Elevate your sadhana in the presence of the Himalayan Institute’s Khajuraho Sri Vidya shrine by practicing and learning with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait in the company of other experienced practitioners. Learn to master and embody the Sri Sukta, and offer the fruits of that practice into the sacred fire each day for collective well-being.
Excursion Overview
The force embodied by the Sri Sukta is central to the goals of Year Long Meditation—a group practice undertaken to nurture and heal our connection to collective consciousness—and this excursion presents a unique opportunity to make a powerful contribution. At a deeper level, our efforts will also strengthen the connection between the Sri Vidya Shrine in Khajuraho and the newly consecrated Sri Vidya Shrine in Honesdale, PA—linking them as sister shrines.
Program Features:
Strict Prerequisites:
Absorb the Gift of Sri Vidya
Sri Vidya is the highest gift of the tantric masters to humankind, and the Sri Vidya Shrine at the Himalayan Institute is the repository of that gift. We invite you to gather and absorb this gift by plunging full-force into the practice of Sri Sukta (the cardinal practice of Sri Vidya) at the highly charged space of the shrine. For a long time, this practice was passed on orally from teacher to student. Around a thousand years ago, a great soul in our tradition, Vidyaranya Yati, documented this practice with all necessary details—that is how this unique practice of the Himalayan Tradition has come down to us.
Key Highlights
Purascharana
Participate in group practice in the most traditional and authentic way, known as purascharana. Following the rules of the sadhana, this advanced practice will begin and conclude with a mini-Rudra Yaga—a practice crucial to protecting and nurturing your sadhana, ensuring its fruit is reinvested in the right manner and for the right cause. Conclude the 12-day practice with Vasudhara, the offering of a continuous stream of ghee and the recitation of a special set of mantras for infusing our minds with the power of discernment, will, courage, and unquestioning urgency to materialize the priceless gift of Divine Providence buried deep in our own body, mind, and soul.
Daily Lectures and Practices
Attend lectures each day by Panditji on the Sri Sukta in the larger context of our lifelong sadhana, with an emphasis on agni vidya, the science of sacred fire. Participate in daily havan, fire offering, for awakening the Rudra Shakti to contain and absorb the shakti manifesting from our daily practice of Sri Sukta. Your day also includes hatha yoga classes from core faculty members, with an emphasis on pranayama.
Small Group Setting
This program is a unique opportunity to study and practice in a small group setting with Panditji, who will join and lead your practice at every step of the way. Be part of cohesive group of experienced Sri Sukta practitioners who are undertaking this practice with full commitment.
Sri Sukta
For ages, masters have used the 15 mantras of the Sri Sukta to reestablish their relationship with the goddess of inner abundance, beauty, and joy. In popular tantric circles, these mantras are used to combat poverty, disease, and disharmony, and to overcome negative patterns. In secret tantric circles, however, these mantras are applied to create a new reality, which cannot be subdued by the forces that throw our lives into chaos. These mantras invoke and awaken the vast number of shaktis of Sri Chakra and direct them to attenuate and eventually eliminate all forms of sorrow and pain—regardless of root cause.
General Daily Schedule
February 15–29, 2020
- 4:30 a.m.
Shrine Opens
The shrine's Sadhana Chamber and Maha Mandapa are open for daily meditation practice. - 5:30 a.m.
Morning Chai
Savor a delicious, freshly prepared cup of chai to start your day. - 6:00 a.m.
Morning Prayers
- 7:00 a.m.
Sri Sukta
Group practice consisting of 12 recitations of the Sri Sukta in the Sri Vidya Shrine with Panditji. - 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
- 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Garbha Griha open for darshan
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. - 10:00 a.m.
Lecture
Attend a lecture with Panditji on the Sri Sukta in the larger context of our lifelong sadhana, with an emphasis on agni vidya, the science of sacred fire. - Noon
Sri Sukta
Group practice consisting of 12 recitations of the Sri Sukta in the Sri Vidya Shrine with Panditji. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch
- 2:30 p.m.
Yoga
Participate in a yoga practicum with Himalayan Institute faculty. - 3:30 p.m.
Chai
Savor a delicious, freshly prepared cup of chai as you prepare for the afternoon's activities. - 4:00 p.m.
Lecture/Activity
Attend a lecture with Panditji, enjoy free time, or participate in another afternoon activity with Himalayan Institute faculty. - 5:00-5:55 p.m.
Garbha Griha open for darshan
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. - 6:00 p.m.
Evening Prayers
- 6:15 p.m.
Dinner
- 7:30 p.m.
Havan (Fire Offering)
Participate in a ceremony for awakening the Rudra Shakti to contain and absorb the shakti manifesting from our daily practice of Sri Sukta. - 9:30 p.m.
Shrine Closes
* Timings and activities subject to change
About Our Campus
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. 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.
Accommodations & Amenities
Our guest rooms are modestly appointed with twin or king–sized beds, linens, wool blankets, pillows, and a mosquito nets (by request). All accommodations are on a shared basis (3–6 people per room). Our standard studio rooms comfortable sleep up to 3 people while our spacious 1–3 bedroom apartments accommodate 4–6 people. You are welcome to request a roommate(s) or we will pair you with roommates of the same gender. Amenities include lounge and reference library, shared kitchenette, UV purified and filtered drinking water, and complimentary Wi–Fi (subject to availability).
Meals
Enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian meals using locally grown produce throughout your stay. 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.
Excursion Leaders & Faculty
About Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD, is a modern-day master and living link in the unbroken Himalayan Tradition. He is the successor to Sri Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute. As the author of numerous books, including his autobiography Touched by Fire: The Ongoing Journey of a Spiritual Seeker, Pandit Tigunait offers practical guidance on applying yogic and tantric wisdom to modern life. For over 40 years he has touched innumerable lives around the world as a teacher, humanitarian, and visionary spiritual leader. You can view more of his teachings online in the library of Himalayan Institute Online.
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.
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 Cameroon, Africa.
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 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.
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 leads the Institute’s Yogi Living program as well as annual pilgrimages to India and the Himalayas.
Shiva Tigunait, PhD—Faculty
Shiva currently serves as the Institute’s curriculum development manager and Wisdom Library editorial director. In her teaching and writing, Shiva draws on training in Sanskrit and linguistics, the texts of yoga philosophy and tantra, and the practical techniques of meditation. She strives to share how the wisdom of the sages can help us live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
Registration
Registration Information:
- Dates: February 15-29, 2020
- Deposit: $850
Regular Registration
- $2,495
- closes October 31, 2019
Late Registration
- $2,695
- closes February 1, 2020
For more information or to make a balance payment:
Call: (800) 822-4547 x6
Email: [email protected]
Two Ways to Register:
Online
Register online by completing the registration form below and make your payment (deposit or full) in order to save your space.
Register OnlineBy Mail
Download the Tour Participant Agreement (“TPA”). Print, read, complete, sign. Mail your signed TPA with deposit or full payment.
Download TPAIf mailing an application, send to:
Himalayan Institute Spiritual Excursions
Attn: Alat Shanti Tigunait
952 Bethany Turnpike
Honesdale, PA 18431 USA