"Pilgrimage is a journey of risk and renewal. For a journey without challenge has no meaning; one without purpose has no soul."

A Mystical Journey through India
with Joan Borysenko 2008

Feb 8 – Feb 23, 2008

Dr. Joan Borysenko
is a world-renowned expert in mind-body medicine and the world’s great spiritual traditions. Author of 14 books and numerous audio and video programs, including the Public Television special Inner Peace for Busy People, she is the President of Mind-Body Health Sciences, LLC in Boulder, CO. In 2004, she co-founded the Claritas Institute for Interspiritual Inquiry, and its comprehensive training program for spiritual mentors. Her newest book, co-authored with her husband Dr. Gordon Dveirin—who will also be present on our mystical journey to India—is The Golden Compass: What is Spiritual Guidance?

“We'll visit some of the most powerful sacred sites in Northern India where palpable divine energy resides. For an unforgettable two weeks the familiar world will part so that a deeper reality can emerge as we immerse ourselves in ancient spiritual traditions, sacred architecture, primeval landscapes bathed in supernal light, a feast of color, fragrance, and sacred sound, and the beautiful peoples that are India. Sharing group meditations, orientations by skilled Indian guides, lively discussions, sacred rituals, and lectures with Joan and Linda, this will be a unique opportunity to deepen your spiritual life in the company of fellow travelers.

After arriving in Mumbai on February 9, we will travel to the world famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Aurangabad dating back to the 2nd century BC. From here we journey to Varanasi, the most famous Hindu holy city situated on the banks of the river Ganges-referred to as the “city of temples and learning.” Evening rituals and a boat ride on the Mother Ganges at sunrise are sure to create an unforgettable experience of alignment with Divine Source. Our pilgrimage continues to Mathura City, the transcendental abode of Lord Krishna. We then visit the legendary Taj Mahal, one of the great wonders of the world, meditating in the early light of the rising sun. A visit to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, will prepare the way for the capstone of our journey—Dharamsala--where the Tibetan Buddhists have set up a capital in exile. This is a center of great learning, power, and mystery. After spending three nights there, and attending a lecture by His Holiness the Dalai Lama aspart of his annual public teachings, we return to Delhi and then fly home on February 23”. - Joan Borysenko
See photo gallery

One traveller’s experience of this tour

Dear Sheena,
I'm sitting here trying to formulate a letter that will do justice to the trip you organized and executed and the adjectives in my vocabulary seem to be inadequate in conveying my feelings about this extraordinary adventure I've been on with you.

I appreciate your boundless efforts on our behalf in making this trip a "mind blowing happening" that I won't ever forget. Your talents and instincts are superb in knowing what will fulfill the heart, mind and soul of your travelers. Our hotels were gorgeous, the food they served was superb and taking us to dine and enjoy the experience of the private restaurant, where we were outdoors, with the dancers and moonlight was a wonderful touch. Eating Lunch at the local Tibetan restaurant in Dharamsala after the Dalai Lama's teaching was a delightful experience of sharing an eatery with locals and tasting the differences between Tibetan and Indian food flavors. The hotel we stayed at, outside of Delhi, where not only the food was fabulous but the wonderful musicians and beautiful singer, entertaining us while we ate, was an unexpected treat.

Your surprises along the way, particularly our "roof top party" with food, spirits and music where we danced in colorful Indian dress on a roof strewn with rose petals and lit wicks in oil containers as we offered blessings to the Universe and ourselves, was stupendous. Unexpectedly stopping at a small village of typical country folk and being welcomed by them to observe, connect and see their style of living was another special experience for me. The itinerary of all the attractions we saw and the places of interest we covered were so very worthwhile.....for me the Sikh's Golden Temple site, which we visited both at night and in daylight was the best highlight ....it topped the Taj. Your local guides were terrific and the tour escort with us, Puman was a Gem. She was marvelously diligent in getting us to and from where we had to be and when we had to be there and took care of us as a well as a wonderful "Mother Hen". The ceremonies we saw, the Ganges, the whole experience of being in India, a magical country providing a magical journey was wonderful. I was into the heart and belly of an interesting, vastly spiritual, pulsating, vibrant country and its wonderful people, and I loved every minute of its sites, contrasts, and energy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

Joan Rosenwasser