This year we embark on our third Pilgrimage of Hope to Nepal. The focus of the Pilgrimage is service to marginalised children. Pilgrims will gain an appreciation of the Nepalese culture and spirituality, especially with regard to Buddhism. We want the Pilgrims to understand the conditions in which people live and the issues they face so that, in considering their needs, they come to know themselves better. It is our hope that the Pilgrims will gain much from reflecting upon this ‘experience of a lifetime’.

(Please click on the images for a larger view)

Brother James believes that there is “a great yearning on the part of young people for a spiritual experience that is sustaining. Something they can feel and that will draw from them some commitment. They want to make a connection between those three ancient aspects of meaningful life: faith, hope and love.”

In making this Pilgrimage we are making a profoundly respectful journey into Buddhism, one of the truly great religions of the world.

In Nepal, religion is not just a set of beliefs and accompanying rituals handed down from generation to generation; rather it is a complex intermingling of traditions, festivals, faiths and doctrines that have permeated every strata of Nepalese society in such a way as to become the very heartbeat of the nation. Religious tolerance and harmony such as is found in Nepal, is perhaps a unique example to the world.

Pilgrimage Team

The Pilgrimage will depart Perth for Kathmandu on Saturday 25 September 2010, returning on Tuesday 12th October. A detailed itinerary will be issued to all participants prior to departure.
We are still negotiating the best possible cost, which is expected to be approximately $4500 and includes:

• All airfares, taxes, transfers and bus fares
• Travel insurance and medical insurance
• Most tourist and sightseeing activities including time at the famous ‘White Monastery’ in Boudha and an overnight stay at a Buddhist Monastery 
• Professional Guides during all sightseeing and tourist activities
• All accommodation and meals in Nepal
• Nine days of service at a wide variety of placements
• Insight into Buddhist philosophy and teachings
• Official group uniform (including three long-sleeve shirts and Pilgrimage badge)
• A book on Nepal10 PIlgrimage. This will be a high quality hardback book with a removable dust jacket. It will contain blog entries, the final reflections from all of the pilgrims as well as a selection of pictures and imagery from the pilgrimage
• DVD record of Pilgrimage

Additional expenses to be met by individuals:

• Travel visa $75.00 (each school will coordinate the purchase of visas)
• Vaccinations (to be arranged by you through your family doctor)

Places are limited to 55 participants and support staff. Students from Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2010 are invited to apply. As a result of a request from parents of past pilgrims, there are a number of places on the 2010 Nepal Pilgrimage for adults. Applications are welcome from all parents associated with the School (CCGS and St Hildas) and with the Parish of Christ Church Claremont. Please complete the application form and return to your school contact person as soon as possible.

The team will be announced beginning of Term 2, 2010. A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 per Pilgrim will then be paid, with the balance to be paid by the end of term 2 2010.

Support Staff

The co-ordinating team (including a counsellor and medic) will send out regular updates to each school, pilgrims and parents. On arrival in Kathmandu, the Pilgrimage will commence with a comprehensive orientation program and include team building. There will be a welcome from the Australian Ambassador to Nepal and a reception at the Australian Embassy followed by an authentic Nepalese welcome from the parents of one of our Nepalese Cultural and Service Advisors, Jotik Napit.

Levy

Each school involved with Pilgrimage of Hope is asked to contribute to or fund raise a levy that will cover costs associated with the professional support staff. The levy for 2010 is $250.00 per Pilgrim (Adult Pilgrims will pay own levy).

Attitude

While we consider it an honour to be included on the Pilgrimage it is also important that is not just for the privileged few. It is appropriate that there be an element of sacrifice involved in the preparation. This means Pilgrims may go without in the 12 months leading up to departure. E.g. Instead of receiving birthday and Christmas presents, their value may be directed towards the pilgrimage expenses.