IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SELF MASTERY
Level 2 - Authentic Relationships
This course is for those who desire to further their knowledge and experience as teachers of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan®. Join us in exotic and beautiful Anandpur Sahib for a life changing experience.
Overview :
It has long been a tradition of the yogis to renounce the world and head to remote regions far removed from the daily hustle and bustle. There, in the rugged beauty of these remote regions, they are able to meditate deeply without worldly distractions. Here life is very simple. Pure, undiluted focus on the Infinite becomes easy. This is the perfect pilgrimage for the yogi and adventurer.
Our 3HO Teacher Training Intensive will be held in the rural village of Anandpur Sahib where you will learn the ancient science of Kundalini Yoga in the land where people live the simple life and time seems to stands still.
It is not the physical journey so much as the powerful ancient energies of this unique locale that amplifies the depth of the pilgrimage within one's self. The physical journey is a means to express and strengthen our inward connection to the spirit. This journey is quite literally an experience of a lifetime.
The Teacher Training Course will be held on Yogi Bhajan's beautiful land with its breathtaking panoramic views of the royal city of Anandpur Sahib.
More travel information will be provided soon.
India:
Welcome to the adventure that is India. Here, there is never a dull moment nor a boring view. India will test your concepts of reason, of time, of function and of order. You will see sights that you could not imagine on your own. India will reveal its heart to you, unashamed and honest. It will delight you with its quirkiness and pragmatism. It will show you the most base of human existences. It will exalt you to the greatest humility. It will awe you with its powerful spirit and touch deep into your soul. India is like no other country. It defies definition. You simply must experience it.
Though, India truly has to be experience to be believed, I want to give everyone a little taste of India to help prepare you for this journey.
India is steeped in antiquity. Traditions existing today arose from ways of life that existed before recorded history. India has absorbed diverse cultures and influences from the people who have occupied it over the centuries and made them her own. Today you can easily spot an ancient, scantily clad saddhu (ascetic who has renounced the world) sitting outside a modern looking cyber café. These are the contradictions that India embraces. India is patient and timeless and you can see it in the eyes of every Indian. India has evolved thousands and thousands of years and her roots are very deep. Compared to India, the United States seems a very adolescent culture.
India is breathtakingly beautiful, colorful and festive, fascinating and mind-blowing. It bears witness to a fortitude and deep spirituality that pervades every part of life. It is both magical and welcoming - truly a wonder.
And yet, India is not a fairytale place. It is also a place of great challenge, especially for someone from the West. It makes other countries seem static and sterile by comparison. It's really quite impossible to describe in words. It simply must be experienced. The reality of India can be very shocking and I wish to prepare you in some small way by sharing another side of the vision of India. I will do my best to describe it without offense.
It is the nature of this beautiful beast Called India that you will see people living in conditions that you may find appalling. You will see physical ailments that appear dreadful. You will see dirt and filth and things that you may find quite disgusting. You will see chaos and disorganization. You will get stuck in a quagmire of bribery, bureaucracy and rubber stamping. You will be stared at and gawked at as if you were the entertainment of the day (which you probably are.) You will smell things that you may not want to smell. You may even fear for your life on the Indian roads. You will see pathetic starving dogs and pathetic starving people. You will be beseeched by pawing beggars and your transport will most certainly be delayed by something or other. There will be frustration and amazement. One cannot completely avoid the raw organic reality that is India. One way or the other you will have to deal with it. You must keep your mind open and be ready to expect the unexpected. Within all the apparent chaos lies the understanding of the true nature and order of the universe.
"Ultimately, India is going to be exactly what you make of it. This is certainly not a place you simply and clinically "see." It's an assault on all the senses, a journey that's impossible to define because it's so different for everyone. But there's one thing for sure - no matter where you go or what you do, it's a place you will never forget." - Lonely Planet
Open your senses and open your mind to an encounter that must be experienced to be believed. It is the most ancient of places with the deepest spiritual roots. Here in the West, spirituality is explored. In India it is lived.
