Feb 5-14, 2011

“Walking with the Buddha in North India”

(05 – 14  February 2011)

Note: Bus to meet all clients as they arrive on various flights, and take to accommodation as required.

With Meath Conlan, Ph.D. & James Nicholls – New York Photographer, and co-author with Gabriel Meyer in their compelling book,  “War and Faith in Sudan” www.nichollsphotography.com

Journey through the remains of monasteries and gardens, through the dusty plains to the Himalayan foothills, treading some of the sites sanctified long ago by the Buddha’s footsteps, in an eternal quest to unravel the complex truths of life, lucidly enunciated by the Buddha twenty five centuries ago.

Art as the sacred expression of religion is beautifully exemplified in Buddhist Art and Architecture. The aesthetic expression of this art and architecture can be witnessed throughout the expanse of North India. We bring our cameras (or sketch books and journals) as a way of honouring what we see. Photography is about the choices I make in the visual framing of elements. This is a contemplative practice of visual discernment: a way of choosing what needs to be retained and what needs to be surrendered.

Assisting us in our spiritual quest will be the riches of the Buddhist Dhammapada – the “Sayings of the Buddha”. We shall also explore selected writings from the culturally important works of Hugo Enomiya Lassalle, the German Jesuit who was among the first to bring an understanding of Mahayana Zen Buddhism to Europe; Thomas Merton the Benedictine Monk whose “Asian Journals” – in which he describes his meetings with Buddhist teachers in India, has made a significant historical contribution to interreligious dialogue.

Your companion guides will be two published authors: Meath Conlan (from Perth) and Jim Nicholls (from New York) – both artists of the soul and spiritual directors with decades of professional experience to encourage you throughout a unique and inspiring journey. Meath is a meditation practitioner of many years, having sat with Sri Goenka-ji in vipassana, Tibetan practice with Khejok Rinpoche, and in contemplation with the late Bede Griffiths.

February 05 – 07:  Kolkatta

You will be met at the International Airport and brought to your hotel. Calcutta sight seeing. Calcutta (Kolkatta) was a village in the 17th century, and now is one of the biggest cities in the world. The sightseeing photographic and sketching opportunities include visits to Eden Gardens, The New Secretariat, High Court, Legislative Assembly, Jain temple, and Victoria Memorial.

This evening enjoy a ‘Boat cruise’ on the Hoogly River. There are a number of spiritual centres here where we shall, by prior arrangement, be introduced to the programs available.

Dinner included on February 12^th in hotel.

Breakfast  included at hotel in Kolkata on February 13^th and 14^th morning.

Enjoy a Lunch at hotel on February 13^th.

On 14^th February Lunch and Dinner will be provided in hotel and later after Dinner transfer to Railway station.

On the third evening we take the overnight train from Calcutta to Patna (departs 21:35hrs arrives 07:00hrs – 2AC sleeper)

Two Overnights at hotel in Kolkata, Accommodation protected for Day use on 3^rd day till departure to Railway station.

February 08, 2011:

Arrive in Patna, capital of Bihar State. Stop for breakfast at HOTEL SIDDARTH, Patna, at its earliest was a small straggling village called Patali as mentioned in Buddhist and Jaina traditions. It was founded by King Ajatshatru who was interested in shifting his capital from the hilly Rajagriha to a more strategic Patali, on the confluence of the Ganga. The site impressed the Buddha when he saw the fort being erected here while he was passing by in the last year of his life. The enlightened one further prophesied a great future for the newfound city but at the same time predicted its ruin from flood, feud and fire.

Then drive via Rajgir and the Great Buddhist University at Nalanda to Bodhgaya. Rajgir, which means ‘house of the king’, was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatshatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. 46 km from Bodhgaya, the town is sacred to the memory of the founders of both Buddhism and Jainism and houses historical remains like the cyclopean wall and marks engraved in rocks. Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, since the Buddha spent 12 years here. The first Buddhist council after the Buddha was hosted here at the Saptaparni caves. Lord Buddha often went into retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. The devoted devotee, surgeon Jivaka also lived here. The rich merchant community here soon became the Buddha’s followers and built many structures of typical Buddhist architecture.

Lunch at Local Restaurant in Rajgir.

Nalanda, where ruins of the great ancient university have been excavated, is 90 km. southeast of Patna by road. The ruins extend over a large area. Nalanda, established by the Gupta Emperors in the 5^th century AD was the largest residential centre of learning that the world had ever known. The library was located in a nine-storied building. Since the time of Buddha, the bhikkus (monks) were always encouraged to study the various arts and sciences. Learning was greatly encouraged as served dual proposes: knowledge and practice. The monks therefore took to learning so that they might practice it and realise Dhamma perfectly and thereby enrich the ordinary people.

