MONGOLIAN PILGRIMAGE
RIDING THE WINDHORSE, BEATING MACHIG'S DRUM
WITH LAMA TSERING WANGDU RINPOCHE

I ride a stallion,
The foal of a barren mare.
Unborn, all-pervading
Absolute space.
I sit in a saddle without
Meditation, without tampering
Mind occurs naturally.
-Shabkar

Join Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche on this powerful pilgrimage of revitalization, returning Machig Labdron's teachings to the steppes of Mongolia, home to over 8 million horses and only 2.5   million people in a country as large as Western Europe. Wilderness, space, and sky. Nature in her wrathful form, feeding wild elemental spirits. Riding flying horses.

In Mongolia, the sky is worshipped as Ich Tenger, and in   Buddhist practice, a realized mind is as as spacious as a vast sky. Increasing one's wind horse, known in Tibetan as lungta, in Mongolian as hiimori is an ancient Asian tradition. This psychic power or spirit of the soul resides in the chest and varies in   strength according to how one uses and accumulates it. A very  strong wind horse allows one to think clearly and analytically and   see through deception. Riding a horse has always been used as a metaphor in Vajrayana Buddhism for how to work skillfully with the mind and yogically with the inner winds of the body.

For more information contact: www.lamawangdu.org ,www.nityanandainstitute.org

LAMA TSERING WANGDU RINPOCHE is one of the greatest living practitioners of Chöd, an ancient wilderness and charnel ground practice for cutting through mental fears and cultivating fearless generosity. The Dalai Lama has urged Lama Wangdu to spread these important teachings at this time. A lineage holder in the Jigme Lingpa Chöd tradition, Lama Wangdu Rinpoche was born in 1936 in the village of Langkor in West Dingri, Tibet.   Rinpoche is a lineage holder of the Shi-je, or pacification of suffering teachings of Padampa Sangye as well as the entire cycle of the Longchen Nyingthig tradition of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. He completed the traditional Chöd retreat in Tibet, practicing in 100 cremation grounds. Rinpoche is currently head of the Pal Gyi Dingri Langkor Jangsem Kunga Ling monastery in Boudha, Kathmandu. He is a profoundly accomplished practitioner, and we are pleased to announce this once in a lifetime opportunity to share in his teachings as he strengthens the lineage of chod in the revitalization of Buddhism on Mongolia's steppes and in her heart after 70 years of communist rule.

The Chöd Tradition
Chöd is an ancient cremation ground practice of Indian Buddhist  origin. It is probably as old as Buddhism itself. According to scholars, Chöd has never been a unified school of practice.   Instead, it has various lineages and traditions. One of the foremost practitioners of Chöd, Machig Labdroön (1062-1153 C.E.), tailored the practice of Chöd to the particular needs of her students, giving them different meditations that led to separate lineages. The Chöd ritual is traditionally performed after dark in cremation grounds or disturbed places. In the course of the practice, practitioners visualize making an offering of their own bodies, which are cut up, transformed into nectar, and distributed to various classes of guests who are called to participate. The guests include spirits and negative energies that cause harm and disease. After consuming the feast prepared for them, these spirits are satisfied and subdued.
Chöd brings benefit to the total environment, including the practitioner. The ritual involves a total sacrifice of everything Identified as ourselves, but it in no way diminishes us-it only makes us bigger. This understanding is essential to authentic spiritual practice. The nomads of the Bunkhan and The Kelly family will host us.

MONGOLIAN PILGRIMAGE
RIDING THE WINDHORSE, BEATING MACHIG'S DRUM
WITH LAMA TSERING WANGDU RINPOCHE
June 19th-July 3rd/12th, 2008
Lapis Sky Camp, Bunkhan Valley,
Arkhangai, Mongolia

This journey will begin in Ullan Baatar, the capital of   Mongolia, where we will meet and practice with Mongolian Lamas. We will be hosted by Harvard PHD Buddhist sankskrit scholar and award- winning film maker Hamid Sardar, at his ger camp just outside of Ulaan Baatar where he will share the power of the living myth of   Shambhala and recount tales of Danzin Rabgya, The Mystic of the Gobi and one of Mongolia's most beloved and outrageous of saints and poets who still influences Mongolian artists to this day.

We will then travel through the vast expanse and space of the steppes visiting Erdene Zhuu, the largest monastery in Mongolia   where Ghengis Khan's descendants ruled the world enroute to the Bunkhan Valley in Arkhangai, the Buddhist heartland of Mongolia and home to Scythian civilizations over 6000 years ago. Bunkhan is a charnel ground of ancient burial remains, and the larch studded sacred Bayondur mountain rests above the camp, with the vital indigo blue Tamir river curling and roaring beside the yurts.

