Spiritual Luminaries of South India

Day 1: St Thomas the Apostle

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

St. Thomas the Apostle (1st century AD - AD 72), often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," is a pivotal figure in Christian scripture and tradition. One of Jesus Christ's twelve disciples, he has brought Christianity to India. Known for his initial skepticism, Thomas later became a fervent believer. He traveled to India, reaching the southern coast, particularly Kerala, where he preached the Gospel. His ministry is credited with establishing the Saint Thomas Christians, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. The Apostle was martyred in Chennai, where his tomb is located. Notably, his tomb is considered one of only three apostle tombs in existence, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.

St. Thomas’ skepticism, followed by profound faith, resonates with many believers who grapple with questions of doubt and certainty. His journey from disbelief to ardent devotion serves as an inspiring example of the transformative power of faith. While best known for his encounter with the risen Christ, Thomas is also revered for his courage in spreading the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. As one of the original twelve apostles, his role in establishing the early Christian Church is undeniable. His life story offers profound spiritual insights into the nature of faith, doubt, and the unwavering love of God.

Day 2 & 3: Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879 – 1950) is revered as one of the most influential spiritual masters of modern times. Born in South India, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening at a young age, leading him to renounce worldly life and retreat to the holy mountain of Arunachala. His life, marked by silence and stillness, became a beacon for countless seekers. Renowned for his unfaltering presence and direct approach, Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi embodied the state of liberation he preached. Thousands visit the ashram annually to experience the sacred atmosphere and deepen their understanding of his profound wisdom. His life continues to inspire and guide spiritual aspirants worldwide, solidifying his position as a timeless spiritual beacon.

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi's profound simplicity and direct approach to spirituality have resonated with seekers across the globe. His core teaching, "Who am I?", invites a radical inward journey, bypassing intellectual constructs and leading directly to the heart of one's being. Unlike traditional paths that often involve complex rituals or philosophies, Ramana Maharshi offered a path of pure self-inquiry, emphasizing the direct realization of the Self as the ultimate goal. His life, characterized by silence and stillness, served as a living example of the state he advocated. This unique approach, combined with his unwavering compassion for all seekers, has made his teachings enduringly relevant in the pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Day 4 & 5: Sri Aurobindo and The Mother

Pondicherry and Auroville, Tamil Nadu

Bhagavan Sri Aurobindo (1872 – 1950) was a multifaceted genius, a philosopher, yogi, poet, and revolutionary. From his early involvement in India’s freedom struggle to his later profound spiritual quest, his life was marked by a relentless pursuit of human perfection. His concept of Integral Yoga, a synthesis of spiritual and evolutionary growth, is a cornerstone of modern spiritual thought. Aurobindo’s vision of a divine life on earth, coupled with his poetic brilliance, has inspired countless seekers worldwide, establishing him as one of the most influential spiritual masters of the 20th century.

Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga is a revolutionary path that seeks the transformation of the entire being - physical, vital, mental, and spiritual. Unlike traditional yogic paths that often focus on transcendence, Integral Yoga aims to divinize matter itself. At its core lies the belief in a supramental consciousness, a higher state of being beyond the mind, which can be brought down into human consciousness. This holistic approach, encompassing all aspects of life, is a hallmark of Aurobindo's spiritual philosophy and has inspired countless seekers to embark on a journey of inner evolution.

The Mother, born Mirra Alfassa (1878 – 1973), was a spiritual luminary and collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Her life was dedicated to manifesting the divine on earth. Beyond her role as a spiritual guide, she was a visionary who founded Auroville, a universal city envisioned as a bridge between spirituality and practical living. The Mother's emphasis on the active participation of the divine in human affairs, coupled with her profound compassion and practicality, has made her a revered figure worldwide. Her ability to blend spiritual depth with concrete action has solidified her position as a leading spiritual master of the 20th century.

The Mother's spiritual teachings emphasized the Divine's immanence and the possibility of its manifestation in human life. She often used the metaphor of a garden to illustrate spiritual growth, with individuals as flowers unfolding their potential under the sun's nurturing light, representing the Divine consciousness. Her teachings were practical and experiential, focusing on the transformation of consciousness and the creation of a new humanity. The Mother's belief in the power of love, service, and surrender as pathways to divine realization formed the core of her spiritual philosophy.

Day 6 & 7: Fr. Bede Griffiths and Abhishiktananda

Saccidananda Ashram Shantivanam, Thannirpalli, Tamil nadu

Fr. Bede Griffiths (1906 - 1993) also known by the end of his life as Swami Dayananda ("bliss of compassion"), is considered a spiritual pioneer and a visionary who helped to pave the way for greater religious tolerance and cooperation. His work had a significant impact on the development of interfaith relations and the understanding of spirituality in the modern world.

Griffiths was a British-born Catholic priest, Benedictine monk, and noted missionary who lived in ashrams in South India. He was a prominent figure in the Christian Ashram Movement, a movement that sought to integrate Christian spirituality with Indian religious traditions.  

Griffiths was known for his deep understanding of both Christian and Hindu philosophies, and his ability to bridge the gap between the two. He believed that all religions ultimately sought the same spiritual goals and that it was possible to find unity and harmony through interfaith dialogue.  

