Pilgrimage 2023-LBDFI

Enlightened Sacred Pilgrimages
In the Footsteps of the Buddha
A Sacred Journey in the Footsteps of the Buddha
18th International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony, Bodhgaya
7th Mahayana Chanting at Vulture Peak, Rajgir and Nalanda
Dear Friends,
Over the past seventeen years, the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International
(LBDFI) has been working to develop a historic mission, that of restoring the tradition of
reciting the words of the Buddha from the Pali Canon under the Most Sacred Bodhi Tree. It
has been an amazing experience to see this unfold with all the great Theravada masters
from 11 countries seated together and chanting sections of the Pali Canon, and to hear the
dharma being expounded on these precious teachings as well as having them translated
into Hindi for the local audiences. Now, these ceremonies are expanding to other sites of
Sarnath, New Delhi, Sankasya, Kushnigara, Sravasti, Vaishali, Ajanta, Ellora, and Rajgir. This
pilgrimage is to bring you closer to the auspicious gatherings of the Sangha from Southeast
Asia where they will be reciting the words of the Buddha in Pali and Sanskrit at the places
where the Buddha spent periods of life according to the Theravada and Mahayana
traditions. We are not only celebrating origins of the Dharma in India by using the
traditional Indic languages of Pali and Sanskrit in authentic places of pilgrimage but also
understanding the rich corpus of ancient scriptures that have now been lost.
This extraordinary pilgrimage to the Enlightened Sacred Pilgrimages centers around the
18th International Tipitaka Chanting ceremony in Bodhgaya, the 7th Mahayana chanting
ceremony in Rajgir and finally an option to visit Thailand. By joining together on this sacred
pilgrimage, we have a chance to walk directly in the footsteps of the Blessed One where
these great sutras were recited according to each vehicle, strengthening our resolve to
reconnect to the sacred land of these holy sites. We hope that these ceremonies and
dharmayatra (walking pilgrimage) will inspire others to come forward and see the great
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merit in offering our collective service to strengthening the Buddhadharma in our
Motherland. If you would like to make an offering to any aspect of these ceremonies, you
may do so by making a donation towards flowers or food for the Sangha. We suggest a tax
deductible donation of $500 as a way to join us in prayers and offerings in Bodhgaya.
With all best wishes,
Wangmo Dixey
President, International Buddhist Association of America (www.ibaa.org)
Executive Director, Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (www.lbdfi.org)
Executive Director, Dharma College (www.dharma-college.com)
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Reciting the words under the Sacred Bodhi Tree
International Tipitaka Chanting Ceremony Vulture Peak, Rajgir and Nalanda
Lotus and Heart Sutra
Pali Tipitaka and Prajnaparamita
December 10 – 18/22, 2023
This journey will begin in New Delhi on the 10th of December 2023. Upon arrival in India,
you will be met by our representative carrying a welcome sign and will be
transferred to your hotel Claridges in New Delhi. You will visit the place where Mahatma
Gandhi, the father of India, lived and died. This is a wonderful place to begin the journey.
Gandhi personified a unique way of politics where it became an exercise of ethical living.
He was a man open to all cultures and religions but with deep faith in his own. You will also
have a chance to shop at the local market in New Delhi for gifts for friends and family. In
the evening, you will have a lovely dinner at Claridges.
The next day on Dec 11th you will fly to Gaya in the early afternoon. You will arrive in Bodh
Gaya to take rest at the Hyatt Bodhgaya. We will spend two days at the 18th International
Tipitaka chanting ceremony.
Our journey will take us across the plains of the River Ganges to Bodh Gaya, where the
Buddha attained enlightenment. We will visit one of his favorite meditation places at
Vulture Peak in Rajgir
India is very diverse in culture, language and environment. The Buddha lived and traveled
along the Indo-Gangetic plains in Northern India. Besides New Delhi, the journey visits two
states of northern India, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
India’s cities stand in large contrast to her villages and have their own interesting (if
seemingly chaotic) lifestyle. Bodh Gaya and Rajgir are both significant journey sites, having
their own distinct character and personality
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DAILY SCHEDULE & SPECIAL EXCURSIONS
Our schedule will include daily sitting and walking meditation….
