Yoga & Sacred Sites

Healing Arts

Special Deals

What's Your Style?
Spirit of Asia Story
Gen. Info/Policies
Our Credentials
What Travelers Say
Destinations:
a photo overview
Maps - Icons
Travel Resources
links, books, health kit
FAQs
Contact Us
Home

Looking for a Travel Partner? Click Here to View & Place Postings

Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

Yoga, Sacred Sites and Full Moon Pooja

May 6-17 (Vesak, Buddha's Full Moon)
November 27-December 8, 2006

With Esteeemed Master Teacher, Maha Guru Winston Dissanayaka

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Colombo Singapore Airlines, on SQ 402, 1220am. Met at the airport and transfer to the hotel Taj Samudra.

Day 2 Morning drive to Kelaniya (30-45 min) to vist the Raja Maha Viharaya. This is one of the few places visted by Lord Buddha 2500 years ago when the Yakshas & the Nagas were ruling the country. Place your offerings & attend to the rituals. We proceed to the Ganga Rama Temple which houses a collection of paintings of Buddhist art & sculputures. Lunch at a local restauarant. Afterwards, we go to the Naradha Centre in Colombo for a workshop on Buddhism. Return to the Hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 3 After breakfast, we drive south down the coastal road to Barberyn Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Weligama, (3.5 hr). The hotel is a new property, on a hill overlooking the sea. A vast amount of land surrounds the hotel offering quiet places for meditation and private time.

Enroute we'll stop at the Kalutara Bodhi, a large edifice enshrining the relics of Buddha, located on the banks of Kalu Ganga River. It is believed that a small contribution to the till will ensure a safe journey . Next we proceed to the popular Kande Vihare (temple) in Seenigama. Arrive at our resort for late lunch. Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the resort. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Yoga Program

6.00 - 8.00 a.m. Registration / Introduction to Yoga and meditation; vertical and horizontal meditative relaxation; and Viveka. (on the rooftop)

8.30 a.m. Breakfast

10.00 - 12 noon Individual initiation of chela (pupil)

3.30 p.m. Tea

4.00 - 6.00 p.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class--Asana, Pranayama & meditation, culminating with Suryanamaskar (on the grassy knoll by the poolside overlooking the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean)

7.00 p.m.Dinner

8.30 - 9.00 p.m. Satsangha - A Community Gathering of yois and yoginis A discussion on matters of general interest with a special emphasis on Ashtanga Yoga; the eight fold path of Raja Yoga and the Noble Eight-Fold Path of the Buddha; and the twin paradoxes of Soul and the voidness of Soul. (in the auditorium)

Day 5 Yoga Program

4.00 - 4.10 a.m. Brahma Mahurta - The Hour of God A moment of silent reflection in bed, at the discretion of the individual in the privacy of one's bedroom, on the inner divinity of all living beings

6.00 - 8.00 a.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class--Asana, Bandha, Kriya; Samadhi meditation (preliminary, intermediate and total concentration of Raja Yoga) followed by Samadhi meditation (breath awareness and loving kindness or Metta of the Buddha) (on the rooftop)

8.30 a.m. Breakfast

10.00 - 12 .00 noon Yoga & Meditation Group Practice Session (in the Yoga Hall)

12.00 noon Lunch

3.30 p.m. Tea

4.00 - 6.00 p.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class - Asana, Bandha, Mudra & Kriya; followed by Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi, culminating with Suryanamaskar ( poolside)

7.00 p.m. Dinner

8.30 - 9.00 p.m. Satsangha - A Community Gathering - A discussion on matters of general interest with a special emphasis on Karma Yoga, Yoga hygiene and Yogic (Satvic) diet (in the auditorium)

Day 6 Yoga Program

4.00 - 4.10a.m. Brahma Mahurta - The Hour of God

6.00 - 8.00 a.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class - Asana, Bandha, Mudra and Kriya leading up to "How to score 100/100 in the 3 'S' test: suppleness, strength & stamina. (on the rooftop)

8.30 a.m. Breakfast

10.00 - 12.00 noon Yoga & Meditation Group Practice Session (in the Yoga Hall)

12.00 noon Lunch

3.30 p.m. Tea

4.00 - 6.00 p.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class - Asana, Bandha, Mudra, Kriya; leading to true Yogic suppleness, strength & stamina; followed by Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi leading up to Hindu and Buddhist Samadhi meditatiom followed by Vipassana meditation (Buddhist insight penetration) and reaching the zero-experience of Nirvana. (poolside).

6.30 p.m. Along the Golden Beach - A group walk led by Mahaguru passing the world famous stilt- fishermen of Weligama

7.00 p.m. Dinner

8.30 - 9.00 p.m. Satsangha - A Community Gathering - A discussion on matters of general interest with a special emphasis on Indian and Sri Lankan mind culture; Yoga psychology and philosophy with brief references to Sri Lanka's prehistoric Lemurian Past. (in the auditorium)

Day 7 Yoga Program

4.00 - 4.10 a.m. Brahma Mahurta - The Hour of God

6.00 - 8.00 a.m. Hatha Yoga Group Class - Asana, Bandha, Mudra, Kriya, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana; exploring through Tantra and Viveka the creative potential of stillness, silence and emptiness leading up to Sabhikalpa (with difference) Samadhi and Nirbhikalpa (without difference) Samadhi; reaching a cosmic climax in the bliss of Nirvana. (on the rooftop)

8.30 a.m Breakfast

10.00 - 12.00 noon Final individual and group instruction by Mr.Winston Disanayaka.

