
A Mindful Journey to the Heart
A Mindful Journey to the Heart
Dates: 8th–14th January 2024
Location: Sripuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Facilitator: Jan Carey, Director, Centre for Mindful Education
Are you ready for an immersive mindful journey that transcends cultures and borders? Does your heart yearn for a deeper connection to your inner being or soul? Whether you're relatively new to mindfulness or have been practicing for years, this 7-day retreat offers a chance to deepen your understanding and connection to this transformative practice. You'll return home with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and inner peace.
Explore the mystical allure of Tamil Nadu India, as we walk the Sripuram Golden Temple, witness sacred fire ceremonies, and immerse into the vibrant cultural heritage of this fascinating region.
Our purpose-driven journey goes beyond ordinary sightseeing – it is a profound exploration of spirituality, compassion, and cross-cultural connections. We will delve into practices of mindfulness and self-discovery, visit local village schools and an orphanage, and contribute to a medical camp in the remote tribal village of the Jawathu Hills.
Together, we'll experience the warmth of Tamil Nadu's hospitality, revel in its culinary delights, and witness the grandeur of its temples and historical landmarks.
We will also experience the healing benefits of ‘Ayurveda’, the ancient holistic healing system which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. This group retreat promises to be a journey of personal transformation for the body, mind and soul.
Below are some of the amazing opportunities we will have over the 7 days.
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Deepen your mindful practices
Mindfulness will be an integral part of the retreat, woven into every aspect of the experience to create a space of profound self-awareness, inner peace, and connection with the present moment. We will practice daily mindful meditations for deepening body-mind -soul awareness.
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Be awed by Sripuram Golden Temple
A visit to Sripuram Golden Temple is a transformative and spiritually enriching experience that welcomes individuals from all cultures and beliefs. The temple is a magnificent sight with its entire exterior adorned in pure gold, and housing the divine deity of Goddess Sri Lakshmi Narayani.
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Feel the energy of sacred geometry
As you walk the ‘Star Path’ at Sripuram you'll experience stillness and inner reflection. The pathway's design, resonating with sacred geometry, creates a space of high vibrational energy and beauty. We will have the incredible opportunity to walk this pathway daily.
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Connecting hearts across cultures
We spend time at local village schools reading stories, playing games, sharing cultures and connecting our hearts with the children in Tamil Nadu. You may like to bring books, games or stationery items to donate to the school.
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Be inspired by the Karunalaya Orphanage
For the past 7 years, we have shared resources and a heart connection with the Karunalaya Children’s Home family. We will spend an afternoon spending time with the children and young people. Donations of books, old laptop computers and clothes are gladly accepted.
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Donate to hold a medical camp
A portion of the retreat cost goes towards the sponsorship of a medical camp in the Jawathu Hills tribal area. These communities have limited access to services and resources, so we support a medical team to travel there. We are privileged to also be invited to attend.
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Experience sacred fire ceremony
Experience the transformative power of a sacred fire ceremony, where ancient Vedic rituals are performed by priests. It is not just a ritual but a profound spiritual practice that fosters a connection with the divine, promotes inner harmony, and purifies the environment.
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Witness traditional abhishekam
Abhishekam is a sacred Hindu ritual in which deities are bathed and anointed with various offerings, such as water, milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and fragrant oils. Each offering represents various elements of nature deeply symbolic, and signifying the purification of the soul.
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Support Green Shakti activities
Green Sakthi unifies reforestation, social empowerment, education and environmental sustainability in India. We will contribute to planting trees in reforestation areas in Sripuram and towards development of the medicinal forest at the Sri Narayani Holistic Centre.
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Receive an Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda (the ancient Indian healing system) offers a personalised approach to wellbeing, aiming to restore and maintain balance in the body and mind. Receive a deeply rejuvenating Shirodhara treatment or massage to promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.
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Explore South Indian culture
South India is a region of immense beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual depth. By embracing its traditions, interacting with its people, and exploring its diverse landscapes, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation of South Indian culture, its beautiful people, and yourself.
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Dive deeper into Self
The retreat is a transformative and soul-nurturing experience with a blend of mindfulness practices, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration. Make lasting friendships with other like minded souls as you dive inward in self-discovery and deeper awakening.
Where we will stay
We will stay alongside the Sripuram Golden Temple at the foot of the Kailash Giri Hills in Thirumalaikodi, a small village just outside Vellore in Tamil Nadu, South India. It is a remarkable location surrounded by mountains and lush, scenic beauty, and filled with the sounds of chanting from the nearby temples.
The Sri Narayani Peedam charity was established in this sacred location by Sri Sakthi Amma with a mission: "To lead humanity on the spiritual path and to uplift the lives of those in need."
