INFOPACK ~ 2017 ALTO PARAISO SEASON WITH SRI PREM BABA ~ 2017 Alto Paraíso Season with Sri Prem Baba will be held from May 24th to July 9th.

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1 INFOPACK ~ 2017 ALTO PARAISO SEASON WITH SRI PREM BABA ~ Dear friends, 2017 Alto Paraíso Season with Sri Prem Baba will be held from May 24th to July 9th. During this period we will have the opportunity to experience the Ashram routine while receiving the blessings and love of Sri Prem Baba within this field of prayer. In order to better utilize the field of peace and prayer that we will create together, it is best for you to leave behind your obligations as well as anything pending in your daily life. Please, read the information in this infopack with attention, as they represent the first step in the direction of a joyful and harmonious journey in this beautiful place, Chapada dos Veadeiros. Contents 1. Reception/Welcome Center Hours of arrival and departure from the camp 2. Housing 3. Location and Transportation How to get to Novo Portal de Chapada; Transportation options; 4. Climate Cold; 5. Health 6. Sustainability Dry trash and organic waste; Harmony and organization within the camp; 7. What to Bring 8. Children in the Camp

2 9. Tips and Others Important Information Meals, restaurant and water Bistro and common space Wi-fi and mobile phone service Security Dress code Schedule Practice of voluntary service (seva) 1. WELCOME CENTER Upon arriving at the camp, you will be greeted at reception (Welcome Center) by volunteers that will help you get settled and give you all the necessary information regarding your stay. Please bring your registration and payment receipt (either printed or in an electronic version on your phone). Hours of arrival and departure from the camp: Check-in is from 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM If you arrive before 2:30, you can leave your luggage at the Welcome Center until your accommodation is ready. We ask that you plan to arrive during the day, as check-in time ends at 6:30. If you arrive in Brasília at the end of the day or at night, we ask that you stay overnight in Brasília and leave in the morning. Check-out is from 9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON Kindly be finished with your bed and bedding by 12:00 noon so that we can prepare it to receive other participants. You can leave your luggage at the Welcome Center through lunch. For more information, contact altoparaiso@sriprembaba.org 2. HOUSING The cabins are simple and well constructed. They accommodate 4-6 people, who will also share an attached bathroom. You will have a bed, a set of sheets, a blanket and a pillow. The group tents are shared between four people and the communal bathrooms are shared between everyone in the camping area. You will have a bed, a set of sheets, a blanket and a pillow.

3 If you choose to say in your own tent, please remember to bring everything you need in terms of bedding: camping mattress, blankets, sheets, pillow, sleeping bag and warm hat. VERY IMPORTANT: Please bring a sleeping bag, an extra blanket and a hat, as the temperature falls significantly on winter nights. Please bring your own towels, both for showering and for the pools/waterfall. Throughout the season, people staying in the group tents and cabins will be grouped according to gender. Parents, children and friends can stay together, depending on availability upon arrival whenever it is possible, accommodating everyone who has registered. We cannot make this kind of reservation ahead of time. Thank you for your understanding. Attention: We ask that you don t switch between tents on your own. If you need to move, please talk to the Welcome Center team. 3. LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION Ashram Alto Paraíso de Goiás We are located approximately 3 hours by car from Brasília Address: Rodovia GO 239, km 09 Estrada para São Jorge Alto Paraíso de Goiás GO Brasil Phone: (+55-62) altoparaiso@prembaba.org Google map Site:

4 Distance: Brasilia Airport - Novo Portal da Chapada (Alto Paraíso GO): approximately 248 km; Alto Paraíso - Novo Portal da Chapada: 8.7 km on the road to São Jorge; * The Posto Flamingo is a great option for stopping on the road between Brasília and Novo Portal. It is approximately 30 minutes from the airport and it has various options for food (Subway, acai, wraps, etc.), as well as a pharmacy. HOW TO GET THERE You should fly to Brasília and then get a car or bus to Alto Paraíso. It is best to travel in a group. *For international flights, we recommend leaving the ashram at least 6 hours in advance. BUS The Real Expresso Company offers a special service for the participants of the Season. You can book your bus tickets on the following dates: Departing at 11am from Brasilia airport to the Ashram in Alto Paraíso: May days: June days: July day: 02 Departing at 2:30pm from the Ashram in Alto Paraíso to Brasilia airport (estimated time at Brasilia airport around 6pm / 6:30pm): May day: 28 June days: July days: 02 09

