NOV. 7-8: Śrī: A Diwali Retreat with Goddess Lakṣmī


Diwali is the seasonal celebration of illumination – a time to light our homes, dispel darkness, and make space for what we wish to welcome into our lives

At the heart of this retreat is Śrī, the sacred presence of Goddess Lakṣmī: beauty, nourishment, auspiciousness, abundance, harmony, generosity and grace.

Rather than approaching Lakṣmī simply as the goddess of material wealth, we will explore Śrī as a deeper principle of flourishing – reflecting on what allows abundance to enter and remain in our lives, what we nourish and value, and what we may be ready to release to create space for receiving.

Over two days, we will journey from the outer light of Diwali toward an inner experience of Śrī. Through the stories and symbolism of Lakṣmī, yoga asana and pranayama, guided self-enquiry, reflective writing and sacred ritual, we will explore our relationship with abundance, beauty and receiving. We will create a lotus flower mandala, enter into Lakṣmī Pūjā, chant the Lakṣmī Aṣṭakam, and light lamps as an embodied reminder of the light we consciously tend within ourselves.

Through silence, reflection and ritual, we will create space to recognize the abundance already present in our lives, and close with a golden milk ritual to gather the experience inwardly and carry the qualities of Śrī into our everyday life.

This is an invitation to enter Diwali as a celebration of light, and a practice of cultivating beauty, making space to receive, and consciously tending what we wish to flourish.

All are welcome.

  • Daily Śrī Lakṣmī-Inspired Asana & Pranayama Practice
  • Storytelling, Symbolism & Mantra Chanting including Lakṣmī Aṣṭakam
  • Lakṣmī Pūjā & Ritual Lamp Lighting
  • Lotus Mandala Creation & Meditation
  • Guided Self-Inquiry, Writing & Reflection
  • Closing Golden Milk Ritual & Integration
  • Time for Silence & Rest
  • Four nutritious vegetarian meals
  • Oceanview setting & onsite accommodation

VANCOUVER – NANAIMO FERRIES
Hullo Express Passenger ferry from Downtown Vancouver – Downtown Nanaimo, see schedule
Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay ferry schedule
Tsawwassen – Duke Point ferry schedule
*All three mainland ferry terminals are about 20 minutes from our venue.

ISLAND DISTANCES TO OUR VENUE
1 hour drive from Crofton Ferry Terminal (Salt Spring Island)
2 hour drive from Victoria
1 hour drive from Courtenay

Satya Amrita Kumari Jehman (Vedic Priestess Temple)

Satya (she/her) is a lineage bearer of ancient yogic teachings, rooted in the ancestral traditions and ritual practices of her homeland of India. Born and raised in an ancestor-centred culture and household on the west coast of BC, she has walked the path of yoga all her life, and deepened her formal practice over the last 25 years. She was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram, the highest call to the Sacred Divine Feminine, a yogic initiation that continues to guide her spiritual work and devotion.

Satya’s training also includes a year-long Vijnana Yoga Apprenticeship, extensive study in jnana yoga (self-inquiry/yogic philosophy) over three years in India, and initiations into the bhakti yoga practices of havan (fire ceremony) and ancestral water healing ritual. For the past 16 years, she has returned regularly to India for continued study and practice, further embodying the wisdom of her lineage.

Through her work as a Vedic priestess, storyteller and yoga guide, Satya weaves traditional teachings, devotional practice, ritual and embodied inquiry into spaces that invite a deeper relationship with the sacred. Her work is rooted in the living traditions of the Goddess, and in the understanding that these teachings are not simply something to learn, but something to enter into, practice and embody.

Learn more about Satya’s offerings at www.vedicpriestesstemple.com + @vedic_priestess_temple (Instagram) + @vedicpriestesstemple108 (Facebook).

Sarada Jagannath (MĀ Wellness & Yoga Co-Owner)

Sarada is a devoted practitioner and lifelong student of the ancient Yogic tradition, embracing both the physical and spiritual aspects of this practice. By profession she is a Counselling Psychologist, Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner, and co-owner of Mā Wellness and Yoga.

Raised in a joint family in South India, she was deeply influenced by the wisdom of her grandfather, a respected Ayurvedic doctor, who imparted a deep understanding of holistic health and wellness from an early age, shaping her lifelong commitment to balanced living.

Sarada has cultivated a profound connection to the spiritual and healing arts from stories and rituals shared by her grandmother and great-grandmother. From childhood, the annual celebration of Navratri was a time of deep reverence and joy. Sarada fondly recalls the vibrant community gatherings, prayers, rituals, celebrations, Prasadam (blessed food) that marked the festival, reinforcing her devotion to Goddess Durgā. This festival, steeped in the worship of divine energy and transformation, has been a cornerstone of her spiritual journey, fostering a lifelong devotion to the goddess and the yogic pat

Sharing this ancient wisdom, rituals and devotion with the community and to honour the teachings of her ancestors in a way that blends traditions with modern life without losing its essence, is her passion.

