| Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Immersion in Rishikesh, India |
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“Everybody has God’s light and it must be lit by a person’s own self love and self-discipline. And the glass to keep it lit and shining is kept by the person’s own courage, strength, and grit. I believe it. I believe this is the love. I believe everybody has the chance to love one’s soul and every soul has the right to shine and every shine has to bring light and brightness, beauty and bountifulness to all, generation after generation.”
– Yogi Bhajan
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Course Information & Description
Conscious Communication
A KRI Transformational Course
As human beings we have the ability to transcend ordinary methods of communication through the very essence of our presence. A radiant, clear mind and heart can uplift and inspire millions without having uttered a word. Yet, we are also creatures of sound who have the capacity to shape and move the ethers to express our thoughts, needs and ideas. The guiding principle to both modes of effectively communicating is the realization that how we communicate with others is a direct reflection of how we see and communicate with our Self.
If you want to live a happy, harmonious life Conscious Communication with your Self and others is essential. To obtain such clarity, you need to experience, explore and expand your spirit; you must travel to a sovereign space deep within where duality ceases to exist and the cosmic energy available to you flows freely.
The Level 2 Conscious Communication course provides you with the tools and experience you need to create a more powerful, authentic projection in all your daily relationships. From this place of authenticity, you will discover the bio-rhythm of your own tonal frequency and learn how to access and constructively use the multiple forms of communication you have at your disposal. This Level 2 course is specifically designed to take you on a journey that will give you the experiential wisdom you need to break free of the fractured, doubting personality that sabotages your intuitive mind and blocks you from experiencing the flow of harmonious communicative energy that resides within and around you.
Mind & Meditation
A KRI Transformational Course
Your mind has a unique, energetic frequency that runs parallel to your individual place in history’s time-line. As a soul who decided to take human form, both dense and luminous in nature, you are bound to the subtle and radical changes in the earth’s rhythms as well. There is only one sanctuary from the chaotic changes we are now experiencing-- your own mind. In the Aquarian Age you must acquire an understanding of how your mind interacts and functions, and a mastery of the quality and flow of your own thoughts.
The Level 2 Mind and Meditation course will provide you with the experiential knowledge, intellectual understanding and spiritual development essential for successfully navigating through this distinctive period in our history. With an emphasis on the meditative mind, you will learn to recognize and distinguish between your three minds, how to utilize the positive qualities of each, and ultimately how to direct the mind’s varying attributes giving you a greater capacity for happiness and a deeper comprehension of your own internal flow of energy.
Who Can Take this Course - Everyone
This immersion is open to everybody and is perfect and complete in itself.
For Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Certified instructors the course will give you KRI Level 2 certification for the “Conscious Communication” & “Mind & Meditation” modules. For requirements on pursuing a Level 2 certification please see below.
Study in India
Study in the homeland, the heartland of India, in Rishikesh, a mystical town on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is a town rich in spirituality, home to many ashrams and shrines. We stay at the beautiful Parmath Niketan Ashram, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Each day will be celebrated with Sadhana, Kundalini Yoga, meditation, chanting, satsang with saints and delicious vegetarian meals. You will also have free time to enjoy the town and mountains.
The Trainers:
 Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
Gurmukh is the co-founder and director of Golden Bridge Nite Moon, Los Angeles' premier center for the study and practice of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation. Since being baptized 35 years ago with the Sikh spiritual name meaning "One who helps people across the world ocean," Gurmukh has dedicated her life to fulfilling her namesake. For nearly three decades, students in Los Angeles and from around the world have sought out her classes in Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and pre-and post-natal care. She has been married for 26 years to Gurushabd and has a 25 year old daughter who also lives in Los Angeles.
 Harijiwan
Harijiwan has been teaching Kundalini yoga since 1975. For a number of years he served his teacher, Yogi Bhajan, directly, and traveled the world extensively with him. Harijiwan possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of yoga and meditation. His classes are funny, profound and poetic and offer students the opportunity to receive rarified instruction and enjoy vast change.
 Gurushabd Khalsa
Gurushabd, co-director of Golden Bridge, teaches classes that are musical, challenging and provocative. He encourages students to move beyond old comfort zones, and into deeper, and more meditative realms of being. Married for 22 years to Gurmukh, they reside in Los Angeles with their many dogs.
 Gurmukh Kaur Greathouse
Elizabeth (Gurumukh East) Greathouse is the founder and director of Yoga House Studio, Washington DC's premier Kundalini Yoga studio. She received her spiritual name from Yogi Bhajan in 1982 at Ram Das Puri and took her first class with Gurmukh of Golden Bridge during Ladies' Camp in New Mexico nearly 30 years ago. Gurumukh East co-taught the Level 1 Intensive in Rishikesh and is excited to continue this journey with Gurmukh and Gurushabd for the amazing Level 2 courses. Gurumukh East teaches Kundalini Yoga and meditation to give her students an experience of what Yogi Bhajan shared with her: the awareness that we are radiant, conscious and responsible beings with the potential for self healing, joy and happiness. She lives in Washington DC with her husband Marc and 2 dogs: Pete and Guru Bambi that joined our Level 1 sadhana last year and returned home with her
Requirements for students pursuing a Level 2 Certification:
Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Certification
Passing grade of 75% or higher on the exams
Attendance at all 100 hours of classroom study in India (50 hours per course)
Completion of 24 hours of home study (12 hours per course)
Home Study:
At least 12 hours of reading Yogi Bhajan transcripts, watching the videos and practicing the meditations given in the videos. (6 hours per course)
At least 12 hours of study group meetings or conference calls (6 hours per course)
At least 40 days of journaling per course
Completion of 90 days of the assigned meditation for the course per course
Completion of the exam questions for each course
Course Tuition
Deposit: $1,000.00
Must be paid by September 15, 2010. Students paying their deposits after this date are not guaranteed course materials by the start of the course.
Tuition Fees:
Course fee: $2,600 - course fee includes room and board at the ashram (price based on double occupancy)
All tuition fees Must be paid in full by October 1, 2010. This includes your $1,000.00 application fee that is due by September 15, 2009.
Refund Policy:
To withdraw from the course before it begins we must receive your request in writing prior to start of the course. Prior to October 1, you will be eligible for a refund minus a non-refundable $500.00. There will be no refunds after October 1.
 
Please note:
Registration Forms must be sent to Sat Puran at time of payment for your registration to be completed.
Until we receive the registration forms, you are not registered for the Immersion!
To return the forms, please fax them to Sat Puran at 323-210-7285
Deadline for registration with materials is September 15!
If you register AFTER September 15,
we cannot guarantee your enrollment in the course or course materials.
Traveling To India
The course starts in the morning on November 1. You should fly into Delhi on October 30 and plan to travel to Rishikesh on October 31, arriving before nightfall there.
For those who are interested, we will help arrange group transportation to Rishikesh early in the day on October 31 for an additional fee.
Recommended hotels in Delhi for the night of October 30:
The Park Hotel
The Imperial Hotel
The Shangri-La
You must have a visa to travel to India. (We suggest the 6 month Tourist visa) Please contact the Indian consulate for visa information. Go to http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com
Frequently Asked Questions - Travel to and within India
Do you have recommendations for booking my flight?
There are many options for finding a flight. It all depends on where you’re flying out from. The internet is your best source to explore your options. Some sites that may prove helpful are www.cheapflights.com, www.lowfares.com and www.cheaptickets.com. You may also wish to use a travel agent to assist you in booking your flight.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for the dates of your trip. If you do not have a passport please allow adequate time to get one. For information on how to apply for a passport visit www.travel.state.gov. You will not be allowed to board a plane leaving the country without a passport.
Do I need a Visa for India?
Yes, you will need a tourist visa to travel to India. We suggest a 6 month or 10 year visa, whichever makes more sense for your future travel needs. For information on applying for a Visa go to http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com. You will not be allowed to board a plane bound for India without a valid Indian visa.
Where should I fly into and when should I arrive?
Students should arrive to Delhi October 30 and stay overnight and plan to leave for Rishikesh the morning of October 31....whether it is by group transport or if the person is choosing to travel on their own. course morning of november 1
When should I get to the ashram?
