Vishoka Meditation Retreat
Vishoka Meditation in the Light of Chakras, Kundalini, and Tantra

with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD

February 19 - March 3, 2023

Registration Closed

We invite you to join us in imbibing the shakti of the Sri Vidya Shrine at our Khajuraho campus, which is now unimaginably stunning, energetic, luscious, and magical. Come and see for yourself how it feels to practice in an environment that innately exudes the energy we need for an instantaneous experience.

This is a rare opportunity to deepen your practice and connection with the living tradition of the Himalayan Masters by infusing your mind and heart with the stability, peace and inner illumination that fills this sacred space. The Sri Vidya Shrine in Khajuraho resonates with the gift of love and inner peace offered by the masters of the Himalayan Tradition—step back from the modern, fast-paced, chaotic world to take in a life changing experience that will help you find lasting fulfillment.

Excursion Overview

Excursion Overview

February 19 – March 3, 2023
This immersion is a perfect blend of study and practice. The focal point of this retreat is to discover deeper aspects of hatha yoga — asana, pranayama, bandha, mudra, visualization, and relaxation techniques and their role in awakening the dormant forces of chakras and kundalini shakti. This immersion is particularly geared toward deepening our meditation and taking our spiritual journey to a new height. In effect, it is a tantrically driven retreat, which means each lecture and workshop must contribute to the awakening, collection, and assimilation of prana shakti; and employing prana shakti to intensify our meditative experience.
Major themes of study and practice include:
  • Essence of Vishoka Meditation
  • Distinctive Features of Tantra Yoga
  • Tantric Understanding of the Human Body and Unique Powers and Privileges Hidden in It
  • Dynamics of Kundalini and Chakras in the Light of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
  • Asana and Pranayama as Taught by Patanjali
  • Spontaneous and Effortless Awakening of Kundalini Shakti
  • Relationship Between Vishoka Meditation and Kundalini Awakening
  • Infusing Our Inner and Outer World with the Vishoka Experience
Prerequisite:
Vishoka Meditation Course
grove overview grove overview

Vishoka Meditation Retreat will feature:

  • Small-group experience with 20-30 like-minded seekers, for a more personal experience
  • 8-part lecture series with Panditji, on the study theme noted for that particular session
  • Q&A session and/or study group opportunities to deepen exploration of the study theme
  • A specially designed series of yoga and meditation guided practices, with a pranic focus, incorporating Vishoka Meditation techniques
Meditating on boulder Meditating on boulder
  • Ample time and space for personal practice, self-reflection and replenishing yourself
  • Daily meditation and prayers at the Sri Vidya Shrine
  • Special havan group practice
  • Day trip to Khajuraho town
  • Hikes in the surrounding hills and forest

General Daily Schedule

4:30 a.m.

Shrine Opens

5:30 a.m.

Morning Chai

6:00 a.m.

Morning Prayers

7:00 a.m.

Group or personal practice

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Garbha Griha open for darshan

10:00 a.m.

Lecture or practicum with Panditji or HI faculty

12:30 p.m.

Lunch

2:30 p.m.

Free time or Practicum with HI faculty

3:30 p.m.

Afternoon Chai

4:00 p.m.

Lecture with Panditji, freetime, or other afternoon activity with HI faculty

5:00 p.m. – 5:55 p.m.

Garbha Griha open for darshan

6:00 p.m.

Evening Prayers

6:15 p.m.

Dinner

7:30 p.m.

Free time or Havan (fire offering)

9:30 p.m.

Shrine closes

* Timings and activities subject to change

Outdoor Spaces

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About Our Campus

Himalayan Institute Khajuraho Himalayan Institute Khajuraho

Himalayan Institute Khajuraho

The Institute’s 30-acre campus in Khajuraho, a stronghold of tantric practices and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ideal setting for practice. Surrounded by hills and forest preserves, it is blessed with natural beauty and tranquility. Here you will experience heaven on earth. The Sri Vidya Shrine awaits you in this idyllic setting.

Key amenities are provided for your comfort:

Lounge and reference library, shared kitchenette, UV purified and filtered drinking water, freshly prepared vegetarian meals, comfortable accommodations with en suite baths, and complimentary Wi-Fi (subject to availability/bandwidth restrictions apply).

Accommodations & Amenities

Our guest rooms are modestly appointed with twin or king-sized beds, linens, wool blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets (by request). Accommodation options include single, double, triple studio rooms with en-suite bath and shared deluxe rooms with 1-2 bedrooms, shared living room and en-suite bathroom. You are encouraged to request roommates if you are in a shared room or we will pair you with roommates of the same gender.

