Casa Garuda

Practice the dharma at a beautiful hilltop meditation center and be in Italy too? What could be better! Casa Garuda is located half-way between Rome and Florence in the Tuscan hills.

Under the direction of Lama Brian Hilliard and Antonella Macconi, Casa Garuda provides a relaxed and disciplined environment for individual and group retreats with a focus on the Vajrayana tradition and a variety of artistic programs. It is a beautiful environment, protected and full of warmth. Individual retreats may be done according to the practitioner's needs, strict or relaxed. Group retreats are held throughout the year. Facilities include a large shrine hall, spacious tent for summer events, and a large hall suitable for dance and other programs. There are five private rooms, each with own bath. Additional accomodation is available in one of the country houses located on the estate; booking well in advance is advised.

Meals include either breakfast and dinner or breakfast and lunch as visitors tend to eat locally at least once during the day. Casa Garuda offers a mix of Italian and other cooking. There is also a separate kitchen if guests wish to cook for themselves.

The Casa can be built into your plans in whatever way you desire: you might use it as a vacation opportunity or in order to practice. You might choose to arrange your visit in a manner that takes advantage of scheduled offerings or at a time when solitary practice can be accommodated. The choice is yours.