MAR. 29-30: Stand in Your Power ~ A Sacred Immersion into Goddess Durgā

What would you do if you could let go of your biggest fears? How would your life be enriched if your deepest power was unrestrained? Goddess Durgā is here to guide you…

We are grateful to gather once again on 5.5 acres of tranquil farmland and forest on the unceded traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus peoples – for an empowering journey of traditional yogic practices from India to invoke the power and blessings of Goddess Durgā.

Join Satya of Vedic Priestess Temple for a sacred immersion into yogic practice, storytelling, workshop, contemplation, and ceremony – calling on the transformative power of Durgā – the deity Satya’s maternal lineage has been devoted to since time immemorial.

Durgā, the Universal Mother, is the embodiment of unconditional love, power, fierce compassion and protection. She is the unstoppable force of courage, strength, and fearlessness within and around us. Her energy empowers us to cut through illusions, move through our inner and outer struggles, and restore harmony and balance within ourselves and in the world.

We will learn traditional practices and inquiries that attune us to her gifts, and help us become aware of her shadow side in us, supporting us to confront our inner battles that may include self-limiting beliefs, blind spots and self sabotage. We will uncover and release what stands between us and our deepest power, while cultivating practices to allow it to flow.

Our retreat coincides with a rare alignment of celestial energies; a partial solar eclipse, the New Moon, and Spring Equinox. This is a powerful time for turning inward, releasing old patterns, and gaining clarity as we prepare for new beginnings. It also marks the start of Navratri – the bi-annual nine sacred nights devoted to Durgā in all her names and forms – participants will carry forward practices that align with this deeply powerful time.

All are welcome—whether you are new to Goddess Durgā’s teachings or seeking to expand your understanding of her vast wisdom. You will leave empowered with a deeper connection to the warrior goddess within, and practices to honour and grow her transformative presence in your life.

This retreat takes place at Dharti Mata Centre, a beautiful earthen yoga studio built on traditional yogic principles. Located on the outskirts of rural South Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC, it is just 10-20 minutes from all three mainland ferry terminals. A nourishing Indian lunch will be provided by the Centre each day.

This is the ninth retreat in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Everyday Life. Learn more about this series here.

*For those who have previously attended the one-day Durgā Living Shakti Retreat two years ago, please note that this will be a deeper dive and the content will largely be new.

Why invoke Durgā? Learn more here.

OUR DAY RETREAT WILL INCLUDE:

Circles with the opportunity to share from the heart in a safe space
Roots of yoga, including traditional yogic practices
Ritual and ceremony
Storytelling and reflective writing
Discussion and group work
Nature and art-based practices
Bhakti (devotional) yoga, jnana yoga (self inquiry/yogic philosophy) and deity yoga
Authentic yoga rooted in ancestral teachings, practices and knowledge
All the usual yoga you find in a studio (asana, pranayama and meditation) – and well beyond
Delicious and nutritious traditional Indian lunch with chai and dessert each day
A stunning, sacred, earthen studio setting built according to yogic principles
Surrounded by 5.5 acres of beautiful forest and farmland
An opportunity for further study and practice post-retreat

TRAVEL INFO:

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 ferry terminals are 10-20 minutes from our venue.

ISLAND DISTANCES TO OUR VENUE
30-minute drive from Crofton Ferry Terminal (Salt Spring Island)
75-minute drive from Victoria and Courtenay

YOUR FACILITATOR

Satya Amrita Kumari Jehman (Vedic Priestess Temple)

Born into the Vedic lineage, Satya has been living the traditional path of yoga all her life – with a more concentrated practice over the last 23 years. Satya carries the gift of fire ceremony and ritual by the grace of her ancestors from North India. She completed a year-long Yoga Apprenticeship in 2015 (Vijnana Yoga RYT200), and a deep dive study into jnana yoga (Vedic scripture study/self inquiry) with her teacher in her ancestral homeland of India amid a trio of winters from 2011-2013. While there in 2016, Satya was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram – the highest call to Maha Shakti (Divine Mother). She apprenticed in fire ceremony with two of her teachers in North India. She has been furthering her yogic studies in India with regular trips there for the past 16 years.