5 The bus price is R$ 70,00 one way, and the trips will only be possible with a minimum of 25 passengers. If you are interested in this transport service, please contact directly Real Expresso for booking or buying. Real Expresso (61) (61) promotor.bsb@realexpresso.com.br For other dates, the Real Expresso Company offers buses leaving the interstate bus station of Brasilia. The bus station is approximately 10 km from the airport, and a taxi between the two, averages about R$30,00. Departing Brasília Interstate Bus Station (Rodoviária Interestadual) to Alto Paraíso Bus Station Daily at 10:00 am and 9:00 pm Price R$ 46,28 Departing Alto Paraíso Bus Station to Brasília Interstate Bus Station (Rodoviária Insterestadual) Daily at 4:30 am (dawn) and 3:45 pm Price R$ 46,28 We recommend booking early. RENTING A CAR Renting a car with friends is another option. We suggest this site, which gives prices for a variety of car rental companies: 4. CLIMATE

6 The Autumn and Winter seasons in Alto Paraíso offer sunny days with blue skies. During the day the temperature is quite pleasant and can be up to 26 C (79 F). However, the cold nights and early mornings can get as low as 5 C (41 F). IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BRING A SLEEPING BAG, AN EXTRA BLANKET AND A WARM HAT. Expect the weather to be dry and cold. By May, the flower season will have begun and the countryside will be full of colors. You can find weather predictions here: Climatempo 5. HEALTH Instructions for your health In order to facilitate your season at the Ashram in Alto Paraíso, the health team has developed a list of instructions. We will do everything we can to have doctors and nurses on hand. If you are a doctor or a health professional and you would like to participate in this voluntary service (seva), please contact: saude@novoportaldachapada.com.br It is very important that everyone have health insurance throughout their travels, as well as their own first aid kit (see below for suggestions). Every participant assumes the responsibility for her/his own health and for asking for help from the sangha doctors when necessary. A message from the Health Team: The focus of your health work should be to strengthen the body s immunity as much as possible, keeping it strong and resistant to illnesses, thereby making your journey of selfinvestigation more enjoyable. Natural and allopatics medications We recommend that you initially try natural approaches. If your symptoms persist, find a doctor in the camp. In Brazil:

7 Homeopathic health kit: Phone: (16) Please bring a First Aid basic kit such as: Rehydration salts (for diarrhea) Hand Sanitizer (alcohol gel) Insect Repellent Cold medications, such as infludoron, infludo tropfen, oscillococcinum Traumeel S for pain and inflammation Probiotics Rescue Remedy Cold Weather At night it is very cold, in addition to the sleep bag and very warm clothes, do not forget to bring anti-flu medications (basic first aid kit). Yellow Fever Participants will need to be immunized against Yellow fever at least 15 days before traveling. The area of the Chapada dos Veadeiros is in an endemic zone of Yellow fever. The vaccination is highly recommended for all residents and travelers over 9 years old. The vaccination will become effective within 10 days and will remain effective for 10 years. Medical and Hospital Care There will be a team of health professionals such as doctors and nurses to help you with emergencies. Please be aware that this is a seva team and will also be doing their own work and spiritual practices. Some situations that cannot be resolved onsite by the team will be taken to the regional hospital in Alto Paraíso. Depending on need, patients may be transferred to the public hospitals in other cities in Goiás or Brasilia. Foreigners with travel insurance can receive care in private hospitals that are out of the public system. Insects In this part of the year, there are a great number of ticks and other bugs that can infest participants who go on walks in the forest or trails. We suggest that you bring Tingui soap that is plant-based. For environmental reasons, please do not bring or use chemical soaps like Sulfiram (Tetmosol) or Benzyl benzoate.