ITINERARY:

Day 1. (June-19) Depart from USA early travel arrangements encouraged! We recommend Korean Air as most reliable.

Day 2. (June-20) Fly to Ullaan Bataar. Meet at airport late evening and overnight in Ullan Battar.

Day 3. (June-21) Next morning, orientation, visit Ganden monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia, and meet with head Lama. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into Museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Ganden Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials and today is a thriving monastic center. Optional visit to the Zanabazar Museum, to see the best works of the Bogd Haan Zanabazar, the King of Mongolia in the 17th century, and considered the Michaelangelo of Mongolia.   His works like White Tara, Five Dhyana Buddhas are considered some of the greatest pieces of Vajrayana art ever produced. Then drive one hour beyond the city into the wilderness of Guchurt, to Hamid Sardar's   gercamp nestled beside the river at the foot lands of the Khentii mountains. Meet Lama Wangdu who has flown in earlier. Horse riding and resting at the camp.
Blessing prayers and prayer flags erected for our pilgrimage followed by supper. Stories and tales of Shambala and Danzin Raabgya poetry around the fire with Hamid. Sleep at Hamid's Guchurt Gher Camp.

Day 4. (June-22) After breakfast, we meet and practice chod with Mongol chod practitioners. Lama Wangdu is interviewed on Mongolian Buddhist TV and meets with important Mongol government officials. Early evening horse ride.

Day 5. (June-23) After breakfast, we meet and practice chod with Mongol chod practitioners. Lama Wangdu is interviewed on Mongolian Buddhist TV and meets with important Mongol government officials. Early evening horse ride.

Days 6. (June-24) We start our day with a visit to Erdene Zhu monastery. The great Ghengis Khan and his son created the beautiful and legendary city of Kharhorin in the 13th century to serve as the  heart of this monolithic, Mongol empire. There are only a few traces left of this once great city, but Mongolia's largest monastery, neighboring Erdene Zhu, was reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharhorin in the 16th century. Erdene Zhu has been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. We will explore the monastery grounds and meet with the head lama.   Drive to   Bunkhan Valley, walking down The Princess Pass near sunset to be welcomed by our nomad staff. Settle in to our ghers before supper. Lapis Sky Gher camp.

Days 7,8,9,10,11,12  (June-25-30) Retreat with Lama Tsering Wangdu Rinpoche. Teachings, initiations, chod practice. We ger camp next to the Tamir river, as nomad horses wander by. Morning practice in the Cottonwood forest, optional yoga with Carroll. Traditional Mongol Barbeque Picnic first day, third day afternoon Tsering Kunchok 78 year old Mongol medicinal healer comes for talk and medicinal plant picking.
Horse riding tips by Namkha, and horse riding practice in the vast valley of Teel. We can swim in the river or enjoy the forest solitude. The nomads beckon for those who wish interaction. Day 10 Lama Wangdu gives open teachings translated to nomads and monks who come from Tsetserleg monastery. On day 11 we host a mini Nadam, horse racing, wrestling and rodeo events. Day 12 evening concert by the river with bonfire, traditional Mongol throat singing and horse fiddle.

Days 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 (July-1-8) Horse trip. You don't have to be an expert rider. We have gentle horses and skilled Mongol horseman to guide people along. (July 1-2) For those not joining the horse pilgrimage to sacred Blue Lake, depart back to Ullan Battar,   stopping at a gher camp beside sand dunes. You will reach Ullan Battar on the afternoon of July 2nd. Overnight in Ullanbattar; depart for home on July 3rd.  For those who want to experience this once in a lifetime horse and wilderness, pilgrimage to Blue Lake, the journey begins. We ride about 3 hours to Tolgin Butts and camp in a beautiful meadow setting, with a late afternoon mountain walk to take in the  beautiful Mongolian steppe vistas and wild flowers. The second day, of our pilgrimage on horseback is an invigorating 5 hour ride over beautiful mountain passes, past Buddhist Ovoos, through wild flower valleys to Mandal Mountain, a sacred mountain and burial place for  ancestors. The third day, we ride to Jargalantiin, 4 hour ride, past the five  sacred springs and set up camp close by the river.   On day four, we reach Blue Lake Valley, over looking the Mongolian plains below. Day five is a short ride for two hour ride to Kokh Nor, Blue Lake a Glacial lake sacred to Palden Lhamo but most likely venerated long before the Buddhist deity Palden Lhamo came to  Mongolia. The sixth day, we enjoy the solitude of the lake, practicing an ancient custom of lake gazing for visions, with an optional mountain walk. Tsang or Blessing for all beings ritual.  Some pilgrims may choose to make the 10 km kora around the lake's shimmering blue circumference. On day 7, we rest at Blue Lake, journal writing   and reading. On Day 8, we're picked up by jeeps and drive 5 hours back to Lapis Sky Gher camp. Day 9, we pack up, rest at Lapis Sky Ger camp and   have a farewell dinner with our horseman and Bunkhan friends. Day 13 (July-1) Tolgin Bhutts. Day 14 (July 2) Mandal Mountain. Day 15 (July 3) Jargalantin. Day 16 (July 4) Upper Blue Lake Valley. Day 17 (July 5) Reach Blue Lake, set up camp... Day 18 (July 6) Enjoy Blue Lake, mountain walk, circumambulate Blue Lake. Day 19 (July 7) Rest day at Blue Lake. Day 20 (July 8). Drive back to Bunkhan Lapis Sky Camp.

