Pilgrimage to the Goddesses of Nepal (during Dasain, Durga Festival)

Next pilgrimage scheduled for: October 16 through October 27, 2012

with Yana Womack, Ph.D.

Surrounded by the majestic crystalline peaks of the Himalayas (known as the abode of the gods and goddesses), we will immerse ourselves in the ancient Tantric Buddhist, Hindu and shamanic traditions. We will encounter the goddesses—Tara, Vajrayogini, Saraswati, Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Parvati in their benevolent and fierce manifestations, in animist and aniconic forms, at their numerous shrines and temples in the Kathmandu Valley.

Durga, also known as the Mother Goddess and Divine Protector, is honored for her compassionate and fierce qualities. Throughout Nepal, during the ten days proceeding the full moon, Hindu, as well as some Buddhist households celebrate Dasain, or Durga Puja. In villages throughout the kingdom, in homes, streets and temple courtyards of Kathmandu Valley, Durga is worshipped. Our journey will take place during this auspicious time.

Nepal is known for its exquisite handicrafts. Thangka paintings, jewelry, silk and pashmina textiles, masks, puppets, and sculptures of metal and wood are made by the local Tibetans and Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. We will learn about the art-making processes in a private presentation by local art gallery owner and visit the ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur to observe the making of sacred objects.

One night will be spent at a mountain retreat lodge in Nagarkot enjoying the spectacular scenery of Himalayas.

Overall, the focus of this spiritual pilgrimage is to provide time and support for ones personal transformational journey in an atmosphere surrounded by sacred female imagery.

Our activities include:

• Festivities during the Durga Puja.

• Private audience with Kusali Devi, a renowned yogini and teacher.

• Meditation instructions/ teachings at a Buddhist Monastery.

• Attendance at a Kali Puja.

• Time for relaxation, reflection, meandering and shopping.

• Sacred dance lesson by a master instructor.

• Overnight retreat including all organic meals in the mountain village of Nagarkot.

• Tours by local specialists on Nepal.

• Art gallery presentation on the making of Newari crafts.

• Instructions in sound healing by master sound healer.

Also provided:

• Reader with selected reading material.

• Pre-trip information meeting/ light luncheon.

• Airport pick up in Kathmandu can be arranged.

• Academic independent studies units are available.

Recommended reading:

The Bond Between Women, a Journey to Fierce Compassion by China Galland

Darsan by Diana L. Eck

The Living Goddess by Linda Johnson

Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power by Laura Amazzone

ITINERARY: (subject to revision)

Day One: Check into hotel. Relax, unpack. Check-in/ orientation at rooftop of hotel. Optional: Join the local women who meet in the middle of the night at the river for ritual. Listen for the drumming. . .

Day Two: After breakfast, we will visit the nearby Swayambhunath (affectionately referred to as the Monkey Temple due to the monkeys that congregate on the walkway to the hilltop sanctuary). Here we will enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. This site is considered by some the most revered in the entire valley because it is believed this temple was built on the site of the Light-Emanating Lotus. Here resides the White and Green Taras and the Goddesses of four directions, as well as the holy temple to the Protector Goddess, Ajima. Then, a visit to the Singing Bowl Center where we will receive instructions on the beneficial healing effects of the bowls’ vibrations—an ancient Tibetan shamanic sound healing technique. This day marks the first day of the Durga Puja. It is called 'Ghatasthapana,' the installing of the sacred vessel. In the evening or at the time announced by astrologers, a clay pot is filled with a mixture of sand and soil, and barley seeds are sown after performing Puja (worshipping the goddess). The pot is kept isolated from sunlight and a Puja is performed on it every evening till the last day of Dashain.

Day Three: Our day begins with a presentation on art and iconography in a beautiful gallery setting. Then we will embark on a tour of the many shrines and temples in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square including: the Hanuman Dhoka, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Black Kali shrine, the Sarasvati Temple and learn about the living goddess, the Kumari with our local feminist guide. Later in the afternoon, we will explore Kathmandu’s colorful marketplace.

Day Four: On this day we will observe the Hindu rituals at Pashupatinath where resides a very important Hindu temple in Nepal for this is where funeral ghats are set up for cremation along the Baghmati River. Then, a tour of Boudanath where we will circumambulate the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal called the Wish Granting Stupa. This Buddhist site is populated almost entirely with Sherpas and Tibetans.

Day Five: The day will be spent visiting Bhaktapur touring the medieval village designed (in the ninth century) in the shape of the Hindu god Vishnu’s conch shell. We will visit the Durga and Tantric Laksmi shrines and enjoy the fine Newar craftsmanship at Potter’s Square—the intricately carved windows and latticework, and other unique crafts of the local hill tribes. Later in the day we will visit with Kusali Devi, a living manifestation of the goddess Ajima for her blessings and ritual puja (see China Galland’s book Bond Between Women for more information on the Kusali Devi).

Day Six: Today a visit to the beautiful mountain top Kopan Monastery for meditation instructions, teachings.

Day Seven: We will attend a puja/sacrificial ritual to Kali attended by hundreds of Hindu pilgrims in an ancient forest site called Dakshinkali in the Himalayas. Afterwards, we will visit the self-emanating Tara in Pharping, which miraculously grows out of the rock face and the temple to Vajrayogini. Located at this site is the original cave that was home to Padmasambava (monk who brought Buddhism to Tibet).

