• RISHIKESH in FEBRUARY 2009 •

All Love Flows From the Self
– Stories from the Upanishads with Thom Knoles

On the first of February, 2009, we will gather in the foothills of the Himalayas, at the source of Vedic wisdom, to begin an in-depth study of the Upanishads with Vedic master, Thom Knoles. There on the banks of the Ganges River in Rishikesh we will take a ten day journey of enlightenment through these ancient stories.

The word Upanishad means literally “sitting at the feet of the master.”

Since time immemorial to the present day, stories illustrating the relationship between one’s individual consciousness and cosmic consciousness have been cherished as sacred, retold generation after generation, teacher to student, parent to child. Each story enlivens within the listener a facet of this relationship of individual to cosmic.

Heard in their proper sequence, these stories comprise an advanced technique to trigger the experience of our own cosmic connection. Taken together with clear intellectual understanding of their intent, the Upanishads constitute a program for complete enlightenment: the awakening of the Self in mind, body and heart.

Prerequisites: All Vedic meditators, regardless of experience level, are welcome to attend this retreat.

Exploring the Veda, Part Seven
Along with our exploration and enjoyment of the Upanishads, those who have been participating in our Vedic studies will conclude their course on Exploring the Veda, Part Seven, and will participate in the Stories from the Upanishads course as well, at no additional charge.

Important Information for All Retreat Participants
The following will give you all the information you will need to have a safe, fun and “consciousness expanding" experience in February 2009 with Thom Knoles on the banks of the holy Ganges River within the magical city of Rishikesh.

Australian Meditators
For all enquiries please contact:
Limor Babai
Telephone: (02) 9328 2003
Mobile: 0430 249 999
Email: info@doublebaymeditation.com.au
Web: www.doublebaymeditation.com.au

U.S. Meditators
For all enquires please contact:
Adele Slaughter
Telephone: (818) 907 8767
Email: adeleslaughter@mac.com
Web: www.jeffkobermeditation.com

U.K. Meditators
For all enquires please contact:
Jillian Lavender & Michael Miller
Web: www.londonmeditationcentre.com

Course Fees
For accommodation and meals, there are two options:

Option One: Parmarth Niketan Ashram (shared accommodation)
Your course fee covers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily at the Ashram. (Meals elsewhere will be at your discretion and at your own cost.)

(Please note: At the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, each room has a private bathroom with a Western toilet, shower and sink. The rooms are very basic, so do not expect fancy accommodations. Rooms are shared with two single beds in each room. We will be separated into male and female quarters, although married accommodations are available as well. If you want to room with someone in particular, please be sure to let Adele Slaughter know when you make your reservation.)

The fee for this package is USD1,550 per person. This includes both courses: the Stories from the Upanishads and Veda Seven.
(Please note:
- Veda Seven is open only to those who have completed Vedas One through Six.
- The course fee does not include travel to/from Rishikesh.)

Option Two: Hotel The Great Ganga (private accommodation)
Your course fee includes your accommodation. Meals are available at the Hotel restaurant and elsewhere in Rishikesh at your own cost. Meals are inexpensive (approx USD2 per meal) in Rishikesh.

(Please note: At Hotel The Great Ganga, each room has a private ensuite bathroom with a Western toilet, shower and sink. Both single and double rooms (for couples) are available.)

The fee for this package is USD2,050 per person, single, USD3,700 per couple, shared accommodations. These prices include both courses: the Stories from the Upanishads course and Veda Seven .

(Please note:
- Veda Seven is open only to those who have completed Vedas One through Six.
- The course fee does not include travel to/from Rishikesh.)

Payment:
This retreat is filling up fast so be sure to secure your place as soon as possible. To make a reservation, we will need half (or full) payment by November 1, 2008. The balance must be paid on or before January 10, 2009. Choose one of the two payment options below. Click on the link for the appropriate form:
1. Pay Pal
2. Cashiers check in US currency

Email the appropriate form to Adele, with "India 2009" in the subject line, or fax to 818-907-1933.

Refunds:
Should you decide to cancel your reservation, you may do so on or before December 31, 2008. USD350 of your initial deposit is non-refundable. There will be no refunds after January 10, 2009.

When To Arrive:
The Stories from the Upanishads course will begin in Rishikesh on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 7 p.m. All course participants should arrive in Rishikesh no later than February 1 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Depart:
We will be departing Rishikesh early morning on Tuesday, February 10.

Retreat Schedule:
Please click here for a full timetable of daily activities.

Flight Information:
As at May 2008, the cost of a return flight from Los Angeles to Delhi on American Airlines was USD1,500 before tax (USD75). Regardless of where you are traveling from, purchase tickets now to get the best savings.

Transfers to Rishikesh:
Once in Delhi you can travel to Rishikesh by car or train or plane. Travel by train (Indian Rail) or plane (MDLR Airlines or Air Deccan) is advised. Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more details. For a great overview of how to get to Rishikesh, check out the website of Ananda in the Himalayas.

Travel Agent
Alternatively, to have a travel agent arrange your flights and transfers, please contact:

Australian Meditators
Orley Makler
Flightbiz
Telephone: (02) 9365 3607
Mobile: 0403 757 828
Email: orley@flightbiz.com

U.S. Meditators
For advice on travel options, please contact:
Adele Slaughter or Jeff Kober
Telephone: (818) 907 8767
Email: adeleslaughter@mac.com
Web: www.jeffkobermeditation.com

U.K. Meditators
For advice on travel options, please contact:
Jillian Lavender & Michael Miller
Web: www.londonmeditationcentre.com

Visa Information:
A visa is required for Australian, American and European passport holders. For Australians, the visa fee is currently AUD75 for a single entry tourist visa and takes 5 to 10 working days to process. The American fee can be as little as USD30 for a 15 day single entry, or USD85 for a 6 month double entry to as much as USD150 for a ten year visa. It takes 10 to 15 days to process. You will need a passport with at least 6 months validity from departure date. Since you are arranging your own flights you will need to arrange your own visa. For Americans, please check with the local Consulate of India. From Australia: Indian Consulate Sydney. From U.K: Indian Consulate London. For other nationalities, please check with your local consulate of India.

Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning this trip to India, please click here.

We look forward to seeing you in India.

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