India Yoga Vacation:

Journey to India, a Path to Transformation
with Sherri Baptiste and India Supera.

October 3 to 22, 2008.

Arrive to New Delhi, India by October 3rd.

Price: $5995 land only (see additional costs below).

Additional $1265 for in-country air. In addition you must purchase international air arriving to New Delhi, and departing from Mumbai, India.

This 20-day journey with Sherri Baptiste and India Supera will be rich and rewarding with great spiritual depth, yoga practice, meditations in spiritual sites, a daily yoga class, dance, music and culture. We will take the 'swan dive into the unknown' that is the real India. We will do hatha, breathwork and meditation throughout the trip in order to deepen our spiritual experience.

Over the three weeks of travel together we will be working our way through India's most beautiful and sacred sites, including the Taj Mahal and the amazing temple carvings at Khajuraho. We will have four days with Swami Veda, one of Sherri's early teachers and one of the great Sanskrit scholars of our time. We end on the beaches of the South at an exquisite resort with Ayurvedic treatments offered there as well. As with all our trips we ask our travelers to be open to the moment by moment flow of our journey and to stay available to the experience, wherever it may take us.

ITINERARY - 20 DAYS:

OCT 03:

Arrival Delhi
Hotel Atrium

You will be picked up at the New Delhi airport and transferred to our hotel.

OCT 04:

Delhi- Agra- Bharatpur
Laxmi Vilas/The Bagh

Today we visit the renowned Taj Mahal then we travel half way to Jaipur and stay overnight at Bharatpur, a world heritage birding site. You'll be amazed at sheer number of waterfowl and waders which congregate on the shallow marshy lakes of Bharatpur.

OCT 05:

Bharatpur - Jaipur
Raj Palace / Shiv Villas

This morning we re off to Jaipur, the famed Pink City. Founded in 1727 CE by astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is a shopper s paradise. We ll watch artisans create jewelry, block printed textiles, the famous Jaipur quilts, blue potteries, durries, carpets, brassware and other gorgeous craftworks which are found in the bazaars. While we re in Jaipur we will visit with the children of the Ladli vocational education center where street children make jewelry for sale to support themselves. We will either walk through the Amber Fort or ride through on elephants.

OCT 06:

Jaipur
Raj Palace / Shiv Villas

OCT 07:

Jaipur - Delhi
Hyatt Regency

A night in Delhi before our visit to the Ashram.

OCT 08:

Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
Ashram

The Haveli Hotel has beautiful Ganga views and bathing stations right in the hotel. We will experience Haridwar as family members of this beautiful former home would have in the 1920s. We ll arise early and walk to the Har-ki-Pairi Ghat (The Footstep of God) for the morning puja. We will pray with the many pilgrims who come to bathe there. During the day we ll visit the Mansadevi temple. She is a wish-fulfilling goddess where we will again pray with the many pilgrims to grant our heart s desires.

In the evening we return to the Ghat for the sunset prayers and evening aarti. This will begin to prepare us for our journey in Varanasi. For those who want to stay up late there are wonderful ayurveyic therapists and massage therapists at our hotel.

OCT 09:

Rishikesh
Ashram

We have three days at the ashram of Swami Veda Bharati. At this ashram we will live as seekers have done from ancient times. Even though these are ancient forms of worship they are pertinent to our times.

We will be able to meet with Swamiji and have instruction from him or one of his staff. Sherri describes him thus:

