North India

Welcome to my North India Spiritual Journeys Page. Throughout the year there are opportunities for exciting spiritual journeys in this fascinating part of the world. September and October provide balmy autumnal days and cool evenings, with February through April give us a delightful spring time. Even mid-year provides the opportunity of exciting journeys through Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Ladakh (’Little Tibet’). Diverse Journeys is pleased to offer various opportunities for experiencing the culture and spirituality of North India.

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“Your desire to make this trip to India successful for the Elliott Family was reflected in the time you devoted to organizing all the details in this very foreign land. We felt cocooned and protected from all the inefficiencies and small disasters that can be part of the Indian experience. It all went like clock-work. The whole experience more than met my expectations, and this is because of all the work and effort you put into our trip Meath. I will be talking widely about the experience . . .  I will be recommending you as the master of ceremonies. Thanks again mate.”

Herb Elliott, AC., MBE.  Olympic Athlete, Australia

“Walking with The Buddha:”

A fascinating journey that seeks to offer participants enriching experiences of the diverse cultures and spiritualities of North India. We will visit a number of significant and historic Buddhist Pilgrimage centres along the Gangetic Plains, skirting the Himalayan foothills: studying and reflecting upon Buddhist art, meditation and history while tasting of the devotion of pilgrims from around the world.

“Gods & Gompas: Journey in Ladakh & Kashmir:”

Come with us on a journey of discovery of those remote lands of The Great Himalaya. From the plains of India we climb through misty mountains, rhododendron-clad hillsides, and fertile, wooded valleys; we skirt along side raging torrents; witness dawn and dusk over stunning snow-topped peaks, visit Buddhist Gompas (monasteries), listen to the silence, and contemplate the spiritual diversity of Himalayan villages where Hindu and Buddhist traditions live in harmony.

“Garhwal: Rishikesh & Beyond:”

This is a spiritual journey that seeks to honour the individual search for truth and beauty. Our journey will take us to several ashrams in Rishikesh (including Dayananda ashram) on the banks of the River Ganges, and Jaikarikhal (Jeevan Dhara ashram) high-up near the Hill Station of Lansdowne. A feature of this tour will be the chance to deepen our understanding of Hindu and yogic meditation and Centering Contemplation in the Western Tradition.

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Diverse Journeys offers various opportunities for experiencing the culture and spirituality of South and North India. In the coming year we are excited to present a number of spiritual journeys. Dr Meath Conlan invites you to peruse our spiritual journey offerings and see if you or your friends may like to join us for one of these special opportunities.

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Meditation and Quiet Reflection

Diverse Journeys has a unique combination of cultural and spiritual experiences in one of the friendliest and most relaxed regions of the world. Yes, there’ll be time for shopping among the colourful bazaars and markets throughout the journey. But there will also be plenty of time for solo and group meditation as well as quiet reflection.

For most days, there will be opportunities for interreligious learning as well as Deep Relaxation (yoga nidra), and Meditation (Dhyana).

Sacred Spaces and Friendships

In India every day is special and potentially exciting. The ordinary, everyday colours, sounds, tastes and smells of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, or the Northern regions of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh, when experienced with a few others, provide terrific opportunities for building lasting friendships.

Talks and Discussion

As participants on Diverse Journeys are mostly adults, there will be opportunities for general sharing (on a completely voluntary basis) so that individuals may grow in new knowledge and integration.

Forthcoming Spiritual Journey Dates

21 Aug – 6 Sept, 2010: ‘Gods & Gompas’ – Ladakh and Kashmir, North India

27 Sept – 8 Oct, 2010: Bali: Island of the Gods – Yoga and Centering Prayer

25 October – 8 November 2010: ‘Light from the East,’ Tamil Nadu & Kerala, South India

15 – 26 November 2010: ‘In The Steps of St Thomas,’ Kerala, South India

3 – 17 December 2010: ‘Malabar & Beyond’ – Ayurvedic & Yoga Retreat, Kerala, S India

1 – 17 January 2011: ‘Return to The Centre: Ashram Journey,’ Tamil Nadu, South India

22 January – 7 February 2011: ‘Return to The Centre: Ashram Journey,’ Tamil Nadu, South India

12 – 25 February 2011: ‘In the Steps of The Buddha,’ North India

21 May – 6 June 2011: ‘Gods & Gompas – Ladakh & Kashmir,’ North India