Pre-trip classes: October 3-5, November 21-23

Travel & Study in India: December 11, 2008-January 8th 2009

Post-trip class: March 28-30

(tuition includes:  Winnipeg/India transportation, all in-country transport, all in-country meals

twin accommodation, visas, and entrance fees while in India)

Weekend 1: Friday October 3  6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

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

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

Lecture/Discussion: History and Religions India

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

Introduction to contemplative prayer                                                             

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part1

Sunday October 5 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. (Dinner 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- Thursday January 8

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

Dec 11-12:  Travel from Winnipeg to Aurangabad

Dec 12-16: 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: Transfer to Bangalor

Dec 17-21: National Biblical Cathetical Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) Bangalor

                    NBCLC 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 NBCLC 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 21: Transfer to Mysore

Dec 21-26: Satya Seva Sisters and children, Mysore

                        The Satya Seva Sisters 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.

Dec 27: Transfer to Udupi

Dec 27-28: Udupi Krishna Temple

Dec 29: Transfer to Elephant Camp:

Dec 29-31: The hill country of Coorg is the home of the Dubare Elephant Camp.  Here we will learn something about the ecological concerns in India from the perspective of wildlife conservation. We will reflect theologically on the issues. Of course, we will have time to play with the elephants as well!

Dec 31: Transfer to Goa

Dec 31- Jan 4: Pilar Seminary, Goa

                     In Goa we will 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.                  

Jan 5: Transfer to Kewar Beach Resort

Jan 5-7: Kewar Beach Resort. This will be our retreat centre where we will reflect on our journey, discussions, discoveries.

Jan 7: Depart for home

Jan 8: Arrive home

Post-trip class: Friday March 28, 6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Sharing of pictures and stories

Evaluation   

Saturday March 29, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Snacks included)

Theological reflections on the journey, liberation, and spiritual growth

Evaluation 

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

Meditation Practice

Our personal discoveries

Send mail to l.graves@iitheoed.com with questions or comments.
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