Satya has also completed a leadership training with a focus on Trauma-informed Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Coaching.

Encouraged by her teachers, Satya is a facilitator of Retreats, Workshops, Ceremony, Ritual, One-on-One Guide on Salt Spring Island and surrounding communities, in India – as well as online. She offers from the deepest place in her with utmost respect and reverence to her ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self.

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

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

Full Retreat – March 29 & 30

$350 Early Bird Rate Before March 15

$400 Full Rate After March 15

Single Day Option – March 29 Only

$195 Early Bird Rate Before March 15

$245 Full Rate After March 15

*Weekend rate includes two full days of programming with a skilled facilitator, two delicious and nutritious garden-fresh, vegan lunches on both days, with chai and dessert.

*Single day rate includes one full day of programming with a skilled facilitator, one delicious and nutritious garden-fresh, vegan lunch on Saturday, with chai and dessert.

*Two partial scholarships are available for BIPOC folks experiencing financial barriers before March 15. Please contact Satya to arrange.

*A couple of payment plan spots are available before March 15. Please contact Satya to arrange.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

0“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

1“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

2“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

3“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

4“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

5“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

6“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

7“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

8“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

10“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

11“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

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

13“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

14“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

15“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

16“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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT GODDESS DURGA OR THE ROOTS OF YOGA. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?

Yes, this gathering is suitable for those new to Goddess Durgā and traditional yoga, as you will learn a lot about both.
All are welcome, including yogis and yoginis, yoga teachers and healing practitioners, those new to yoga, lovers of Indian culture and tradition, those interested in traditional yoga, etc.

I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH YOGA. IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes, the asanas (physical postures of Yoga) we will be doing are suitable for both beginners and experienced folks, and modifications will be included.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Dharti Mata Centre will serve a delicious three-course Indian lunch (vegetarian) with chai and dessert on both Saturday and Sunday. If you wish to pack further snacks, you are welcome to.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?

The venue is located in South Wellington on the outskirts of South Nanaimo, at the Dharti Mata Centre at 2021 Brothers Road. It is a short 10-20 minute drive from Duke Point, Departure Bay, and Hullo-Nanaimo ferry terminals. And 30 minutes from Crofton Ferry Terminal (Salt Spring), and 75 minutes from Victoria.

WILL THERE BE A RIDE SHARE OR FERRY SHUTTLE?

If you need support with transportation from the ferry or another location outside Nanaimo, we will do our best to put you in touch with others travelling from your area. Just let Satya know your needs once you register.

ARE ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED?

This is a commuter day retreat, therefore accommodation is not provided. However there are accommodations nearby that you may book at your own discretion.

Alternatively, we have compiled a list of nearby Airbnbs and alternate accommodations that may be of interest to you. This would be at an additional cost that you would organize independently, and is not included in the price of the retreat. Please contact Satya for this list.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY?

Both days will include yogic practice, storytelling, workshop, contemplation, and ceremony – as well as nature and art-based practices amid a Durgā sangha with discussions, delicious garden-fresh lunches and lots of short breaks to integrate. Sunday will be a continuation and deepening of our journey on Saturday.

CAN I JUST ATTEND SATURDAY?

Yes. It is $195 to attend Saturday only.

CAN I JUST ATTEND SUNDAY?

Unfortunately, no. Sunday will be a deepening of our Saturday programming. If you wish to come for only one day, Saturday is your opportunity for that.

DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF THE WEEKEND?

The schedule will include plenty of yogic practice, storytelling, workshop, contemplation, and ceremony – as well as creative and nature activities. We will have engaged discussions, delicious garden-fresh lunches – and lots of short breaks to integrate too.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until March 7, 2025.

50% refund, minus $35 admin fee March 8 – 14, 2025.

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after March 15, 2025.

Nor can tickets be transferred to another person after March 15, 2025.

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com