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Teleseminars

TIBET & NEPAL
Sacred Journey into the Ancient Mysteries

Departure: August 25 - September 6, 2008

IMPORTANT: Participation is open to a group of 10 people.
As of May 14, 2008, we only have 2 places left!

Registration closes July 25, 2008,
or sooner if the group fills before that date.
We encourage you to register early to reserve your space.

Join author & spiritual teacher
Mark Amaru Pinkham
on this exciting pilgrimage to explore
the ancient mysteries and secrets
of the temples, monasteries, and other sacred sites
in the spiritual Himalayan countries
of TIBET & NEPAL!

Their ancient spiritual traditions are still intact
and can be experienced directly.

During this Sacred Journey to the Roof of the World
you will experience some of the most breathtaking
and uplifting vistas on Earth, as you visit the most important remaining monasteries and temples
to experience their power and architectural
magnificence first-hand.

Only by doing so can you begin to fathom the spiritual greatness these lands achieved in ages past.

An intense spiritual culture is still alive and well in Nepal and Tibet,
but Tibet may be experiencing its final days as a spiritual mecca.
Join us for this pilgrimage before it is too late,
and the Tibetan culture is squeezed into oblivion.

Tibet: Since time immemorial, Tibet has captured the imagination of the world with its mysticism and forbidding isolation.
Our Sacred Journey will explore sacred temples and monasteries of this ancient land:
- The Potala Palace, the anceint home of the Dalai Lama
- The Jokhang, the most important temple of Tibetan Buddhism
- The famous Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet
- The Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse, one of the most unique spiritual monuments in the Tibetan Buddhist world
- The Tashi Lunpo Monastery in Shigatse, , built by the First Dalai Lama,
and later the residence of the Panchen Lamas
- The powerful Drak Yerpa meditation caves

Nepal: Nepal brings to mind the majesty of the snow-capped Himalayas and the spiritual power that resides in its unique Hindu-Buddhist temples and ancient shrines.
Our Sacred Journey will explore sacred towns and temples of this ancient Nepalese land:
- Medieval city of Kathmandu, with the glorious Syambhunath Stupa
and famous Durbar Square
- Bodhnath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world
- Pashupatinath, temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu pantheon of dieties
- Patan, city of Hindu temples and fine arts
- Bungmati, 16th century town that houses the sacred statue of Rato Matsyendranath, patron and principal deity of Nepal
- Haunting Bhaktapur, one of the most medieval temple cities of Nepal
- Meditation caves used by the Tantric Master Padmashabhava and other enlightened yogis

WHAT SOME OF OUR TRAVELERS HAVE
TO SAY ABOUT THEIR BODY MIND SPIRIT JOURNEYS

WITH MARK PINKHAM:

>> “Body Mind Spirit Journeys and Mark Pinkham took care of all the details so we could take it all in. “ L. Davis - Arcata, CA

 >> “I love traveling with Mark and Body Mind Spirit Journeys. They take care of me so well! Everything is so well organized. And we have time for our meditations and ceremonies at the sacred sites. This is the most important part of the trip for me, so I really appreciate that! “ D. Balch - CA

>> “ Mark is an excellent Speaker. Thank you for manifesting soul and spirit through the vehicle of this tour. “  S. Volk - CA

>> “We enjoyed our trip with Mark Pinkham. Thank you BMSJ for the great job you did in putting this journey of a lifetime together! We were amazed at how smoothly things went. You and your group did a fantastic job! We appreciated the information that Mark shared with the group, as well as the meditations and sacred ceremonies that he led. This made the trip for us! “  L. & S. Barkstelle - CA

>> “On our Sacred Journey our Speaker Mark Pinkham was excellent; he was informative, experienced and aware of the individual and group needs, and provided an experience of the area that was more than I could have hoped for. At the same time he promoted a climate that was safe, fun-filled and spiritually delightful.”   K. Richardson - FL

What is a Pilgrimage? A Pilgrimage differs from a tour. It is a journey to a holy, sacred place to usher one into the presence of God/Goddess. Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many people on the path. By taking time to separate yourself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time traveling to places with special meaning where the presence of the Higher Power is felt, pilgrimage becomes a symbol of transformation that is acted out. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind your problems and to focus on going within through meditation and contemplation. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, flexibility, and willingness to further open your heart.

FEATURED SPEAKER:
Mark Amaru Pinkham is a popular spiritual teacher and the author of The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom, Conversations with the Goddess, The Truth Behind the Christ Myth, and Guardians of the Holy Grail. 
He has been involved in the practice of Yoga for over 30 years and has lived in ashrams in India and the U.S. For the past 25 years has continuously taught Hatha Yoga and Meditation.

During this Sacred Journey Mark will share the esoteric teachings from his books and current on-going research that are related to the ancient spirituality of Tibet and Nepal. He will also offer optional Hatha Yoga and Meditation sessions, and will lead the group in sacred ceremony to connect with the ancient energies.

For more detailed information about Mark and his work,
please click here

SACRED JOURNEY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Escorted by Tour Host and Featured Speaker Mark Amaru Pinkham
• Travel with other spirit-centered people
• Lectures and meditations with Mark Amaru Pinkham
• NEPAL: Kathmandu: Special butter lamp offering at the Syambhunath Stupa; Buddhist Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Shiva Temple, Temple City of Patan, Bungmati - Rato Matsyendranth Temple; Former cave of Padmashambava, founder of Tibetan Buddhism; Medieval temple city
  of Bhaktapur
• TIBET: Lhasa: Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, Drepung Monastery & Drak Yerpa Caves for a special day of meditation; Gyantse: Turquoise Lake and Khumbum Stupa; Shigatse: Tashi Lunpo Monastery
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SACRED JOURNEY:

1. Round-trip international air to Kathmandu, Nepal

2. Kathmandu Airport tax of $28 to be paid locally at departure from Nepal
(Amount accurate at time of posting; could change)

3. Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary

4. Cost to obtain valid passport

5. Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed in this itinerary, in the tour brochure, or the final trip itinerary

TOUR ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Day 1. Monday, August 25.  Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal; Introductory Group Meeting & "Mysteries of Nepal" Lecture; Durbur Square & Syambhunath Stupa; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, on your own. We suggest that you book your flight to arrive early afternoon at the latest, so that you will have time to rest before the afternoon activities. You will be greeted at the airport by our local English-speaking BMSJ tour representative, who will assist you to obtain your Nepal tourist visa (Note: All the tourists, except the Indian nationals must have a valid passport and visa, before entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be obtained for 15 days on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.) Transfer with our BMSJ representative to the hotel.

In the later afternoon we meet at the hotel for our Introductory Group Meeting and "Sacred Mysteries of Nepal" lecture with Mark Pinkham.

We then visit Durbar Square, the former residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators, with its more than 40 temples, some of which are more than one thousand years old! These temples unite Hinduism and Buddhism in a unique synthesis not found anywhere else on Earth. The ancient palace consists of the huge Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, named after Hanuman, the Perfect Devotee, with temples dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries. At the Syambhunath Stupa we offer butter lamps for a successful pilgrimage.
Return to the hotel for our Welcome Dinner.
Overnight Kathmandu.

Syambhunath Stupa Photo Credit: Martin Gray - SacredSites.com

Day 2. Tuesday, August 26. Bodhnath; Pashupatinath; Patan; Bungmati (B)
Optional Meditation time with Mark before breakfast. After breakfast we visit Bodhnath, one of the largest stupas in the world, and the Tibet community of monasteries, which has formed around it. This colossal and ancient Buddhist Stupa is built on an octagonal base. Around the base is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets with prayer wheels.

We then travel west our of the city to the hills above the valley to vist  Pashupatinath, the sacred temple of Lord Shiva in his aspect of Pashupatinath. With a two-tiered golden roof it is situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River amidst a lush and green natural setting. It is the center of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri, the great Hindu celebration of Lord Shiva's birthday. We walk through the grounds of the huge Shiva temple and cremation grounds, where Hindus come (to die and) to be cremated. They believe that by dying and being cremated in Pashupatinath and having their ashes scattered in the Bagmati River, they will be released from the cycles of rebirth.

Lunch on your own with the group. Then we visit Patan, a temple city located on the southern bank of the Bagmati River, southeast of Kathmandu. This city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. It is also known as the city of fine arts, full of the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Historic inscriptions establish Patan as an important town from early times. The Durbur Square of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it was once the residence of the Malla rulers, but has been converted into a museum.

At the Royal Palace, the ancient north-south and east-west access roads divide Patan neatly into four geographic sections. The palace consists of three main Chowks or courtyards which open onto the square - Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk and Keshab Narayah Chowk, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Virgin Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name.

Opposite the northern courtyard of the palace is the remarkable Krishna Mandir, the temple of Lord Krishna and one of the most exquisite buildings in the Valley holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It's the only temple in Nepal with 21 spires and is completely made of stone.

Our last stop for the day is Bungmati, a town that dates back to the 16th century. It is here that the very sacred statue of the compassionate Karunamaya, the Rato Matsyendranath, a form of Avalokitesvara, the patron and principal deity of Nepal spends half of every year, and it is to Bungamati that this same statue is pulled in a massive chariot every 12 years. In the Rato Matsyendranth Temple is the Karya Birnayak shrine, one of the Kathmandu valley's most important shrines. The Ganesh of this shrine is actually a natural stone that looks vaguely like an elephant, the animal that is personified as an important Hindu deity of householders.

We return to our hotel. Dinner on your own.Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 3. Wednesday, August 27. Meditation Caves (B)
Our full day excursion takes us to a group of powerful meditation caves saturated with spiritual energy, due to having been patronized by yogis for two thousand years! One of the cave's most famous inhabitants was Padmashambava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, whom legends say achieved enlightenment in one of them. We have time to explore the caves as a group and individually. Enjoy your meditation time in this serene and peaceful place. Lunch on your own with the group. Afternoon return to the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 4. Thursday, August 28.
To Bhaktapur; To Dhulikhel (B/L/D)
Optional Meditation time with Mark before breakfast. This morning we check out of our hotel and leave Kathmandu, on our way to Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees," one of the most medieval temple cities in Nepal. Before Kathmandu had its heyday, Bhaktapur was the principal seat of worship in the country. You can still get a sense of what life in fourteenth century Nepal was like from a visit to Bhaktapur.

Group lunch at a local restaurant and then we continue to Dhulikhel, a small resort town close to the airport, set on a hill top and enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the central Himalayan peaks. Check in at the hotel. You have free time to explore on your own. Perhaps visit some of the temples in tthe center of the old town, such as the Narayan Temple with its yellow metal roofs, dedicated to Lord Krishna, whose birthday is joyfully celebrated here in August. The Bhagwati Temple at the top of the western part of the town is one of the best places to the mountain views.We overnight here in preparation for our flight to Tibet tomorrow. Check into our hotel. Group Dinner. Overnight Dhulikhel.

Day 5. Friday, August 29. Flight to Lhasa; Barkhor Market (B/D)
We transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Tibet over the snow-capped Himalayan Peaks. We arrive Lhasa and transfer to our comfortable hotel near the Jokhang Temple. Lunch on your own.

In afternoon we visit Barkhor Market, which is really a pilgrim circuit that runs clockwise round the outside of the Jokhang Temple. You'll find shops stalls, teahouses and vendors of all kinds selling prayer flags, block prints of the holy scriptures, Tibetan clothes, artwork, instruments, jewelry and sacred objects. You'll see the Khambas from eastern Tibet, who braid their hair with red yarn and stride around with ornate swords or daggers, as well as the nomads from the north in their ragged sheepskins, the women displaying incredibly ornate hair bands down their backs.

Return to the hotel for our group dinner - a time for sharing our experiences so far, as well as our dreams for our time in this ancient and sacred land. Overnight Lhasa.

Day 6. Saturday, August 30. "Sacred Mysteries of Tibet" Lecture & Jokhang Temple (B/D)
Optional Meditation time with Mark before breakfast.

Morning Lecture with Mark Pinkham: "The Mysteries of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism". Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon we make a pilgrimage to the 7th century Jokhang, the most important and sacred temple of Tibetan Buddhism. The main statue in this temple is one of the Sakyamuni Buddha, which was a gift from the Chinese princess Won Cheng in 641 A.D. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come to worship here and prostrate themselves in full length in front of the main doors of the temple.  It is truly a moving experience to join them in their pilgrimage around the temple. Built by King Songsten Gampo in approximately 650 AD, it houses many sacred images and was patronized by the early Dalai Lamas.

Afterwards we make our circumambulation around the walk around theBarkhor, the "Temple Circle" Every Tibetan pilgrim to Lhasa tries to make at least three circumambulations of this walkway. We will make ours! Return to our hotel. Time to relax before our dinner at the hotel; another opportunity to share with your fellow travelers about your experiences and learn from theirs.
Overnight Lhasa.

Day 7. Sunday, August 31. Potala Palace & Drepung Monastery (B/D)

Optional meditation time with Mark before breakfast.

After breakfast we start our day with an in-depth visit to the Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama and one of the most spectacular buildings in the world. Inside are the Dalai Lama's quarters and huge, golden tombs of past Dalai Lamas. It is considered one of the most famous architectural works of Tibet and a world wonder.


Lunch on your own. Then we visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet, and formerly the largest monastery in the world, housing 10,000 monks. Today the monastery has less than 500 monks in residence.
Later return to the hotel. Group dinner at the hotel. Overnight Lhasa.

Day 8. Monday, September 1. Drak Yerpa Caves (B/D)
Optional meditation time with Mark before breakfast.
After breakfast, we drive to Drak Yerpa cave complex, a power site comprised of numerous cave complexes near Lhari Nyingpo. These have been utilized by yogis and yoginis for meditation for more than a thousand years. The early Dalai Lamas wrote many of the greatest works while in retreat here. There will be time for meditation to connect with these powerful energies. Return to the hotel.  Group dinner and time for sharing. Overnight Lhasa.


