Pilgrimage winter 2006-2007

Pilgrimage winter 2006-2007
Dear Friends,

As many of you will already know, Ringu Tulku will be translating for HH Karmapa at this year’s Kagyu Monlam in Bodhgaya from 27th December until January 3rd 2007. After this, Rinpoche is planning a pilgrimage to sacred places in India, and has kindly said that he would be happy for friends and students to accompany him. The pilgrimage will be from 4th until 11th January 2007.

Monlam:

We would prefer if people could make their way to Bodhgaya for the Monlam and find their own accommodation. However, if they are having problems finding accommodation then we can recommend an agent there to help, or they should register at the Monlam website www.kagyumonlam.org and they will receive help with accommodation as well as other benefits, If someone is travelling alone and would rather travel to India with a group we can put them in touch with people travelling to the Monlam and hopefully they can link up and all look after each other!

Pilgrimage:

For now we are taking names only for the Pilgrimage and when we have definite numbers we will book transport and accommodation on the way. Rinpoche is overseeing all of this and will ensure we have a good deal as he has many contacts there. It would be good if we could have names of interested people as soon as possible, but as yet there is not a cut off date or a limit on numbers. I would hope that we will have definite numbers by the end of September.

The following travel agent is recommended by Rinpoche if you are looking for accommodation in Bodhgaya during the Monlam. You may wish to mention that you are a student of Ringu Tulku if you contact them.

email: middlepath@bol.net.in
Jamyang Gyari
Middle Path Travels (P) Ltd
707 Rohit House
3 Tolstoy Marg
New Delhi-1 India
011-23316056
011-23316048

Pilgrimage Schedule

Tue 26. Dec. Arrive Bodhgaya
Wed 27. Dec. Kagyu Monlam start
Thu 28. Dec. Kagyu Mönlam
Fri 29. Dec. Bodhgaya
Sat 30. Dec. Bodhgaya-pilgrimage
Sun 31. Dec. Bodhgaya
Mon 1. Jan. Bodhgaya
Tue 2. Jan. Bodhgaya
Wed 3. Jan. Kagyu Monlam ends
Thu 4. Jan. Bodhgaya -Varanasi.
Fri 5. Jan. Varanasi/Sarnath.
Sat 6. Jan. Varanasi/Sarnath.
Sun 7. Jan Varanasi- Kushinagar
Mon 8. Jan. Kushinagar-Sravasti
Tue 9. Jan. Sravasti-Lumbini-
Wed 10. Jan. Kapilavastu- Lumbini
Thu 11. Jan. Lumbini to Kathmandu
Fri 12. Jan. Kathmandu and whatever.
While in Bodhgaya one day to rajgir and Nalanda pilgrimage.

Costs of Pilgrimage

As you can see below, the cost will be between $328 to $367 US dollars, depending on how many will be going, that is, somewhere between £175 and £200 UK pounds or about 260 to 290 euros. Rinpoche is finding out when payment will be due and we will let you know this as soon as we can.

Please note that this includes one night only in Kathmandu

Costing:

35+1Free per pax US$ 328 on twin sharing basis

30+1Free per pax US$ 347 on twin sharing basis

25+1Free per pax US$ 367 on twin sharing basis

Cost Includes: Accommodation with breakfast

VNS HHI 3Nts
Kushi Imperial 1Nts
Sravasti Maya 1Nts
Lumbini Nirvana 2Nts
Kathmandu Manang 1Nts

Transportation:Using 35AC seater coach , transfers in all places, sight seeing in all places from VNS till Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes : Tips / entrance fees / items of any personal nature / beverages / meals.
Escort from MPT through out the tour.

It will be possible to book single rooms for those requiring SGL occupancy. The extra for the SGL room throughout will be US$138 per person.
$138 USD is about £75 UK or 110 euros. If you would like to book a single room please email mgtfrd@aol.com

Travel to Bodhgaya

For those Europeans wishing to fly direct to India and to fly on to Bodh Gaya from Delhi we can recommend Jet Airways [www.jetairways.com]. They are the best airline in India with good deals all book able via their website. They also fly from London to Delhi. The nearest airport to BodhGaya served by Jet Airways is Patna. Jet Airways have regular flights from Delhi to Patna. Patna is about 160 klms north of Bodh Gaya. It will take about 5 hours by bus from Patna to Bodh Gaya.

But it is good to research the best deals from your own country for flights to and from India or find a reliable travel agent.

It is also possible to take a train from Delhi to Gaya, the journey is from 14 to over 18 hours, depending on the train you take. The Ganga express is supposed to be the very best train. Air conditioning will not be necessary at this time of year, but 2 tier is
advisable. We don’t advise waiting for Delhi to book.

