International Leadership: India

Shambala teacher Joseph Mauricio shares his knowledge about Tibetan Buddhism with the group

Yesterday our group met for several hours at New York's Shambala Center for a special introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and different meditation practices (both sitting and walking mediation).

Peter, Ashley, and Taccara will be sharing their impressions about the experience here on the blog.

We all enjoyed the very warm welcome the Shambala Center gave us and the engaging, experiential introduction to this fascinating practice used to cultivate mental stability, clarity, and unconditional self-confidence.

Posted by Global LAB at 12:25 PM | Permalink

The International Leadership Program to India is right around the corner. Here is some important Passport and Visa information to assist you in preparing your documents. Please read this information carefully as there are some deadlines to note. And, as always, be in touch if you have any questions.

PASSPORT
If Have Your Passport: Please email a scanned copy of your passport in PDF to John by May 21st. We need this information in order to confirm your airline flight.

If You Do Not Have Your Passport: Please apply for one NOW. Processing time is currently 4-6 weeks. For more information on how to obtain a passport visit the Department of State’s Website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. You can also apply for a passport at any US Post Office: http://www.usps.com/passport.

VISA
In order to go to India, you will need to obtain a tourist visa. Travisa Outsourcing is the company that handles India’s visa applications. Their website provides all of the information you will need to know about applying for this visa. Please read through it carefully: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com. Also, please look at the requirements needed to obtain a visa: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/guidelines?id=1.

When applying for your visa, remember the following:

- You are applying for a TOURIST visa not a student visa.

- Complete the online India Visa Application

- Make sure that your Passport is valid for six months from the date of the application and has least two blank visa pages.

- Take 2 identical passport size photographs. No glasses are allowed to be worn.

- Minor applicants must have have a copy of the vital page(s) containing the picture and signature page of both parents signed passports.

- Submit a photocopy with proof of residence/address that matches the present address on the visa application exactly.

- Present a photocopy of the birth certificate or any government issued document that shows parents name, date of birth and nationality. Depending on your nationality at birth, these are the documents that are accepted. For US Born citizens, a birth certificate is needed. For others, please see the visa requirements: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/guidelines?id=1

- Processing Time: You can either apply for your visa in person or by mail. If you apply in person it will take about one day to process your visa and if you apply by mail it will take about five days.

Remember, Travisa Outsourcing is the company that handles India’s visa applications. Their website provides all of the information you will need to know about applying for this visa. Please read through it carefully: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com.

Posted by Deborah at 10:43 PM | Permalink

The Core Travel Insurance Program: Global LAB provides the basic level of insurance for all of our program participants. Attached is a document that will provide you with information on the insurance program. If you would like to upgrade to another level of coverage, please email Core directly.

Download Global LAB's Core Travel Insurance Program FAQs here.

Posted by Deborah at 3:03 AM | Permalink

Peter, Taccara, and Ashley at the Shambhala Center

Ashley D:
The moment I walked in the room, I knew we were going to learn about the significance of meditation. Being that I was never introduced to this, I was excited to finally understand, why meditation is so important in the Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Mediation is not only a way of releasing stress, but it is also a way of life and self-cleansing from the outer world. I did enjoy the meditation session, however, I am not use to the sitting position, it was very difficult for me to adapt to it. But to me the harder the challenge, the better the experience.

Taccara R.
When I found out, we were going to learn about meditation I was excited. I always wanted to understand why people did it and what is did for them. I learned that meditation is a part of the Buddhist culture but you do not have to be Buddhist to meditate. It is a way to clear your mind and let yourself be free of whatever is bothering you. Sometimes it might even make you want to think less about yourself and more about others. The cushions they gave us were comfortable but the sitting position will take some getting used to. There was also walking meditation was interesting because it made sure you thought about everything but you mind always went back to focusing on your feet. Meditation may not be for all but for those who do it, it does bring good to your day.

Peter B.
I was excited about this orientation because we were going to learn a little bit more about India and some of its history. We learned about Buddhism and we learned about meditation and the values that it may carry. For example, when you meditate your life get better and more relaxing. I enjoyed the meditating session and left out that room with another understanding of what India is like.

Posted by Deborah at 4:28 PM | Permalink