India
An 18-day program for women through India focusing on the Goddess, The Ganges, Social service, Pilgrimages, and Spirituality.
Sometimes what happens along the way to the pilgrimage becomes the experience itself. Together we will establish intentions for ourselves as we weave our own pilgrimage into the larger tapestry of Hindu pilgrimages. As a collection of spirits we will dive into Hindu traditions and Indian culture to seek a better understanding of ourselves. Only through our hearts will we truly understand ourselves and in supporting our individual intentions we also support each other, creating a container of safety and care.
This 18-day course starts in Kolkata where we'll let jet lag pass and establish our footing as we explore the city. We'll get to know the city's various temples and take in Aarti at the famous Kali temple. Then, after volunteering for a day at the Mother Theresa Home for the Destitute and Dying, we embark on an 18-hour train ride to Varanasi. Riding the trains, although at times draining, is perhaps the best way to see India and the many thousands of miles and peoples that live between cities.
After arriving in Varanasi we take a day of rest to acclimate and then return to the swing of Varanasi. We watch the crematorial burning ghats, take in the Ganges river, and experience a variety of temples that flank what is arguably the greatest of Hindu cities. Sunrise boatrides will be the order of the day for watching as the locals take in their morning ablutions. Varanasi is the holiest Hindu city in the country and the site of one of the oldest tribal Shakti temples that are rarely visited by foreigners.
Once we arrive in Rishikesh, also on The Ganges (and thankfully on the cleaner side of the river) we settle into an Ashram for yoga, meditation, optional Ayurvetic massage, and a white water rafting trip down the holy river. 
Using Rishikesh as a launching point we visit and meditate at the cave where the Rishi lived and achieved enlightenment. Finally, we descend into New Delhi for a few more days of optional sightseeing and of course a chance to get some shopping done. It's here that we finally fare each other well, and for those who want to extend their stay a few days can take the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal and/or the the famous Sikh Golden Temple.
Program Dates:
Summer 2008: April 19 - May 7, 2008
Summer 2009: April 16 - May 4, 2009
Group Size:
Maximum of 10 Women