Dates:
November 10 -- travel to Anandpur Sahib to being Conscious Communication Course
November 11-17 -- Conscious Communicaiton starts morning of 11th and goes the full day of 17th
November 18 -- Depart to Amritsar on Yoga Yatra or depart home
November 20 -- Arrive in Anandpur Sahib to being Authentic Relationships Course
November 21-27 -- Authentic Relationships starts the morning of 21st and goes till the end of 27th
November 28 -- travel home
Prices:
Deposit to secure space (for each Level 2 course) $ 300.00
Level 2 Pre-registration by September 15 - $1125 (per Level 2 course)
After January 15 - $1225.00
Balance must be paid in full by your travel date
Yoga Yatra: $300
Passport & Visa:
You will need to have a passport that is valid for a minimum of at least 6 months. Attached you will find a Visa form with instructions and addresses for the Indian consulate in your area. If you can, send a copy of your ticket and itinerary with your Visa application. Please read the consular jurisdiction document so that you know to which consulate you must send your Visa.
In order to get your Indian Visa you will need to send in 2 passport sized pictures (2"x2") of yourself along with your passport and the Visa form application. (It is a good idea to keep a Xerox copy of your passport for your own records!) You will need to request a 6 month Tourist Visa which will cost $60. The Indian Consulates do not accept checks or credit cards so you will need to get a money order or cashiers check for the entire amount.
It is best to send your passport in by US Express Mail and include an additional self-addressed, stamped Express Mail Envelope for the Consulate to return it to you. If you hold a non-U.S. passport there are special instructions included with the Visa form. On the Visa form they ask for two references in India - you may use the following as our contacts:
Sardar Trilochan Singh
5 th floor Lok Nayak Bhavan
Khan Market
New Delhi 110003
Mr. Bedi of Miri Piri Academy
Guruke Wadali
Chherta Sahib
Amritsar, Punjab 143105
Travel Insurance:
I have never personally used Travel Insurance but many people recommend that you obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance for any trip. Many independent companies offer Trip Insurance. If you choose to obtain such insurance, ensure that the policy has, as a minimum, high levels for Medical Expenses and Emergency Transportation, and coverage for cancellation due to a Travel Advisory issued by the U.S. State Department (many policies do not have this clause). You may research insurance policies online at www.insuremytrip.com . Release Form:
You will need to notarize and sign the attached release form and mail it back to this office by March 1, 2006 addressed to:
3HO
Ravi Khalsa
6 Narayan Ct.
Espanola, NM 87532
Flights:
It's best to fly into Amritsar if possible. If not, book your flight to New Delhi (Indira Ghandi International Airport). You should arrive a couple days early to acclimate yourself to the new time zone and environment. Remember that you arrive up to two calendar days after departing, so check your arrival date carefully.
New Delhi
I recommend staying at a hotel for a couple days as our body's clocks adjust to the new time zone. I will recommend a travel agent to contact to get good hotel rates and train tickets. Delhi is a huge, bustling, noisy, modern Indian city, sculpted by the Moghul Empire and the British Raj. With a few days, you'll have just enough time here to begin to adjust to the sights, sounds and smells that are India.
Customs clearance and immigration
You are allowed to bring in all personal effects "which may be reasonably required" without any customs charges. Official custom allowance includes a camera with 20 rolls of film, a pair of binoculars, a laptop computer, one music system (e.g. a CD player or MP3 player, jewelry, a video camcorder with 12 video cassettes, any special camera equipment and lenses, one cell phone and one electronic diary. You must take all of these items out of the country when you leave . They may check upon departure and if any items are missing it is a serious offense. As we will be traveling light, we suggest that you do not carry any valuables that you are not willing to have on your person at all times.
Items that are prohibited to import are drugs, live plants, unstitched cloth, gold coins, gold and silver bullion and silver coins not in current use. These are either banned or subject to strict regulation. It is illegal to import firearms into India without special permission.
Airport to Hotel :
You can change your money once you've passed customs. It's a good idea to change between $100 and $200. Prepaid taxis are available in the lobby of the arrival area before exiting from the airport. Be sure you get a prepaid city taxi, as opposed to a prepaid private car. You can exchange money in the arrival hall of the airport before arranging for the taxi. I will get you a phone number of a company to call to have a personal car come and get you if you'd like.
Be aware that people will try to "help" you with your bags whether you want any help or not. They will expect money even if they are simply near you and think that they are helping. You can easily say, "no thank you" over and over again emphasizing "no". These are people who hang around the airport preying on nice, polite, unsuspecting tourists.