Day Eight: Seventh day of Durga Festival called Fulpati, Sacred Flower Day. After sacred dance lessons, we will visit the ancient Buddhist city of Patan, known for its numerous shrines, temples, its exquisite metal sculptures, and fine thangkas. We will visit the courtyard of the Naga Baha—the snake protectors, the shrines to Ganesh, Parvati, as well as the temple to the Mother Goddess, Chandeswari with her guardian lions. Evening rituals to Durga include the Masked dance of the Matrikas (mother goddesses).

Day Nine:Overnight retreat in Nagarkot that includes all organic meals. Our excursion get-away lodge is a typical Nepali building with traditional art and huge windows from which to enjoy the spectacular mountain range views, a meditation hall and a white Buddhist stupa. You may choose to take a short hike along the Valley rim. In the early morning, witness breathtaking mountain scenery including a view of Mt. Everest.

Day Ten: In the late morning, we will visit the ancient and powerful site, the Vajrayogini Temple, located on the outskirts of Sanghu.

Day Eleven: During our final pilgrimage day, some of us may choose to take a mountain tour flight over Mt. Everest where we will have the opportunity to sit in the cockpit to enjoy a full view of the spectacular Himalayan mountain range. Afternoon free for last minute shopping, reflection, journaling, meditation, exploring. Ritual, Farewell feast/ show will conclude our pilgrimage to the Goddesses of Nepal. JAI MA!

Day Twelve: Check out of hotel. Flight back to U.S. (or excursions available).

Tour Leader: Yana Womack, Ph.D. received her doctorate degree from California Institute of Integral Studies where she concentrated on Consciousness Studies, Eastern religious studies and healing methods. She holds a Master’s degree in Women Spirituality and a B.A. in Archaeomythology, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Author (Guardians of the Gate (Lambert Academic Publishers, 2009), Reiki Master and has been a Buddhist practitioner since her mid-teens. Yana offers her expertise and experience in facilitating a smooth, exciting and richly rewarding spiritual pilgrimage to the goddess temples and shrines in Nepal during Dasain.

Cost: $2400 per person, based on double occupancy. (Single supplement available).

Excursions: Mountain flight tour over Mt. Everest and other excursions including treks (at extra costs) are available and can be arranged.

Cost includes:

• All ground transportation to sites as per itinerary

• Deluxe hotel accommodations: Nestled in the outskirts of Kathmandu, our elegant, comfortable hotel/ sanctuary is unique as it offers an art gallery, sauna, massage, restaurants, library on Buddhist and Hindu texts, its own theater where classical Nepali dances are performed (sacred dance lesson is included in itinerary), beautiful landscaped grounds and rooftop gardens with views of the surrounding countryside, including what is considered the most holy site of all, Swayambhuanth.

• Entrance fees to sacred sites

• All full breakfasts, organic meals at Nagarkot, farewell feast

• All private tours by local scholars

• Audience with Devi

• Study materials (reader)

• Sacred dance instructions

• Meditation instructions/ teachings at Buddhist monastery

Cost does not include:

• Roundtrip to Kathmandu

• Airport taxes

• Most meals except full breakfasts

• Optional tours (excursions can be arranged).

• Items of a personal nature.

• Transportation to and from airport to hotel (airport pickup can be arranged).

• Health, travel insurance

For more information contact Yana (510) 809-6575 or email: yanaw@comcast.net for registration form. Limited to 12 participants. If trip becomes full, ask to be placed on the waiting list. If and when a space becomes available, you will be notified ASAP.

My first visit to Nepal, guided by Yana Womack, was a journey of both heart and soul. Yana's knowledge of Kathmandu and the Sacred Feminine provided a special foundation for exploration and inquiry of Nepal as well as for my own spiritual unfolding. I greatly appreciated Yana's contagious passion for this magical land and her people.
Leslene de la Madre

I've been on a number of tours in my life, but none have compared to my tour of Nepal as designed and led by Yana. Her amazing knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the complex spiritual and cultural dimensions of the Kathmandu Valley--as well as her deep and respectful friendships with local living Goddesses, shamans, scholars, and artists--made this one of the best educational investments I've ever made. Some day, I hope to return!
Kalli Rose Halvorson

It was an awe-inspiring trip. Every moment was filled with rapture and every experience led to the sacred hub of the heart. The brilliant sights and tantalizing smells filled the senses with unebbing stimulation. The colors and music, the dance and devotion were moments crystallized in the temple of the heart. It was more than a trip; it was an archaeological dig into the cave of one's soul. Should it be offered again, do not miss it. It is an experience of a lifetime and more!
Seva

Thank you for all the effort and hard work that you put into this trip. This has been an incredible experience.
Rashida

Thank you so very much for trusting your calling, your intuition bringing us all here on this very important journey that will no doubt change all of our lives.
Vaschelle Andre

Thank you for introducing me to the beauty and wonder of Nepal and for heightening my awareness of my goddess self.
Michelle

This has been an absolutely divine experience. Thank you so much for initiating and organizing our journey.
Kimberly