Pre-trip classes: October 3-5, December 5-7 2008

Travel & Study in India: January 1-29th 2009

Post-trip class: March 21-23

Weekend 1: Friday October 3rd  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 October 4th  9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Lunch and snacks included)

Introduction to contemplative prayer                                                             

Transpersonal model of Spiritual Growth, part1

Sunday October 5th 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Lunch included)

Meditation practice                                                                                         

Liberation Theology, part 1                                                                    

Weekend 2: Friday December 5th 6:00-9:30 p.m. (Diner included)

Liberation Theology, Part 2                                                                             

Saturday December 6th 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 December 7th 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 January 1st - Thursday January 29th

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

Jan. 1-2nd:  Travel from Peterborough to Aurangabad

Jan. 2-5th: 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. 

Jan. 5th: Transfer to Nagpur

Jan. 5- 8th Nagpur:

                    Nagpur is at the geographic centre of India. From here, we will spend a day at the Gandhi Ashram outside the village of Wardha. Our discussions today will include an exploration of Gandhi's philosophy and theology and the influence of culture and society in shaping beliefs and practice. We will also have the opportunity to visit a tribal village and enter into discussions with local parishioners.

Jan. 8th: Transfer to Hyderabad

Jan. 8-11th Hyderabad:

                    Hyderabad is India's 6th largest city. It is also home to one of the oldest and largest mosques in the country: Mecca Masjid. During our stay, we will visit the mosque and meet with local Muslim women and men to discuss their faith and practices and Muslim/Hindu relations.  We will also visit Shilparamam: a 50 acre village devoted to promoting traditional India arts and crafts.

Jan. 11th: transfer to Bangalore

Jan. 11-15th: National Biblical Cathetical 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

Jan. 15th: transfer to Mysore

Jan. 15-22nd: Satya Seva Sisters and children, Mysore

                        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. 22nd: transfer to Goa

Jan. 22-26th:

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. 26th: transfer to Debagh Beach Resort, Karwar

Jan. 26-28th: Karwar

Jan. 28th: Transfer to Goa for return to Canada

Jan. 29th: Return Home

Post-Trip Class: Friday March 21st  6:00-9:30 p.m. (Dinner included)

Sharing of pictures and stories

Evaluation part 1  

Saturday March 22nd  9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Snacks included)

Theological reflections on the journey, liberation, and spiritual growth

Evaluation part 2

Sunday March 23rd 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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