditation residential retreats the cancellation/refund policy is:
- 80% refund is provided if you cancel up to 2 weeks before the retreat starts
50% refund is provided if you cancel within 2 weeks of the retreat starting
- If we need to cancel a retreat then you will receive 100% refund or you can choose to transfer to another retreat within the calendar year you originally booked.
Where is the Tushita Mystery School?
Tushita Mystery School courses and retreats take place at the Tushita Hermitage in Northland. This setting offers a specific context where people can simply be themselves, enjoy their natural, inherent OKness in a supportive and beautiful environment. Tushita Hermitage is not open all the time. Any attendance at Tushita Hermitage is by coming to a scheduled retreat or pre-booked solo contemplative retreat.
What is Tushita Hermitage?
Tushita Hermitage is a peaceful and vital place set apart for human beings to discover and empower and live the One they really are. It is a place where you are helped and un-conditionally encouraged to be the One you are without judgment. It is also the home of the Tushita Mystery School and it is the hermitage of the NZ born wisdom teacher Yanchiji.
For those wishing to apply to come to the Student Immersion Times at Tushita Hermitage, please look at the following page on the Tushita Hermitage website: Apply To Tushita Hermitage
Pictures of Tushita Hermitage can be viewed here: “glimpses of Tushita Ashram”.
What does it mean to be a “formal student” of the Tushita Mystery School?
Some of those attending Tushita Mystery School are drawn to practice and explore this way of life, emphasising our inherent OKness in a more formal way. This includes a sincere desire to put into practice the learnings and understandings that arise from a more unproblematic relationship to life – in all the areas of our life. It also includes visiting Tushita Hermitage with Arohananda Ma or Yanchiji being the guiding teachers during this time and coming to Listening Groups (currently in Wellington, Auckland and Peria Valley). There are no tests, beliefs or monetary requirements to become a formal student. Studentship by its very nature is open to us all.
For those wishing to apply to come to the Student Immersion Times at Tushita Hermitage, please look at the following page on the Tushita Hermitage website: Apply To Tushita Hermitage.
What are the origins of the Tushita Mystery School?
The teaching of the Mystery Schools is passed down through the lineage of Masters and the Community of Realised Wisdom Teachers. The Mystery School serves both as the Teaching and Revelation of our innermost knowledge of life and the Protector of our Real Humanity. The source of inspiration, creation of and commitment to the Tushita Mystery School is in response to the living teachings of Yanchiji, who currently resides at the Tushita Hermitage. Continue reading about the origins of the Tushita Mystery School.
Here is also a full guide answering the question What is a Mystery School?