Meals

The beauty of travel is the ability to explore new foods and tastes. Our menu is designed to offer a variety of Indian vegetarian cuisines including traditional North Indian, South India, and Indo-Chinese dishes. Limited vegan and gluten-free options are available at all main meals. We understand that our guests have a variety of dietary needs; if you follow a strict diet (ie. high protein, high/low fat, paleo, strict vegan or gluten-free, no nightshades, etc.) please speak to us before registering.

Indoor Spaces

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Excursion Leaders & Faculty

Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

About Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD

Spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, Pandit Tigunait is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Lecturing and teaching worldwide for more than a quarter of a century, he is the author of fourteen books, including his autobiography Touched by Fire: The Ongoing Journey of a Spiritual Seeker, the bestselling At the Eleventh Hour: The Biography of Swami Rama of the Himalayas and a regular contributor to YogaInternational.com.

Pandit Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and another in Oriental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Family tradition gave Pandit Tigunait access to a vast range of spiritual wisdom preserved in both the written and oral traditions. Before meeting his master, Pandit Tigunait studied Sanskrit, the language of the ancient scriptures of India, as well as the languages of the Buddhist, Jaina, and Zorastrian traditions. In 1976, Swami Rama ordained Pandit Tigunait into the 5,000-year-old lineage of the Himalayan Masters.

Ishan Tigunait

Ishan Tigunait—Faculty

Ishan serves as Executive Director of the Himalayan Institute and has been a driving force for the Institute’s humanitarian projects in Africa and mission programs in India over the past decade. Ishan’s passion is sharing modern reflections on the ancient wisdom of the yogic and tantric traditions. As a Himalayan Institute faculty member, he is a lead teacher for the Institute’s Vishoka Meditation and teacher training offerings, as well as annual pilgrimages to India and the Himalayas.

Ransom Hare Himalayan Institute

Ransom Hare—Excursion Leader and Faculty

Ransom has been actively involved in Himalayan Institute excursions and since 2012, leading groups across India and the Himalayas. He has a passion for exploring sacred spaces and learning how they can be a catalyst for deep transformation. For over 11 years Ransom has been practicing and studying Yoga with the Himalayan Institute, and in 2018 completed his 500 hour teacher training. He also has a degree in Organizational management from UNC Charlotte.

Alat Tigunait

Alat Shanti Tigunait, Excursion Leader

Alat has been actively involved in the Himalayan Institute’s humanitarian and excursion activities since 2012 and is currently serving as the director of Spiritual Excursions. Her passion for helping others attain their highest potential has fueled her work in connecting spiritual seekers to the sacred spaces of the Himalayan Tradition and her involvement in the Institute’s rural empowerment activities in India and Cameroon, West Africa.

Registration

Registration

Registration Information:
Vishoka Meditation Retreat

February 19, 2023 - March 3, 2023

  • Registration: $2,099-$2,899 (varies by room)

    • closes December 31, 2022

  • Prerequisite: Vishoka Meditation Course

For more information:

Register Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Sadhana Immersion?

A: A Sadhana Immersion is an immersion focused on spiritual practice and includes the opportunity for continued spiritual practice at Himalayan Institute India at Khajuraho and the Sri Vidya Shrine on campus. The Sri Vidya Shrine and the HII Khajuraho campus offer all that drew yogis and aspirants to the Himalayas in ancient times—extraordinary beauty, serenity, and spiritual energy that spontaneously transports us to our pure and pristine inner core. A Sadhana Immersion in this spiritually uplifting oasis is designed to help you accelerate your practice and become more firmly established in your experiential wisdom. Structured study and practice, prayer recitation, and guidance from Pandit Rajmani Tigunait (“Panditji”) are the central elements of this experience. But the most important element is the environment, which cannot be replicated.

Q: Are there any prerequisites to attend these immersions?

A: Yes, some of our immersions have prerequisites. Immersion 1 – Sri Sukta Sadhana Stage 2 requires all students to have completed Sri Sukta Stage 1 and have a strong proficiency in Sri Sukta practice. Immersion 3 – Vishoka Meditation in Light of Chakras, Kundalini, & Tantra has a prerequisite of the Vishoka Meditation Course. For more information about the prerequisites or to see upcoming immersions visit the “Study” section of our website found here: https://himalayaninstitute.org/study-online or contact us at [email protected].

Q: Where will I meditate?

