Walk the Sacred Mountain A Journey to the Holy Indian Saints

With Master Teacher, Daniel Mitel

Includes training in “Heart Imagery and Self Renewal”, Kriya Yoga Initiation and HeartMath exercises throughout the journey.

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Itinerary Dates: June 1-11, 2016

June 1

Arriving at Chennai International Airport, you will meet your group at a pre-arranged place and time for your trip to Auroville. After stopping for a meal, we will arrive at Mango Hill Resort (approximately 3 hours driving time) – our home for the next several days.

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*Activities for the first day in India will depend on the arrival time of the group.

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June 2:

6:30 – 7:30 am: Yoga class.

{Whenever possible, the day will begin with a Yoga class. Days with a very early hike or walk will not have yoga in the morning, but an optional yoga class later in the day}. 8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast

After breakfast, Daniel will begin the journey with an opening meditation and teaching. It will be a time for introductions, sharing and getting to know our travel family for the first time.

In late morning we will depart for the historical city of Pondicherry. Though very small, Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India at one time. There is a strong French influence in the city, especially in the old quarters, with Rues and Boulevards lined with Mediterranean style houses and bakeries, although the city remains very much Indian. French is still understood, and the whole city makes for a rather pleasant mix of East and West.

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While in Pondecherry we will visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

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This ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926.

Sri Aurobindo began the practice of Yoga in 1905. In 1908 he had the first of several fundamental spiritual realizations. In 1910 he withdrew

from politics and went to Pondicherry in order to devote himself entirely to his inner spiritual life and work. During his forty years in Pondicherry he evolved a new method of spiritual practice, which he called the Integral Yoga. Its aim is a spiritual realization that not only liberates man's consciousness but also transforms his nature. In 1926, with the help of his spiritual collaborator, the Mother, he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Among his many writings are The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga and Savitri. Sri Aurobindo left his body on 5 December 1950.

After spending a bit of time at the Ashram we will visit the nearby Ganesha Temple. Here you can have a blessing from Ganesha, the Elephant God. Give her a coin or banana and bow your head and she will touch her trunk to your head (Yes, a real elephant will be there to bless you!).

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In the early afternoon we will Lunch at the Promenade Hotel with a wonderful Indian buffet. After we have completely nourished ourselves we will have a walk along the promenade at the Pondi beachfront to enjoy the beautiful sea.

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For a time this afternoon we will explore the marvelous marketplaces that exist around the shoreline after which we will drive back to our hotel in Auroville for an amazing supper.

In the evening, we will have a teaching with Daniel.

June 3:

6:30 - 7:30 am: Yoga Class.

8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast

After breakfast we will get the amazing opportunity to visit The Matri Mandir (the Temple of the Mother).

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This is a beautiful, tranquil globe that has been constructed as a place of deep meditation and Silence. Surrounded by 12 petals, this Geodesic dome is covered with golden discs that reflect the sun’s light. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the Inner Chamber. This contains the largest optically perfect glass glove in the world The four pillars that support the structure have been set at the four main directions of the compass and are symbolic of the four aspects of the mother – Maheshwari (south pillar), Mahakali (north pillar), Mahalakshmi (east pillar), Mahasaraswati (west pillar)

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Our group will be given permission to walk the grounds and enjoy the powerful presence of this special holy place.

After lunch we will journey to Auroville for a Group Sound Healing.

Later in the afternoon healing sessions and massage is available for any of the group who desires these services (on your own).

Before dinner we will meet again as a group for teaching and meditation with Daniel.

7:30 - 8:30 pm: Dinner.

June 4:

6:15 - 7:15 am: Yoga Class.

7:30 - 8:20 am: Breakfast and get ready to go out.

This morning will consist of activities around the area of the hotel, then a 11:30 a.m. departure for Tiruvannamali – a 2.5 hour drive.

After our arrival at Sparsa Resort we will check in, have lunch and a bit of a rest.

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In the later afternoon we will depart for the Arunachaleshwar Temple where we will spend time until returning to the hotel for the evening meal.

! Arunachaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. Shiva is known by devotees as Annamalayar or Arunachaleswarar. And this is believed to be the largest temple in the

world dedicated to Shiva. The history of this Annamalayar temple dates back to thousand years. It is significant to the Hindu as one of the temples associated with the five elements, specifically the element of fire, or Agni. The temple complex covers 10 hectares and is one of the largest in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams.

June 5:

6:30 – 7:30 am: Yoga

8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast after which will be teachings and meditation with Daniel.

This morning we will go out and about to visit theYogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram (another Enlightened Saint that lived at Tiruvannamalai).

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This Yogi was an Indian saint and mystic. In his childhood he loved very much to meet the yogis and monks that passed by his village. Later he was known to spend time with both Sri Aurobindo and Ramana Maharishi and later with Swami Ramdas.

If there is time, the group could also visit Sri Seshadri Ashram (Seshadri was living in Tiru when Ramana arrived, and he recognized Ramana and helped him. He was also Enlightened).

After this visit and lunch we will return to our hotel for some optional activities including massage and healing.

In the afternoon we will drive to Tirukoilvolur to visit 2 ancient temples in the nearby area.

5:30 – 7:15 pm: Visit Ramana Ashram. There will be a puja and afterward chanting.

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Sri Ramana Ashram was the home to modern sage and Advaita

Vedanta philospher Raman Maharshi from 1922 until his death in 1950. Ramana Maharshi was know to have had a “death experience” at the age of 16 where he became aware of a “current” or “force which he recognized as his true “I” or “Self”. Since the 1930’s his teachings have been popularized in the west resulting in worldwide recognition as an enlightened being.

After dinner we will return to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

June 6:

6:30 - 7:30 Yoga

8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast

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After breakfast we will return to the Ramana Ashram for a walk up to Skandashram from the temple side. We will visit Sri Ramana’s first ashram and the nearby sacred caves. These caves have been used by many Enlightened Saints, and Siddhas and the energies are easily noticed.

After lunch we will sit for a group meditation and a rest. Then we will start the walk of Girivalam from there.

Girivalam of the Inner Path

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Girivalam is Tamil and means: to walk around the mountain. In Tiruvannamalai, this of course means to walk around Arunachala. This is something people do to gain spiritual support, blessings for their life, and help with any problem or simply to increase Peace in one’s life.

After our walk we will partake in a wonderful meal and a return to our hotel.

June 7:

6:30 - 7:30 am: Yoga

8:00 - 9:00 am: After Breakfast we will meet for teachings and meditation with Daniel. After this we will leave the hotel to visit Wild Ideas - a women’s cooperative.

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Wild Ideas is run by a group of village women, all of who have challenging home situations and were in need of help. Maithreyi, started Wild Ideas, as she saw the huge need for the local village women. She continues to help them with the business. They make a range of organic, totally plant based cleaning products, including: laundry powder, dish powder, shampoo, bar soaps, small lanterns, some edibles.

Here you will learn what life is like for many of the local village women, and have many of your questions answered about Indian women, customs and beliefs. We will speak with Maitreyi, a native to Bangalore, who has moved with her family to Tiruvannamalai and is working to help educate and support local women who lack opportunities and skills. Maitreyi was once a manager in Microsoft and lived in Seattle, before returning to India several years ago, and retiring from her job. She now volunteers full time to help women start self-sustaining businesses. You will love her!

We will have the pleasure of Lunch with Maitreyi at her home.

In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to do seva with Maithreyi with her women’s group (Maithreyi will have options – one is helping plant small garden patch at the women’s house, helping them produce their own, organic food).

After our visit with Maithreyi will will be visiting the 8 Asta Lingams. Here we can hand out packets of food to Sadhus and others in need during this trip (seva).

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The 8 Asta lingams represent the purest energy of each planet. The lingams were placed by a Siddha (as instructed by Lord Shiva), who knew the exact point where each planets energy falls on Earth, around Arunachala mountain. At the lingams, people should pray for help with their difficulties that come from different planets (as seen in the astrological birth chart). They heal difficulties that come from our karma.}

Later we will return to our hotel for rest and meditation.

