North Indian Pilgrimage
to the foothills of the Himalayas
including
“Ayurveda & Yoga Conference:
Where Science meets Consciousness”
13-27 February 2011
Pilgrimage is a form of inquiry in action. The journey is a living initiation.
The real encounter is the one within – encounter of the true self.
This pilgrimage-of-a-lifetime that is open to all students of yoga and ayurveda who are interested in tuning
to the spiritual side of Mother India. It is a rare opportunity to detach yourself from everyday life and
embark on an inspiring quest. Put your theoretical knowledge into practice. Share the experience with
otherspiritually-minded people.
When you travel in the right spirit, you arrive at a place of inner composure. When you undertake a
pilgrimage, it is best to have few preconceived. It is difficult to imagine the depth of experience to
which this practice can take you.
ITINERARY |
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| Sun, 13 Feb Depart Europe |
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| Mon, 14 Feb Morning arrival at New Delhi airport Take the day to rest and get used to being in India. In the evening we will attend the Sound and Light Spectacular at the Red Fort. |
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| Tues, 15 Feb Delhi sightseeing – including Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory built in 1724, Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, Qutab Minar from the twelfth century, the lovely Bahai Lotus Temple. Afternoon shopping expedition – evening visit to Delhi Haat Craft Fair |
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| Wed, 16 Feb Early morning we will depart from Delhi abord the Shatabdi Express train – and then take a short taxi ride to Rishikesh (24km). We will stay at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram and in the evening complete our registration for the Conference |
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| 17-21 Feb – Yoga and Ayurveda: Where Science Meets Consciousness This Conference is a unique opportunity to experience the coming-together of world-experts of Indian Knowledge Systems including: Swami Mayatitananda, Swami Chidananda Saraswati, Dr. Robert Svoboda , Dr. Claudia Welch, Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, Dr. Rama Prasad, Shakta Kaur, Sama Fabian, Swami Saradananda and many more. One of exciting highlights of the conference will be a traditional form of debate between learned scholars (form both East and West) on specific topics. Every day, a different set of experts will debate on a different topic for up to 90 minutes – and you will be able to ask questions. There will be two streams, introductory and advanced, enabling both experienced students and interested novices to understand the macro principles of Indian knowledge systems. Partake of blessings from the Dhanwantari Homam (prayers to Dhanwantari - the god of healing) and Ganga Arathi. “Ayurveda and Yoga: Where Science Meets Consciousness” offers this and much more. It is not often that you will have an opportunity like this to attend an International Conference that promises to be a hugely spiritual learning experience. |
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| Mon, 21 Feb Morning participation in Conference After lunch, we will visit Vasishta Guha. This is the cave of ancient sage Vasishta, one of the seven great rishis (Saptharishi) who were among the first beings created by Brahma. Vasishta, who is also famous for being the guru of Rama, is said to have performed austerities (tapas) in this cave for hundreds of years. |
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| 22 -23 Feb Visit holy places in and near Rishikesh. We will go to see the Sivananda Ashram, Mast Ram Baba ji's Ashram, Swami Rama’s and other ashrams; the Kunja Puri Devi Temple; and the site of the Ganga Prem Hospice |
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| 24 Feb Morning visit to Mussouri for a view of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. Afternoon visit to the Navdanya organic Biodiversity Farm “Bija Vidyapeeth” that was founded by Vandana Shiva and Satish Kumar. |
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| Fri, 25 Feb drive to Haridwar (24 km) We will stay at the Anandamayee Ma Ashram. In the evening, we will join thousands of devotees in the performance of “Ganga Arati” – this is a a beautiful ceremony in which lights are waved and songs are sung – all in praise of the Holy River. |
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| Sat, 26 Feb Day in Haridwar – the name of the city translates as “The Gates of God”. This is where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas and descends to the plains. Thousands of pilgrims visit daily to bathe in the sacred river. In the evening, we will catch the Shatabdi express train back to Delhi. There will be the opportunity to freshen up and then drive to Delhi airport |
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| Sun, 27 Feb Early morning flight – arrive Europe |
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Tour Leaders:
Swami Saradananda has taught yoga for more than thirty-five years and authored a number of books, including “Chakra Meditation” and “The Power of Breath”. She is a senior student of Swami Vishnu-devananda, who has led numerous pilgrimages to India, Nepal and Tibet. She recently returned from an extended period of personal practice in the Himalayas.
Join veteran traveller and pilgrimage leader Swami Saradananda in this rare opportunity to embark on an inspiring spiritual quest. Share the wandering yogi’s insights and inspirations along the way.
April Pierrot is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and former Coordinator
of Alexander Training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). She has taught the Alexander Technique since 1990. April is a practising yoga teacher, specialising in yoga for singers and vocalists; she is a frequent visitor to Rishikesh and a meditator herself.
Accommodation will be simple and Indian style. We will mainly be staying in ashrams, which are VERY clean, but not luxurious by Western standards. Meals will be purely vegetarian and eaten mainly in ashrams or simple restaurants. Food will be Indian-style, which may, at times, be spicy. There will be no provision for special diets. We strongly request that participants refrain from smoking, non-vegetarian food, alcohol and
recreational drugs during the pilgrimage.
COST OF PILGRIMAGE (excluding flights – including conference fee): £995 / €1245
Non-refundable deposit of €650 / £500 due on booking – balance by 10 Dec
Further details: swami.saradananda@virgin.net
www.FlyingMountainYoga.org
