The Sacred Mountain, India
September 19th, 2009, 2 Weeks

Overview:

Mt. Aranachala in the small village of Thiruvannamalai, Southern India is well known as a place of energy, a mystical mountain. Travelers and Indians alike, are drawn to this special place. They walk around or up the mountain, meditate, study and just “be” in the energy of this place of Grace, and follow their independent spiritual journey.

"The birds have vanished into the sky
and now the last cloud drains away
we sit together
the mountain and me
until only the mountain remains."
Poem referring to Mt. Aranachala
Author unknown

Says Amanda Hamilton, coordinator of this program, "If you're open to an independent spiritual experience, you'll love this place, and the spirit of this program." Before going to India, Amanda had been reluctant to travel there because of the concerns she felt about the challenges and poverty of India. But after having been there, she is motivated to show other people the magic of Mt. Aranachala. Says Amanda, "I don't want others to miss this place because of similar reservations they may have about India. She adds, “My role will be logistical support, as well as to introduce you to people and places for your experience.”

The trip will be tailored to meet the group dynamics and individual interests, and will include stays at ashrams near the mountain, walking, hiking and cycling on and around the mountain, workshops, sittings with spiritual teachers, yoga classes, visiting local communities including the notable Pondicherry, and local temples.

"This hill is said to be Wisdom in visible form"
Sri Bhagavan, renowned Indian teacher

Details

Why:

• The mountain is well known in India and internationally for being a powerful location that has affected people's lives
• Experience an independent spiritual journey leaving the logistics and arrangements to MSI
• An opportunity to experience the spirituaity of India in a variety of different forms
• Be on and near a mystical, magnetic, magic mountain

What to expect:

• Choose what you want to focus on during your stay.
• Some events and stays will be with the whole group such as our base hotel, but other times you may stay at an ashram on your own or with someone else from the group. Others may prefer to walk, hike, bike or take classes in yoga or meditation. etc.
• Although this is your individual path, Randy Richards will be there to facilitate your experience as a group by checking in occasionally and debriefing. Group safety: Learning to feel emotionally and physically safe with others in the group and facilitators.
• Challenge by choice: We will be there to put the learnings at your doorstep, and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone by trying new things.
• Opportunties to allow you to shift your perspective about yourself.
• Program end interview to reflect on what you have learned, how to transfer what you've learned to your life outside of India.

What:

• Mountain walks, bicycle around, hike up, meditate or relax on Mt. Arananchala
• Sit or meditate in caves around and near mountain
• Sri Bhagavan Ashram stay for 3 nights
• Visit the village of Thirruvanamalai, and its amazing temple in the main square
• Visit the European community of Pondicherry
• Optioal Workshops: Yoga, Meditation, energy and life readings, Byron Katie's The Work, Sufi Enneargram
• Satsangs: having an audience/s or feedback session with fully realized individuals in the Indian tradition
• Shiva Shakti
• Visit the Oneness University in Chennai

How:

• Fly from USA to Chennai, where you will be met by Amanda & Randy
• Then 2 hr private shuttle ride to the village of Thiruvannamalai in Southern India
• Check in at our accomodation near the base of the mountain.

What you'll need :

• An sense of adventure, a good attitude and a willingness to go within yourself, try new things
• Current Passport
• Round-trip plane ticket to India
• Our packing list
• Necessary recommended vaccinations (check CDC website for current recomendations)
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

More Details:

Date: Sept 20, 2009- Oct 3, 2009 (2-weeks)
Group Size Limit: 8-10 Participants
PRICE:
Based on 8 people: $1875.00
Based on10 people:$1680.00
Excluding airfare
Deadline: Sign up by July 15, 2009. Recieve 10% Discount by Signing up by June 15th
What this trip includes/excludes: See at bottom of this page


Itinerary:

Amanda Richards
Program Coordinator, India

Amanda has the connections and passion for Mt. Aranachala and Thiruvannamalai to make this trip a success for you. She has spent time in India at Ashrams and in particular, a number of meditation retreats, one of which was Vipassna. She is well traveled in the country and brings a special talent to make your trip a success. Amanda is also a certified Homeopathic practitioner. Her role on this trip will be to put in place the tools and information you need to progress an your individual journey in India. The people and places she will put you in touch with, will change your life.

Randy Richards ,
MSI Founder and Executive Director

Randy's role will be that of facilitator for the few group meetings we'll have. While most of what you do will be your own adventure, it will be important to tie your experience together with the real world. What will you do with what you have experienced?

He has been wilderness and mountain guide/facilitator for over 27 years. He was a senior international mountain guide for Alpine Ascents International, staff trainer and instructor for Outward Bound, and guided in the Alps, South America, and throughout the western Pacific Crest range and Alaska, on programs lasting from three weeks to three months. He has been meditating since the age of 11, gives intuitive readings and medium sessions, and is on the spiritual path. He is the founder and Executive Director of Mountain Spirit Institute.

INCLUDED

• Ground Transportation
• Three Daily Meals*
• Accommodations
• Facilitator Fees for MSI Staff

*NOT included are 5 meals (with an average cost of $3-4 per meal), which allow participants freedom to explore a number of restaurants on their own.

NOT INCLUDED

• International and In-country air transportation
• Optional Workshop Fees
• Compensation for consequences of flight delays or Acts of God
• Tips and gratuities
• Trip Cancellation or Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
• Snacks and sodas or any alcohol
• Donations
• Immunizations, medical costs or health insurance, (which includes an international medical evacuation)
• Departure taxes($35.00-$38.00 total)

Register

Step 1:
Please contact Amanda Hamilton, and let her know you're interested in the program.
Email: amanda@mtnspirit.org
Tel: 603-763-2668

Step 2: ENROLLMENT FORMS:
Application for Enrollment : Download/Print
Release Form: Download/Print
Medical Form: Download/Print

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