After dinner it is early to bed! We have an early morning, and hike to the top of Arunachala in the morning!

June 8:

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Wake up for a 5:00 departure for our drive to Ramana Ashram where we will begin our walk to the top of Arunachala. This walk takes approximately 2 hours to reach the top. It is a mostly uphill walk. Fitness is a good thing, but all ages can do this walk as well. The group will stop at caves along the way to the top, and the pace will be set by the participants. Each person will be given food to bring and eat as they get hungry on the way. This will consist of fruits, nuts, energy balls, and other such portable food items. Water is of course provided.

! We should reach the top of the mountain around 7:30 a.m. Here we will drink Mountain Chai with fresh herbs from Arunachala served in the Holy hut at the top of Arunachala. This hut was used by a Master for 17 years of meditation. The energy is palpable. Rest.

Our guide, Saran will perform a puja on Shiva’s Feet, at the top of Arunachala after which we will meditate, relax and enjoy the view.

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After our walk down the mountain we will return to the hotel to rest. Massages or healing sessions can be arranged for those that desire this service (on your own).

Around 5:00 we will meet with Daniel for group meditation and teachings followed by wonderful Indian cuisine.

June 9:

6:00 - 7:30 am: Yoga

8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast

9:30 am: Leave for Sri Shakti Amma's near Vellore (less than 2 hour drive) where we will spend the next 2 nights.

{Most meals during the stay at Kamala Nivas (Amma's guesthouse) will be taken at the guesthouse or nearby restaurants. They have good South Indian meals, usually with some Western selections for breakfast and lunch.

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During the days at Amma’s there may be certain activities or special pujas happening, so the group can take part in what is happening during these days. There will be pujas to attend, but there may be other activities as well, which sometimes come up on short notice

We will visit Sri Puram (the Golden Temple), which is right next to the guesthouse. The lights are beautiful shining on the temple.

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About the Puja’s: Puja goes for about 3-4 hours total. There is a break near the middle, at which time bhajans are usually sung. The group can wander around the Peedam, where the puja will likely be performed, or can go back to the guesthouse for a short rest. It is very good to be there for the end of the puja, as that is the time that Amma gives tirtam (blessed, herb water) to each person. At that time Amma may speak to you or you may say something to Amma.

Puja generally goes until around 5:00 pm followed by dinner.

June 10:

7:00 – 8:00 am: Yoga on the rooftop.

8:00 – 10:00 am: After breakfast we will Walk the Star Path at Sri Puram followed by a group meditation.

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The star-shaped path with twelve ‘auspicious’ vertices creates a

divine energy form on the earth. Positioned in the middle of the lush green landscape one has to walk along the star path to reach the temple in the middle. The star path is full of messages from Sri Sakthi Amma and other spiritual leaders.

After lunch we will sit with Amma who will perform a Puja after which will be time for meditation and teachings with Daniel.

Before dinner we can walk the nighttime Star Path at Sri Puram. It is a beautiful sight with the lights shining on the gold of the temple – a must do experience! Since this is the last night with the group we will have time for closing and sharing.

June 11:

This last day will be planned relative to the return flights of the group. Drive to Chennai Airport (3 hour drive).

Arrive at Chennai airport.

Flight takes off...homeward bound! Bon Voyage!

**All meals offered will be vegetarian, as per the Hindu custom, while doing a spiritual pilgrimage no non-vegetarian food should be taken.

Price Per Person Single Occupancy $3,904 (Cash Discount for check or money order $3,790) Double Occupancy – Price per Person $3,698 (Cash Discount for check or money order $3,590)

Price Includes: Everything as mentioned in the program, double or single occupancy accommodations at specified hotels or comparible, All meals (Vegetarian as is Hindu Custom) private transportation during the tour by bus. Instruction and Initiations by Daniel Mitel, Guides and Entrances to all sites.

Price Does not Include: Anything not mentioned in the program, flight tickets (domestic and international), visa fees, departure airport taxes, gratuities, beverages other than what is offered during scheduled meals, additional services such as massage or healing treatments scheduled on your own. Donations that you may choose to give where appropriate.

Trip Insurance Including Medical is highly suggested!