For train times and booking see www.indiarail.co.uk
Train times are also on www.seat61.com
Some useful links given below:-
India rail Passes & Classes of Travel: www.indiarail.co.uk/indrail.htm
Rail/Hotel Itineraries: www.indiarail.co.uk/railhot.htm
Individually planned Road Itineraries in India:
www.indiarail.co.uk/roaditin.htm
Tailor-Made Travel for individuals: www.indiarail.co.uk/tailor.htm

Arriving in Gaya, the drive to Bodh Gaya takes less than one hour. Taxis can be hired at the railway station. Information is available online from Indian Rail. It’s not advisable to take a taxi after dark.

Accommodation in Bodhgaya

If you need help with finding accommodation in Bodhgaya Rinpoche recommends the Indian agent Middlepath as detailed above. However, if you become a member of Friends of Monlam they will also help you find somewhere to stay in Bodhgaya during the Monlam. See www.kagyumonlam.org

FAQs

Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, you will need to apply for a visa for India in your home country. Contact the Indian High consulate and they will send you a form. They will ask for a fee, in the UK it is £30 GBP.

Do I need a visa for Nepal as the pilgrimage end up there?
Yes, but you can apply for the visa for Nepal at the border during the pilgrimage. It costs about $20 USD
There may also be a departure tax of about $17 USD, but this is subject to change, so be prepared to pay this.

Do I need any vaccinations?
Contact your doctor for advice. Some people do not have any vaccinations and some are vaccinated for almost everything before travelling to India. But ask your doctor.

How much will the total trip cost me?
This is hard to say, you will have to include the following costs in your budget as well as the costs of the Pilgrimage we have given above.
Costs to remember:
Flights to and from India.
Flight from Kathmandu to wherever your flight to home is from, for example, to Delhi if you have a return flight from home to Delhi.
Cost of Indian visa
Cost of visa for Nepal (about $20 USD) and possible departure tax.
Cost of vaccinations
Food and accommodation in Bodhgaya (but see www.kagyumonlam.org
For benefits to Friends of Monlam, food is provided).
Donations during Monlam and pilgrimage.
Meals and drinks during pilgrimage.

If I join Friends of Monlam will I really receive all the benefits?
This is something you would need to ask the Monlam organisers as it is not the responsibility of Ringu Tulku or Bodhicharya. Contact info@kagyumonlam.org

This is my first trip to India and I’m worried about catching my train for Gaya in Delhi station, any advice?
It’s very simple to get onto your train if you engage a coolie (porter) who will be milling around your taxi as you arrive. Show him your ticket, let him carry the baggage and he will put you into your compartment on the train. You give him a 100 Rs tip and he’ll be happy.

What clothes should I take? Anything else that would be helpful? Are the food and water okay?
People usually think India is hot but it isn’t hot in the winter in Bodh Gaya so take warm clothes ie socks, shawls, jackets. On the pilgrimage the places are even colder so maybe a hot water bottle. A torch is useful as some places don’t have good electricity. Earplugs would also be handy. Food: all cooked food is ok, (it’s better not to eat meat anyway); nothing raw unless it has a skin which can be peeled and no water from the tap even for brushing teeth.
These are the main rules. Otherwise common sense prevails.

What if I need to stay in Delhi for a night or more?
You can book a hotel in Delhi on- line before going to India. The following links may be helpful:

http://www.hostelz.com/hotel/35713-Hotel-Clark-International

http://www.hostelz.com/hotel/46576-Hotel-Pablas-International

Or

You can contact Middlepath and ask them to arrange somewhere in Delhi for you,
Email: middlepath@bol.net.in
Jamyang Gyari
Middle Path Travels (P) Ltd
707 Rohit House
3 Tolstoy Marg
New Delhi-1 India
011-23316056
011-23316048

The pilgrimage ends up in Kathmandu, but my flight home is from Delhi. How do I get from Kathmandu to Delhi to catch my flight home?
Rinpoche recommends contacting Middlepath again to arrange a flight from Kathmandu to anywhere you want to go, see above. But Indian airlines also fly twice a day to Delhi from Kathamndu and you can also search the net for good deals that can be booked on-line.

I want to stay longer in Kathmandu, is this possible?
Of course, please let us know how many more nights you want to stay in Kathmandu and we will ask Middlepath to book your room(s) for longer.

Will there be translations of the teachings at the Monlam?
Yes, but you will need to bring a FM radio. See Information about the Monlam below.

If I have any other questions about the pilgrimage who should I contact?
You can post a comment on this blog, or email mgtfrd@aol.com and we will try to help with any other concerns or questions.

I have booked my flights etc and want to join the pilgrimage, when do I pay?
We will be in touch with you about payment, you can wait to hear from us.