You need to be in Rishikesh before nightfall on October 31 - rooms will not be available any earlier than the morning of October 31.
When do we leave the ashram?
Your room is paid until November 15 check out is the morning of November 15. If you would like to stay on at the ashram, please contact Sat Puran who will help you arrange that with the ashram.
Any suggestions for a healthy flight?
Since the flight is so long we do recommend drinking plenty of water, at least 8 ounces per hour. Drinking caffeinated beverages is not recommended. If you want a special meal remember to order in advance with your airline (we like “Asian Vegetarian). Vitamin C or Emergen-C packets are helpful in fortifying your immune system during the flight. Snacks of fruits and nuts will help too. When not sleeping or watching movies, take regular breaks to get up, walk around and stretch.
How do I get from Delhi to Rishikesh and back?
We will arrange a group transport for whoever wants (it is optional and an extra cost of $50 one way.). If you join the group transport, everyone will meet in one location (to be determined). Be prepared to have a luggage bus transport your luggage to Rishikesh while we all take the morning train to Rishikesh. A bus will then pick us up at the train station in Hardiwar and take us to the ashram.
You can also fly from Delhi to Deradhun and take a taxi to Rishikesh. Another option is to take a train from Delhi to Haridwar - the train leaves Delhi at 7:10 am. The train leaves from New Delhi (Station Code NDLS) and goes to Haridwar (Station Code HW) and takes 4. 5 hours. For more information, please see the Indian Rail website.
No matter which method of transport you choose, you must be in Rishikesh before nightfall on October 31, so if you choose to fly, you will want to take the earliest flight possible.
Why do we have to be there before nightfall?
The taxis have to take a back road through the mountains to get to Rishikesh and the road closes at dusk because the elephants come down on the road (yes elephants!) and it's too dangerous to drive!
What should I pack?
Once you register you will be provided with a suggested packing list.
We suggest you bring one large suitcase or duffle as checked luggage and one small bag or knapsack as your carry on. Bring an empty duffle packed into your suitcase to bring home your purchases. Don’t overpack!
Remember, airlines are imposing stricter guidelines for luggage and weight. Also, within India we have limited space for luggage on trains and busses. Also, there are times you will have to carry your own luggage, so make sure the luggage you bring is luggage you can handle carrying.
Do I need vaccinations?
There are no required vaccinations for travel in North India. We suggest you consult with your doctor if you are concerned about this issue, and do whatever makes you feel comfortable. The staff of Golden Bridge that have traveled on this yatra for years do not get vaccinations, but again, this is an individual choice.
What about supplements and medicines?
Once you register you will be sent a list of recommended supplements and suggestions to stay healthy during your time in India.
Frequently Asked Questions - Ashram living, food & dress
I just noticed that the room & board fee is based on double-occupancy. What if I really want a room by myself?
A single room will be an additional $400. Please be sure to let Sat Puran know as soon as possible if you need this accomodation.
What if I would prefer to stay elsewhere?
It will be up to you to find your own accomodations in Rishikesh if you are not staying at the ashram, and we will discount $400 from the total course fee. Please let Sat Puran know as soon as possible if you plan to do this.
What is the ashram lodging like?
Ashram living is not like staying at a hotel. It is very simple living. Each room has it's own bathroom, but hot water can be sporadic so you might want to practice taking cold showers before you come. (Cold showers are very good for you!)
Some people like to bring their own sheets and a pillow from home - it's not necessary, but it's nice to have a touch of home away from home. There is also a lovely fabric store near the ashram that sells bedsheets! Same with towels - the ashram provides basic sheets and towels, but you're welcome to bring your own.
Please remember, the ashram is not a hotel - there are no amenities and are no maids who clean every day - keeping your room tidy will be your responsibility. It's a simple, meditative living experience.
Is the food and water clean?
Drink only bottled water while in India. It is readily available. Do not drink water out of any tap. We suggest using bottled water to brush your teeth as an added precaution. The ashram has areas where they have water filter situations with safe water to drink.
What kind of food will there be at the ashram?
The ashram serves fresh vegetarian Indian food. A typical breakfast includes yogi tea (with with or without milk), oatmeal, yogurt and fruit. Lunch and dinner are a vegetable subji (mix), fresh mixed vegetable salad, chapatis, rice and dahl. The food is vegatarian with many vegan options.
