Pre-trip classes: September 26-28, November 21-23

Travel & Study in India: December 11 2008-January 7 2009

Post-trip class: March 6-8

Weekend 1: Friday September 26,   6:00-9:30 p.m. (Diner included)

Introduction to course, (syllabus and trip itinerary), participants, professor

Pre-trip essentials: visas, health, luggage, food                                             

Lecture/Discussion: History and Religions India

Saturday September 27,   9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Lunch and snacks included)

Introduction to contemplative prayer                                                             

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part1

Sunday September 28,   9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

Meditation practice                                                                                         

Liberation Theology, part 1                                                                    

Weekend 2: Friday November 21,   6:00-9:30 p.m. (Diner included)

Liberation Theology, Part 2                                                                             

Saturday November 22,   9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Lunch and snacks included)

Introduction to contemplative compassion practice "Tonglin"                         

Trip Preparation: logistics, travel arrangements, program updates

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part 2

Sunday November 23,    9:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

Who we are: discussion of personal understanding and experience              

of spiritual growth and theology

Travel and Study in India:  Thursday December 11, 2008 - Wednesday January 7

(all air and ground transportation, meals in India, and accommodation included)

Dec 11-13  Travel from Winnipeg to Aurangabad

Dec 14-16 Aurangabad:

                    While in Aurangabad, we have a chance to get acclimatized to the sight, sounds, and climate of India. We also have an opportunity to become grounded in some of the rich religious history of India through our visits to the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. 

Dec 17-20  Jnanna-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune

                    Here we will meet with faculty and students to discuss the effects, in India and around the world, of colonization and globalization and how to to work for justice in our lives.

Dec 21- 26 All India Mission Seminary, Goa

                    We celebrate Christmas in Goa. We will also visit the tomb of St. Francis Xavier and explore the tremendous influence of European culture on the expression of Christianity in this state. We will be hosted by the Re-animation Centre at Pilar Seminary. There we will have an opportunity to explore the vital role of the arts in the expression of spirituality and in spiritual development.

Dec 27 Ancient Ruins at Hospet and Hampi

Dec 28-30  National Biblical Catechetical Liturgical Centre, (N.B.C.L.C.), Bangalore

                    N.BC.L.C. has been at the forefront in the work of inculturation and of the promotion of the arts in religious and spiritual practice. They are home to the liturgical dance troupe "Nrityavani," have been blessed with the work of Artist in Residence Joyti Sahi and artist and doll maker Francoise Bosteels and many gifted pastoral theologians. At N.B.C.L.C. we will have discussions with Fr. Samy on inculturation, attend a mass which includes the use of traditional Indian Dance, and examine some of the effects of globalization in this the fastest growing city in the country. While in Bangalore, we will also visit a major Krishna temple

Dec 31- Jan 3 Satya Seva Sisters and children, Mysore

                        We celebrate New Years with the Sisters and the neighbourhood children. The Satya Seva Sisters in Mysore have taken on a special outreach to the impoverished children living in the neighborhood. Dozens of children gather at their convent every evening for tutoring in their school work and diner. While we are there, we will have chance to interact with the children over arts and crafts projects.

Jan 4-6 Dubare Elephant Camp

Here we have a chance to ride, bathe, and play with the elephants as we debrief and prepare four our return home.

Wednesday Jan 7  Return Home

Post-Trip Class: Friday March 6,  6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Sharing of pictures and stories

Evaluation part 1  

Saturday March 7,  9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Snacks included)

Theological reflections on the journey, liberation, and spiritual growth

Evaluation part 2

Sunday March 8,   9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Meditation Practice

Our personal discoveries

Send mail to l.graves@iitheoed.com with questions or comments.
Copyright © 2007 Institute for International Theological Education