<<<The Pilgrimage to the Khajuraho Tantra Temples>>>
This pilgrimage to the Tantra Temples in Khajuraho is a precious gift to listen to & meditate with the very essence of Classical Tantra. We will have opportunities to listen to the Indian Tantrik Mysteries, activate & have reference points of Kundalini codes and life-force-energy.
Khajuraho is a unique place on this planet where the Mythology, Cosmology & Esoteric Wisdom of the Yoginis & Tantrikas (see below for more Information) come Alive. It is a rare opportunity to drink from the Deep Wells of Tantra & Kundalini & be initiated into the Deeper Mysteries still alive in the Temples of Khajuraho.
We will explore the sacred temples of Khajuraho (Main Temples, Yogini Temples, Bija or Seed Temples, and more remote esoteric unknown temples). We will engage in group listening, silence, Tantra meditations, embodied Prayer, sacred ritual, explore the Indian Mysteries, Mythology, & Cosmology of Tantra.
We will explore the different Light & Dark Archetypes of the Tantrik Cosmology, paying special attention to the Archetype of the “Arh-nari-Ish-wara”, which means inter-sex, trans or hermaphrodatic aspect of all of us. Many temples have this Tantrik archetype at the center of the temple. We listen to the codes offered by the temples through ceremony.
This pilgrimage is facilitated by Bynoi Desouza & Diana Prem Shakti and produced by Naomi Tatsch.
We will be guided by renowned Tantra Master and Khajuraho expert Swami Ganga. The Baul Mystics, living embodiment of tantric prayer intoxicated with the Divine, will be supporting us with Sacred Song Circles.
<<<What will you experience?>>>
This 6 day / 5 night pilgrimage is an opportunity to strengthen and tune the vibration of your body with the somatics of prayer. To deepen our capacity to listen through Bhatki (devotion), Prayer, Dance and Meditation, at one of the birthplaces of Tantra.
We will have sacred song circles with the Baul Tantric Mystics, sessions in the Tantra temples with Swami Ganga, who received the teachings directly from Osho. We will also connect with other beings from the world to enlarge our bodies to receive the vibrations of the sacred tantra temples of Khajuraho – ancient tantric mysteries carved in stone.
One of the metaphors to describe Tantra is weaving, and the invitation is to weave a collective Body of Prayer that includes our intentions, soul codes, & prayer threads.
Ancient code aligned in the temples, that as a womb is inviting us to enter in deep listening, receptive to a vibrational dialogue with Her ancient wisdom.
We all carry keys and codes in our soul’s vibrational signature that resonate with different physical power places on the planet. At pivotal moments in our lifetime, we are called to show up in these places and discover the magic of our multi-dimensionality and the mystery and memories waiting to be activated in these time-spaces.
All of you belong here. We are committed to creating an inclusive and safe space for all participants, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, relating styles, class, language, or background.
ALL of you are welcome. Individuals, couples, and relationship groups of any formation are welcome. This is a Species-Inclusive, Embodied & Intersectional, Body-positive, Sex- positive, LGBTQIA+/Queer led & friendly, Global Majority/BIPOC friendly pilgrimage. For differently-abled people, we welcome participants to let us know in advance so we can check if we can cater appropriately to your needs.
No prior experience in embodiment, meditation, energetic work, or sensual environments required. You are welcome, whether you are a complete beginner to the world of Embodiment, Yoga, Dance/Movement, Tantra, Conscious Relating/Intimacy, and/or Sacred Sexuality, or you have many years of experience navigating these spaces.
The greater the mix of prior experiences, the richer the pilgrimage. This pilgrimage is entirely invitational. There are no requirements, or explanations required. You always have the choice whether to participate or not.
At the beginning of our time together, we will establish agreements together, so that every individual feels fully honored and supported in moving only as fast or slow and as far as their individual sense of safety permits. Each person decides their level of involvement, without peer group pressure.
You may practise with your partner or friend if you have booked together.
<<<Investment>>>
Includes Accommodation (on Single or Double sharing basis), Food, Tuition & participation in Group ceremonies with the Baul Mystics & Swami Ganga.
Early Bird (First 12) places or before Nov 30th whichever is earlier:
For Indian Residents – INR 75000 (Single) or INR 1,20,000 (Double) – please email Naomi or Bynoi at cultivatingkundalini@gmail.com for payment instructions
Foundational Group (after Early birds are taken up or after Nov 30th)
Daily monument fees are not included and these vary depending on nationality and are around 10 Euros a day for most westeners. We recommend also taking time to wander around the local town and the tribal museum as there are many interesting facets of Indian life down the centuries to be seen.