12.00 noon Lunch

1300 Drive to Kataragama, enroute visit Kirinda. It is said that King Kelanitissa, who sailed his daughter in a golden boat as an offering to the Seagods in fullfilment of a vow, landed in this particular place now called the Vihara Maha Devi Temple. The focus of worship in Kataragama was not always where it is today. Formerly, the god lived upon Vedahiti Kanda, 'the Peak Where They Were', i.e. before Lord Skanda, Valid Amma and Teyvanai Amma came down to the bank of the Menik Ganga where they reside to this day. The term yaksa or yaka originally meant any local spirit, usually associated with a particular tree, mountain, or water source. Many, like Kataragama, are friendly powerful, spirits who often grant the personal request of those who respect them. The notion that they are wicked or unfriendly to humans is a modern interpretation.

Check in at the Rosen Rennaissance Hotel and freshen up. Clad in white clothing, proceed first to vist the Kirivehera enshrining the relics of Buddha, make the offerings & worship and afterwards visit the Kataragama Temple built to pay homage to Skanda, one of the four caretaker gods of Srilanka known for his powers as a Warrior. It is also worshipped by many Hindus. We will partake in the pooja at the temple- an hour of chanting with beating of drums, clanging of bells, offerings of fruits & flowers where you can seek the blessings of God. It is also customary to break coconuts and, depending on how it cracks you can expect good luck. [During Vesak, we will attend celebrations at either Kirivehera Temple or Tissa maha Ramaya Temple.]
Return to the hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 8 Full Moon Poya - Sil Program

0600 am leave for Sithulpawwa Temple (1 hr drive through jungle terrain) where we will observe sil in a calm & quiet environment adjacent to the Yala National Park. Sil is the promise to not break the 8 Noble Truths as mentioned by Buddha. There will be Dhamma Talks, Dhamma discussions, Gilan pasa pooja. A typical Srilankan breakfast & lunch will be arranged.
Evening return to the hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 9 Morning depart for Nuwara Eliya known as"Little England" A journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams to the hill country of Sri Lanka is a very enjoyable one. Enroute we stop at the Maligawila Temple & the Buduruwagala Cave Temple. Lunch at a local restaurant. Late afternoon arrive in Nuwara Eliya. The town is decorated with English style buildings, parks, trout streams and with an 18 hole golf course. Check into the hotel Hill top, an english manor, for dinner & overnight.

Day 10 Morning drive to Kandy past tea plantations and waterfalls. The City of "Senkadagalapura" - the last strong hold of the Singhala Kings today known as Kandy. A World Heritage City, Kandy lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains, green velvet tea plantations covering the hills, and the river Mahaweli, the longest river in the country. Kandy is now a thrilling mixture of the old and the new. Most of the old structures either have been rehabilitated or are still in its original use, such as the ancient religious monuments which continue as living monuments. Visit the "Dalada Maligawa" where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha is placed and preserved is undoubtedly the greatest attraction of the city. It is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists all over the world. After lunch visit the Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and the Embekke Temples belonging to the 14th century. Gadaladeniya is built of stone and reminds us of the South Indian influence of the period. Lankatilaka temple is a magnificent brick building in white and in the shrine room is found a superb seated image of the Buddha. Embekke temple is famed for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs. 19:00 hrs watch ancient cultural rituals and ceremonies, started in the 4the century and performed daily with great devotion. Return to the Hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 11 Transfer to airport for flight home.

Price: $1685 per person, single supplement $450

Includes:

airport transfers by ac priavte car
all land transport by ac private car
accomodations, dbl occ
all meals
monument entrance fees
porterage at hotels
fully escorted throughout the journey
Value added tax CESS

Does Not Include

International Flight
Departure Taxes
Visa Fee
Trip Cancellation/Travel Insurance
Tips
Photography fees
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls

The yoga program will be led by Maha Guru Winston Dissanayaka, philosopher, visionary & spiritual social activitist. He is the founder of the Yoga Institution in Srilanka, the Yoga School of Ceylon, which was established in 1969, & the yoga clinic. In 1971 he founded Mahaguruashram for the purpose of teaching yoga & meditation. He has 35 years of experience as a teacher of yoga, meditation, philosophy, psycology, tantra. .Having being tutored by many including Yogi Ramiah of Chennai India,the late most venerable Kahatapitiye Sumathipala Nayaka Thera of Srilanka, & the venerable Mahasi Sayadow of Burma , he eventually found his true master, mentor, muse in the late Bhagavan Shri Sharma of India who completely transformed his life & bestowed on him the honorific title "Mahaguruyogi." Today the Mahaguruyogi (shortened as Mahaguru) is the enlightened guide to thousands of ordinary people around the world.Mahaguru is also the Guru of professionals and the leader of the Organization of the Professional Association of Srilanka Meditative & Relaxation Centre which celebrated 10th anniversary on the 29th of September 2001. Mahaguru is also the founder of the White Flag Movement. The white flag is the symbol of truce in hostilities, a moratorium on violence & world peace.The White Flag movement is comprised of Karma Yogies dedicated to "Nishkama Karma" which means selfless service without any greed for the fruits of service.

dates subject to change due to updated notice about Vesak date

IF THE ABOVE HOTELS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF REQUEST,
ALTERNATIVE HOTELS IN THE SAME CATEGORY WILL BE PROVIDED.

Optional Tour Extensions: South India, Maldives, Bangkok-Cambodia-Laos, Bangkok-Vietnam, Burma

Back to Group Tours Page

(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941