Upon meeting him, one is immediately aware that one is in the presence of an extraordinary person. Swami Veda Bharati, Mahamandaleshwara Sri Swami Veda Bharati, great Sanskrit scholar of our time is the Spiritual Guide of the Association of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Societies International. He has spent the past 60 years teaching and providing spiritual guidance around the world. Raised in the five-thousand-year-old tradition of Sanskrit speaking scholar-philosophers of India, and has taught the Yoga-sutras of Patanjali from the age of nine and the Vedas from the age of eleven. Author of the most comprehensive commentary on Patanjali's Yoga-sutras Swami Veda is a poet, scholar, research guide and international speaker. He has studied and is well versed in the scriptures of all religions, understands 17 languages, which allows him to teach meditation to people of different faiths from within their own scriptural and meditative traditions. Before taking his vows of Swamihood in 1992, he was known as Dr. Usharbudh Arya. In 1969, he met his Spiritual Master, Swami Rama, and was initiated into one of the highest paths of Dhyana-yoga. A prolific writer and speaker, he is the author of numerous books, including Super conscious Meditation, Mantra and Meditation, Meditation and the Art of Dying, Philosophy of Hatha Yoga, God, Sayings, and Yoga-sutras of Patanjali. It was at Swami Veda Bharati s camp along the Ganges during the great Kumbh Mela of 2004 that the H.H. Dalai Lama and the highest spiritual l eader the Shankaracharya, together made offerings into the sacred fire of the ceremonies organized by Swami Veda Bharati. In April 2005, Swami Veda was accorded the highest honors at Buddhist and Taoist Centres of higher learning in China.

Schedule at the Ashram:

• 6:00AM Morning Prayers
• Hatha yoga/joints and glands exercises
• 8:00 Breakfast
• 9:00 Swami Veda Bharati Meditation
• 10:00 Satsang Swami Veda Bharati


• 9:00 PM Evening prayers

*There will be ample time for personal practice, writing, reading and exploration.

The following is the list of some of the classes that will be offered throughout the stay at the Ashram.

Lectures:

• Yoga Sutras
• Holistic Health: Body, Mind and Spirit
• What is the Himalayan Tradition?
• Philosophy of Hatha Yoga
• Science of Joyful Living
• Sanskrit language

Practicum:

• Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodanam)
• Deep Relaxation/Breathing
• Foundation Practices of the Himalayan Tradition Foundations
• Intensive Meditation at Sadhana Mandir Ashram (mother ashram)

*While at the Ashram there will be the opportunity for the practice of silence (voluntary). Guidance available.

Scheduled Excursions:

• Evening Arti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram (River Worship Ceremony)
• Vasisshtha Cave Kunjapuri Temple
• Himalayan University and Hospital
• Visit and Shopping in Rishikesh

Take some time to walk around the village of Rishikesh. The Lakshman pedestrian bridge, built in 1920, will enchant you.

OCT 10, 11:

Rishikesh
Ashram

OCT 12:

Rishikesh Delhi
Hyatt Regency

A night in Delhi to prepare for our next leg.

OCT 13:

Delhi Khajuraho
Jass Radisson by Air

We fly to Khajuraho to see the amazing temples covered with sensual and sexually explicit carvings dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu.  Besides the temples, exemplary for their architecture and bold artistic statement, Khajuraho is just a small modest village with no more than 3000 residents surrounded by the forestland.

The construction of the temples is said to have started in the mid- 9th century and continued until the early 12th century and due to the lack of records of the building activity, the names of the thousands of sculptors, architects and masons, who must have contributed in their construction has been lost forever into obscurity.  The most important thing about these temples is the sculptures that decorate the facades and interiors. Images of divinities, celestial beauties and the human form in graphic sexual representations.

Many explanations have been offered for the presence of erotic sculptures at what was essentially a religious centre; no single theory, however, has been able to explain their profuse expression. Were these temple centres of tantrik mysticism, which cites sex as an important component of human development towards the Absolute or were they merely a reactionary swing away from the austerities preached by the Buddha? Perhaps the answer can be found as excavations in the region continue.

T. S. Burt, the British engineer who re-discovered the temples in the mid-19th century found the sculptures offensive. However, the local villagers and tribals have regularly used the temples ever since they were constructed, especially, the temple of Matangeshwar Mahadev for worship.

OCT 14:

Khajuraho Varanasi
Temple on The Ganges

Varanasi is the most holy city on the Ganges. India Supera has many friends among the musicians from the University and we will have a fabulous classical music evening one night. The Temple on the Ganges Hotel is basic accommodation but it s right on the river. Our boatwalla, Shayam Lal, will take us upriver for morning pujas and touring in both directions. On our morning boat rides we will see Harishchandra ghat, the burning Ghat where bodies are burned to ash, the purest element. We can have meditation on the roof of the hotel.

We will visit the Monkey Temple and Dashwashmighat, the Golden Temple. The Durga temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. In Hinduism, Durga is represented as the embodiment of Shakti or female power, clad in red, riding a tiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. It also known as the "monkey temple" is one of the important temples of Varanasi. It is named so due to the large number of monkeys that resides here. Everyone who can comes here during the week of their marriage.

We will walk through the narrow streets of Varanasi and merge into the river of people who ve all come here to offer prayers. Evening prayers in Dashwashmighat are a spectacular sight. As many as 24 young Brahman boys do incredible devotional dances while budgan singers sing the name of Gods and Goddesses. Thousands of people attend. Varanasi is the most alive city I ve ever traveled in, which is a bit of a paradox because the whole city is about death  people come here to die because once you die in Varanasi, Lord Shiva comes and whispers the name of Rama in your ear and you are freed from the cycle of Birth and Death. Varanasi, also known as the Forest of Bliss, where Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati honeymooned for a thousand years.

On our last day in Varanasi we will visit Sarnath where Gautama Buddha gave his first discourse in the Deer Park. This is an important archeological site. There are relics of Gautama Buddha here and one of the best small museums in India.

OCT 15,16:

Varanasi
Temple on The Ganges

OCT 17:

Varanasi - Delhi - Cochin - Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort by Air

We end our trip with five nights at the lovely and tranquil Marari Beach Hotel and Ayurvedic Spa in Kerala. Here in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala we will have daily yoga and meditation. Ayurvedic massage and treatments are available from the qualified resident staff at the Ayurvedic Center.

The Marari is built in the style of an traditional fishing village with thatched villas designed in keeping with the local village style. The 400 sq.ft villas are all air-conditioned with twin or double beds, mini bar, coffee making facilities and a delightfully furnished veranda with ceiling fan. The bathrooms are spacious and modern, built in traditional Kerala style with an open-air courtyard, complete with a banana or Papaya tree. Here we have time to relax and absorb our whole journey.

We'll see the Kathakali Dancers and demonstrations of the Kalaripayattu Martial Arts form.

Cochin:

On one day we will take an excursion to Cochin where we will visit the Pradesi Synagogue and Jew Town. This area was the center of all spice trading in India. When Jewish merchants died they put sand from Israel and from Cochin in their caskes. Now, all of Jew town is a shoppers paradise  tons of cheap goods and merchants galore.

We will visit the Mattancherry Palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, actually built by the Portugese. One evening we will take a boat cruise of the backwaters of Kerala.

For those who would like to we will take a four to seven hour trip (depending on our luck) to the beautiful Sacred Heart Ashram that ministers to poor children and creates an educational environment for them. They are working towards becoming self-sustaining. We will be giving you a list of their needs in case you d like to bring things from America.

OCT 18,19,20,21:

Mararikulam
Marari Beach Resort

OCT 22:

Mararikulam - Cochin - Bombay onwards By Air, Arrive at Bombai at 2:40 pm

Your tour includes:

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
• All breakfasts and one major meal DAILY.
• Arrival and departure transfers by A/C Coach.
• All sightseeing by A/C coach.
• English-speaking guide for sightseeing.
• All monuments entrance fees
• A/C chair car train ticket.
• Elephant ride at Jaipur.
• Boat ride at Varanasi.

*Does not include: extra air fare, extra meals, tips, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

Your Tour Leaders:

SHERRI BAPTISTE "BAPTISTE POWER OF YOGA!"

Sherri Baptiste, CYT, IYT, ERYT 500

Sherri Baptiste is an inspirational yoga teacher at the forefront of training in America. She is the daughter of America's yoga pioneers and master teachers Magana and Walt Baptiste. Founder of Baptiste Power of Yoga, she offers classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training. Her retreats and teacher training programs provide an empowering, peaceful oasis in a hurried world, a place where students can find within themselves the tools and knowledge to support and maintain a happier, healthier and more spiritual lifestyle. Sherri presents for Western Athletics Clubs's Bay Clubs, Gold's Gym, Yoga Studios Larkspur and San Francisco, Nautilus, Loyola Marymount University's Yoga Therapy Rx Program, Equinox, IDEA World Fitness and Inner IDEA Conferences, Body Mind Spirit, ECA, AFPA, Can-Fit-Pro, Rancho La Puerta spa, Yoga Journal and Yoga Therapy Conferences. She has instructed for the International Himalayan Yoga Teachers Association (under Swami Veda Bharati's guidance) and conducts yoga retreats at locations such as Kripalu, Omega, Haramara, Green Gulch Zen Center and Feathered Pipe Ranch.

A member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Sherri s teacher-training and continuing education programs are recognized by Yoga Alliance at the highest designated level of E-RYT 500. She is also recognized by the International Yoga Federation as an honorary member of the World Yoga Council. Sherri's specialties include breath-based yoga flow (for all levels), chakras, breath work, meditation, yoga with weights, yoga personal training, yoga for older adults and therapeutic yoga applications.

India Supera

As many friends of the Feathered Pipe Ranch know, India Supera has long loved the great civilization of India. She spent her 20's studying with her guru Sai Baba and living and traveling extensively in India. Inspired by the culture, beauty and spirit of the country, she has brought the Sacred Spirit of India to the Ranch.

India herself has been a passionate and vibrant leader inspiring many in their personal spiritual journeys. As the founder and Director of the Feathered Pipe Ranch for the past 32 years, she has led many retreats and tours around the world. For the ultimate spiritual tour of pilgrimage destinations, there can be no journey more inspiring than a tour in India of the holy cities. India will introduce you to the India she loves with great Compassion and Joy. Her knowledge of the culture and history will enrich this tour of the majestic beauty, architectural splendor, and natural wonder in the land saturated with spirituality and divine love- Mother India.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Cost: $5995 land only,

Double-occupancy, by check or money order ($6200 by credit card). (There are a few singles available for an additional $1795, cash or check - please contact Feathered Pipe). A non-refundable deposit of $750 is required to hold your space. Final payment is due August 1. In addition you will purchase in-country air, est. $1265, cash or check, ($1300 by credit card), and your international air arriving to New Delhi, India by October 3. If you wish to arrive a day or two early we can recommend a hotel.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Travel insurance for pre-existing conditions must be purchased within 15 days of our acceptance of your deposit, therefore we will not process your deposit until you either provide proof of insurance or sign a waiver of coverage. We recommend Travel Guard Insurance www.travelguard.com which can be purchased through Stephanie at 800-735-6343.

INTERNATIONAL AIR:

Our agent Stephanie Munk, 800-735-6343, has a good price on a Chicago/Delhi direct flight. Please give her a call. Airport/hotel transfer from this flight is included in the cost.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Because the Feathered Pipe Foundation is subject to non-refundable payments, there are no refunds after August 1, 2008. If you cancel before August 1 we will retain your deposit and refund any balance. For cancellations after August 1 there are no refunds. For this reason we urge you to purchase travel insurance to safeguard your investment.

PASSPORT:

Your passport must be good until at least June 2, 2009. If it is not, please begin renewal proceedings right away as there is a lag time in processing. You will also need a 6-month tourist visa. The Indian embassies in the US are no longer issuing visas, this function has been taken over by Travisa. All the information you need is here: indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com