If you have specific dietary requirements, such as a vegan or wheat-free diet, you can bring snacks with you. Please be aware that we cannot ask the kitchen in the ashram to prepare food for special diets, such as wheat-free or vegan. We can also direct you to many healthy eateries and safe vegetable and fruit stands outside the ashram once we are in India. As long as you buy fruit that has a peel on it, it will be fine to eat! Many vegans have travelled with us to India and had no problem finding delicious food to eat!
Also the ashram is growing more and more of its own organic vegetables and purchasing more organic vegetables for the food they prepare. The chef who will be preparing the food prepares the food with such love and care and blessings. He also cooks all of Swamiji's meals...the food at the ashram is hygenic and delicious!
Will my cell phone work? Is there Internet? How can I call home?
Most networks now have international options, though the cost of your calls may be expensive. Most carriers will unlock your phone for you, for international travel – please call your cell phone service provider for more information. You can also buy an unlocked/GSM phone online. This will enable you to purchase a SIM card/phone chip in India, which you insert in place of your U.S. SIM card. This allows you to dial home for a fraction of what it would cost you to use your locked phone from your carrier.
There are also plenty of phone offices in India with inexpensive rates if you choose not to bring a cell phone. In Rishikesh there are Internet cafes close to the Ashram. Just know that Internet service in India is very slow.
How should I dress once in India?
Modestly and with respect to the culture.
For women, do not wear clothes that are tight, transparent or show too much skin or underarms. This means no tank tops, halters or short t-shirts. We also discourage wearing jeans or slacks. Instead wear loose fitting, graceful clothes such as long skirts and Indian kirtas. This is to not only to show respect for the culture but so that you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.
Once in India there are many shops where you can purchase beautiful and inexpensive clothing to wear and to do yoga in.
For men we suggest khakis and Indian kirta shirts and no tank tops.
Because you'll be doing Kundalini Yoga every day, we recommend white or light colored clothing and a headcovering for the yoga classes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Money
How much money should I take with me?
That’s entirely up to you and how much you want to buy. Things in India are much more inexpensive than they are in the US or Europe, so your dollar goes pretty far. Travelers checks are harder to exchange in India then cash, so we recommend bringing cash and a money belt. ATMs are available in Rishikesh and in close proximity to the ashram. ATMs are also available in Delhi, but not necessarily in close proximity to where we stay.
Most stores take credit cards, but it’s cash only at the markets.
What about tipping?
We do not tip any staff during our stay at the Ashram in Rishikesh. Rather, we leave a collective group tip at the end of our stay, which the staff divides between them. Generally this tip is around $30/person.
In addition, if you use porters to assist you with your luggage, plan on $1/piece of luggage each time you use them. For taxis within Delhi count on $1-$2/trip. Rishikesh is small and you will have no need to use a taxi. Anywhere you need to go you can easily walk to.
What is the currency and how can I exchange my dollars?
The currency in India is the rupee. There is a money exchange in the Delhi airport. When you fly into Delhi, exchange some money into rupees at the airport.
You can easily walk to places in Rishikesh to exchange money.
The rupee is not exchangeable outside of India so however much money you exchange into rupees, know that you must either spend it or exchange it back before leaving the country.
Frequently Asked Questions - Teacher Training
It seems like there's a lot of coursework - when does it have to be done?
You'll have 3 months to complete the coursework.
Do we have to go to sadhana in India?
Yes! We highly recommend attending sadhana every morning. You'll be amazed at how much it will deepen your practice and enhance your experience!
I'm new to Kundalini Yoga - what's "sadhana"?
Sadhana is a 2 hour morning practice consisting of prayer, yoga and meditation. It's powerful and uplifting! For more information about sadhana, including Yogi Bhajan's answers to common questions about sadhana, please see the KRI wesbite!
Are there any scholarships or work exhange positions available?
Unfortunately no.
What about discounts for International or Indian students?
None are available.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact Sat Puran - she will be happy to answer any of your questions! Her email is SatPuran@goldenbridgeyoga.com
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