Day 21 (July 9) Rest day at Bunkhan Lapis Sky Camp.

Day 22 (July 10) Drive halfway back to UB. Overnite at beautiful ger camp.

Day 23 (July 11) Arrive UB, Stay in UB Hotel.

Day 18 (July-6) Horse Trip All day jeep drive  back to Bunkhan.

Day 19 (July-7) Rest day at Bunkhan Valley, journal writing,   swimming, and packing.

Day 20, 21 (July 8-9) Heading back to UB, we stop at Mongke Tengri, The Ghengis Khan Polo Club, run by Christophe Gierke and his Mongolian wife Engke. The finest luxury camp in Mongolia where   they are reviving the ancient tradition of polo. Orkhon River below, magnificent riding, yoga, and great merry-making in the   evening with fine dining. Return to Hamid's camp- last chance for thunderhoof horse ride. Final Dinner Celebration.

Day 22 (July 10) Free day shopping in the city, you are escorted to the airport for travel back home.

Details:

Cost of trip:

US$200/day x's 22 days   $4400. (Single supplement US$300 extra) Deposit US$ 500 by May 1st, 2008.   Final payment due on May 19. Mail checks to UBS Financial Services:

Carroll Dunham
c/o Mary Maestas
UBS Financial Services:
Coronado Bldg.
141. E. Palace Ave.
Santa fe, New Mexico 87510

Terms and Conditions

Cost Include: All country ground transport; meals,hotels, ger camping, baggage handling fees, permits and entrance fee; local guides, horses, horseman, and flying Lama Wangdu to Mongolia.

Not included: Airport departure taxes, passport and visa fees, excess baggage charges, laundry, telephone calls or other personal items, alcoholic beverages; meals not specified in the itinerary; academic credit; tips to room maids; tips to guides (optional, yet customary); taxis to non-scheduled events; medical, hospital or evacuation costs. Supplemental accident and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.

Itinerary: We make every effort to maintain the itinerary; however, it is subject to change depending on weather, festivities, the serendipitous and the unexpected. This is an itinerary designed to honor the synchronicity of the journey. Travelers need to have a sense of adventure and be willing to be flexible.

Reservation: Early reservations are recommended since group size is limited and journeys require adequate preparation time. To reserve a space submit reservation form along with $500 deposit per person. Wild Earth Journeys/Carroll Dunham accepts deposit only by check. Upon registration we will send written confirmation of your deposit along with additional information about your trip. We will invoice the remaining payment, to be paid by check.

Payment Schedule:
At time of reservation            US$500
30 days prior to departure       Balance

Cancellation Fees & Transfers: Carroll Dunham must receive cancellations in writing by letter or fax. (977-1-4438883) Or 977-1-5523737 we calculate your refund based on the day we receive written notification. Regardless of reason or cause, cancellations result in the costly processing of letters, toll calls, record adjustments, refund checks, as well as a loss of time, which often precludes resale. Thus, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of US$250/per person.
The following penalties will apply on cancellations:
Minimum fee $250 per person non-refundable
In case of cancellation:
14 days prior to departure 50% of trip price will be refunded.
30 days prior to departure 90% of trip price will be refunded.
* Please note that no partial refund will be given for unused travel for any reason once the trip begins.

Cancellation Insurance: To protect against loss from cancellation for any reason or due to an accident or the illness of self or immediate family members, cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Responsibility: Wild Earth Journeys/Carroll Dunham or any sponsoring organization, or booking agency, or their staff or agents act only as agents for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by airplane, helicopter, motor coach, motor car, boat or horse and assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out the arrangements for the trip. They can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, terrorism, or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger. The issuance and acceptance of voucher or ticket and/or payment for services to Wild Earth Journeys/Carroll Dunham or   affiliates shall be deemed to be consent to the above conditions.

Signature of Traveller:__________________________

Date: ________________________

Please fax back to:
Carroll Dunham
Wild Earth Journeys
P.O. Box 2187
Kathmandu, Nepal
Telefax # 977-1-4438883
Fax# 977-1-5523737
Mobile #9851026738
E-mail: carroll@wildearthnepal.com
www.wildearthjourneys.com