A: The Sadhana Chamber and Maha Mandapa of the Sri Vidya Shrine are available for seated meditation. The shrine is open daily from 4:30 to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 to 9:30 p.m. The shrine is closed between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Q: Can I meditate in the Garbha Griha?

A: The Garbha Griha is the innermost chamber of the shrine. The Garbha Griha is open during specific hours for paying your respects and having darshan of the sacred energy residing in that space. Sitting in the Garbha Griha is not permitted. The Sadhana Chamber and Maha Mandapa are available for seated meditation.

Q: Where can I do yoga?

A: Our large, covered outdoor pavilion is the primary location for practicing yoga. Covered verandas on the first floor of the main building and guesthouse are also available for yoga practice. A large area on the upper level of the shrine, adjacent to the havan kund, is also available for yoga if havan (fire offering) is not scheduled.

Q: What is there to do when practice is finished for the day?

A: After practice, there will be time for study, reading, journaling, walks in nature, contemplation, scheduled appointments for spiritual guidance, and scheduled group activities. There are several interesting walking routes in the area and on campus which you may take advantage of, including the Siddha Baba hike, the palace walk, and a nature loop through the surrounding forest preserve. Our campus is also the perfect place for walking, bird watching (more than 46 species of birds, including some endangered species, have been identified on our campus), drawing, photography, and watching for monkeys and nilgai in the nearby hills.

Q: How many people will be there when I am on my immersion?

A: In order to enhance your immersion experience, each group will be limited to 20-30 participants (varies by immersion).

Q: What’s the weather like in Khajuraho?

A: By the end of September, the monsoon is generally over and the winter season gradually begins. Winter: October through February/mid-late March are the winter months in Khajuraho. Winters are cold with temperatures dropping to 40° F (4° C), or colder at times, and daytime highs ranging from 75° F (24° C) to 82° F (28° C). Highs in October and March may reach 90° F (32° C) or more.

Q: How do I get to India?

A: Each participant is responsible for getting to India and to Khajuraho, the starting point of the Immersion on their own. Many U.S. and international airlines have flights to Delhi, India. On the east coast of the U.S., direct flights depart from New York (JFK or EWR at Newark, NJ) to Delhi. Other major airports throughout the U.S. offer flights to India. Numerous flight options to Delhi from other countries around the globe are also available. Check with one of the online providers, airlines, or your local travel agent for the flights most convenient for you.

Q: How do I get from Delhi to Khajuraho and back?

A: It is strongly recommended that you fly round-trip Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi. Schedules and carriers can change seasonally and as the airline industry in India expands, but at this time, Spice Jet offers nonstop flights on Friday and Sunday.

Q: Will someone meet me when I arrive in Delhi?

A: Arrival in Delhi is on your own. Metered taxis are available at the international arrivals area of Indira Gandhi International Airport. One-way fares range from INR 275 to INR 800 depending on the taxi hired and hotel location. Some Delhi hotels may offer transfers at no charge or for a fee; inquire when you make your room reservation.

Q: How do I get from my Delhi hotel to the airport?

A: Taxis are readily available at Delhi hotels or the hotel front desk will be happy to arrange for a taxi to take you to the airport for your flight.

Q: Will someone meet me when I arrive in Khajuraho?

A: An HI Khajuraho representative will meet you at the Khajuraho Airport for transfer to campus on the date the Immersion begins.

Q: Can I visit the town of Khajuraho during my immersion, and how do I get there?

A: You will have an opportunity to visit the town of Khajuraho on the day of the scheduled group town trip. If needed, you may also book a taxi to go into town during scheduled free time. The Institute’s 30- acre campus is 7 miles (11 km) from the world-famous Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main 22-temple complex, Jain temple complex, and temple of 64 Yoginis where Swami Rama first got a glimpse of the Divine Mother, are about a 30 minute taxi ride from our campus. For more information visit mptourism.com. Note: We have found that changing from a hectic daily routine to a quiet, meditative lifestyle takes time. To enhance that process, it is best to have fewer distractions. To help maintain inner focus, it is suggested that a participant remain on campus for the first week of an Immersion. Thereafter, it is helpful to limit off-campus trips for necessities to once per week, or as scheduled for group activities. This gives you the opportunity to participate more fully in the Immersion so you will gain the maximum benefit. We recommend that participants read Living with the Himalayan Masters, At the Eleventh Hour, Touched by Fire, and The Himalayan Masters, A Living Tradition for background on Khajuraho, and to learn more about Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Swami Rama, and the Himalayan Tradition. It is not advisable to be off campus after sunset given the remote location of the HI Khajuraho campus. For your safety when going off campus, those on Immersion are asked to return to campus before dark. This curfew is in effect whether hiking locally or going to town by car.