Bodhgaya, in northeastern India is the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the most important of four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Known as Uruvela in the Buddha’s time, the city of Bodhgaya is now a town of about 30,000 permanent residents. The two major sacred sites in Bodhgaya are the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree around which many other temples and monasteries of various Buddhist traditions (Japanese, Tibetan, Bhutanese and others) have been built. Every year, millions of Buddhist pilgrims, mainly from Asian countries, flock to Bodhgaya to be inspired, dissipate negative karma and earn merit by visiting the holy site where the Buddha became the “Enlightened One.” Throughout the day and night in the height of the pilgrimage season, monks in colourful robes can be seen meditating where the Buddha did, studying dharma texts, making offerings to the many statues and stupas on the site, and doing circumambulation of the sacred Mahabodhi Temple.

Feb 09, 2011: Overnight in Bodhgaya

Breakfast at Hotel in Bodhgaya.

Visit Mahabodhi Temple and other important temples in Bodhgaya. The Mahabodhi (“Great Enlightenment”) Temple is a Buddhist stupa located in Bodhgaya. It is the most sacred site in Buddhism and visited regularly by both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims (many Hindus honour the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu). It is a truly enriching experience to see pilgrims from the world over intent on performing meritorious acts, meditating, lighting votive candles, telling their prayer beads or just quietly walking in calm and delight.

The Bodhi Tree (”Tree of Awakening,” also known as the Bo Tree) in Bodhgaya is a direct descendent of the tree under which Siddhartha Gautama is attained enlightenment. After 49 days of meditation, it was here that Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, the “Enlightened One.”

Evening Free.

Dinner at  your hotel.

Overnight in Bodhgaya

February 10, 2011

Early Breakfast at hotel.

Later Depart by road for Varanasi – at 3,000 years, it is the world’s oldest continually inhabited city. Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Varanasi is also known for its fine-quality silks, ‘paan’ and Benares Hindu University. Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi is also one the Shakti Peethas, and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

The Ganga Ghats (river front) are the most popular pilgrimage spot of Varanasi and are centers of music and learning. There is a great tradition of Yatras (Pilgrimage) in the holy city, and the most sacred path is that of Panchkoshi Parikrama, the fifty-mile path with a radius of five miles that cover 108 shrines along the way, with Panchakoshi Temple as its main shrine. Since time immemorial Varanasi is a great centre of learning. The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Gautama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali, to name a few.

“Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together “ – Mark Twain

En route to Varanasi you will be provided LUNCH at Local Restaurant.

On arrival in Varanasi transfer to hotel.

Dinner at hotel.

Overnight in Varanasi.

February 11, 2011:

Dawn boat ride in Varanasi.

Return to hotel for Breakfast.

Morning proceed for guided tour of Sarnath, located just 12 km from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, is the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. The other three sites are: Lumbini, (birth); Bodh Gaya, (enlightenment); and Kushinagar, (death).

Return  by afternoon and LUNCH at hotel.

Afternoon – arranged visit to Madame Professor Bettina Baumer one of the World’s foremost authorities on Swami Abhishiktananda (late Dom Henri Le Saux, OSB). Dr Bettina Baumer, born in Austria, has been working in Varanasi since 1967. Unbelievably, she is today a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, Kashmir Shaivism, Indian philosophy and art. We will visit Abhinavagupta Research Library at Bhadaini near Assi Ghat in Varanasi. Prof Baumer teaches scholars from India and abroad – in a traditional Indian (Pandit) style, sitting on the ground. Prof Baumer has been director of a research institute on Indian art in Varanasi and coordinator of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Varanasi. Since 1995, she is regularly teaching as visiting Professor at the universities of Vienna, Berne and Salzburg. She was also Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla.

Evening visit to temples and enjoy GANGA AARTI.

Overnight in Varanasi

February 12, 2011:

Varanasi – Delhi.

Breakfast at hotel.

Check out from hotel at 1100 hrs and transfer to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi.  On arrival board Kingfisher Flight # IT 336 Dep  1340 Hrs.  Lunch on board provided by Airlines.  1500 Hrs Assistance on   arrival at airport and transfer  straight for guided tour of and  thereafter proceed for guided tour of OLD and NEW DELHI. You start your tour visiting JAMA MASJID, later a memorable drive on Bicycle Rickshaw which takes you through the colorful bye lanes of Old Delhi market and drop you near RED FORT of Delhi.  A short photo stop at Red Fort and   drive by RAJ GHAT.

Check in and Dinner   at hotel in Delhi

Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

February 13, 2011:

Delhi – Agra – Delhi.

