Description
“Everything that is manifested is Shakti, Divine Mother. God is the only male energy. The union of these two energies makes the fullness and this fullness happens through the practice of your sadhana, Atma Kriya Yoga.” — Paramahamsa Vishwananda
Under the guidance of Swamini Dakshini and Brahmacharini Tusti this retreat seamlessly integrates Atma Kriya Yoga (for beginners and experienced Atma Kriya yogis), Sri Yantra painting, and meditation. Perfect for beginners, or for experienced Atma Kriya yogis or Sri Yantra painters.
The retreat will be held on the beautiful island of Ikaria, Greece, which lies in the Aegean Sea. Ikaria is a big island with high mountains and fruitful river valleys, and we will stay in the small village Nas. The village sits at the estuary mouth of the holy river, Chalaris (‘the one who carries everything away’), that leads to the ocean, and nearby are the ancient stones of the famous sanctuary of the goddess Artemis. From our location, we will have a wonderful view of this temple, the river, and the ocean. Nas is quiet and peaceful, and we’ll enjoy living in and with the nature. In fact, the island is one of the ‘blue zones’ of the world, where many people live much longer in a very relaxed, cooperative, and socially minded community.
These special surroundings of the retreat will make it easy to leave our day-to-day lives behind as we dive deeply into the spiritual practices of Bhakti Marga given by Paramahamsa Vishwananda. The deep spiritual wisdom of the Vaishnava philosophy, the practical exercises, and the meditations will allow us to reflect about our true Self and existence. Time spent like this inspires new, positive thoughts and insights which lead to healthy habits that continue far beyond the retreat itself.
In the painting segment, we will be introduced to the mysteries of the Sri Yantra, one of the oldest and most powerful of the Yantras (holy geometric charts). A yantra is an energetic instrument for our spiritual advancement. It is the most sacred geometry known to mankind. Sri Yantra has a profound effect on the person who paints or meditates on it. It is based on nine layers and each level has its own structure and secret wisdom hidden. The Sri Yantra gives us a path to the Divine within.
For the meditation aspect, we will dive into Atma Kriya Yoga, which leads to the awareness of our true divine nature and our inner source of pure love and happiness, which always remains independent of external circumstances. Plus, the association with like-minded people will create an inspiring, enriching atmosphere for it all.
Each day will begin with the option to practice Babaji Surya Namaskar. Additionally, you can participate in an abishekam – a devotional, ritualistic ceremony to invite the Divine. The timing for this will remain flexible, depending on the schedule and also the weather and temperature that day. After breakfast, the workshops of either Atma Kriya Yoga or Sri Yantra will begin and some parts of the program will be practiced on the foundations of the Artemis temple, in nature, or on the beach. We’ll enjoy vegan or vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and free time, too. The day will conclude with special talks, practice of Atma Kriya Yoga, or OM Chanting in the evening.
As a special treat, we will embark on three excursions:
One will take us to a natural radon-mineral spring that flows directly into the ocean – an incredibly rejuvenating place to swim. We will also visit a serene monastery nestled in the mountains, complete with a tranquil chapel. One afternoon, we’ll head to a stunning sandy beach near Arministes, where we will practice ‘Om Chanting’ before sunset. Each day promises to be truly rich and fulfilling!
Details
Event dates: August 30 to September 6, 2025
Applications close: June 1, 2025 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent: June 3, 2025
Full payment is due: June 16, 2025
Teacher
Swamini Dakshini
“For a long time, it has been a desire of mine to bring more people’s awareness to the symmetry between Atma Kriya Yoga and the Sri Yantra as taught by Paramahamsa Vishwananda.
Many obvious and hidden connections between these two ancient practices can be experienced through the right knowledge and dedicated practise, where the focus is not on these spiritual tools themselves, but on the love and joy in practising them, both inside through meditation, and outside through painting.” – Swamini Dakshini
Swamini Dakshini’s journey with Paramahamsa Vishwananda began in 2000, a meeting that deeply touched her heart and changed her life. In 2023 she was initated as a Swamini. She oversees the art studio at Shree Peetha Nilaya and gives devotional art trainings around the world.
In 2007 she attended Paramahamsa Vishwananda’s first Atma Kriya Yoga course, which became a rich source of growth and transformation in her spiritual journey. As an Atma Kriya Yoga teacher, she lovingly shares these powerful techniques to help others nurture their relationship with God through love and devotion.
With a background in art therapy and under the guidance of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, Swamini Dakshini has created heartfelt courses and teacher trainings in devotional art and painting meditation, inspiring people from all walks of life. Through her teaching and service, she continues to light the way for others to embrace creativity and devotion, helping them to find joy, love, and meaning in their lives.