Learn more about Sarada’s offerings here:
www.mawellnessandyoga.ca
@eightfoldsarada (Instagram)
@mawellnessandyoga (Facebook)

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

“Warmest congratulations on a wonderful retreat filled with rich teachings, beautiful yoga and delicious food. The day just could not have been better. I appreciated the depth of planning to deliver a powerful, meaningful and memorable retreat. Sharing your unique perspective on the teachings, their meanings, and how they relate to our daily challenges personally and globally was invaluable. You are wonderful teachers.” – Elaine H, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I appreciated everything from the variation of activities, to the lunch, to the sacred space that was created. I most appreciated it was culturally/spiritually authentic. Your knowledge, study and lineage was important to me, to attend.” – Leila R, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I LOVED the retreat. I so appreciate your retreats and each seems to come at the perfect time for me. I appreciate the richness of your ancestral tradition that you share with us. I love the ceremony, the learning about the deity, and the opportunity to reflect. And the venue and the lunch were perfect!” ~ Lesley G, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“This retreat made me feel so welcomed, cherished, and invited to surrender to the energies of the Goddess and the practices to honour her, the land, the cosmos and the people around us. I am very grateful to you Satya, for sharing this wisdom. Thanks again for the beautiful day we shared. I will carry the teachings and energies of the retreat in my cells forever more. And I look forward to attending more retreats and events with you two, as you are amazing facilitators and guides.” – Rachel M, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated that the retreat was held with devotion, and deep respect. The teachings were shared with beauty and integrity, and this really touched my heart. I appreciated the deepening of my relationship with this beautiful deity Ganesh, and also opening up dreamscape to more guidance. The mantras continue to be resounding and have become part of my morning practice.” ~ Elisha A, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I very much appreciated the depth of learning and the connection of ritual and ceremony to learning about the Goddess, and then also practicing asana. I had some great ’a-ha’ moments. I was very moved by the inclusion of your own lineage in the ceremony, Satya. It’s an incredible gift. I’m very much looking forward to the next retreat!” – Christie R, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I loved the whole retreat! The highlight was the knowledge that you shared. I have never met anyone as well versed in Vedic history/culture/ceremony. So much fun to be a part of this.” ~ Heidi S, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“Thank you for sharing the wisdom/traditions of your lineage, Satya. I appreciated the chance to participate in a ritual that is outside my culture and spiritual background. I appreciated the sense of sacred community and sharing, the joining of voices in chanting – and the beautiful space, and our wonderful facilitators. The food, chai and sweets were lovely – as well as the beauty of the altar! – Shawna K, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I loved the retreat. You both did an excellent job. You both expressed your vast knowledge very clearly. Your love and effort put into the day was very obvious. I love having the handout to refer back to. It was really cool to be part of the fire ceremony. I was awestruck watching Satya chant. I loved sitting by the fire and offering. You both are amazing and please keep doing what you’re doing.” – Kim M, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“Coming together in circle was one of the most impactful things about the retreat. The time to share considerations from the carefully crafted questions and be in ritual together. I really appreciated and felt Satya’s direct lineage to the teachings she shared. Hanna and Satya created a strong and at the same time gentle presence. The food was delicious!” – Tali H, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated the skilled, confident and present guidance of Satya and Hanna, the beautiful space and setting of the farm, and the delicious food. There was a nice balance of inner exploration (pratyahara), both in the asana class and workshop, with group interaction. Overall this felt very balanced and nourishing.” – Agi M, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

“I appreciated the sacred manner and the reverence in which the retreat was held.” ~ Anne R, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“I appreciated so much about the experience but I think that the pure loving presence you bring is what shines brightest.” – Shawna K, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“Thank you both for the beautiful day. The heartfelt practices and ceremony that you both shared continues to resonate with me. I appreciated the professionalism and organization of your offering. You both seemed well prepared, and had in-depth knowledge of the practices and ceremony you offered. You were both welcoming and I felt safe in your space. I loved how a place in the room was set up for each student. It felt like an invitation to be part of the community.” ~ Sandy D, Past Durgā Retreat Participant

“I appreciated the sincerity and authenticity of the day and it was definitely a spiritual experience that has stayed with me in really beautiful ways.” ~ Jillian R, Past Living Shakti Retreat Participant

“Thank you so much for the incredible ceremony and space holding you offered us. I had a real feeling of coming home, and I’m so grateful for that. I cannot remember the last time I attended a puja – a *real* puja, not some white-colonizer thing calling itself a puja. It’s definitely been over 20 years. I am in awe that this space was queer, feminist, and still deeply rooted in the Vedanta traditions I know and love. The physical space was one of the most sacred and love filled spaces I have been in. And it was only an hour away from home.” ~ Mel C, Past Multiple Living Shakti Retreats Participant

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com

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"I offer this space from my heart with utmost respect and reverence to my ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self (Pure Awareness). For the greater good of the Whole. ॐ"
~ Satya ~