Early morning transfer from hotel to Railway station to board train for AGRA. ( Shatabdi express Dep 0615 hrs ). 0812 hrs.

BREAKFAST on Board Train ( Indian railways serve Veg and Non Veg Breakfast on board train and which is included in the train ticket cost )

Assistance on arrival at Agra station and proceed straight for guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri.

Return to Agra city around 1230 Hrs.

Lunch at Local Restaurant.

Proceed for Guided tour of Agra Fort and there after   guided tour of Taj Mahal and remain at the monument till Sunset.

Evening  Tea / Coffee snacks at Restaurant and transfer to Agra Cantt Railway station to board train ( SH. EXP ) for Delhi Dep at 2030 Hrs. DINNER on Board train ( Included in Train ticket cost ) 2230 Hrs Assistance on arrival at New Delhi railway station and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

February 14, 2011:

Breakfast at hotel.

Delhi - After breakfast – 9:00 –12:00 excursion to the amazing Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, which impressively showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Inaugurated in 2005, the complex was built in only five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers. http://www.akshardham.com

Check out from hotel at 1200 hrs . LUNCH at local restaurant or Hotel.

Afternoon city tour of New Delhi visiting Government Buildings and India Gate,  and enjoy Shopping.

DINNER at City restaurant and transfer to International airport to board your onward international flight.

COST – for a minimum of 6 persons (at 6 August 2010):

Australian Dollars

Twin Share using air conditioned Tempo Traveller

AUD$2,956

Single Supplement

AUD$590

Australasian / Oceania travellers contact Dr Meath Conlan – Diverse Journeys

Tel. 08 9221 6338 | Mob. 0408 080 560 | meath@diversejourneys.com | www.diversejourneys.com

United States Dollars

Twin Share using air conditioned Tempo Traveller

USD$2,778

Single Supplement

USD$560

US Travellers to contact Loretta Pinto – Regional Director of Trail Blazers India:

Tel. 914.751.2319 | Cell. 917.797.7362 | lpinto@tbi.co.in |www.trailblazertours.com

Supplement for Transfer required by AC Car on arrival in Kolkatta: ( 02 pax / per car )

In USD:  USD 45.00 Nett

In AUD : AUD 50.00 Nett

Supplement for Domestic Air fare:

Varanasi – Delhi:

6 persons           USD  175.00 Per person

Hotels Foreseen:

Kolkata:  Hotel Hindustan International (02 nights + Day use accommodation on 3^rd day)

Bodhgaya:    Lotus Nikko  ( 02 nights )

Varanasi:      Hotel Hindustan International   ( 02 Nights )

Delhi: The Residence  ( 02 nights )

Cost Includes:-

- Hotel accommodation on Twin share basis on Bed and Breakfast basis for 08 nights  starting with arrival in Kolkata and Departure on Feb 14 from Delhi. This also include Day use accommodation at hotel in Kolkata on day 3rd

- 01 night on Board Overnight Train Kolkata – Patna.

-  Additional meals.

February 05: Dinner only.

February 06: Breakfast and Lunch only.

February 07: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

February 08: Breakfast and Lunch

February 09: Breakfast and Dinner

February 10: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

February 11: Breakfast and Lunch

February 12; Breakfast and Dinner.  ( Lunch on Board Kingfisher Flight only )

February 13: Breakfast and Dinner on board ( Sh. Express train ) and Lunch at Local restaurant in Agra.

February 14: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

- Transfers, sightseeing/excursions as per the program based on AC Vehicles as specified above

Departure Transfer in Delhi will be provided to passengers whose flights depart within a 3 hour period . All others will need to request and pay separately for individual transfers (cars).

- Services of Local English speaking guide at all cities during sight seeing only as per itinerary. Except you will have a Accompanying English speaking guide from Patna on Day 04 till drop at Varanasi on Day 07^th.

- Train fare using AC 2 Tier for Sector Kolkata – Patna and   Train fare using AC Chair car on Shatabdi Express for Sector     Delhi – Agra – Delhi  respectively.

- Applicable Monument Entrance fees as per itinerary in Kolkata,   Varanasi,   Agra and

Delhi.

- Boat ride at Varanasi ( 01 time ).

- Boat Cruise at Hoogly River Kolkata.

- Tips and Gratuities.

- Applicable Government Service Tax

- Lunches and Dinners on all days of the tour..

Not included

-Airfare & airport tax.

- No transfers included in Kolkata on arrival

- Any  meals   not mentioned in the itinerary.

-Personal expenses like alcoholic or other beverages, laundry, telephone calls and insurance

-Any other service, which has not been specified as “included”.