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For those interested in:
- gaining a better understanding of one of the greatest
forms of human thought and philosophy a better understanding of what
Buddhism can bring anyone, or simply satisfying a curiosity
- being directly exposed to its art and culture meeting
practitioners, resident monks, attending lectures or spending a day at
one of the richest Buddhist libraries in the world actively
participating in one of the most intense, exciting and lasting
enriching experience: a journey to the center of Self, the "elusive
stranger",
Bodhyanga provide a vehicle for people of
all origins,to visit and experience at leisure places where Buddhism
has left its mark. Each guided tour of maximum fifteen participants,
combines rambling through beautiful habitats surrounding the sites,
joyful moments spent with fellow travelers sharing similar interests
& exchanges with monks, masters, 'philosophers' and local people.
Accommodation will be in monasteries, small hotels, refuges or in
guesthouses. Anyone is free to attend the daily meditation early
morning and evening.
Leadership
What makes our
journeys so unique is the important role of the course leader. He
is a mature, experienced and responsible person, versed
in all aspects of the Buddhist practice, culture and
philosophy, with an in-depth knowledge of the area and the ability
to provide special insight as he guides you safely into new
horizons. It immeasurably adds to the success of each trip.
To travel with us on the Path of
the Buddha  is to make the deliberate choice to be
the actor of your own journey, to resource yourself at the contact with
nature and with authentic people.
Our trips are designed for
flexible, energetic people who can accept and even relish the
unpredictable nature of travel in sometimes remote areas. The most
important requirements are a spirit of discovery and a positive
attitude. This itinerary is not just for very young or athletic
travellers. In fact, members on our trips range in age from 25 to 60
years.
One should keep in mind that the
quest for authenticity means from time to time to adapt oneself with
good humour to the local conditions, sometimes long journeys, different
food, rustic accommodation and possible delays and contretemps, which
prompt equally impatience and wonderful surprises and encounters. If to
be the actor of one’s own journey means always to give a bit of
oneself, it is not so much the sportive performance or a strong
physical implication that is at stake, but one’s capacity to be open to
the world, the others and oneself. Groups are limited to 15
participants. You will be among friends.
This
formula confers a sense of conviviality to our trips. Typically about
half of the group are couples or friends and the rest individuals
travelling alone. Participants come from all walks of life.
India
Discovery 1
(Feb-April & Sept-Dec)
Delhi- Varanasi-Bodhgaya- Patna- Delhi (11 days)
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities
in the world believed to be founded 3000 years ago. At sunrise, we will
take a rowing boat trip on the Gange, when thousands of pilgrims throng
the water's edge, bathing, worshipping & meditating.
Bodh Gaya is the place where the Buddha
attained enlightenment. We'll enjoy three relaxing days with a full day
with the monks at Mahabodhi Mahavihar Temple & free access to the
Library.
Then on to Rajgir & Saptparni, the cave
where the first Buddhist council was held & to Nalanda, the site of
the world's most ancient university. Delhi by air from Patna.
Sikkim
Discovery 2
(mid-April & Sept-Dec)
Delhi- Varanasi- Bodhgaya-Darjeeling-Gangtok-Delhi-20 davs
 
From Patna we take the train to Darjeeling,
its bustling bazaars, tea plantations & monasteries. Half the fun
is getting there the train loops and switchbacks its way from the
plains up to the ancient Tibetan Kingdom of Sikkim. Discover the beauty
of the landscape, dense forests & luxurious valleys, and one of the
world's richest flora. You will be enchanted by the serene atmosphere
of the large monasteries & sacred lakes. We will visit Dubde,
Pemayangtse & Tashiding, three of the most ancient monasteries in
the world. Darjeeling - Delhi by air.
Dehli -Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Rajgir - Patna +
SIKKHIM + TREK
This programme operates in
conjunction with 1 or 2.
It includes a six days trek in Sikkim.
JAPAN
Discovery 3
(March-April & Sept-Dec)
Tokyo-Kamakura-Nikko-Mt. Hiei-Kyoto-Osaka (15 days)
 Over 80% of the Japanese country side is hilly or
mountainous terrain. This physical condition gave birth in ancient
times to a unique and enduring tradition focused on mountains, termed
'sangaku shinko' or 'mountain beliefs'. It includes the mythology, folk
beliefs, rituals, shamanistic practices, and shrine structures.
We will be hiking on Mt. Hiei, to Tendai
Temples hidden in the hills.
 
We will stay in Ryokans, Japanese
traditional inns and in monasteries sharing a moment in the life of the
"yamabushi", or mountain practitioners.
We will also stay at Koyasan (& Koya-Ryujin Spa).
This sacred mountain is like no other place in Japan. Nikko the ancient
temple-studded town, the beautiful lake of Chuzenj, Nara and Kamakura
are but a few of the wonders we will come across.
CHINA
Discovery 4
Between mountain and water, between Ying and Yang.
Since
China is China, mountains are the domain of rebels and poets. On the
path of Buddhism sites of exception emerge from forests, villages or
the surface of lakes. This journey will take you to places of a strange
empire indeed. From forbidden cities to monasteries and sacred
mountains floats a mystery that must be shared.
Itinerary 1: Kunming -
Emei Shan - Taers Monastery-18 days
 
Itinerary 2:
Kunming – Lanzhou - Xining- Goldmund -
Lhasa - 14 days by road
 
To the hidden kingdom in the heart of Asia, the roof of the
world, the overland journey covers some 900 km, and goes through
the highest city in the world and over the Tibetan Northern Grassland.
Not only will we see some stunning sceneries, but we will be able to
meet the Tibetan people, its customs and religious culture as rarely
before.
No land
has so captured man’s imagination for its remote particularity
and its almost mystical aura than Tibet.
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