Day 9. Tuesday, September 2. To Gyantse via Turquoise Lake; kumbum Stupa (B/D)
After an early breakfast, we drive through the Tibetan countryside via Yamdrok Tso, the "Turquoise Lake", one of Tibet's three holiest lakes, traveling over mountains and passes exceeding 16,000 ft. We stop by the lake and make traditional incense smoke offering. Lunch on your own with the group along the way. On arrival in Gyantgse, we check into our hotel.

We depart to visit the Kumbum Stupa, one of the most unique spiritual monuments in the Tibetan Buddhist world. Built in 1412, it’s a living, architectural mandala, with nine levels in classic stupa or pagoda style, which rise like a step pyramid. Pilgrims climb up each level of the temple in a clockwise (circumambulation) fashion. Dozens of chapels are built into each level, housing about a hundred thousand images of various icons which include Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Dharma Kings, Arhats, Disciples, great adepts of different orders in Tibetan Buddhist history, as well as outstanding figures in Tibetan history. In total there are about 3,000 statues, thus giving it the name "Myriad Buddhas Stupa". Covering a space of 2,200 square meters, this huge complex has a total of 108 gates and 77 chapels, each of which has a dominant religious figure and murals. The cylinder, 20 meters in diameter, has four chapels inside. Her we have time for individual meditation.
Return to the hotel for our group dinner and sharing time. Overnight Gyantse.

Day 10. Wednesday, September 3. To Shigatse; Tashi Lunpo Monastery (B/D)
After an early breakfast, we drive to Shigatse and visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, built by the First Dalai Lama, and later the residence of the Panchen Lamas. It is one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet and was supervised and looked after by the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas of the Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat tradition. It has the glory of producing thousands of renowned scholars in the field of Mahayana Buddhist Philosophy and Tantra. The Kelsang Temple, a colossal compound, is one of the oldest and biggest buildings in the monastery, and where there is a 16 ft high statue of Sakyamuni, which legend says contain some of his relics. Two chapels sit on both sides of the Main Chanting Hall; the left one is devoted to Tara, the goddess who is believed to be the avatar of Avalokitesvara. A White Tara is in the middle and two Green Taras on each side. The right chapel is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, with a 36 ft. statue in the middle of the chapel. The Great Courtyard of the Kelsang Temple is the place for lamas to practice and debate. The wall around the courtyard is covered by thousands of images of Sakyamuni in different postures and expressions. We have time for individual meditation. Check in to our hotel. Group dinner. What experiences would you like to share tonight? Overnight Shigatse. 

Day 11. Thursday, September 4. Return to Lhasa; Farewell Dinner (B/D)
Optional meditation time with Mark before breakfast. We then depart on our return to Lhasa. Lunch on your own along the way. Arrive late afternoon. Check in to our hotel. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner at the hotel - our last time for comraderie and sharing! Overnight Lhasa.

Day 12. Friday, September 5. Return to Nepal (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for our return flight to Kathmandu. Arrive and transfer to our hotel. Lunch on your own. You have free time to explore on your own, do any last minute shopping, or visit any of the temples for meditation. Dinner on your own. Overnight Kathmandu. 

Day 13. Saturday, September 6. Depart Nepal (B)
Morning transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

TOUR PRICES:

NOTE: This is a Land ONLY tour package. You are responsible to book your round-trip international airfare to Kathmandu, Nepal. BMSJ will   coordinate your arrival to meet our English speaking local tour representative, who will assist you through immigration and customs and transfer you to the hotel. Your return transfer to the airport with assistance is also included in your tour package pricing.

** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. The prices shown in red below are the discounted prices when ALL payments are made by check or money order.

ROOMMATES: We will be happy to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until 30 days before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate.  If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement.  An early registration will facilitate this process.

TOUR REGISTRATION

IMPORTANT: Participation is open to a group of 10 people.
As of April 23, 2008 we are over half full!

Registration closes July 25, 2008,
or sooner if the group fills before that date.
We encourage you to register early to reserve your space.

To print out a flyer and registration form
for the Sacred Journey to TIBET & NEPAL,
please click here

Please read our Body Mind Spirit Journeys
Terms and Conditions

If you have questions, or need help registering,
please call Andrea Mikana-Pinkham,
Director - Sacred Journeys Division, Body Mind Spirit Journeys
800 231-9811 or 928 284-2384
Or, email info@BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com

NEW! Frequent Traveler Program

Travel with us on more than one tour in a year
and receive a discount!

To find out about this special offer,
email us at info@BodyMindSpiritJourneys.com

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