In case of any questions, please email Naomi or Bynoi at cultivatingkundalini@gmail.com for payment instructions
<<<Bookings & Questions>>>
To book, please click the link Tickets above. You can either choose to pay deposit of £420 (approx 500 EUR) or the complete amount.
In approx 5 to 7 working days you will receive a welcome letter detailing further information & logistics. If you have paid the deposit, you will receive the Welcome Letter with more info and the invitation to transfer the remaining balance (if you chose not to transfer the complete amount at once) which is due 15 December
In case of any questions, please contact Naomi or Bynoi at cultivatingkundalini@gmail.com
<<<About Khajuraho>>>
Khajuraho is an energy vortex, one of the birth-places of Tantra in India. Built over a 1000 years ago, some of the most graphic, erotic and sensuous sculptures the world has known are on the temple walls of Khajuraho. Every facade – wall, window, pillar, and ceiling – of Khajuraho is carved with figures of mythical and historical origins. Tantric adepts from all over the sub-continent came to Khajuraho.
Osho, the Indian mystic in his commentary on the temples stated
“..if you meditate there, you will know what the Tantra masters were doing. They were creating in stone something that is felt in the ultimate orgasmic joy. It was the most difficult thing to do, to bring ecstasy into the stone. And if the stone can show the ecstasy, then everybody can move into that ecstasy easily. Khajuraho sculpture is not just to see, it is for meditation.
Sit silently and meditate for hours. If one goes to Khajuraho, one should live at least for three months there, so he can
meditate on each possible inner posture of orgasmic joy.
And then, slowly slowly, the at-onement, slowly slowly, the harmony; then suddenly you are transported into another world — the world of those mystics who created this temple. This is objective art…….”
<<<About the Baul Tantric Mystics>>>
Osho once described the Yogi , Tantric and Baul as three tables of people in a cafe: the yogi makes the tea, the tantric hands the tea out and the Baul is drinking it.
That tea is bliss, bhav…the nectar of life. The Yogi is cultivating it. The Tantric is giving it out. The Baul is getting drunk on it!
<<<Typical Daily Schedule>>>
A rough schedule of the pilgrimage is available in the Welcome Letter if you are curious. We will be flexible with this schedule, feeling into the needs of the participants to prioritize group prayer, listening, & meditation. We will weave fun, enjoyable, learning experiences, prioritizing listening to the codes offered by the Tantra temples.
Morning – Sensing the body of prayer or Tantric Womb Alchemy meditations.
Breakfast + Land journey to the temples or morning Tantra session in the Temples or Nature.
Afternoon – Lunch + Land journeys, guided tour, ritual and secret meditations in the temples (Western Temples, Eastern Temples, Yogini Temple) with the group. Activations at the temple sites with the Baul mystics.
Evening – Dinner + Evening ritual, sacred song circles with the Bauls, ceremony or group ritual
<<<Accommodation>>>
Our venue for the pilgrimage is a well used, simple hotel run by an Osho-mystic. It is a 15 minute drive from Airport and a 5 minutes walking distance from the western temples. The amenities include: Internet & Laundry and more details are available in the Welcome Letter once you have booked & registered.
<<<Nutrition>>>
Simple vegetarian food and we will be catering to all food intolerances & allergies. Please complete your Nutrition requirements in the Information Form, which is available in the welcome letter sent to you on booking & registering.
<<<Getting to Khajuraho & the Venue>>>
Khajuraho is located right in the center of the country. Flying into Khajuraho is the easiest option.
Air
Khajuraho airport, with a brand new terminal opened in 2016, is 5km south of town. Jet Airways (www.jetairways.com) flies from Delhi to Khajuraho and back, via Varanasi in both directions, daily from October to April. Air India flies three times weekly from Delhi to Khajuraho via Varanasi and Agra, then back to Delhi via Varanasi, year-round.
Trains are also available from Delhi to travel to Khajuraho. If you want to have the experience of traveling by train to Khajuraho, it would be easier to use a local travel agent in india or go to to the railway station and book a train.
Taxis are available from the airport to the hotel & more information is available in the Welcome Letter.
<<<Nights before and after the retreat>>>
You can book additional nights before and after the retreat at the hotel directly. More information is available in the welcome letter.
Visa to India
Almost all nationalities require visas to travel to India. e-visas are valid for about 2 months and can be obtained online. If you are staying in India for more than 2 months, you need to get regular stamped visa in your passport. Do double check with your local Indian embassy. Do not leave this for the last minute.
Refund Policy
No refunds after Dec 15, 2024.
If for some reason you become unable to attend, a 200 E admin fee will be withheld and the rest of the amount will be refunded to you in 14 working days or generally sooner.
CANCELLATION POLICY
* In case of a force majeure from your side before Dec 15, 2024, an admin fee of 200 EUR will be applied and is non-refundable, and non-transferable to other offerings by both facilitators and producer. Any paid amount other than this will be refunded to you within 14 working days after cancellation.
* In case of a force majeure from your side on or after Dec 15, 2024, an admin fee of 500 EUR will be non-refundable and non-transferable to other offerings by both facilitators and producer. Any paid amount other than this will be refunded to you within 14 working days after cancellation.
Below’s conditions will be accepted as force majeure:
* Death or documented severe disease of first or second degree relatives.
* Documented severe disease of the participant.
Below’s conditions will not be accepted as force majeure:
* Cancellation of flights or other means of transport.
* Anything other than specified force majeure conditions above.
OTHER
* In case this offering is cancelled by the producer, any paid amount will be refunded excluding possible bank charges.
<<<About the Facilitators>>>
Diana Prem Shakti
Born in Colombia, with an ancestry from her mother lineage connected with indigenous roots, Diana’s great grandfather was a curandero. She is a carrier of the prayers weaved deep inside the jungle, the medicine of yage has been her teacher and one of her prayer fields, where Diana has received codes from the elemental oratorio.
Diana is a psychologist, with a Ms systemic family therapy, transpersonal psychology and gestalt therapy, art and education. Author of the book “la maestra de tantra”. Facilitator of ISTA, international school of temple arts. A mother, a wife, a lover, a friend, a weaver of prayers. Discovering the art of dancing with roots and wings at the same time.
My heart is vibrating with the synchronicity that is weaving this call and our commitment to respond and show up.
It’s a gift for me to dance this prayer together with Kamala, Bynoi, Swami Ganga and the Bauls. I met Bynoi in the ISTA field, we co facilitate in Samotrakhi, and Colombia, both my home. It feels right to be going with him to his home and invite you to join us in this weaving of prayers, that is bringing us to dance together in India.
Bynoi Desouza
Bynoi is a Somatic Educator, a Native Classical Tantrik Educator, Researcher, & Practitioner, an Internal Arts Coach & Shamanic BodyWorker, & Faculty at International School of Temple Arts (ISTA).
Diverse embodied fields inform his approach and spiral of enquiry including:
Bynoi grew up in India, & has spent the last 19 years living in the UK, Europe (Sweden & Belgium), & South America. He has facilitated, taught at, & produced Somatics, Classical Tantra, Subtle BodyWork, & Spiritual, Sexual & Shamanic week-long journeys & selected festivals since 2015 across Europe (Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, Croatia, Ireland, & Iceland), UK , India, & Colombia.
Bynoi is passionate about the possibility to resource from our own “Soma” (meaning “Body” in Greek And “mystery Elixir” in Sanskrit).
Bynoi is fascinated by the inter-connections between Deep Somatics (Embodiment of the Nervous System, Fluid System, & Embryology), Classical Tantra (translated from “Root” sources from Sanskrit pointing to Somatic practices), & simple, & effective Trauma-Informed Neuro-Affective Embodiment.
Bynoi is fascinated by the potential of using specificity of Breath, Movement, Dance, Sound, Awareness, Touch to impact Embodiment (physical, physiological, mental, emotional, energetic, sensual, sexual, spiritual, and soul)
Bynoi speaks 7 languages including Spanish and Swedish, & is a life-long, long-term student of Sanskrit, the language used in primary Classical “Root Tantras”.