Q: Do I need a passport or visa?

A: A Passport valid at least 6 months after your return date and India visa are required. It is recommended that there be at least 3 blank pages in the back of your passport. Each individual is responsible for obtaining their passport and visa. Those residing outside of the continental U.S., check with your local Indian consulate for visa requirements in your country of residence.

Q: Where do I apply for my visa?

A: US citizens can apply for an e-visa (recommended over paper visas) through the Government of India website – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Indian e-visas can be obtained for a period of 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. We strongly recommend reviewing the sample visa form before beginning your application – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/SampleForm.pdf.

Health
Q: What immunizations do I need?

A: At this time, we are requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for all participants.. No other immunizations are required for travel to Delhi and Khajuraho. You’re welcome to check the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization websites for their list of recommended vaccines.

Q: Are there natural ways to enhance my health before going to India?

A: Himalayan Institute Chyawanprash is highly recommended in preparation for your journey to India, and anytime. Described in ancient Ayurvedic texts, Chyawanprash is a synergy of specifically selected herbs and fruits in a nutritive tonic. The principle herb Amla (Amalaki) is one of the world’s most concentrated naturally occurring sources of antioxidant Vitamin C. A spoonful a day of this 2,000 year old formula is a tasty way for people of all ages and constitutions to nourish mind and body, while supporting healthy immune function.

*Begin taking it before your departure to strengthen and build your immune system.

Q: Is the water safe to drink in India?

A: Bottled (mineral) water is recommended when staying in hotels in India. Groundwater wells are the source of our water at our HII campus in Khajuraho. This well water is UV-treated, carbon-filtered and made available for drinking, and for filling your water bottle while on campus.

Q: Can I brush my teeth and do neti with the tap water?

A: The tap water in your room on our HII campus is safe for brushing your teeth. Use sterile bottled water in your Neti Pot everywhere. When in hotels, bottled water is recommended for brushing your teeth and rinsing your toothbrush.

Q: What are the accommodations on campus?

A: Each guest room is equipped with beds with mattresses and an en suite shared bath for shower or bucket bathing and a Western-style toilet. Two sheets, one pillow with cover, one thin wool blanket, one thick wool blanket, and one Indian-style towel are provided, as well as a mosquito net for the bed (seasonally). Sleeping bags are essential during the months of November-January. There is no heat and electricity is unreliable in our area. Solar heated hot water is available on demand for bathing on our campus. Accommodations for the immersion are single, double, triple occupancy in studio rooms with en-suite bathrooms or 1-2 bedroom deluxe rooms with en-suite bath and living rooms. For the comfort and safety of all during your stay, we ask that you avoid wearing perfumes, fragrances, or essential oils, or burning incense or candles in your room or elsewhere on campus or in buildings.

Q: Is laundry service available?

A: Laundry services will be available for a fee during the immersion.

Q: I will be traveling alone. Do you assign my roommates at HII Khajuraho?

A: Roommates of the same gender are assigned when an individual registers as traveling alone. If you have friends registering for the same Immersion dates and you agree to share accommodations you are encouraged to request a roommate (s). The Immersion Organizer will endeavor to honor requests for roommates.

Q: Will meals be provided during my stay on campus?

A: Lacto-ovo vegetarian breakfast, lunch, supper, and homemade chai are included in the cost of your stay. Meals are prepared with fresh ingredients from local growers. Meals and chai are self-serve, buffet-style, at specified times.

Q: Do you serve gluten-free and dairy-free (vegan) meals?

A: While we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs, dairy-free options are generally available at meals. With advance notice to the Immersion Organizer, gluten-free options may be available. Meals are prepared with wholesome vegetable oil and gently spiced.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: A packing list will be provided to registered participants. Here is an overview only: Sturdy walking shoes, a sleeping bag (during winter months), clothing for layering including a coat or jacket for warmth on cold nights and mornings, a pair of shoes or slippers dedicated for indoor use in the Main Building and Guest House. If you plan to use yoga or meditation props, bring them with you, or bring a towel to use instead of a yoga mat to save space and weight in your luggage. Bring soap, shampoo, and personal toiletries for bathing when on our campuses. Laundry service, for a fee, will be available, or you may choose to personally wash your laundry by hand. If you are taking prescription medication, bring an adequate amount with you. Although some medicines are available in India, their supply and quality are not reliable. Toilet paper will be provided but the quality will differ from what is available in the US. If you choose to bring toilet paper with you please ensure it is eco-friendly/biodegradable. The best thing, however, is to adjust to and practice “elimination management” Indian style—using water to rinse and a small towel to dry, rather than toilet paper, which often clogs septic systems and toilets.