Money & Valuables:
Leave your valuables at home. Only bring what you are willing to carry with you at all times. The currency in India is the rupee and for the exchange rate is about 45 rupees to the U.S. dollar right now. Some people like the security of American Express Travelers Checks. But it is not necessary to bring all of the money that you will need as most banks in Delhi have ATM machines that will give Indian rupees when you use your USA or European bank ATM card. However, most ATM's won't take a pin number over 4 digits.
There is a Thomas Cook's currency exchange in the arrival hall of the New Delhi airport. As you wait for your luggage to come in, it might be good to take a moment to exchange some of your dollars there. Any foreign exchange should only be done in a bank or at a hotel. The commission will be higher at a hotel, but the exchange rate is so good that a few rupees won't matter and the convenience will be worthwhile. If someone approaches you and says they can give you a higher rate than the banks, do not do business with that person. It is called exchanging on the black market and is highly illegal. You can be arrested for doing this.
Luggage :
You can check only two pieces of luggage on the airlines and you can carry on one small bag. It is good to have locks for your luggage once we are in India and on the road but they are not allowed on luggage that is being checked into the airlines as they now conduct random checks of baggage behind the scenes. Try to pack as lightly as possible and remember to leave room for shopping.
Clothing
India is a very modest society and it is appropriate to dress accordingly. It is going to be hot when we arrive in New Delhi but it will cool off as we head to Anandpur Sahib. In Delhi it is fine for men to wear tank tops and long shorts but not for women. No tank tops, undershirts, low cut shirts, tight tee shirts, sheer shirts or pants, or short skirts. If you can see any of your undergarments in any way, it's inappropriate in India. Yoga pants and t-shirts or tunics are perfect. Readymade Indian clothing will be available for purchase at reasonable prices.
Please note that head coverings are required for entering temples and Gurdwaras. It's a good idea to bring a head covering that you're used to and and that will stay on your head.
In India, shoes are taken off very frequently, so sandals and slip-ons are the most convenient footwear. Remember, your feet will get very dirty wearing sandals. Though it is not very fashionable, sandals and socks are a good combination. Flip-flops are considered more of a shower shoe, so not so good to wear them in public. Tewas with straps are a good call.
Packing list
Travel as light as possible without depriving yourself of your needs. I recommend bringing a good sleeping bag even though bedding is available. I also bring my own down pillow that squishes up really small as Indian pillows are made of very hard foam.
Here is a compiled list of things one might bring to India. Most items on the following list are probably available in India. However, you don't want to spend your time trying to find out how and where to get what you could have easily had with you with some forethought.
• Bathing suit (one piece with shorts for the ladies)
• Athletic shoes or broken in hiking boots
• Sandals or slip-ons
• Small locks for your bags
• Ear plugs
• Feminine hygiene necessities
• Flashlight or "torch" as it is called there. Headlamps are very handy.
• Batteries or "cells" as they are called there.
• Head covering (required in all Gurdwaras)
• Kleenex packets or toilet paper (carry some with you at all times)
• Liquid cold water laundry soap (little packets are good)
• travel pillow
• Reading material
• Rubber or plastic shoes for the shower
• Sunglasses, visor
• Sunscreen
• Lip Moisturizer
• Swiss army knife (do not pack in your carry on for the plane or it will be confiscated.)
• Toiletries and sundries
• Travel Alarm Clock
• Sleeping eye mask
• Spray bottle or Downy wrinkle release spray
• Travel sewing kit
• Voltage converters to 220 for electrical appliances, if you are bringing.
• European plug adaptor
• Wash 'N Dries or Wet Ones
• Yoga mat or sheepskin
• Shawl (very easily purchased there)
• Sleeping bag (optional)
• Medical supplies
• Snacks (trail mix, power bars, granola and such)
• Water bottle or Camel back (water pouch back pack contraptions)
• Warm Coat (down, waterproof is good)
• Rain gear (pancho, rain parka)
Medical suggestions
It is very likely that you will experience a bout of sickness while in India. There are many strange bacteria and amoebae to which your body has never been exposed and for which you do not have anti-bodies. It will probably be diarrhea (or "loose motions" as it is referred to there.) There are some things that you can take as preventative measures along the way but once it hits, it is best to go straight for the allopathic medicines like immodium. In such an intensive course you will not really have the time and space to deal with it effectively using natural means. Please see below for recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and a list of what I usually take to India with me.