Abhishiktananda (1910-1973), born Henri Le Saux, was a French-born Indian monk who became a pioneer of Hindu-Christian dialogue. He moved to India in 1948 seeking a deeper spiritual life and eventually adopted the Hindu monastic tradition of sannyasa.  

Abhishiktananda's teachings were deeply influenced by his encounters with Hindu spiritual masters like Ramana Maharshi. He emphasized the importance of direct spiritual experience and the unity of all religions. His writings often explored the intersection of Christianity and Hinduism, highlighting their shared mystical core.  

Abhishiktananda's spiritual significance lies in his ability to bridge the gap between different religious traditions. He showed that true spirituality transcends religious boundaries and can be found in the heart of every individual.His teachings continue to inspire seekers of truth and those interested in interfaith dialogue.

Day 8 & 9: Sadhguru

Isha Yoga Center, Velliangiri Foothills, Coimbatore, Tamil nadu

Sadhguru (born 1957) is a renowned Indian yogi, mystic, and humanitarian. He is the founder of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to human well-being, social action, and environmental sustainability. His teachings and work have inspired millions of people around the world, and he is considered one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time.

Sadhguru has gained global recognition for his teachings on yoga, meditation, and spirituality. He is known for his ability to communicate complex spiritual concepts in a clear and accessible manner. His teachings often emphasize the importance of inner transformation and personal growth as a means of creating a better world.

Sadhguru is a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and has engaged in conversations with religious leaders from various traditions.

Day 10 & 11: Amma 

Amritapuri Ashram (the Birthplace of Amma), Kerala

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (born 1953), lovingly known as Amma, or the "hugging saint," is a revered spiritual leader renowned for her boundless compassion. Born into humble circumstances in Kerala, India, she experienced a profound spiritual awakening at a young age. Amma's life has been dedicated to selfless service, evident in her extensive humanitarian work and her practice of embracing millions of people. Her message of unconditional love, forgiveness, and the inherent divinity in every individual has resonated with people worldwide. Amma's ability to bridge the gap between spirituality and social action, symbolized by her compassionate embrace, has made her a global icon, inspiring countless individuals to live a life of compassion and service.

Amma's spiritual teachings are rooted in the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. Her message of unconditional love and compassion is central to her teachings. Amma often uses the metaphor of a mother's love to explain the nature of the Divine. Her practice of embracing millions of people, known as the "Amma hug," is considered a physical manifestation of this divine love. Through her hugs, Amma offers solace, healing, and a sense of connection to the divine. Her teachings inspire individuals to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and selfless service, fostering a harmonious and spiritually enriched life.

Day 11: Bhagavan Adi Shankara

Kalady, Kerala (hotel in Fort Kochi)

Bhagavan Adi Shankara is considered one of the greatest philosophers and theologians in the history of India. Born in the 8th century, he was a child prodigy who later renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment. In his remarkably short life of 32 years, he achieved what seems almost miraculous. A prodigious intellect, he formulated the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, a non-dualistic system that emphasizes the ultimate identity of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. Beyond his philosophical contributions, Shankaracharya played a pivotal role in shaping Hinduism as we know it today. He established the six-fold system of worship, bringing prominence to deities like Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Murugan, Ganesha, and Surya. His meticulous formulation of rituals and rites for major temples across India standardized worship practices, leaving an enduring legacy in the religious landscape of the nation. His influence extends far beyond India, with his teachings inspiring countless seekers on the path to self-realization.

Adi Shankara's core teachings revolve around the Advaita philosophy, which posits the ultimate non-dual reality of Brahman, the cosmic consciousness, and Atman, the individual soul. He emphasized the illusory nature of the world and the importance of realizing one's true identity as Brahman. Through rigorous philosophical inquiry and meditation, Shankara sought to liberate individuals from the cycle of birth and death. His teachings also encompass the practical aspects of spiritual life, including the observance of duties (dharma) and the cultivation of virtues like detachment and discrimination.

Spiritual Luminaries of South India

DETAILS

  • Dates:

    • Sunday, 1st June to Thursday, 12th June 2025 (11 days)

    • The pilgrimage starts in the afternoon of June 1st and ends in the evening of June 12th

  • AIRPORTS

    • Arrival: Chennai International Airport

    • Departure: Cochin International Airport

  • Itinerary:

    • See above

  • Cost:

    • Per person: €2,950

  • Price Includes: airport transfers, excursions transport, accommodation non-sharing (except when no other option)

  • Not included: Airfare, visa, meals (to accommodate various individual diets), etc.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING ACCOMMODATION:

    • Our accommodations will be primarily at ashrams or pilgrim hotels, offering comfortable and clean facilities that reflect the spirit of our pilgrimage. To ensure a comfortable start and end to our journey, we will stay in 5-star hotels on arrival and departure.

  • Payment Schedule:

    • 30% Deposit: To secure your spot in the retreat.

    • 20% Payment: Due 3 months before the retreat start date.

    • 30% Payment: Due 2 months before the retreat start date.

    • 20% Final Payment: Due 1 month before the retreat start date.

    Refund Policy:

    • 2 Months' Notice: If you cancel 2 months or more before the retreat start date, you will receive a 90% refund. A 10% administrative fee will be retained.

    • Less Than 2 Months' Notice: Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 2 months before the retreat start date. However, you may transfer your spot to another person.

To receive more information, including availability (only 10 spots), please click below: