India Meditation Tour Features Rare Dalai Lama Audience
Participants in a Buddhist meditation tour to India will enjoy a rare opportunity to attend a personal teaching by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama near his residence in Dharamsala. The program also includes a ten-day silent retreat at Tushita Meditation Centre in Mcleod Ganj.
The members of this tour group will meet in New Delhi, and will spend their first night in Majnu Ka Tilla, the city’s Tibetan quarter, as an introduction to this immersion into Tibetan Buddhist culture. They will have a choice of either traveling by aircraft or taking the more interesting 12-hour drive into the scenic Himalayan foothills to Mcleod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama in exile that is known as “Little Lhasa.”
The tour leaders are Lisa Tully, who is originally from Ireland, and Buga Tire, a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Offered by Body Mind Spirit Journeys, the tour dates are March 6 to 24, 2012.
“This spiritual experience is perfect for those who want to get away so they can go in and explore their true nature,” Lisa Tully said. “It is a chance to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and harness some of its benefits for yourself and the people you share your life with by bringing home the souvenir of greater peace, love and compassion,” she added.
In addition to the Dalai Lama teaching and the meditation retreat, the program also includes a visit to the Tibetan Childrens’ Village, a charity that was established by the sister of the Dalai Lama for the purpose of caring for young people as well as preserving the traditional values of Tibet. A percentage of the profits of the tour are donated to help feed and educate Tibetan children and to support their families and culture both inside and outside of Tibet.
People who are interested in learning more about this Buddhist meditation retreat program are invited to please visit the website at bodymindspiritjourneys.com.
Day 1 – Tuesday, March 6
We greet you at Delhi airport then transfer to the Tibetan quarter of Delhi, Majnu Ka Tilla. You will then have the opportunity to explore the many alleyways and temples of this welcoming Tibetan maze. As you whiz your way across Delhi you will also get to experience the Indian way of life that is totally unique!
Day 2 – Wednesday, March 7
Early morning drive to McCleod Ganj, the scenic town that rests in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is the home of the Dalai Lama in exile and is also known as ‘Little Lhasa’ . We will reside in that general area for the duration of our tour. Believe us when we say you won’t want to leave! We travel up there by private transfer (approx 12 hours), then check into our hotel. If you would prefer you can also fly from Delhi to Dharamsala and meet us when we get there, it is a one hour flight.
Day 3 - Thursday, March 8
Attend teachings by His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama on the Jataka Tales in the morning at the main Tibetan temple. Group walk around the famous and incredibly scenic ‘kora’ that circles the Dalai Lama’s temple. It is considered particularly auspicious to do it when he is in town so we will gain great merit as we stroll! We then have a relaxed McLeod Ganj orientation as Lama Buga and Lama Kalden show us the town from their ‘monastic’ eyes. That evening we will attend our own private Green Tara puja held for us by our dear friends the tantric lamas from Gyumed Monastery. Green Tara is particularly helpful for any areas of your life you need swift action in so come with your intentions prepared!
Day 4 – Friday, March 9
Visit the fascinating Norbulingka centre, set up to keep Tibetan culture and values alive. Here you will have the opportunity to see artists at work as they paint the incredible Tibetan ‘Thangka’ paintings, each curve of which is guided according to the sacred texts. Late afternoon, in the true Tibetan spirit of kindness, we will take part in a relaxed English conversation class with local Tibetan refugees to do our bit for the local community.
Day 5 - Saturday, March 10
As many Tibetan children are sent to India by their parents so they can receive an authentic Tibetan education and up bringing, unfortunately they don’t have the means to come with them. The Tibetan Childrens’ Village was set up by the Dalai Lama’s sister to care for these children so their parents wishes can become a reality. We will take a stroll up the hillside to visit one of these heart warming schools and witness firsthand the strength of the Tibetan spirit despite all that has happened and continues to happen. Then keeping in line with this theme we will receive a private lecture from Ama Adhe, an incredible Tibetan elder woman who spent 27 years in a Chinese torture camp and still has an amazing smile that never fails to lift. To get the most from this experience we suggest you read her book “The Voice That Remembers” beforehand!
Day 6 - Sunday, March 11
Full day at leisure.
Day 7 - Monday, March 12
Tibetan astrology is an ancient tradition that dates back as far as the 2nd century. Proving more and more popular in the West, the Tibetan institute Men-Tsee-Khang offers astrological charts translated into English. We will visit this institute where you can order your chart astrological chart for the following year all included in the price of this tour! Just make sure you have your time of birth as well as the date and place and any specific questions you may have! In the afternoon we will take a walk up the hill to the wonderful Bhagsu waterfall where you will spot monks washing their robes in the crystal clear waters!
Day 8 - Tuesday, March 13
Check out of hotel and transfer by local taxi to the nearby peaceful Buddhist meditation centre up in the hills of McCleod Ganj. This place is quiet, surrounded by trees and hillside views with stupas scattered about the grounds for you to stumble across as you take a stroll.
Days 9 – 17 – Wednesday, March 14 through Wednesday, March 21
Introduction to Buddhism silent meditation retreat. Yes we did say silent, are you ready to go inside?
Day 18 – Thursday, March 22
Final day of retreat. Check out between 1 pm and 3 pm. Transfer in local taxi and check into hotel in McLeod Ganj town centre. Even the town centre of this special place has incredible buildings such as the temple seen here in this photo. That afternoon Lama Buga & Lama Kalden will take us to do a prayer flag puja. Writing names on prayer flags and hanging them in auspicious places is believed to blows all fears away.
Day 19 – Friday, March 23
Drive back down the mountain to Delhi by private transfer (Approx 12 hours). Overnight stay at the Tibetan quarter in Delhi.
Day 20 – Saturday, March 24
Exchange details with your new global family, then transfers to Delhi airport for onward travel.
Keep in mind: The planning of these tours depend on the teaching schedule of both His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama and the Tushita Meditation Centre. We plan as far ahead as all schedules allow and we do appreciate your patience on this.