South India Bhakti Yoga Pilgrimage 2020

In addition to visiting ancient temples, sacred sites, and exploring Tamil culture, we will learn about the roots of yoga and Auroville as a yogic city, chant together, practice Embodyoga, and explore pranayama, meditation, and prayer; we will share in the healing and uplifting practice of Kirtan. This trip offers you an immersion into the spiritual and cultural life of South India and Auroville, as well as a journey into your own depth.

Matthew has been visiting Auroville and South India since 2000, and serves on the board of directors for Auroville International-USA. His depth of experience and relationships in the area provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of this unique region. And Corinne is the lead teacher for the Embodyoga 200 hour teacher training at Yoga Center Amherst, and founder of Birthing Mama Prenatal Yoga and Wellness.

Are you wondering if this is the right trip for you?
Auroville is many things, but at its heart it seeks to manifest humanity’s highest spiritual aspirations toward truth, beauty, and goodwill. This retreat will bring you in touch with the real-life field where those aspirations are being worked out.

While most of the trip will be spent in Auroville and the surrounding villages, we will spend 4 days in Tiruvanamalai, a vibrant South Indian city nestled in the lap of the sacred Mount Arunachala.  Sri Ramana Maharshi lived most of his life on this mountain, which has been revered for millennia as an embodiment of Lord Siva.  The 8 mile circumambulation of Arunachala is a profound yogic practice, and meditation in the caves where Ramana Maharshi lived is a transformative experience.

Deep dive into the spirit and ongoing work of Auroville
Kirtan and bhakti practice with Brenda
Embodyoga® with Corinne
Accommodations at Verite
Delicious, organic, local vegetarian meals
Explore Pondicherry and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Guided tour of Arunachala and the massive Annamalai Temple
Guided tour of Irumbai Siva Temple
Experience local village life with guides from Mohanam Cultural Heritage Centre
Workshop with Awareness Through the Body founder Aloka Marti
And much more!!!
Testimonials from prior pilgrimages:

“It was impressive how much we got to experience, see and do while having a little rest in between activities. How easily Matthew, Corinne and Brenda adapted together to meet the needs of the group.” – Surya 2019

“I am So grateful ..so blessed. It was transformational life changing and spiritually rejuvenating and so sacred and experience. The timing was perfect, food amazing and every day was better and more sacred!” – Ellen 2019

“I think if you are ready to live your yoga, take this trip. I went to see firsthand what I have been studying all of these years. What I received was a direct experience in my heart, not my mind, of what it is to be devoted, to love, to get cracked open in the best way.” – Pam 2019

“If you’ve been curious about India and want to experience the richness of the culture as well as the beautiful spirit of its people, this trip will meet and exceed your expectations.” – Kathleen 2018

“I could not imagine a better experience. I have come away with an in depth picture of south India. You provided a complete  spiritual experience and held that space for us by your caring.” – Evelyn 2017

“This was possibly one of my best trips.  We were able to see a side of India that most tours could never touch. All our activities were so well orchestrated and went with the flow of the group’s energy.  The workshops and yoga allowed me time to explore my inner life.  Matrimandir, the temples, circumambulating Arunachala…all go beyond words to explain their spiritual effects on me. Everyone should want to do this trip.” – Susan 2017

Please send us an email to matthew@yogacenteramherst.com with any questions or to find out more details.
Come with us to South India in 2020!
https://www.yogacenteramherst.com/southindia/

Join Brenda, Matthew Andrews and Corinne Andrews of Amherst Yoga Center!
Feb 17 – Mar 2, 2020

In addition to singing kirtan, visiting ancient temples, sacred sites, and exploring Tamil culture, we will learn about the roots of yoga and Auroville as a yogic city, chant together, practice Embodyoga, and explore pranayama, meditation, and prayer. This trip offers you an immersion into the spiritual and cultural life of South India and Auroville, as well as a journey into your own depth.
Matthew has been visiting Auroville and South India since 2000, and serves on the board of directors for Auroville International-USA. His depth of experience and relationships in the area provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of this unique region. And Corinne is the lead teacher for the Embodyoga 200 hour teacher training at Yoga Center Amherst, and founder of Birthing Mama Prenatal Yoga and Wellness.
Are you wondering if this is the right trip for you?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page!
Auroville is many things, but at its heart it seeks to manifest humanity’s highest spiritual aspirations toward truth, beauty, and goodwill. This retreat will bring you in touch with the real-life field where those aspirations are being worked out.
While most of the trip will be spent in Auroville and the surrounding villages, we will spend 4 days in Tiruvanamalai, a vibrant South Indian city nestled in the lap of the sacred Mount Arunachala.  Sri Ramana Maharshi lived most of his life on this mountain, which has been revered for millennia as an embodiment of Lord Siva.  The 8 mile circumambulation of Arunachala is a profound yogic practice, and meditation in the caves where Ramana Maharshi lived is a transformative experience.
Deep dive into the spirit and ongoing work of Auroville
Kirtan and bhakti practice with Brenda
Embodyoga® with Corinne
Accommodations at Verite
Delicious, organic, local vegetarian meals
Explore Pondicherry and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Guided tour of Arunachala and the massive Annamalai Temple
Guided tour of Irumbai Siva Temple
Experience local village life with guides from Mohanam Cultural Heritage Centre
Workshop with Awareness Through the Body founder Aloka Marti
And much more!!!
Testimonials from prior pilgrimages:
“It was impressive how much we got to experience, see and do while having a little rest in between activities. How easily Matthew, Corinne and Brenda adapted together to meet the needs of the group.” – Surya 2019

“I am So grateful ..so blessed. It was transformational life changing and spiritually rejuvenating and so sacred and experience. The timing was perfect, food amazing and every day was better and more sacred!” – Ellen 2019

“I think if you are ready to live your yoga, take this trip. I went to see firsthand what I have been studying all of these years. What I received was a direct experience in my heart, not my mind, of what it is to be devoted, to love, to get cracked open in the best way.” – Pam 2019

“If you’ve been curious about India and want to experience the richness of the culture as well as the beautiful spirit of its people, this trip will meet and exceed your expectations.” – Kathleen 2018

“I could not imagine a better experience. I have come away with an in depth picture of south India. You provided a complete  spiritual experience and held that space for us by your caring.” – Evelyn 2017

Please send us an email to matthew@yogacenteramherst.com with any questions or to find out more details.