“You are Goddess. You are Divine!”
Join us in India to explore the roots of Devi wisdom through sacred sites, five faces of Tantric goddesses, yoga and devotional Indian dance.:.
For yoga and dance are ancient spiritual paths to self-realization, to live in wholeness, access our innate wisdom and well-being. There is a natural synergy between the two disciplines. Throughout history they've endlessly inspired and influenced the other, ultimately they are One.
The practices and studies in this ten day immersion into Goddess are based on the teachings of non-dual Shaiva/Shakta Tantra and Shaktism, and the Indian Classical Dance of the Bharata Natyam.
We'll explore the different aspects of Devi Shakti (goddess energy/power), through goddesses: Kali, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati, exploring sculpture-like posture, fluid asana and dance movement, pranayama, mudra, mantras, mythology, symbolism, signature qualities of each goddess, mediation and yantra.
We'll do so first in Dehli and then at ancient goddess worship sites and temples throughout the region of the state of Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India. Visiting circular Yogini and secret forest temples, and ancient places of goddess practices at the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho legendary for Tantric worship.
In addition, we'll have the amazing chance to view live a local dance festival with many famous dancers in attendance. To experience firsthand the "bhava", the “ecstasy" or “emotion" these revelatory dance forms bring forth in ourselves.
"Woman is the basis of the world, the Universe is her form" ~ Shaktisangama Tantra (II.52)
You'll learn :
- What really is Devi Shakti
- How Devi works in our lives and cosmos
- Five forms of Devi and their inner functions
- Introduction to the most important ancient texts on Shakti
- Visions of different Yoga philosophies in relation to Shakti
- Mantras, mudras, yantra and pranayama to align and invoke Shakti, as tools for healing and transformation
- Devotional dance and asanas to awaken and embody Devi which can release tension/trauma and integrate the benefits of all practices
- Meditations and contemplations that allow you to access, energize and release your inner Shakti
These practices will reveal sacred powers within you to:
- Heal, transform and activate your inner power
- Balance and awaken the different faces of Devi within and how to recognize Shakti's signature energies within yourself
- Shift the feeling of physical and mental exhaustion to the feeling of energy and balance
- Incorporate ancient Feminine Wisdom into you daily life
- Develop self-confidence and empowerment in various areas of your life
Stephanie Renee dos Santos passion is empowering people to come into contact and potentially embody one's full Awareness through nondual Tantric wisdom and aligning with natural cycles. She’s known as an inspiring, loving, creative and compassionate teacher with the Hindu goddess Bhuvaneshwari-like quality to create sacred healing, creative-expressive and meditative spaces. Certified in Integrative Yoga and she's been given permission by beloved teacher Sally Kempton to share these teachings of the nondual Shaiva/Shakta and Shakta traditions. She holds a B.A in Studio Arts from Whitman College and is a working artist. In addition, she studies Bharathanatyam classical Indian dance and contributes spiritual writing to literary journal Lalitamba. She is a co-founder of "Devidance Yoga" with Ganga Devi. She guides sacred yoga backpacking pilgrimages around the world and is the creator of Ashram of Arts.
Gabriela Lopez (Ganga Devi) seeks tools for healing through Feminine Divine teachings, one's that bring empowerment. She is a Homeopath and Iridologist Therapist, focused on the care of women, mothers and children. She has been practicing Indian Classical Dance since 2008. She studies with Professor Krishna Sharana, and conducts workshops, lectures and presentations throughout Brazil. She also studies with Guru Mithun Shyam of the Vaishnavi Natyashala School in Bangalore, India. She shares this ancient dance tradition which is always associated with developing self-knowledge through art. She is co-founder of "Devidance Yoga" focused on sharing the synergy of goddess wisdom through dance and yoga.
Seasonal information
March tempratures on average are in the 60 to 70's.
Weather information
Everywhere we are going in general is on the dry side.
Responsible travel
Patience and lightheartedness are two excellent qualities for visiting Indian. Also, it is important to not hand out candy to children as it encourages begging. It is fine to give food or change as you feel to those in need as each situation arises. This is a deep journey of listening to the heart and one of compassion, offering a smile and kind words is always welcome.
Electricity and outlets
220 volts we recommend to bring adapters (one or two)
*despite that where we are staying your room may have outlets that already accommodate your devices
How to get there (flights, airport transfers, buses, trains)
All pilgrimage travel information will be sent to you once you've registared for the retreat. But please feel free to contact us with question prior should you need clarification on something beforehand.
Visa stuff
You will need an E-Visa for India. Details on how to get this will be sent to you once you've registered.
What to bring
All list of recommended items to bring on this journey will be sent to you upon registration.
Vaccinations requirements
Please check your country of orgin to see what vaccinations are required for your nationality before arriving in India.
Travel insurance suggestions
We highly recommend having travel insurance for this journey. Often it can be purchased along with your plane ticket or please check with your insurance provider.
Do I need to be a dancer or already practice yoga to attend? No, prior dance nor yoga experience is a requirement to join us. Just an open heart!
How can I get back to Delhi for my flight home once the pilgrimage is over? Travel back by train to Delhi with Ganga Devi (cost for the return train to Delhi is included in the overall price) and opt to join other women who are continuing on guided travel with her. Or catch a direct flight from Gwalior back to Delhi.
What if I'd like to keep travel with you? There is the option for you to continue guided travel with us a few more days after the pilgrimage from March 9-15, 2020 to visit the Taj Mahal, Ganges River, and more Shakti Peethas.
Details and costs will be sent to you once you sign up for the main retreat.
* Shared room for two people, two twins and private bathroom
* Balcony 5 nights of stay
* This is a great option. We will pair you up with another woman attending whose also chosen this option-- make a new friend!
* Queen bed and own private bathroom
* Balcony 5 nights of stay
Dance and practice yoga in ancient temples of India while exploring the wisdom of five aspects of Devi (goddess) that liberate and empower us to embody our fullest innate potential. Jai Ma!