Joohi Kasliwal
I am motivated and excited to assist on this pilgrimage to discover and open a new universe within myself that reverberates with the wisdom, awe and beauty of the tantric mysteries and alchemy of the ancient futures. I want to be in service to the reverent prayer of these temples and to the shared vision of the facilitation and wisdom keepers of this heritage. I want to be present to the erotic unfolding of the collective prayer and reconnect with my queer, erotic, brown, South Asian ancestors to build a deeper connection with my own expression and truth. I want to support in birthing a culture which realizes the importance of sexual expression and a sensual orientation to the world with its many avenues of grief and joy. I want to embody the places in between, where I am neither a participant/observer or a facilitator of the pilgrimage, but rather someone both receiving and supporting in the unveiling. Lastly, I am longing to enrich and deepen this connection I have with my mother, the motherland, my own womb to birth and bring deeper reverence to the mothers and wombs of this Earth.
Shanti Steph
Shanti Steph is a somatic sexologist, bodyworker, pleasure activist and somanaut from Cork, Ireland. She is deeply passionate about supporting people to access greater states of aliveness, authenticity and personal power by embodying their true erotic nature.
Her work facilitates releasing limiting habits and creating new ones, re-sensitising the body, and cultivating more expansive erotic states that integrates both mind and body. She offers 1:1 sessions as well as workshops and retreats both in-person and online.
Naomi Tatsch
Naomi is passionate about bringing light and love to this beautiful planet earth. By unconditionally embracing all emotions, all shadows that occur and opening her heart wider and wider. By breathing deeply, opening her senses, dancing, singing, moving, laughing, touching, listening and unblocking energies. She believes that every human being can discover the own inner light and life force energy.
She works as (sexological) holistic bodyworker and space holder for sensuality workshops and women circle.
In her work she opens spaces for human beings to reconnect deeply with themselves and their body wisdom.
Swami Ganga
Swami Ganga met Osho in the 1960’s and subsequently, became his guide during Osho’s many visits to Khajuraho. By luck, chance or destiny, while still a teenager, Swami Ganga found himself in the hands of one of the greatest Tantra Masters ever born. Osho proceeded to offer Ganga a powerful transmission on the nature of Khajuraho, including it’s original intent, it’s esoteric history and also about each aspect of the symbolism of these magnificent temples. Swami Ganga gave tours in these temples for 45 years, before going into half retirement. He currently devotes his time between running his Harmony Hotel in Khajuraho and offering his sublime presence and wisdom to groups of seekers who come from all over the world, to drink in his eloquent wisdom.
watch a video with him here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hURf9WWRKQM.
The Baul Tantric Mystics
The Bauls are the Indian Sufis, mystical musicians from Bengal. They sing from the heart and pour out their feelings and emotions in their songs. Their music reflects bonds of the heart, subtly revealing the mystery of life, the laws of nature and the ultimate union with the divine. A Baul is a mystic nomad dealing with human relations, emotions and spontaneously expressing their spiritual ideology through music & dance.
The music of the Bauls, Baul Sangeet, is a particular type of folk music. Its lyrics carry influences of the Hindu bhakti movements and the songs of Kabir. Their music represents a long heritage of preaching mysticism through songs in Bengali. Their lyrics intertwine a deep sense of mysticism, a longing for oneness with the divine.
They seek the divinity in human beings. Metaphysical topics are dwelt upon in a humble fashion and in simple words. To them we are all a gift of divine power and the body is a temple, music being the path to connect to that power.
The great Indian mystic Osho Says “A Baul is a flowering.
A Baul is a flowing energy. The Baul is not a seeker, the Baul is one who has found. The Baul is a SIDDHA: one who has looked into life and realized that all is available and there is no need to seek. One has just to participate in this mystery called life. He dances, he sings, he enjoys, he is blissful for no reason at all.”
About the instruments
The Bauls use ancient shamanic instruments that tune the human body to the universal cosmic frequency. The most common instrument used is the ektara, a one-stringed “plucked drum” drone instrument, carved from the epicarp of a gourd, and made of bamboo and goatskin.
Others include the dotara, a long-necked fretless lute (while the name literally means “two stringed” it usually has four metal strings) made of the wood of a jackfruit or neem tree.
Drums like the duggi, a small hand-held earthen drum, and and khol; small cymbals called khartal and manjira, and the bamboo flute are also used. Ghungur and nupur are anklets with bells that ring while the person wearing them dances. They also play the “ananda -lahori” which literally translated means “waves of ecstacy”.
About their songs
The songs of the Bauls highlight the essence of Tantra in many ways. They will have a dialogue with the six psychic centers in the subtle body to the primal memories of the soul wandering in the mother’s womb. Their songs dance with the dormant state of cosmic energy or Kundalini energy in the body. They also transmit the essence of the immortality of the soul through poetry.