• The Centers for Disease Control recommends a shot for Hepatitis A one month prior to going, pill vaccination for Typhoid one week before going. They recommend malaria pills starting one week before going. Hepatitis B is recommended if you predict blood exposure, but we don't. None of these are requirements for going, but I will be taking these measures myself. Talk to your doctor about it. If you want to check out the CDC website, look at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm .
• Talk to your doctor about bringing a supply (at least six 500-mg pills) of the antibiotic Cipro, or its equivalent, for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea.
• Taking along some insect repellant (DEET 30% is the most effective) for mosquitoes and some sun block is good idea.
• Order from your pharmacy or pick up in India some "World Health Organization Oral Re-hydration Salts" for adding to water to make a re-hydration solution and ask your doctor for some Compazine (which is a suppository) or some other nausea medication in case of travelers' diarrhea.
• Some recommend bringing a homeopathic first aid kit, bandages, blister pads, Bacitracin ointment, Tylenol or Advil, decongestants (like Afrin spray and/or Sudafed tablets), Benadryl capsules, Immodium and/or Pepto Bismol.
• Bring any other medications you require. Keep a list of your medications, so that in the event you lose them, they can be replaced. Allopathic medicines are available in India but often under other names.
Natural Prevention
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure". In light of that adage, here is another list:
• Yogi Bhajan recommends you eat an onion a day for the month before you go. Onions are a natural blood purifier and help your body deal with the cultural bacterial change.
• Do not eat anything that has not been cooked, peeled or washed properly.
• Drink only bottled or filtered water - stay away from ice.
• 7-R (herb caps for relaxing - good for sleep)
• 96-R (herb caps - great flu remedy)
• Acidophilus
• Anything green, like Chlorella (if you are used to a lot of salad this will help compensate.)
• Arnica cream.
• Vitamin B (excellent for stress)
• Constipation remedy
• Echinacea and Golden Seal
• Emergen-C packets
• Grapefruit seed extract (Biotin - this is a great natural antibiotic)
• Natural throat lozenges
• Melantonin (to adjust your internal time clock)
Recommend that you make packets of your daily supplements, so you don't have a lot of bottles and jars to carry.
Jetlag
There is a 13 ½ hour time difference between Delhi and Los Angeles. India is 10 ½ hours ahead of the East Cost. One of the hardest adjustments to make is just getting your body's time clock on schedule. Everyone has their special remedies to combat jetlag. There are homeopathic jetlag pills available. Some people bring a supply of juice and only drink liquids for the entire flight. Some say that if you take something to make you sleep on the plane, it helps to adjust things quicker. Others say that if you immediately adjust your watch to the time of your destination and use sleeping pills and then caffeine to sleep and wake at the appropriate times that it helps. So ask around and find out what you can do to help yourself adjust.
Water
To prevent sickness, do not drink anything other than filtered or bottled water. Do not drink anything with ice in it unless you are in a hotel and they have filtered water. If you are purchasing water, make sure that the seal on the bottle is still good. You will be provided with 2 bottles of water per day. Once done with your water bottle, crush before throwing away to prevent scams where people refill old water bottles.
Food
Street food in India is not subject to any health code; therefore it is best to simply avoid it. Food served in hotels, restaurants and homes is generally safe to eat.
If you have special dietary needs you will be best off bringing them with you. The natural food movement has not yet hit India. A staple in India is "Chai" - black tea. They drink it morning, noon and night. Yogi Tea will be available during the course.
All the sweets in India contain sugar. If you need alternatives to sugar, you will need to bring them from home.
There will be 3 group meals provided per day. Breakfast will usually be yoghurt, fruit, and parantha (stuffed bread). Lunch and dinner will generally be Indian food - usually beans, rice, a vegetable dish, yoghurt, and flat bread (roti).
Suggested items to bring with you are: packets of miso soup, instant oatmeal, power/granola bars, trail mix, and anything else you can make with hot water or carry with you for snacks.
Phone Calls / Time Difference / Mail / Electricity
International phone calls can be made from an STD (public telephone) office in order to avoid paying the hotel surcharge. You will see signs for these phones everywhere. You give them the number you need to call and they dial it for you and the meter starts running. You pay in cash when you are done. I have not had much luck using phone cards on the systems in India. If you are calling from within India to the US, you will dial 001 then your area code and number. If you are calling from from Indian city to city you will dial a 0 before the city code.
