The program is hosted by Lisa Tully, who is originally from Ireland, and Buga Tire, a Buddhist lama. The itinerary includes an opportunity to explore the Tibetan quarter of New Delhi before moving to Mcleod Ganj, where the Dalai Lama has his residence. The tour also includes a private Green Tara puja performed by the tantric lamas at the Gyumed Monastery; a visit to the Norbulingka Tibetan cultural center; a trip to the Tibetan Childrens’ Village that was established by the sister of the Dalai Lama; a visit to the Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan astrology institute, and the Bhagsu waterfall where monks are often seen doing their laundry.

The heart of this spiritual journey will be a ten-day silent Buddhist meditation retreat held at the Tushita Meditation Centre in Mcleod Ganj. The retreat, taught by both Tibetan and Western Buddhist leaders, gives a modern twist to traditional Buddhist philosophy and meditation, including teachings about karma, rebirth, compassion, the mind and the nature of reality.

For full details about this program that includes a rare opportunity to attend a public teaching by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, please visit the web page at http://bodymindspiritjourneys.com/dalai-lama-india-meditation-2012.html

Padma is the India yoga retreat tour leader

We recently heard about a South India yoga retreat that includes many of the fascinating places we visited on our first trip to India. The leader of this group tour is the well known television yoga instructor, Padma, and she will do private, one-on-one meditation and y0ga consultations with each of the participants.

One of the highlights of the program will be a three-day yoga and meditation retreat in a seaside resort overlooking a white, sandy beach on the Arabian Sea.  There is a visit to the bustling port of Kochi, a former British hill station resort surrounded by tea, coffee and cardamom plantations, a luxurious houseboat cruise through picturesque canals and lagoons, and an excursion to Madurai, South India’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The tour is 15-days long, running February 26 to March 11, 2012.

We found Madurai to be an utterly magical place, especially the Meenakshi Temple, which is stunningly ancient, enormous and spiritually powerful. It is where the author was blessed by a sacred elephant.

Other tour highlights will be a visit to India’s oldest Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568 and a spectacular Kathakali Dance performance with a behind-the-scenes look at the dancers having their faces painted before the show.

On the Bay of Bengal, the group will explore the many ancient granite carvings in Mahabalipuram, one of the seven most holy places for Hindus in India, as well as nearby Kanchipuram, the “Golden City of a Thousand Temples,” some of which date back to the 7th century.

Most days include scheduled yoga and meditation times. Because yoga was born in India, this tour is a perfect opportunity for anyone with a strong interest in yoga and meditation to not only improve their skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the culture from which they were originally created. Please click for more information about this India yoga retreat and meditation tour available from Body Mind Spirit Journeys.

Tour leaders are Mark Amaru Pinkham and Andrea Mikana-Pinkham. My wife and I went to sacred sites and power places of Peru with Mark and Andrea, and the experience was both life-changing and unforgettable.

Mark is a renowned researcher, lecturer and spiritual teacher as well as being the author of “The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom”, “Conversations with the Goddess,” and “The Truth Behind the Christ Myth.”

The dates of this trip are August 25 – September 6, 2008.  This will be a wonderfully small group. The number is limited to 10 people and they currently have but 2 spaces left, so it is recommended that interested pilgrims should register quickly to assume their place. The closing date for registration is August 11, or earlier if the group is filled sooner.

Every time I listen to the Bob Seger song “I’m going to Kathmandu” I long to see that legendary place, and it is where this itinerary begins. Here are details of the tour:

Day 1. Monday, August 25. Arrive Kathmandu / Introductory Group Meeting & Mysteries of Nepal Lecture with Mark Pinkham / Durbur Square & Syambhunath Stupa / Welcome Dinner (D) Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 2. Tuesday, August 26. Kathmandu: Bodhnath, Pashupatinath, Patan, Bungmati (B) Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 3. Wednesday, August 27. Kathmandu: Meditation Caves (B) Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 4. Thursday, August 28. To Medieval Temple City of Bhaktapur/ To Dhulikhel (B/L/D) Overnight Dhulikhel.

Day 5. Friday, August 29. To Lhasa: Barkhor Market (B/D) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 6. Saturday, August 30. Lhasa: Sacred Mysteries of Tibet Lecture with Mark Pinkham / Jokhang and Barkor Temple Circle(B/D) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 7. Sunday, August 31. Lhasa: Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery (B/D) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 8. Monday, September 1. Lhasa: Drak Yerpa Meditation Caves (B/D) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 9. Tuesday, September 2. To Gyantse: Yamdrok Tso, Khumbum Stupa (B/D) Overnight Gyantse.

Day 10. Wednesday, September 3. To Shigatse: Tashi Lunpo Monastery (B/D) Overnight Shigatse.

Day 11. Thursday, September 4. To Lhasa. Free Time (B) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 12. Friday, September 5. Free Day in Lhasa; Farewell Dinner (B/D) Overnight Lhasa.

Day 13. Saturday, September 6. Return to Nepal; Depart Nepal (B)

More details are available at the Body Mind Spirit Travel website, or call Andrea Mikana-Pinkham at 800 231-9811 or 928 284-2384. Her email address is: BMSJourneys@aol.com.