In its 25 March "activity news," Ananda Assisi announced the following very sweet programme to be put on next week by the recently returned pilgrims to India. Might the Indian pilgrims to Italy will reciprocate when they return in June?
Spend a (virtual) weekend in India
Departure gate: Ananda Assisi.
Travel companions: recently-returned pilgrims and guides.
Who can come: all those who long to go or to return to India, the land of saints and sages, guru and guide for the world.
Bring with you: an open heart, an appetite for Indian food and music, Indian clothes if you have them.
The Light of India
30 March - 1 April
India comes to you with her spirit of timeless eternity, her saints and avatars, her gods and goddesses, her music and rhythms, her colors and tastes. A weekend pilgrimage that will make your heart sing and your spirit soar.
Friday afternoon, if you arrive in time, you can practice Ananda Yoga to the accompaniment of soft, uplifting Indian music. Yoga at 17.30; meditation at 18.30.
Friday evening we will sing Indian chants and see presentations of the saints, sanctuaries and common people of India.
Saturday morning yoga again with Indian music, and meditation will begin with mantras.
Saturday satsang at 11.00 includes the execution by the participants of the Indian ritual of self-offering, called "arati," as well as stories from the pilgrims about modern-day Kriya yogis, Himalayan yogis, city yogis, holy temples, ashrams, mandirs and caves.
Lunch on Saturday is an Indian feast, with an explanation of the dishes, and followed by as workshop on how to make Indian bread (chapatti), clarified butter (ghee) and a sweet (Prasad) which will be offered during the evening program.
The evening program includes an energetic kirtan with slides from India. Those who wish to extend their participation will have the opportunity to practice the powerful Mahamritunjaya mantra and conclude with silent meditation until midnight. |
