Spiritual Painting for Women

September 8 - September 15, 2024

1,0501,250

Sangha with Swamini Drishti & Niraja Dasi

“It is very touching for me to spend time with a group of remarkable women from different backgrounds. When women come together, focusing on God and Guru, we can experience a relaxed flow, effortlessly turning every moment of the day into a prayer infused with the presence of the divine. I feel so much at home and welcomed in this picturesque location on Zakynthos island. Spending time in such a scenic natural surrounding feels very blessed, making it easy to dive into the spiritual painting process.” – Swamini Drishti

The idea for this retreat originated during Swamini Drishti’s stay in Mauritius in winter 2023 when she visited Niraja Dasi’s accommodation. On the terrace, she noticed a large canvas prepared for painting, which was intended to serve as a background for Guruji during Shivaratri.

Niraja Dasi’s unique style of painting resonated with Swamini Drishti, and she asked: ‘How can I learn to paint like this?’ and the answer from Niraja Dasi was: ‘I can teach you!’… and the idea of this retreat was born!

We have three retreats back to back in Zakynthos:
The week after this retreat: “Don’t worry be happy” Retreat – the conclusive teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
And one week later: Five Elements Retreat – Island of Zakynthos, Greece

Please read carefully the description and information before booking your spot ↓

Description

“With their minds focused on Me and their lives centred upon Me, they inspire one another. By always speaking of My glory, they derive bliss and contentment.”Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10 Verse 9

Embark on a soulful journey as you start your day with a revitalizing meditation or an invigorating AKY session.

In the evening, prepare to be enriched by the profound wisdom of satsang led by Swamini Drishti with different guests. Her captivating stories and deep insights will illuminate your path, fostering a greater connection with spirituality and the divine.

Throughout the day, under the gentle shade of ancient olive trees, we will unleash our creative spirits, guided by Niraja Dasi. This art class is not just about capturing the joy of creativity; it is an opportunity to infuse your creations with the essence of spirituality and discover the boundless inspiration that awaits.

The retreat takes place in a very quiet corner of Zakynthos Island, away from the hustle and bustle of more touristic places. We have a spacious property with a pool and an olive garden exclusively for ourselves, and the surrounding pristine nature with its forests invites a rejuvenating walk. The stunning view overlooks the sea towards Marathonisi Island, the main hatching place of Mediterranean sea turtles.

“After becoming a mom just over a year ago, I sought a way to reconnect with myself and my spiritual practice. This retreat, centered around my love for painting, felt like the perfect fit. Our time in Zakynthos is hard to describe, but if I had to choose three words for our week, they would be peace, beauty, and harmony. The peaceful morning scenery, the beauty of paintings guided by our teacher (and Guruji, of course), and the harmonious group of women made our experience unforgettable. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories… I not only reconnected with myself and my spiritual path but also discovered a new way of experiencing the sangha. What a blessing! Can’t wait to go back next year.” – Lisa from Switzerland

Details

Event dates: September 8 to September 15, 2024

Applications close: July 16, 2024 12:00 am

Notifications will be sent: July 20, 2024

Full payment is due: August 15, 2024

Teacher

Swamini Drishti

Swamini Drishti first met Guruji in the year 2000. One of His first Darshan events ever was held in her home in Idstein. She also organized Guruji’s initial events in Germany. Despite being primarily involved in organizing events with Guruji since then, painting has always been close to her heart. In fact, she started painting Sri Yantras with Guruji as early as 2000 and later engaged in intense icon painting at the first Ashram in Steffenshof, Germany.

Through her paintings, Swamini Drishti has experienced a unique connection to the divine that she could not find in any other way. She believes that painting a deity or a saint helps create a deeper understanding and connection with the divine.

Niraja Dasi

‘I love to guide you on the inner journey to find your creative power. By connecting with the Divine, you will finally have a wonderful art pice.’ – Niraja Dasi

Niraja Dasi has been drawing and painting passionately since childhood. Her paintings can be found in Shree Peetha Nilaya and Shree Vitthal Dham Ashrams as well as private temples, inspired by spiritual aspects of life, moments of love and beauty.

She travels the world and has created murals of Rukhmini/Vitthala (approx. 3 x 5m), Sri Radha and Tulsidevi in Mexico, Vishnu/Krishna/Mahavatar Babaji (approx. 6 x 2.2m) in South Africa, and “Lotus Flowers” (11m high and 7m wide) in Austria.

Niraja Dasi likes to express the lightness of being, the beauty of nature, and humanity, with a focus on positivity and inspiration in all her art.

Included in the price

  • 7-night full board (double/triple occupancy)
  • Seminar facilitation by Swamini Drishti and Niraja Dasi
  • All items for painting (canvas, acryl colours, pencils)
  • Daily vegetarian/vegan meals and beverages
  • A full range of sangha activities

Not included in the price

  • Transportation to and from Zakynthos, Greece
  • Transportation to and from the port of entry to the seminar location (approx. 30 min. by car from Zakynthos airport)
  • 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 triple room €1050 / double room €1250 by 15 August 2024
Acceptance Process
  • 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
Payment Process
  • 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 € 1050/1250
  • Full payment is due no later than 15 August 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.
We highly recommend the purchase of adequate insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. The following expenses are NOT INCLUDED in the package price:
  • Travel health care and accident insurance​
  • Travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended due to Covid)

Program

    • We start the day with a puja and you are free to do your Atma Kriya Yoga or meditation practice in the morning before that
    • Painting in the shade of the old olive trees under the guidance of Niraja Dasi
    • In the evening interactive satsang led by Swamini Drishti
    • Everyone will learn a very unusual and expressive technique in acryl on canvas
    • One to two paintings can be completed by each one during the retreat
    • You will spend quality time in community: taking nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach or in the pool, OM-Chanting in the olive garden, singing, cooking together and more.

Participants

The teaching 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.

Join like-minded women who are committed to exploring their creativity, deepening their spiritual practice and creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.

You will have the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships that will continue long after the retreat is over.

“As I drew the second picture, it felt as if someone else was guiding my hand. Each stroke of the brush was the result of something unexpected, but in the end it was a symbol from the heart.” – Renate from Latvia

“It was a joyful time there. We were all able to accept each other as we were, and I think we all learned a lot from each other. And Guruji’s blessing was always felt over everything. My picture now hangs in the hallway and when I come out of the bedroom in the morning, Krishna beams at me with joy and my heart soars.” – Iris from Germany

Location & Accommodation

The island of Zakynthos is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque beaches, ancient olive groves, pristine forests, and majestic cliffs.

Our private accommodation is nestled in the hillside of Marathia in the south of the island of Zakynthos, surrounded by nature with a breathtaking view of the sea. We have a serene and peaceful retreat location for ourselves consisting of two houses with a pool surrounded by an olive garden, an outdoor and indoor dining area and community spaces, as well as a yoga platform.

For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch

Additional information

Accomodation Type

Double Room, Triple Room