8 6. SUSTAINABILITY Dry Trash and Organic Waste We send approximately 70% of dry trash to recycling, and 100% of organic waste materials are composted for use in our gardens. Throughout the season, it is our responsibility to guarantee that these figures stay stable. Please separate your waste with attention (dry trash and organic waste). Avoid bringing packaging that cannot be recycled. We count on your collaboration. The recycling center is available to instruct you about all of this. There are many recycling stations. Find the closest one and contribute by separating your own items. Harmony and organization in the camp The cleanliness of the camp is based on volunteer service and will depend on our own dedication. We will be in a community space. Please be attentive and enter into the current of kindness, leaving all spaces as clean as you would like to find them. Care for this space as you would your own, with love and self-responsibility. In the cabins and the group tents: take care to clean and organize the space. Upon check-out, remember to leave everything organized and clean for the next person who will arrive.

9 In the common areas: please keep your things with you. We are not responsible for lost items. Take all of your trash/recyclables to the recycling station. Kindly keep the dishes and silverware in the restaurant area and use the washing station to wash them. Please avoid bringing silverware with you so that the restaurant has enough utensils to serve people. In the Satsang hall: please be careful to bring only what is necessary into the Satsang hall so that we have space for everyone. At the end of Satsang, take everything that is yours, including trash. In the bathrooms: As you take care of your hygiene and health, please also clean up after yourself. Use the system of separating trash and put your items in the right place. As you shower, please be careful to conserve water. Please do not spend more time that is necessary while showering to avoid wasting water. Please clean your hair from the drain, and any other mess you may have made, from the shower when you leave. Be sure that you turn the tap off firmly, and tell the Welcome Center if you see any leaks. Dry the floor with the squeegee and take all of your belongings with you. In the gardens: Please do not pick the flowers. Enjoy the beauty and respect the garden volunteers by leaving the flowers alive and allowing them to continue to bring joy to your day. If you would like to present flowers to Sri Prem Baba, ask the Green Team for information on how to do so. Laundry: We have set up a community laundry area in the camping bathroom with tanks for you to wash your own clothes. You will find a volunteer-run laundry service in the Welcome Center where you can pay to have most items washed. Please only use ecological products such as coconut-based soaps. 7. WHAT TO BRING Please just bring one bag (backpack or suitcase). Avoid bringing valuable items. Simplicity is best! Suggested Packing List: Reusable water bottle. This is the MOST USEFUL ITEM! It is an easy way for us to minimize our garbage and avoid the consumption of plastic bottles; Backpack; Flashlight or Headlamp; Face and bath towel;

10 Sleeping bag it s very importante that you bring this, as it will be winter; Raincoat; Warm jacket; Warm hat and scarf; Warm clothes for the night and lighter clothes for the daytime; Closed shoes or tennis shoes; Sandals/flip-flops; Warm socks; Long underwear/long johns; Underwear; Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, face cream, body lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner whenever possible, please bring biodegradable or ecological products; Hairbrush or comb; Sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, and insect repellant; Sunglasses; Medical kit (see Health section for a full list); Feminine hygiene items (if possible, bring ecological items!); Alcohol gel/hand sanitizer; Eco-friendly soap to wash your clothes; Padlock to secure valuable items in your bags; Your favorite meditation chair or cushion; Eye mask (for sleeping); Copy of your passport or Brazilian driver s license; Yoga mat; Hand mirror; Bathing suit to use at the pool or waterfall!

11 THINK GREEN! Give preference to biodegradable products and soaps, recyclable packaging and recycled items. Awareness of sustainability is a priority in our camp and this factor is considered in all decisions. We would like for all of the sangha to adopt this type of thinking. Please DO NOT bring (if you need the items below, they solely your responsibility): Computers, ipads, smart phones (whenever possible); Expensive and/or irreplaceable items; Unnecessary items please bring only what is necessary; High-voltage appliances or devices, such as hairdryers, irons, etc. These items carry high risk off fire through breaking the electrical circuits; Large and/or heavy bags; Jewelry. 8. CHILDREN IN THE CAMP Children are most welcome in the camp! Parents must be responsible for them at all time, especially in the areas around the pool and the waterfall.