Tusti
“Paramahamsa Vishwananda says: ‘The greatest gift which God has given: that’s life itself’. He invites us to celebrate life by connecting with our soul and experiencing our true nature. I wish full-heartedly that this retreat supports each participant to discover their inner pure love and enjoy being themselves.” – Tusti
Paramahamsa Vishwananda provides what Tusti has sought her whole life: a joyful path to the Divine. Since 2006, she has been initiated as a Brahmacharini and, since 2009, resides in the Bhakti Marga Ashram, Shree Peetha Nilaya, in Germany. Atma Kriya Yoga practice opens one’s heart, allowing inner light and joy to shine. Endowed with the blessing to teach Atma Kriya Yoga, Bhagavad Gita, Sri Yantra, and Rituals, she combines the essence of these practices in a lively, clear, and inspiring manner.
For Tusti, supporting, inspiring, and caring for participants are not just words. Since 2009, her greatest joy has been sharing the spiritual gifts of Paramahamsa Vishwananda. Her wish is for everyone to discover and relish their unique, personal relationship with God.
Sathyaa
Retreat organization.
“The idea for the Ikarian Atma Kriya Yoga and Sri Yantra Retreat emerged when I visited Ikaria May 2023. I have a deep love for Atma Kriya Yoga and a profound connection with the Sri Yantra. From my perspective, there is no better place in the world to feel in harmony with the divine Mother Nature than Nas on the beautiful island of Ikaria. Here we go – let’s have a wonderful retreat 2025 like the amazing retreat 2024!” – Sathyaa
Included in the price
- 7 nights stay (single/double occupancy) in Artemis Studio
- Seminar facilitation by Swamini Dakshini and Tusti
- Daily vegetarian/vegan meals and water (first day only dinner, last day only breakfast included)
- Transportation for excursions
- A full range of sangha activities
Not included in the price
- Transportation to and from Ikaria, Greece
- Transportation to and from the port of entry to the seminar location
- Beverages
- Tips
- Insurances (see below for details)
Registration procedure
Please submit your application via the link above.- Before booking, please confirm that you are able to travel to Greece.
- Please only register for this event if you are able to pay the full fee of € 970/1.090/1.230/1.370 by 16 June 2025.
- Applications will be reviewed after the registration closing date on 1 June 2025.
- You will be notified of the status of your application via email latest by 3 June 2025.
- If your application is accepted, you will receive payment instructions via email.
- Full payment must be received by 16 June 2025 in order to secure your place. If full payment has not been received, we reserve the right to offer your place to someone else from the waiting list.
- You will receive further instructions about location and what to bring after your full payment has been processed.
Health & Safety
All travellers are responsible for their own health and safety during this retreat.
- You must be in good physical and mental health.
- This retreat is not appropriate for physically impaired, disabled, or pregnant travellers.
- Travel health care and accident insurance.
- Travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
Program
- Babaji Surya Namaskar and Atma Kriya Yoga practice every morning
- Daily abhishekam with manifested murti from Guruji and our personal deities
- Atma Kriya Yoga course for beginners and refresher
- Sri Yantra Painting Meditation in-depth and Sri Yantra Meditation
- In the afternoon and evening quality time in community with Satsang with Swamini Dakshini, OM Chanting, excursions, experience sharing, singing, chanting and more
Participants
The teachings will be presented in a way that is accessible and applicable to participants of all backgrounds and experience levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for personal growth and transformation.
Swamini Dakshini and Tusti will take time for each participant, listening to their personal situations and needs. Drawing from their years of experiences on the path with Guruji has enabled both of them to find the right story, example, activity or verse from scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita to encourage and inspire each participant individually.
Join like-minded individuals who are committed to deepening their spiritual practice and creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.
You will have the opportunity to connect with others as well as have a peaceful time for yourself, share experiences, build relationships, experience the incredibly beautiful surrounding of Ikaria and much more.
Location & Accommodation
Nas is a special place on the northwestern coast of the Island of Ikaria with invaluable natural beauty. Despite its small size, the visitor can walk and explore the trails, discover unique local herbs growing on the island, swim in the turquoise waters of the beach of Nas and stroll in the archaeological site of Tavropolos Artemis, which is an ancient site of worship to the goddess Artemis.
Walking on the stone path leading to the beach you can enjoy the Chalaris’ canyon and the estuary leading to the sea. Chalaris’ canyon is a rich ecosystem with many rare species of flora and fauna.
We will stay at Artemis studio in the village Nas. Artemis studio includes a restaurant and cafe, a potter studio and it has a yoga roof with sun protection. The accommodation is simple, clean and beautiful with inner courtyards and balconies with view over the ancient Artemis temple, river valley and the sea.
Most of the rooms have a small kitchen. In all studios there is a bathroom included. (Please note: rooms are on different sides of the building, not all rooms will have a balcony or view to the sea. We will allocate the studios in the order of the booking. The participants who register first, will get the rooms with sea view). Washing machines for all guests are available. We will enjoy our meals in the Artemis restaurant and there is enough space for our morning practice on the yoga-roof. The Artemis restaurant provides vegetarian and vegan food.
For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch
