Namaste!
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 over two decades, I have guided pilgrimage journeys for spiritual seekers.
Dividing my time between Nepal and California, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively to many sacred sites, and receive teachings from Buddhist Rinpoches, holy women, yoginis, and traditional healers in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. My book, "Guardians of the Gate: Numinous Presence, 'Visions of the Divine,' in Dreams," examines experiences of personal transformation and healing within the context of spiritual biography and dreams. It also draws on years of study, contemplative practice, personal and group meditation retreats, and pilgrimages to Nepal and India. Dakini Wisdom Pilgrimages focus on the Sacred Feminine
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 referred to as '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 including Ajima, grandmother goddess, and Hariti, protector of children, as well as learn about the Hindu deities Durga, Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi. |
Pilgrimage Tours includes:
* Seven days 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 Newari healer Kusali Devi (emanation of grandmother goddess Ajima) * Two day Mountain Meditation Retreat in Nagarkot * A lesson in Sound Healing * A Sacred Dance lesson (Charya Nritya) * Tibetan Yoga practice * Lectures on dakinis * Tara dream practice 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 tours
Yana Castle's pilgrimage journeys are designed to appeal to those interested in: the sacred feminine, Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Eastern spirituality, healing, shamanism, ritual arts, dreamwork, and personal transformation. Spiritual seekers, artists, therapists, healers, as well as beginner 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. Dakini Wisdom Pilgrimages to Nepal are available to individuals, and small groups. If you feel a calling to embark on a life-changing journey, please contact Yana for further details. 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! 
Tour leader: Yana Castle, PhD earned her doctorate degree in Humanities (Transformation and Consciousness Studies) from California Institute of Integral Studies, a Master's degree in Women's Spirituality, and a Bachelor's degree in Archaeomythology. She has been leading pilgrimages for individuals and groups since 1998. Yana is also in private practice as a Transformative Mentor in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she resides with her husband, artist Christopher Castle.
PLEASE NOTE YANA IS CURRENTLY ON A SABBATICAL
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