What is a pilgrimage?A pilgrimage is a sacred journey and actually begins the moment we decide to go.
The purpose of a pilgrimage is to broaden our perspectives and to invite transformational experiences that lead to consciousness expansion, profound healing, as well as to provide us with deeper levels of understanding ourselves and our relationship to each other and the environment. A pilgrimage can be described as profoundly heart-opening. Upon return, life is seen through different eyes. The wisdom gained from our pilgrimage experiences greatly enhances our lives. 
For twenty-four years, I have led pilgrimage tours for spiritual seekers; I live part time in Nepal, am fortunate to have traveled extensively to power places, learning practices from wise teachers in this very special environment of the Kathmandu Valley. I consider it an honor and privlege to share with you. Dakini Wisdom Pilgrimages are offered for one person or couple only at this time. If going on a pilgrimage feels like a calling, please contact me (see Contact Page on this website) for further information.
Yana Castle, Ph.D.
Yana Castle holds a doctorate degree in Philosophy and Religion (Transformation and Consciousness) from California Institute of Integral Studies, a Master's degree in Humanities (Women's Spirituality) and a Bachelor's degree in Humanities (Archaeomythology). Yana has been leading pilgrimages for individuals and groups since 1998. She also has a private contemplative counseling practice and currently is available for appointments on Zoom. See 'Private Sessions' on this website for further information.
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 Castle. 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! |
Namaste!
Thank you for your interest in Dakini Wisdom pilgrimages! There are many reasons for embarking on a personal pilgrimage to Nepal to learn about the sacred feminine. In the Tibetan Buddhist Varjayana tradition, the divine female is depicted in benevolent and fierce forms. She can be a great support in our spiritual practices. Among the more popular females are Tara, the female buddha, and the dakinis (exhalted women of wisdom, also called 'skydancers'). A popular form in the Kathmandu Valley is Vajrayogini. Along concentrating on the dakinis and the sacred female in the the Tibetan Buddhist path, we will take time to explore the indigenous Newari forms of goddesses such as Ajima (grandmother) and Hariti, protector of children, as well as learn about the Hindu goddesses Durga, Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. Boudhanath is the pulse/center of the Vajrayana path in Nepal and it is where we will call home during your personal pilgrimage. There are many shrines, temples with depictions of dakinis (Simhamukha, the lion-headed dakini, Yeshe Tsogyal, the Queen of the dakinis, as well as the Green, White and Red Taras). Kathmandu Valley is rich with sacred imagery, ritual celebrations and exotic cultural traditons. A customized itinerary is created for you centered on your interests. One week pilgrimages include (for example): * Boutique hotel accommodations * Ground transportation * Tours to sacred sites including Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Pharping and Sangku * A visit with healer Kusali Devi * Meditation instruction * Lesson in sound healing with singing bowls * Tibetan yoga (theory and practice) * In-depth lectures on dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, Red Tara and Simhamukha (lion-headed dakini) * Tara dream practice * Mountain retreat (Nagarkot) Each tour is customized to your interests. Activities such as dharma talks with the venerable Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and a visit with Semo-la Saraswati may be included, depending on their availability. Namaste (nah-mas-tay) is a greeting in Nepal. It means: My soul honors your soul. I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the light, love, truth, beauty and peace within you, because it is also within me. In sharing these things we are united. We are the same. We are one.
about Yana's toursYana Castle's pilgrimage journeys, offered from March through August, are designed to appeal to those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, Eastern spirituality, healing, shamanism, ritual arts, personal transformation and the sacred feminine. Spiritual seekers, artists, therapists, healers, retirees, as well as beginning and advanced practitioners of meditation, the dharma, yoga and bodywork are especially encouraged. For an article describing one participant's account of her pilgrimage tour, visit Yana's blog. Please contact Yana for further information.
My time in Nepal with Yana was mind-expanding and magical. Nepal’s soulful, ancient culture taught me a lot about myself. It enriched me. As a result, I left Kathmandu feeling empowered and renewed. |