Things to leave at home:

hair dryer, curling iron, hair straightener, electric shaver, iron, hot water pot, heating coil, and similar electrical items
too much clothing
non-essential electronics (this is the perfect time to “unplug”)

Q: What’s the culture like and how should I dress?

A: Conservative, clean, loose-fitting modest attire is appropriate for your stay in India and at HII Khajuraho. Due to cultural customs in India, the immersion organizer asks women to refrain from wearing shorts of any length, tops with spaghetti straps, halter tops, tank tops, plunging necklines or backs, and short skirts or miniskirts. Men are asked to refrain from wearing muscle shirts. Shirts and footwear must be worn outside. Outside shoes are to be removed before entering the Shrine and other Institute buildings. Shoes or slippers designated for indoor use are to be worn in the Main Building and Guest House.

Q: Where can I change money?

A: Change currency into Indian rupees before exiting the customs area at the Delhi airport. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted, therefore, plan to bring cash for exchange. State Bank of India, near the baggage claim area (across from carousel 14) and before the customs exit, is recommended for currency exchange. Count your rupees before leaving the window and be sure you are given an encashment certificate for your transaction. Retain this encashment certificate to use for exchanging any excess rupees at the end of your travel. ATM machines are also available in the baggage claim area and before you exit the airport, as well as in the town of Khajuraho. Currency may also be exchanged at Canara Bank in the town of Khajuraho.

Q: Can I get a local phone or local SIM card to use in my mobile phone?

A: Phone connections and service at HII Khajuraho is unreliable and generally poor. Phone connections in the town of Khajuraho are stronger and generally more reliable. Several local telephone carriers are located in the international arrivals area of Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Inquire about options and cost at Idea upon arrival in India. Note: SIM cards purchased in Delhi may not be reliable in Khajuraho. If you plan to use a local SIM card in your GSM mobile phone, have your local service provider unlock the phone before your departure for India. CDMA phones may require additional attention to avoid roaming charges with a local SIM card. Check details with your service provider. A “pay phone” is also available for use while on campus for emergency and occasional calls to home and business. The rates, subject to change, are: INR 1 per minute for calls within India INR 8 per minute for calls to the U.S. and Canada INR 10 per minute for calls to the U.K. INR 10-15 per minute for calls to Europe (varies by country)

Q: Is internet available on campus?

A: We have limited wifi available on campus during designated times. Internet speeds are not adequate for work purposes, video chatting, sending photos or files.

Q: Can friends visit me while I’m at HII Khajuraho?

A: In order to maintain the meditative atmosphere of campus and to maintain continuity of your Immersion, we recommend that you not invite visitors during your short stay at HII Khajuraho. Unexpected drop-ins and casual visitors will be turned away by the gatekeeper. Prior arrangements and approval of the manager are required for anyone wishing to have a tour of campus. Approved visitors must sign in with the gatekeeper, be announced upon arrival, and be accompanied by a staff member during their visit.

Q: How do I pay for my stay?

A: Payment in U.S. dollars by check or credit card can be made to our Excursions office in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. By following “register now” links on the webpage you will be directed to our payment portal. Paying by check helps to support the Institute’s global humanitarian efforts such as our Total Health Revolution, clean water projects, bringing water wells to villages in need, educational scholarships, tree plantation, and more. See the Application for Sadhana Immersion for additional terms and conditions. To pay your balance due by credit card, call (800) 822-4547 x6 or (570) 253-5551 x6.

Q: How do I register for my Sadhana Immersion?

A: The online registration form can be found on our website. If you are unable to fill out the online form due to connectivity issues, a PDF application can be mailed or emailed to you.

Q: What if I need to cancel?

A: Should you need to cancel your registration, kindly notify us in writing and refer to the Cancellation policy outlined in the terms and conditions of your registration form.

Q: Can my immersion in Khajuraho be extended?

A: It may be possible to extend your stay in Khajuraho before or after the immersion contingent upon availability of space and prior approval. The rate in effect at the time of request for a pre-approved extension is payable in advance and can be paid in India in U.S. dollars or charged to your credit card in U.S. dollars. Additional travel or other expenses resulting from extending an immersion are to be borne by the participant.