India — Ladahk: Little Tibet

Like much of the world today, India is evolving and modernizing as it begins the 21st century. But amidst new technology, international business, and global politics, Holy Men, Sadhus, Yogi's and Shramas — seekers of truth — still wander the jungles, forests, and mountains in spiritual pursuit of inner peace, self realization and liberation. For thousands of years, the peoples of India have been seeking the deepest truths about the nature of reality and have been exploring the depths of human consciousness. Their insights and discoveries have shaped one of the world's richest and longest living cultures.

During our Study Abroad Program to Ladakh, we explore some of the great ideas of India's spiritual traditions of Buddhism and Sikhism. We explore and learn about these rich philosophies and religious traditions and how they are still alive today. During this program you conduct your studies in both urban and rural environments of India for a full and complete study of the Indian spiritual and cultural experience.

Course Description

Our Ladahk program is offered during the summer sessions and is based in New Delhi, Agra, and Ladahk. Study Sikhism, Islam and Tibetan Buddhism during this intensive study abroad program. The program begins in New Delhi where the focal point of study is the Sikh religion. Explore Sikh temples and religion with lectures from local scholars and observe temple worship and festivals. In Agra, you are introduced to the world of Islam and study the magnificent masterpiece of Moghul architecture — the Taj Mahal.

The focal point of the Ladahk segment of the program is Tibetan Buddhism. Each day a different Buddhist monastery is the classroom where Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation are taught and practiced in one of the most remote and fascinating regions in the world — the Western Himalayas.

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Course Objectives

• To learn the religious traditions of Sikhism, Islam, and Tibetan Buddhism.
• To observe religious festivals, temple worship and religious rituals.
• To study Buddhist philosophy and practice Buddhist meditation.
• To learn the timeless traditions of creating Buddhist sacred art and to learn its symbolic meaning.
• To experience directly the monumentality and symbolism of Buddhist architecture.