JOURNEY TO INDIA
A SPIRITUAL INTENSIVE
FOR YOGIS, TRUTH SEEKERS, AND DEVOTEES
JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 12, 2025
BODHGAYA, WHERE THE BUDDHA ATTAINED ENLIGHTENMENT,
AND RISHIKESH, THE YOGA CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
A 3-week adventure through the sacred sites of India, meeting holy people, studying philosophy, practicing mantra, and exploring the origins of Buddhism and Yoga.
“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most artistic materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!”
~ Mark Twain
Our journey begins in Sarnath, where the Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths 2,500 years ago. We will visit some of the most sacred sites of Buddhism, including Dhamek Stupa, Vulture Peak, Nalanda University, and Bodhgaya, where the Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. We will learn from and practice alongside monks at Sarnath International Nyingma Institute (SINI), engaging in inquisitive discussions about the Buddha’s profound teachings. Spending time with senior monks and scholars from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, we will gain new perspectives on our own life experiences.
We’ll take a boat tour on the Ganges, walk the city of Varanasi, see the Mahakala Caves, and participate and make offerings in the World Peace Ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple with 10,000+ in attendance. Our journey includes experienced English-speaking tour guides, master teachers, ground transportation, site fees, all vegetarian meals, and comfortable lodging.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PRAYER AND GOOD COMPANY, AND THE HEART WILL SOFTEN. THE MIND BECOMES WIDE OPEN. COMPASSION BECOMES NATURAL.
After 14 days of deep Buddhist practice, we will fly from Gaya to New Delhi to make our way to Rishikesh. There we will enjoy 5 days of yoga, asana, mantra, and meditation in a quiet retreat center nestled in the Himalayas. We have the options to visit many temples, walk through the jungle, enjoy the Ganges River, and meet with local villagers. We will also have opportunities to learn from local teachers and masters about Rishikesh, Indian culture, yoga rituals, fire ceremony, deities, and so much more.
This pilgrimage is designed for you to know your spiritual nature. To know your potential, your purpose, and what really matters to you in this lifetime.
India, lovingly known as Bharat, is not for the faint of heart. It is a place of many colors and complete humanity. There are many sounds, smells, and sights here, with so much sacredness. A total experience for the body, mind, and heart.
We welcome you to journey with us in the most reverent way, as a humble devotion to your spiritual path.
*For Registered Yoga Alliance teachers, this course can be counted as 150 hours of Continuing Education.
ITINERARY (Subject to change):
Jan 22 Arrival + Check-in
Rest
Jan 23-27 Residence at SINI monastery in Sarnath
Four Noble Truths Seminar with resident Khenpos
Study with monks
Yoga, chanting, meditation
Boat tour on the Ganges
City tour of Varanasi
Jan 28 Travel to Rajgir
Jan 29 Vulture Peak + Nalanda
Jan 30-Feb 6 Travel to Bodhgaya
Visit Mahakala Caves
Personal practice at Mahabodhi Temple
Seva and offerings at the World Peace Ceremony
Chanting Ceremony
Feb 6 Travel to Rishikesh
Feb 7-12 Relax at Sahaja Retreat Center
Daily yoga, kirtan, + meditation
Fire ceremonies at sunrise/sunset
Walks to temples, jungles, and the Ganges
Trips to the Rishikesh city center
Learn with local yoga gurus and practitioners
Feb 12 Closing Circle + Departure
Please inquire by emailing gloria@shivakaliyoga.com with any questions you may have!
SPACE IS LIMITED
INVESTMENT: $3500 for shared lodging
Reserve your space for $500 (nonrefundable deposit).
Limited private rooms available.
If you are interested in a private room, please email us for pricing and availability.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
21 nights of comfortable shared lodging
Wholesome vegetarian meals, tea + clean water everyday
Ground or flight transportation to our pilgrimage destinations in India
Any fees for our planned visits/tours
150 hours of study, practice, and council
What is NOT included:
Flight to Varanasi (usually via Delhi)
Flight home from New Delhi
Other travel before or after our time together
Extra meals/snacks, incidentals + shopping
Travel insurance
PAYMENT TERMS:
$500 of the initial deposit is nonrefundable. Payment 2 of $1500 is due by Nov 15th. Payment in full is due by Dec 15th.
The remaining balance over $500 is refundable until 90 days before the event. If canceling under 90 days before the event begins, 50% is non-refundable and the remaining 50% is transferrable to a future Shivakali Yoga event. If canceling within 30 days of the program, payments are NON-REFUNDABLE.
nurture YOURSELF, IN A LOVING, supportive COMMUNITY
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
We are here for you. Please email us or schedule a call at info@shivakaliyoga.com.
MEET OUR HOST
GLORIA BARAQUIO
Gloria is the Co-Founder and Director of Shivakali Yoga School. She was introduced to Buddhism in 1999, and she found yoga in 2003. She’s been teaching for 20+ years and hosting retreats for 10. She strongly believes in the power of spiritual community and travel, both being vehicles for deep reflection and transformation. She first traveled to India in 2016 and finally got to taste the roots of the practices and teachers who had forever changed her view of the world and how she connects with God. It was a coming home for her. She believes that once India calls you, and once you say yes, millions of blessings and miracles appear.
She, with Serge Bandura, have certificated over 400 Shivakali Yoga Teachers around the world, and they continue to witness the love and healing that occur when people practice yoga together while traveling to new places.
@gloloveyoga
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