It is rare to find someone who has not only academic knowledge and an engaging and humorous delivery but spiritual depth as well. We are fortunate to have such a person in our cultural director.

Academic expertise:
Alistair has been travelling to India and studying its cultures for more than 25 years. He has lectured regularly for many prestigious institutions, including the British Museum, School of Oriental and African studies at London University, the Prince of Wales School of Architecture and the auction houses Sotheby's and Christies.

Engaging delivery:
He also has long and wide experience of the interests of visitors to India, whether they are encountering it for the first time or returning to deepen their understanding. For many years he was the principal lecturer for Swan Hellenic Art Treasure Tours throughout south and south-east Asia, and he has run regular tours of India with his own company since 1990. Over the years, he has gained a reputation as one of the very few people who can communicate the sub-continent's fascinating complexities in an entertaining and accessible way

Spiritual depth:
Alistair is also a greatly experienced teacher of meditation. Instruction in this simple, effortless and natural procedure is available to our guests who stay for at least a week with us. His translations of Sanskrit spiritual classics are renowned. His understanding and communication of the sacred principles that underlie human life and culture have earned him a wide reputation as a teacher of the perennial spiritual wisdom in a way that speaks to all of us today.

Books by Alistair Shearer