No. Date Day Travel Night's
stay
Suggested Hotel
1
10-Dec-23
Sunday
Arrive in New Delhi
(Picked up at International Delhi Airport)
New Delhi
Claridges Hotel
2
11-Dec-23
Monday
Fly New Delhi-Gaya/
Bodhgaya
Hyatt Bodhgaya
3
12-Dec-23
Tuesday
18 th International
Tipitaka Chanting
Ceremony
Bodhgaya
Hyatt Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya
Drive to Jetthian Valley. Walk through
Jetthian Valley to Bamboo Grove with
Rajgir
Indo Hokke
4 13-Dec-23 Wednesday
Mahasangha (with over 1000 monastics)
Walk 14 km
5 14-Dec-23 Thursday
Opening ceremony at Vulture
Peak/ Nalanda Visit Bodhgaya Hyatt Bodhgaya
6 15- Dec-23
Friday
Drive Bodhgaya to Sarnath
Sarnath,
Taj Hotel
Varanasi
16- Dec-23 Saturday Dhammekka Stupa
Sarnath
Taj Hotel
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Meditation
8
17-Dec-23
Sunday
Varanasi to Delhi
Same day fly to
Bangkok
Bangkok
Hotel
9
18-Dec-23
Monday
Bangkok:
Introduction to
Royal Thai
Temples/Dinner
by River
Bangkok
Hotel
19- Dec-23 Wednesday
Visit historical temples, meditation Bangkok Hotel
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There could be minor changes to this itinerary based on a variety of considerations.
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: SUNDAY: December 10 ARRIVE in New Delhi
Upon arrival in India, you will be met by our representative carrying a
sign and will be transferred to your hotel.
welcome
Delhi has been the capital of seven different dynasties over the last millennium and so is
rich in history. New Delhi was the capital of the British Raj in India and continues to be the
capital of India. We usually begin our pilgrimage paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the
father of the nation, whose principle of non-violence made possible a peaceful handing
over of the country to Indians by the British (with a visit to Gandhi Smriti, where Gandhi-ji
was martyred)..
Other sightseeing in Delhi, time permitting. Including some shopping at a local market.
Day 2: MONDAY: December 11
FLY TO GAYA. DRIVE TO BODHGAYA ( about 30 mins)
• Check into your Hotel Hyatt
We will visit the historic Mahabodhi Temple. Mahabodhi Temple is the seat of
theGreat awakening of the Buddha (6th BCE). We will arrive at the Seat of
Enlightenment with flowers. And participate in Dhamma talk under the sacred
bodhi tree. The theme of the talk will be on Reflecting on the Life of the Buddha
from 6-8 pm. We will then have dinner back at the hotel.
Day 3: TUESDAY: December 12 BODHGAYA
• Breakfast at Hotel Hyatt. This will be an occasion to join the closing of the
18th International Pali Tipitaka chanting under the Sacred Bodhi Tree.
• Mahasangha chanting in Pali the words of the Buddha
• Lunch at Kalachakra Ground (offerings will be made to the Sangha by our
group)
• Afternoon closing Ceremony under the Sacred Bodhi Tree
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●
In the evening, we will visit the surroundings of ancient Senanigrama
(present day Bakrour). Bodhisattva Siddhartha spent six years in the vicinity
of the village of Senanigrama practicing penance. On the day of Vesak
Purnima, the village girl Sujata offered food to Prince Siddhartha. The act of
Sujata offering kheer to Siddhartha is considered to be a turning point in his
journey to enlightenment. We will have to practice at this site.
Day 4: WEDNESDAY: December 13 DRIVE FROM BODHGAYA TO RAJGIR
• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Depart by Bus or own vehicle (depending on the number of participants)
• Drive to Jetthian Valley. Walk through Jetthian Valley to Bamboo Grove with
Mahasangha
• The walk is approximately 14 km around 5 hours of walking through beautiful
landscape where King Bimbasara met the Buddha in historical accounts. This will be an
opportunity to walk and reflect on sacred pilgrimage.
We drive approximately three hours to explore Rajgir, a lush green valley surrounded by
craggy hills dotted with temples, shrines, and ancient caves. Rajgir, meaning “Home of
Royalty,” was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, which predated the Mauryan
Empire. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site since the Buddha spent a long time
here. He delivered several famous teachings at Rajgir, including those known as the
Perfection of Wisdom. Rajgir was also the site of the First Buddhist Council, which
convened the year following the Buddha’s death. The city is also an important place for
Jains, as the Mahavira spent time here and the hills are topped with Digambara shrines.
Please be prepared to walk along a beautiful pathway for about 3-5 hours. Please bring
comfortable walking shoes along with a sun hat.
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Day 5: THURSDAY: December 14
• Opening ceremony at Vulture’s Peak
Lighting of Candles by Each Country
Mahayana Chanting
• Lunch at Hotel Hokke
• After Lunch visit the historical Nalanda University
“Lotus and Heart Sutra: Deepening the Origins of the Mahayana “
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“Revisiting the Historical Legacy of Xuanzang and Faxian in Nalanda” Afternoon
Session (Nalanda Mahavihara, Xuanzang Relic Memorial)
• 3:00-3:30 Tea Break / Refreshment
• 4:30-6:00 Meditation and Dedication of Merit
Today we will visit the under-restoration ruins of Nalanda, one of the first and most
significant universities in the world. Established 2,000 years ago, it remained in use until
the late 12th century. At its height, Nalanda was a flourishing Buddhist center of learning
with over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Students from all four corners of Asia came
here, and the preeminent Mahayana Buddhist scholars of the time all taught here. Many of
the traditions that comprise Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism first flourished in the
temples and classrooms at Nalanda. We will wander with a local scholar through the ruins
of this sprawling complex, replete with numerous monasteries, temples, libraries, parks,
and lakes. The original site is still being excavated and the digs have revealed ruins that
span 37 acres.
• Return to Bodhgaya and overnight stay at Hotel Hyatt Bodhgaya..
Day 6: FRIDAY: December 15
●
●
●
●
●
Breakfast at the Hotel
Depart by own vehicle to Varanasi
Reach in afternoon check check into the Hotel Taj
Evening attend Ganga Aarti in Varanasi
Back to the hotel and take dinner and rest.
Day 7: SATURDAY: December 16
●
●
Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit Sarnath and SINI (Sister Organisation: Sarnath International Nyingma
Institute)
In the morning after breakfast, we will visit the site of Sarnath (ancient
Rishipattana). On the full-moon day of asalha (June-July), the Buddha preached the
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (the First Turning of the Wheel) to his five former
companions and hence set forth in motion the ‘Wheel of Dhamma.’ He taught the
middle way that avoids the extremes of pleasure and austerity, the four noble
truths, and the eightfold path. Emperor Ashoka marked the place by erecting an
inscribed monolith pillar with lion capital.
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Later in the afternoon we will visit Sarnath museum. The Museum houses some of
the best artifacts and images of Buddha and Buddhist deities found as a result of
exploration and excavation at the Sarnath archaeological site. Its collection includes
the Ashokan Pillar with the Lion Capital, which is the national emblem of India, and
many other artifacts whose dates range from 3rd BCE to 12th CE.
●
Back to Hotel Taj; afternoon time to explore Varanasi beautiful silks
Day 8: SUNDAY: December 17
Fly VNS / DEL – DELHI/USA IN THE MORNING
In the morning, we will visit river Ganges to enjoy a boat ride through the river.
Departure to Delhi in the afternoon/evening. On reaching Delhi, proceed to the
hotel for overnight stay or proceed to the next destination.
END OF THE JOURNEY
FOR THOSE TAKING THE THAILAND OPTION:
Day 8: SUNDAY: December 17
Fly VNS / DEL – DELHI/THAILAND SAME DAY
BANGKOK PORTION
Day 9: MONDAY: December 18 to December 22nd 2023.
BANGKOK for four nights and four days.
Day 1 : Arrive from Delhi to BKK
Pick up by van at the airport and check in at 4 star hotel
Day 2 : Visit Wat PraKaew , The Grand Palace
Visit Wat Por (Golden reclining Buddha)
Lunch at Thai food
Visit National Museum
(Thai massage as option)
Dinner by the river restaurant
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Day 3 : One day retreat meditation camp (stay at the institution)
Day 4 : Boat ride thru Chaophaya river and visit floating market
Shopping at Siamicon and
Dinner at famous international buffet restaurant
Day 5: Leave BKK
Accommodations in 4* hotels (Single/double)
Transport 5 to 7 seats SUV (Depend on number of guest)
Guide well experience as well as english speaking.
flight tickets from DEL to BKK economy class.
The cost for the journey LBDFI (December 18 – December 22, 2023) is US $1500
based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US $550*.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION & TRAVEL FACTS
The cost for the journey LBDFI (December 10 – December 18, 2023) is US $3000
based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US
$1000*.
The cost for the journey LBDFI (December 18 – December 22, 2023) is additional US
$1500 based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US
$550*.
The tour price includes: airport transfers and escort services in New Delhi, guide
services, transportation inside India, monument entrance fees, all meals, bottled
water and lodging arrangements for the duration of the journey. All registration
fees are payable in US dollars or the equivalent in INR, Euro etc.
*Forced single room supplement (in case we are not able to room you with anyone
else) will be 60% of the single supplement)
Please note that the cost does not cover:
International airfare to and from New Delhi, visas and other international
arrangements, any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the journey, excess
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aggage fees on the flights, phone calls and faxes during the journey, laundry
during the journey or medical and other insurance coverage such as travel
insurance. As the good hotels are limited at the Buddhist sites, and sometimes a few
groups arrive on the same day, it may be difficult for hotels to provide a single
room, and in some very exceptional circumstances, even a twin-sharing basis is
unavailable. We ask for your understanding if this circumstance should arise.
TO REGISTER
A non-refundable deposit of $500 U.S. per person is required by June 1st, 2023 . The
remainder of the cost of the journey is due by September 15, 2023.
CANCELLATION
For cancellations received up to eight weeks before the commencement of the
journey only the deposit will be forfeited. The cancellation fee within eight weeks of
the beginning of the journey will be 100% of the total cost.
Travel Insurance: The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy,
and travelers are encouraged to speak with a travel agency to identify a policy that
suits their needs. Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or
interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay. Before purchasing
insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your
policy includes medical care overseas. Please note that many insurance carriers
require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made;
check with your carrier for details.
ARRIVAL
Arrival and departure are to and from New Delhi (Delhi), India. Participants are
responsible for making their own round-trip flight arrangements from their point
of origin to New Delhi, India and back. For international flights, tickets should be
booked as early as possible. Flights to and from India are frequently full, and this
trip takes place at the height of the tourist season. Most international flights arrive
at night or early morning. You may check with us before you confirm your flight
bookings. We will arrange a complimentary airport transfer on arrival.
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DEPARTURE
We will do a complimentary airport transfer for your departure.
The journey will end on the day in Delhi. You should book your departure for an
evening flight.
EXTRA NIGHTS
For those wishing an extra day or two to recover from air travel before the journey
begins, or who wish to stay longer after the journey ends, we would be happy to
provide a list of hotels in Delhi or other places. Please make your hotel bookings for
New Delhi well in advance, as December is a peak month.
SINGLE ROOM
Single rooms are available and there is a single room supplement.
For single travelers who do NOT want to opt for a single room, we will undertake to
room them with someone suitable.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
You will need a valid passport and visas for India. Normally the visa is valid for
between 6 months to 10 years from date of issue. The visa for India should be
obtained at least one month before travel. Please send us the details after you have
obtained it.
India Visa Information
The Indian Embassy in the US has outsourced its visa applications at
http://www.in.ckgs.us/index.shtml
The Indian Embassy has a Consulate in New York (Tel: 212 774 0699), Chicago (312
595 0405), Houston (713 626 2148) and San Francisco (415 668 0662). The main
embassy is based in Washington DC and their number is (202) 939 7000.
Please ensure that the visa covers the travel period for which you are applying. If
you need a reference in India, you can give:
A SINGLE ENTRY Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is
also available for travelers from
116 countries including Australia, New Zealand,
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United States of America, Singapore, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Japan, Norway,
Finland. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Each participant must provide the following details in order to reserve air and
hotels: Name, gender, date of birth, passport number, date of issue of passport, date
of expiry of passport, place of issue of passport, and emergency contact
information. In addition, registrants must provide the visa number, date of issue,
date of expiry and place of issue as soon as the visa for travel to India has been
issued.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE, ACCEPTANCE OF CREDIT CARDS & TIPPING
As stated above, hotels, food, transportation within India, and guide services are all
covered by the tour fees. It is suggested that travelers carry cash for expenses like
gifts or souvenirs, as it is difficult to change money at the sites we visit during the
journey. Travelers will also need money if they are planning to extend their stay in
India before or after the journey. Credit cards such as VISA or American Express are
accepted in some of the hotels and large shops in Delhi or Varanasi, but not in the
other places we visit. There are ATM machines in some places where one can
access cash, but their presence is not universal as it is in the U.S. One U.S. dollar
approximates 81 Indian Rupees. We recommend that you convert some cash at the
airport when you arrive in New Delhi. There is no need to exchange it in the U.S. —
it is best to do so in India. There are a couple of banks with a standard exchange
rate at the airport both before and after you clear customs. Please keep your bank
receipts carefully in case you need to change the money into dollars when you
return home.
HOTELS/HOUSING
We choose the best accommodation in the vicinity of the sites, based on shared,
twin-bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. The accommodations
are clean and comfortable. If you prefer a single room (where available, as the
Buddhist route can occasionally get very full), there is a price supplement.
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ELECTRICITY
India uses 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs/sockets are usually an issue (the electrical
sockets in India have round holes, not flat one, so please ensure that the stems of
your plug has rounded stems). It’s best to travel with a universal plug adaptor.
WEATHER & CLOTHING NEEDS
Given that there can be a high variation between the daytime and evening
temperatures (the general range is from 7 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius
(centigrade), layering is a practical approach. It’s important to be comfortable and
modestly dressed. We recommend that you bring one warm coat or jacket and one
or two lighter sweaters for the day; perhaps a shawl if you want to meditate in the
morning. For the warmer part of the day, cotton shirts, T-shirts and cotton trousers
will work well. There is no need to bring formal clothing. Generally, the weather is
dry with a small possibility of light rain or fog in some places. It is handy to have an
umbrella that can double as a sunshade if it gets too sunny or even be used as a
walking stick. Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear
with socks if it gets cold). We do not go on treks, but one or two of the (optional)
walks are long. We also visit a number of temples where you will need to remove
your shoes, so it is helpful to bring a pair of socks (the airline slip-ons are very
convenient). It is always useful to have a hat or cap to protect you from the sun. We
are allowed 15 kilos (33 lbs.) check in baggage and 7kgs as cabin baggage on Indian
airplanes, so we recommend that you travel light. Laundry facilities are available at
all the places we stay, and laundry is returned within 24 hours.
HEALTH CONCERNS
We stay in clean, safe places, and the food in the places we stay will be clean, fresh
and prepared to suit a delicate digestive system. You will be provided bottled
mineral water for drinking.
There is no other medical restriction upon your entry into India. We recommend a
Hepatitis-A inoculation and a Tetanus shot. If you prefer to be more careful, then
please speak to your physician. We do carry a first-aid kit with us, but many people
prefer to bring their own supply of medicines. We would recommend you get an
insect/mosquito repellent and also a stomach medicine for both diarrhea and
constipation as one’s stomach has its own way of adjusting to different foods.
If you have any special diet needs or medical needs, please do let us know.
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SIM CARD, IPHONE ETC.
It is quite easy and inexpensive to get a local SIM card for your mobile phone at
Delhi airport. You need one photograph and a copy of your India visa and passport.
If you have an iphone, you may need to ‘unlock’ it before you come to India. Mobile
telephony in India is inexpensive.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL SERVICES (e.g. shuttle buses, taxis)
We provide all the transport services during the journey, including having you met
on arrival in New Delhi. There is no extra charge for meeting people at the airport.
For those who want to make your own arrangements, the Delhi Airport has cabs.
The cab-stand is located just after you exit the airport. You pay according to the
meter - you need not pay anything extra unless you are traveling between 11pm and
5am, when night charges will apply (25% extra). Depending on the time you arrive
the cab fare will be in the range of Rs.600-900. It is easy to get a cab at the hotel for
the airport when one leaves for the same price.
DISCLAIMER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International (LBDFI) while undertaking tours,
transportation, hotel accommodation and other services only act on the clear
understanding that they shall not be in any way responsible or liable for any
accident, damage, loss, delay or inconvenience caused in connection with travel
and other facilities arranged by the company, their employees or agents. All
bookings are accepted and executed with utmost care, yet no responsibility is taken
for any change or deviation on account of factors beyond their control.
By making a deposit for the tour, participants acknowledge that they have read and
understood this document in its entirety, and have consented to all conditions
herein, including the Disclaimer and Release of Liability. For participants under age
18, their parent or legal guardian shall sign on their behalf and the same Disclaimer
and Release shall apply.
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REGISTRATION FORM
Each pilgrim must complete this form in full, and send (email is fine) with a
non-refundable deposit of $500 per pilgrim.
to:
Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International
2222 Harold Way
Berkeley CA 94704
Tel: +510 847 2966
Email: wdixey@dharma-college.com
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REGISTRATION FORM
Name (as it appears on your passport):……………………………………………………………
Gender:……………………………
Address:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........
......................................................................................................................
Email:…………………………………………………………………
Telephone #:…………………………………………………… ..
Date of Birth:…………………………………………
Nationality:………………………………………………………………………
Passport Number:…………………………………….
Place of issue:……………………………………………………………………
Date of Issue:……………………………………………
Date of Expiry:………………………………………….....................................
I AM REGISTERING FOR COST PAY BY DATE
09-day LBDFI - Dharma Journey
December 10 to December 18, 2023
US$ 3000* (**$1000 single room supplement) September 1, 2023
BANGKOK for four nights and four days.
05-day LBDFI - Dharma Journey
December 18 to December 22, 2023
US$1500* (**$550 single room supplement) September 1, 2023
** forced single room supplement (in case we are not able to room you with anyone
else) will be 60% of the single supplement)
US$ 500 has to be paid to register for any of the journeys. The remaining amount
and optional extras have to be paid before the "pay by date"
Payment Options:
1. Credit card online payment via our website (please add 3% service charge)
www.lbdfi.org
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2. Bank Wire Instructions: International wires
Swift code: MEBKUS66
Bank Name: Mechanics Bank
Bank account: 41183754
Beneficiary Account name: Light of Buddhadharma
Routing: 121102036
3. Cheque/banker's draft payable to ‘LBDFI.’ (please add $35 bank charges). Send via
registered post to
‘LBDFI 2222 Harold Way Berkeley CA 94704
Enlightened Journey: Waking Up
Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International
2222 Harold Way Berkeley CA 94704
www.lbdfi.org
I understand and agree to all the terms and conditions as detailed in www.lbdfi.org
Signature:………………………………………………………….. Date
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