Who is Sri Sakthi Amma?
Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma, affectionately known as Amma, is an esteemed spiritual leader in India. With the aim of promoting love and wisdom throughout the world, Amma teaches that service to others is a path to inner peace and harmony.
In Hinduism, it is believed that Divinity manifests in human form when the balance between good and evil in the world is disturbed. Such a form is known as an avatar. Sri Sakthi Amma is an avatar and is the first known incarnation of the Goddess Narayani – the highest form of feminine energy.
Learn more about Sri Sakthi Amma and the Sripuram charity organisation on this video: https://youtu.be/bTPbprLjDB0
Staying at Kamalanivas Guest House
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Located alongside the Golden Temple
Kamalanivas Guest House is situated in the grounds of Sripuram complex, allowing easy access to all facilities and opportunity to enjoy walking the Star Path at the Golden Temple as often as we like.
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Simple comforts
The Guest House provides simple, clean accommodation. Participants will stay in a twin share room or for an extra cost request single occupancy with a double bed. All rooms have air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom.
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Delicious South Indian Cuisine
The flavours of Indian cuisine are a delightful journey in themselves. From aromatic curries to delectable sweet snacks, Tamil Nadu offers a distinct culinary adventure that showcases the country's love affair with spices and flavours. All meals are included each day.
Daily Program
Time on our immersive retreat will include:
daily group sessions to dive deep into practices, wisdom and sharing
spending time in meditation, attending traditional Vedic practices, or walking the Golden Temple Star Path
opportunities to volunteer at the food serving hall, greening project or at the local schools
daily invitation to witness Shakti Amma performing abhishekham ceremonies.
scheduled group excursions to the Karunalya Children’s Home, the Sri Narayani Schools, the Jawathu Hills tribal village medical camp
time for relaxation and personal reflection
Many people from all over the world come here to be in the high energy of this holy place. It is a wonderful place to chat and share with other visitors.
Dress codes are required in these traditional temple towns/ locations. Women are requested to wear punjabi or saris, and dhotis for men.
We have time to do some shopping for these if needed.
Costs
Full cost of the 6 night immersion is - $1390.00 person twin share
Single Supplement is $300
The cost includes:-
6 nights accommodation at Kamalanivas Guest House
Transport pick-up from Blu-Radisson Hotel in Chennai to Peedam (on 8th Jan)
Donation for the Jawathu Hills Medical camp
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) each day at Kamalanivas Guest House
Transport to/from Karunalaya Children’s Home
Transport to/from the Jawathu Hills Tribal medical camp
Sponsorship of 2 traditional ceremonies with the group (fire ceremony & abhishekham)
Personal consultation with Ayurvedic Doctor at Sri Narayani Holistic Centre
One Ayurvedic treatment (either body massage or shirodhara)
All tuition and group session facilitation by Jan Carey, including pre and post retreat zoom group calls
The above cost excludes
International airfare and taxes to/from India.
Any expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry
All other meals or snacks taken outside the Guest House
Entrance fees for any other site where required.
Visa for India
Tips
Transfer from Kamalinivas Ashram to Chennai Airport.
Travel Insurance (compulsory and should be taken out after your flight payment).
Preparation for the journey
To support all participants for the journey, we will provide:
A pdf document which outlines further information about applying for Visas, dress code, what to expect in weather, local customs to know etc.
We will also host a group zoom call 3-4 weeks prior to departure (date to be determined) to answer any questions and connect as a group.
Availability at any time to contact Jan directly via email to ask questions and seek any support
Is this program right for you?
This immersive program is for people of any faith or belief, who are looking to open their heart and deepen their connection to Self. While we will spend time experiencing Vedic and Hindu ceremonies, the energy and vibration that participants will receive speaks a universal language of love. All who seek a connection of soul and heart are welcome.
Mindful practice pre-requisite
It is our intention to go deeper into mindfulness practices, to cultivate existing awareness strategies and make stronger connections within. Participants should have participated in mindfulness training before and have an established mindfulness practice.
If you haven’t completed any mindfulness training, you may like to join our next Mindful Teacher Online Program starting in August.
To book your place
To ensure that this retreat is the right match for you, please send an email to me at centreformindfuleducation@gmail.com.
Please outline your previous mindfulness experience and a brief reason for your interest in joining this retreat.
Details about payment options will be provided once your booking is discussed.
I truly believe we are ‘called’ to events such as this. So, if you're ready to open your heart to new horizons and embrace the magic of Tamil Nadu, contact me now.
Much gratitude and joy
Jan Carey
Director, Centre for Mindful Education
centreformindfuleducation@gmail.com.