The phone numbers where we'll be staying will be provided.
For use of appliances, laptops, or recharging anything, the electrical voltage is 220v and you will need to bring a voltage adaptor. Laptops usually have the capacity to run on both 220v or 110v but you will at least need a plug adaptor. They use the same plug system as Europe.
Personal security
Theft is not uncommon. It is essential to take good care of personal valuables both when you are carrying them and when you have to leave them in hotels or other places. You cannot regard any place as automatically safe. It is best to leave valuables at home. Keep your passport, cash and travelers checks with you at all times. Money belts worn under clothing are one of the safest options. Purses and handbags should be made of material that is not easily cut. External pockets (both on bags and clothing) should never be used for carrying either money or important documents. It is a good idea to have a Xeroxed copy of your passport in your luggage.
There is no way to control who is in a crowd. Groping is possible. Always take a partner or go with a group if possible.
Beggars
There can be many beggars on the streets, some of who may be physically handicapped. This can be very distressing, but remember a coin given to one child or to a seemingly destitute woman on the street will make you the focus of a lot of demanding attention from a vast number of beggars before long. It is best to give donations to an organization rather than to individuals.
Gender
India is a very male-based society. Women are only just now starting to take on careers of their own, (more so in the big cities than in the villages.) Indian men have the impression of Western Women that they are loose and easy. They have gotten this idea from American movies where there are displays of sex and nudity. There is no such thing in Indian films. If you dress modestly and conduct yourself gracefully there will be no problem. Do not feel like you have to talk to anyone who approaches you. If someone does grope you, feel free to yell very loudly at them. Even a slap is not unexpected.
Toilets
Due to the huge population of India and the great diversity of the people and cultures, creating a working infrastructure has been a great jumble. Make sure to carry a tissue packet with you where ever you go. Be prepared to use squat style toilets, which are ground level. Please be prepared for unsanitary conditions.
At the guest houses in Anandpur Sahib, the toilets are western style and toilet paper will be provided.
Air Pollution
The majority of the vehicles in the cities are two stroke engines. This has caused some severe pollution problems. New Delhi once was quite horrendous but they have passed some laws and actually implemented them and now all the 3 wheelers and taxis are run on natural gas and the situation is much improved.
Room assignments
Rooming will be assigned unless you specify before hand someone with whom you would like to room. The rooms will be based on 3-4 person occupancy.
Laundry service
The hotels will have laundry service. Items that you send to wash in India often come back with a distinctive gray tinge. If you have something that needs more delicate treatment there will be dry cleaning available at the hotels. Please be forewarned that the dry cleaning process often leaves clothes smelling like a gas station. The facility during the course will have a laundry service available. You will also have sinks in your rooms for hand washing.
Shopping
Most shopkeepers expect you to bargain with them, so the first price they tell you is not what they expect you to pay. In New Delhi there are government emporiums with fixed prices for artifacts and fabrics. For high-end items, like carpets and jewelry you should know the market value before buying.
Credit cards are taken in most shops in New Delhi. MasterCard and Visa are usually preferred but they often do take American Express and Diner's Club.
Transport
Taboos in India
Here are some things considered unacceptable by the Indian Society (Just a FYI):
Smoking in sacred & religious areas.
Shoes in a sacred & religious area (even if they are hidden in your backpack)
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Head exposed in a sacred & religious place. (covering the head is a sign of respect)
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Public displays of affection
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Nudity
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Use of the left hand to eat or serve (since it is used in the toilet in India)
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Touching someone's head
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Rudeness to elders. All elder gentlemen can be referred to as "Babaji" and all older women as "Bibiji"
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Mouth germs - if you are sharing a bottle of water it is polite not to touch it to your lips.
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Pointing your feet towards someone or towards something sacred or touching your feet to someone else's body.
Recommended books
For a general introduction for a first time traveler The Lonely Planet Guide to India is pretty comprehensive. Check your local bookstore for fiction and non-fiction by contemporary Indian writers to get in the spirit of things. I always buy a ton of books over in India because they are very cheap and you can find writers that you do not see on our side.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If any unforeseen circumstances require you to cancel your trip, here's a reminder of our cancellation policy: There is a $200 non-refundable cancellation fee. Airline tickets are non-refundable past a certain point so be sure to check the airline policies.