Information about Monlam

Rinpoche has asked that we pass on the following information about the Monlam from Lama Chodrak:

Dear Friends of Kagyu Monlam

I have recently returned from an extraordinary pilgrimage to Tibet with
a fine group of students. As we circumambulated Mt Kailash, we
extended our prayers to friends and all beings. Now, with about four
months remaining, we are focusing our efforts on the upcoming 24th
annual Kagyu Monlam.

We are very fortunate that His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley
Dorje, will lead the Monlam ceremonies again and give empowerments and
teachings in Bodh Gaya prior to, and after the Kagyu Monlam. I’d like
to share some exciting information on these events in three main parts:

1) Kagyu Monlam
2) Additional activities of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa in Bodh Gaya
3) Information for Friends of Kagyu Monlam

1) 24th Kagyu Monlam, December 27, 2006 through Janruary 3, 2007:

His Holiness Karmapa will lead the Monlam again, and all activities
during the day will take place under the Bodhi Tree in front of the
great Maha Bodhi Stupa.

His Holiness Karmapa’s public teaching at the Maha Bodhi Temple grounds
during the afternoon will be devoted to “Meditations on the Life Story
and Vajra Songs of Milarepa.” In the evenings, His Holiness will give
“Teachings on Meditation Practice” especially for foreign disciples at
Mingyur Rinpoche’s new monasteryin Bodh Gaya, Pal Tergar Rigdzin Khacho
Dargye Ling .

Efforts will be made to provide simultaneous translation into English
and Chinese via FM radio frequency at both sets of teachings. We ask
that you bring an FM radio with headphones and a copy of Milarepa’s
biography. We hope to have all teachings by His Holiness posted on the
Kagyu Monlam web site or available on disk.

On the morning of the last day of the Monlam gathering, January 3rd, an
inauguartion ceremony will be held to honor the grand opening of
Mingyur Rinpoche’s new monestary. In the afternoon, a Tsok feast will
mark the closingof the 24th Kagyu Monlam.

2) Additional Teachings and Empowerments by His Holiness the 17th
Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, in Bodh Gaya:

Before the Kagyu Monlam, on December 21st, His Holiness will give the
Chakrasamvara Empowerment. The empowerment will begin at 7pm and the
main portion will resume at 10am on December 22nd. The empowerment
will be followed by teachings on the “Four Extraordinary Foundations”
from December 23d to 26th. Teaching will be given by His Holiness
Karmapa in the mornings, and by Mingyur Rinpoche in the evenings. All
events will take place in at the new Tergar Monastery and translation
into English, Chinese, Korean, and Russian is being planned.

Those who wish to attend the empowerment and the teachings must register
with the Hwayue Foundation by emailing Ani Ren Chan hwayue@gmail.com,
or Ani Ren Ju hwayue2003@yahoo.com.tw before November 20th, 2006.

After the Kagyu Monlam, on January 4th, His Holiness will bestow the
Thousand Buddha Empowerment.

January 5th will be a festive day at Tergar Monestary, complete with
Tibetan cultural performances and food. All are cordially invited to
attend.

3) Information for Members of Friends of Kagyu Monlam:

Pilgrims from any tradition are welcome to attend the Kagyu Monlam and
the surrounding Dharma events at no cost. There is no need to
pre-register for the Kagyu Monlam; registration will occur once
students and pilgrims arrive in Bodh Gaya.

Individuals who are current members of Friends of Kagyu Monlam are
offered support in making hotel reservations. Members wishing to take
advantage of this, are urged to follow these guidelines:
-Memberships are annual. Please renew your membership for the 24th Kagyu
Monlam: http://www.kagyumonlam.org/docs/membership.htm
-Email accommodation requests to info@kagyumonlam.org no earlier than
October 16th, when the Monlam organizers arrive in Bodh Gaya.
-Please send us the day you wish to check-in and check-out.
-Your party’s name and the number of double rooms you require.
-Whether you seek simple accommodation, or something with more comfort
(and cost).
-Please note, that it is difficult for us to change your reservation
once we get it.

The Kagyu Monlam website also offers contact information for several
hotels in Bodh Gaya to help non-members and individuals to make their
own reservations. There is also helpful travel information for getting
to and from Bodh Gaya.

During the Monlam (December 27-January 3) three daily meals are prepared
for Friends of Kagyu Monlam and served in the company of other members,
Rinpoches, Lamas and special guests.

Members will also be granted a group interview with His Holiness
Karmapa. For a full description of the benefits of membership in
Friends of Kagyu Monlam, or to sign up, please visit our website
www.KagyuMonlam.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Bodh Gaya.

Sincerely,

Lama Chodrak,
Main Organizer