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. 
I consider it a great honor and privilege to be able to assist you on your special journey. For over two decades, I have led pilgrimage tours for spiritual seekers. I live part time in Nepal and am fortunate to have traveled extensively to many of its power places. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to have received empowerments, transmissions, extensive teachings and instruction from Buddhist Lamas and healers in Kathmandu Valley. My book, Guardians of the Gate, Numinous Presence, 'Visions of the Divine, in Dreams describes experiences of personal healings.
Dakini Wisdom pilgrimages are offered to individuals and small groups. If you feel the calling to embark on a pilgrimage, please contact me 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 is also in private practice as a transformative mentor/counselor for women.
PLEASE NOTE YANA IS CURRENTLY ON A SABBATICAL
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Namaste!
Thank you for your interest in Dakini Wisdom pilgrimages! In the Tibetan Buddhist Varjayana tradition, the divine female is depicted in both benevolent and fierce forms in sacred imagery and ritualistic celebrations. She can be of great support in our spiritual practices. Among the most well known female deities in the Kathmandu Valley are Tara, the female buddha, and the dakinis, also called 'skydancers.' Boudhanath, Nepal is the pulse center of Vajrayana Buddhism and it is where we call home during our pilgrimage. There are many shrines and temples with depictions of dakinis— Simhamukha, the lion-headed dakini, Yeshe Tsogyal, also known as the Victorious Ocean of Knowledge, and Vajrayogini, the enlightened queen who leads us to bliss, clear light and emptiness. Along with concentrating on the dakinis and the sacred feminine in Tibetan Buddhism, we will take time to explore her indigenous Newari manifestations (Ajima, grandmother goddess and Hariti, protector of children), as well as learn about the Hindu deities Durga, Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. One week to 10 day pilgrimages include: * Boutique hotel accommodations * Ground transportation * Tours to sacred sites including: Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Pharping and Sankhu with side trips to Kirtipur and Patan * A visit with healer Kusali Devi (emanation of the grandmother goddess Ajima) * Meditation instructions * A lesson in sound healing * Tibetan yoga (theory and practice) * Lectures on dakinis * Tara dream practice * 2 day Mountain Retreat 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 in the spring, are designed to appeal to those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, Eastern spirituality, healing, shamanism, ritual arts, dream practices, personal transformation and the sacred feminine. Spiritual seekers, artists, therapists, healers, as well as beginning and advanced practitioners of meditation, the dharma, yoga and bodywork, are especially encouraged to consider these pilgrimages. For an article describing one participant's account of her journey, please visit Yana's blog.
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. 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! |