12 The satsang and other meditative activities require a space of absolute silence. Only babies-inarms and children over 10 years old who are properly monitored and who can stay in silence may be in the hall. All other children can participate in the activities offered at the Toucan House or stay in the company of their parents on the grounds. Parents and other volunteers are invited to voluntary service (seva), caring for and monitoring the children in the Toucan House. The CASA DOS TUCANOS is a space dedicated to care for children while their parents participate in the satsang, in a welcoming environment with daily activities: toys, art projects, music, bodily expression, cooking. It will be open twice daily: from 9-1am AND from 3:30-7:30 pm. The price of participation is R$ 15 per period, which can be paid directly to the children s coordinator. For more information and registration, contact criancas@novoportaldachapada.com Children up to 11 years old must be accompanied by, and are entirely the responsibility of, at least one of their parents during their stay. Participants from years old can stay in camp housing without their parents, but their parents must authorize another adult to be responsible for them. This authorization can be submitted to the Welcome Center, where it will be confirmed by the event organization team. Important: Avoid allowing your children to wander around without an adult and/or without identification; We are happy to accept donations of children s toys (including pool toys), games, and books. 9. TIPS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION Meals, restaurant and water There will be delicious vegetarian food (with vegan options), but you may want to consider bringing supplements with you which are important for your well-being. We cannot make exceptions for any special diets. Thank you for your understanding. The Ashram restaurant is reserved for those who want to take their meals in silence. You will find tables in chairs in the shady area surrounding the restaurant where you are welcome eat your meals with your friends while enjoying good conversation. Water filters are available with potable water for all participants. Please help us keep the filters clean, keep your water bottle clean, and drink plenty of water during your stay! Bistro and community spaces Vegetarian and vegan snacks, juices, açaí and other treats will be available at the Bistro OM, next to the pool, from 12:00-6:00 every day.

13 The São Bento waterfall is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Alto Paraíso de Goiás and you are free to access it from the Ashram grounds. Another beautiful point to visit is the elevated green trail where you will be surrounded by stunning local flora. Wi-Fi and Mobile Phone Service We are able to offer a minimal Wi-Fi service from 2pm to 5pm. Please be aware that there is often a low signal strength and a slow connection speed. We are in a rural area and even the mobile phone signal is poor and unstable. If you need to connect, you will be able to find Wi-Fi points in the city of Alto Paraíso, which is 9km away. We ask that you please not watch or download videos from youtube, facebook or whatsapp, and that you generally minimize your use of social media as much as possible. Security All participants assume responsibility regarding the loss or damage of their belongings and personal valuables during their stay at the camp. Please do not bring valuable items, as we are not responsible for them and we don t have any way to lock them up. Dress Code The purpose of a dress code is to cultivate an atmosphere of friendship and respect among people from different cultures. We intend for a camp dress code that is as close as possible as the one we would use in a traditional Vedic ashram. We will have guests coming from India. Of course, we will be flexible and tolerant since we are in Brazil. It may be hot and you are welcome to wear a swimsuit at the pools and waterfalls, but please do not walk around camp in your swimsuit.

14 *The illustration above is a reference for dress code we follow in India Schedule The activities that will take place during the season: Satsang with Sri Prem Baba; Yoga classes; Periods of silence and meditation; Vedic ceremonies; Kirtans and Bhajans (the singing of mantras); Volunteer service; Waterfall and swimming pool Walks on the green trail ;

15 Practice of Volunteer Service (seva) Every participant will be included in the daily practice of volunteer service (seva). Upon arrival at the camp, please visit the Seva Desk, located at the Welcome Center, where you will sign up for your daily seva practice and meet your team. Seva is a way of putting love and meditation into motion through our skills, gifts and talents. This is a cornerstone of the teachings of the Sachcha lineage. It is a powerful spiritual practice that deepens our connection with the Guru, the Sachcha Mission, and the Sangha. Everyone can contribute to the organization of our fourth season in Brazil and help with the daily tasks around the camp. If you have specific gifts and talents that can help, or if your internal Hanuman is excited to participated in any activity, please contact: construtores@novoportaldachapada.com.br Here are some of the teams that we are putting together for the season: Kitchen; Welcome Center; Maintenance; Harmonization and organization of the camp; Casa do Tucano (activities for children and adolescents); Toilets/Bathrooms; Satsang Hall and other events; Medical Team; Firefighting team; and more...

16 JOY! Seva Team 2017 Alto Paraiso Season PHONE NUMBER FOR EMERGENCIES DURING THE SEASON (+55 62) (We prefer to communicate by as the phone lines are unstable: