Spiritual
Journey of
Conscious Journeys
Meet
the world, discover yourself, embark on a Conscious Journey today….
 |
| The
Palkhor Monastery built in 1427, is notable for its superb Kumbum (10,000 images)
Stupa, which has 108 chapels to explore, according to the Buddhist tradition. |
Spiritual
Journey offers
an experience full of inner awakening by tracing the footsteps of Tibetan
pilgrims, who often spend six months to a year on the road in their ultimate pilgrimage
to Tibet’s most sacred places. We will visit such sites as the Jokhang Temple,
Potala Palace,Sera, Drepung, Ganden, Samye, Tashilhunpo and Palcho monasteries
in Central Tibet. Throughout the trip you will have unparalleled access to monks,
Lamas, Yogis, and scholars to learn and witness how the theories of Tibetan Buddhism
in the West are put into practice by Tibetans monastics; you will participate
in meditation; observe rituals, mingle with pilgrims, and connect with locals.
Toward end of the trip, you will have an opportunity to witness the true meaning
of life by visiting TVP’s sustainable development project sites and participating
in volunteer activities. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to take part in
this journey, as it is designed to awaken your own spirituality and open your
heart through a real connection with the people and culture from the Roof
Top of the World.
Under
the leadership of native Tibetans,
the trip will be guided and supported by Don Cullen, a TVP board member and long-term
Buddhist practitioner, and a former Tibetan monk who is guide now. Your
service work starts at home by raising awareness and funds to support the
work of the Tibetan Village Project ($650 USD is the required minimum with the
ultimate goal of raising $1000 USD each). TVP will be happy to help with fund-raising
ideas, materials and support as needed.
Trip date:
June 12th to June 30th in 2009. Click here to print the trip application.
Land
Cost: |
$2,925 for (11-12 participants) |
| $3,275 for (09-10 participants) |
$3,595 for (07-08 participants) |
Our trip is budgeted for a full or nearly full sign-up. To
avoid having to cancel the trip due to a lack of participants, we will charge
more for smaller groups, to cover the fixed costs of the trip. We strive to make
our trip affordable (compared other Tibet programs from Western Countries), with
the hope that you will raise additional funds for the projects on the ground and
become an ambassador for TVP and other humanitarian causes as a result. The costs
for the Spiritual Journeys trip are slightly higher than previous TVP
Journeys as this trip involves higher fixed costs, less volunteer work; and is
more complex to coordinate. As always, 100% of proceeds directly benefit the Tibetan
Village Project.
| Trip
Payment Schedule | Cancellation
Fee Schedule |
At
time of reservation - $500 | Minimum
fee:
None |
120
days prior to departure - $1500 | 46-
90 days prior to departure: 50% land cost |
60
days prior to departure - Balance | 45
days or less:
100% land cost |
Tax-Deduction: 30% of the land cost is tax-deductible. In the event of a trip cancellation, the cancellation fee simply becomes a donation to Tibetan Village Project and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt. Note: tax deduction applies only in the United States as it where TVP has 501(c)3 Status.
Draft
Itinerary for 17-Days
|
The
sacred paths of the Spiritual Journey |
Days
1-2: Home/ Chengdu / Chinese Cultural Sites
Participants fly
to Chengdu, China where they will spend a couple of days to alleviate jetlag,
enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant, participate in a trip
briefing and learn about cultural etiquette, visit Chinese cultural sites, and
prepare for departure to Lhasa.
Days 3-5: Yarlung Valley
/ Samye / Yumbu Lhakang / Traduk Monastery
After a short
flight over the Himalayan Mountains we arrive in Lhasa, you will be taken directly
to a hotel in Tsedang, a southern Tibetan town located in the heart of the Yarlung
valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Here we will explore the 8th century
Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery built in the shape of
a mandala, Yumbu Lhakang, Tibet’s first palace, and Traduk Monastery built
in 541 A.D.
Days 6-8: Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse / Shigatse
We head further to the historic outpost of Gyantse, crossing two high passes
and visiting Yamdrok Lake (“Jade Lake”), one of the three largest
lakes in Tibet and a holy site for pilgrims. Gyantse, a small agricultural town
at 13, 050 ft above sea level and is famous for its wool carpets and palkhor choide
chorten. The Palkhor Monastery built in 1427, is notable for its superb Kumbum
(10,000 images) Stupa, which has 108 chapels to explore, according to the Buddhist
tradition. .We continue onward to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city,
where we will visit gold-topped Tashilhunpho Monastery, one of Tibet’s most
vibrant and breathtaking sites.
Days 9-12: Lhasa - >
JokhangTemple, Potala, Sera Monasty, and Tsurbu Monastery
In
the heart of Lhasa, you will have the option of participating in group activities
that include (1) morning meditation at Jokhang Temple, with a visit to Tibet’s
most sacred and well-known palaces including: Potala Palace, Nurbulingka, Sera
Monastery, and the Tsurbu Monastery of the Karmapa. (2) There will be volunteer
opportunities in Lhasa including: teaching English, preparing meals, and working
with artisans. (3) You may choose to rest or opt for activities that fit your
interests such shopping or exploring Lhasa on your own.
Day 13 – 17: Drikung Thil Monastery/ Tidrum Nunnery/ Hot Spring / Project
Sites/ TVP staff will be happy to arrange visits to project sites
where you will have the opportunity to witness the difference your support has
made by meeting Tibetan villagers and visiting clinics, schools and greenhouses,
etc. While camping in the village for few days, you can enjoy a relaxing dip at
the Tidrum Hot Springs and visit the Tidrum Nunnery and Drikung Thil Monastery.
Before transferring you to Lhasa airport, you will enjoy a farewell cultural banquet
in Lhasa with TVP folks and have the chance to share your experiences with fellow
team members and newly acquired Tibetan friends that have enriched your prospective.
At this point, you are free to plan your own post-TVP adventure (e.g.
Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, or a visit to Kham) and we can assist with your
plans. Final itinerary details will become available few weeks prior to the departure.
Arrival / Departure: Chengdu, China is the meeting
point for the trip. Trip members arriving on the suggested group flight are met
at the airport on Day 1. At the end of the trip you will be transferred to the
Chengdu airport for departure as a group. Our Trip Logistics Guide, which you
will receive upon reserving your space, includes all the essential information
you need to ensure your trip is successful and safe.
Trip Style:
Lodging will be simple; we will stay in comfortable guesthouses most of the time
and spend a few nights scenic camping in areas where guesthouses are not available.
Please remember this is not a "tour"; it is a spiritual
adventure. Be prepared to
participate with an open heart, an open mind, and a good sense of humor!
