The Retreat Process
Lazarus’ Varanasi retreats have the same structure as our other retreats only the silent component is separated into two parts. The first period of silence takes place for the two days which lead up to the New Year and culminates in a midnight renewal celebration on the 31st December. The following day, after a period of group reflection, there is an opportunity for a few days of personal sight-seeing.
Varanasi, with its numerous ashrams and temples, wandering mystics and colourful market, is abundant with extraordinary sights for the western eye. You can either join us on a group tour or be free to venture out alone - or with one of our team - if you prefer. During this time there will also be opportunities for alternative health treatments (see Facilities, Health Factors & Practicalities.)
On the 10th day we will enter a further 3 day ‘birth, death & resurrection’ intensive composed of silent reflection and semi-fasting. Certain music and poetry is given to you or used during this process. A guided visualisation ends the silence which is followed by an in-depth discussion.
We will be gathering for silent sunrise and sunset meditations by one of the ghats lining the city. We will also be taking early morning (private) boat journeys along the Ganges to marvel at the hazy light shimmering against a backdrop of hundreds performing their sunrise rituals. There will be gatherings around a bonfire in the evenings with performances of Indian dance accompanied by tabla, flute and sitar.
There is an open forum evening where we invite a number of local ‘holy men’ and philosophers to join us for supper and a group discussion on the Indian perspective of death and their insights into the nature of reality in general.
All of Lazarus’ journeys are designed so that our participants return home with a profound sense of renewal and wellbeing on every level. So if you are terminally ill, we will need additional information regarding your health for our accompanying medical doctor.
Outline of Your Journey
Incoming Journey
Flights from the West usually arrive in Delhi in the early hours of the morning. Whenever your flight lands, you will be personally met by one of our team who will escort you by car to the group hotel to rest.
Around 4pm in the afternoon, we will visit a temple tucked away in a backwater of the city where we will perform puja as a Yogi gives us a blessing for the journey ahead. This is followed by an early supper in a well known restaurant where there is a live, cultural performance. We will then return to the hotel for a relatively early night.
The following morning there will be time to relax before visiting unusual locations in Delhi that are ‘off the beaten track.’ After lunch, we will visit a famous market where you can purchase a wide variety of inexpensive items assembled from all over India.
At 7.30pm we depart for Varanasi. We will be using first class compartments on a sleeper train and only eating food which is hygienically prepared by our team. We will arrive at our destination the following morning at 7.30am.
Outgoing Journey
We depart from Varanasi on 8th of January at 6.30pm, arriving in Delhi around 6.30am on the 9th. There is a choice of activities for that day or you may prefer to either rest or venture around the city on your own. Whatever choice you make a member of our team will be happy to accompany you – if you wish.
There is a party/supper and a cultural performance in a restaurant in the evening. After breakfast the following day there is a farewell gathering before you are escorted to the airport for your return flight home.
* Please note; as you will be in Varanasi during the winter season, warmer clothing will be necessary - with the advantage of no (or few) mosquitoes. See Lazarus’ extensive information in other sections of this website which applies to all our journeys and facilities. Members of our team will be taking care of your luggage throughout the entire journey - leaving you free and unencumbered.