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). 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.
Every day will begin with the option to practice Babaji Surya Namaskar and to take part in an abishekam (a devotional, ritualistic ceremony to invite the Divine). After that, 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 an extra treat, we will go on two excursions. One will lead us to a natural, radon-mineral spring which flows directly into the ocean (which is very healthy to swim in). We will also visit an ecovillage nearby and get a personal guided tour of it. Every day will truly be a rich and fulfilling one!
Details
Event dates: May 25 to June 1, 2024
Applications close: March 25, 2024 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent: April 2, 2024
Full payment is due: April 16, 2024
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 first encountered Paramahamsa Vishwananda in 2000. She took the initiation as a Brahmacharini in 2005 and, in October 2023, received the title of Swamini, overseeing the Art Studio at Shree Peetha Nilaya and Devotional Arts (fine art) internationally.
Directly guided by Paramahamsa Vishwananda, Swamini Dakshini enhanced her academic background in Art Therapy. This forms the basis for the Devotional Arts courses and teacher training in Painting Meditation, extending its influence to students worldwide.
In her role, she blends creativity, knowledge, and a grounded approach, inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds to progress on their devotional paths.
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 during my last visit to Ikaria. 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 in 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
- 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 € 770/880/1030/1140 by 16 April 2024
- After you register, your Terms & Conditions application will be reviewed for final selection of participants. (See below for further details)
- You will be notified of the status of your application via email
- If you are accepted into the retreat, you will receive an e-mail with payment instructions
- Your space can only be confirmed after we receive the full payment of € 770/870/1030/1140
- Full payment is due no later than 16 April 2024
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 due to Covid)
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. (Please note: rooms are different, not all rooms will have a balcony or view to the sea). And there are washing machines for all guests. We will enjoy our meals in the Artemis restaurant and there is enough space for our morning practice on the yoga-roof or indoors. The Artemis restaurant provides vegetarian and vegan food.
For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch
