A Final Whisper from the Silence Between the Stars Let the new moon not frighten you with her emptiness. Let her remind you that in the deepest dark, the light of Lakshmi is planted. That wealth is not in gold alone, but in the company of awakened breath, shared prayer, and sacred rest. That Diwali is not a performance, but a remembering.
In the ancient land of Bharat, wise rishis taught that when the moon retreats into silence and the sky wears its darkest robe, it is not an absence. It is a quiet presence and a gentle invitation. When the new moon disappears from the sky, the world grows hushed. The tides become still, and even the earth seems to slow down. In this darkness, we feel called to turn inward.
A lotus blossom unfolds on still water under moonlight, symbolizing gentle prayers rising in the stillness. The sages of old revered the new moon night as a spiritual gateway. They believed the soul could slip past the grip of the ego and merge into the vast ocean of the Divine. In this deep darkness there is no fear, only grace. It is a time when prayers rise gently, like lotus flowers opening in a calm pond. It is a time when the superconscious opens its arms wide and lovingly receives every longing of the heart.
Such is the sacred night of Amavasya, the new moon. On this night no physical light is visible, but it is quietly waiting in the depths of your own heart. Sometimes this night aligns with Diwali, the festival of divine illumination. When that happens, we are reminded to celebrate not the outward glitter, but the inner gold. This inner gold is the hidden radiance of the soul, a light that shines from within even on the darkest night.
Enter a tranquil circle where you can celebrate the sacred light while remaining in stillness. Throughout the moonless nights you will learn ancient Indian practices that will both energize your heart and cleanse your mind and revitalize your spirit.
The ritual will not be observed as a spectator but you will become an active participant. The presence of Goddess Lakshmi will manifest before you as an energetic current rather than a statue. The practice of prayer with flowers and incense and flame will help you seek true prosperity which includes wisdom and peace as well as purpose. Through the sacred Lakshmi Puja you will discover the abundance which exists within yourself.
Return to your body daily through practices of gentle yoga asanas followed by powerful breathwork (pranayama) and guided meditations. Through these practices your nervous system finds calm while emotional blocks clear and your connection to inner stillness strengthens. You will master a breathing technique which benefits healing processes and maintains overall health while promoting complete wellness.
Your voice becomes a sacred vessel. Our group chanting sessions will teach you to recite ancient mantras for health and spiritual wealth and clarity. The vibrations activate dormant parts of your being while creating divine energy pathways that bring flow into your life.
Our retreat kitchen invites you to discover sattvic cooking techniques based on Ayurvedic principles. Together we will make nourishing vegetarian Diwali meals containing healing herbs and traditional spices. The process of cooking becomes a sacred practice. Food as prayer. Every dish we prepare serves as both a religious offering to the Divine and a nutritional gift for your physical body.
The area around our retreat center offers walking paths through sacred forests and ancient gaint Sequoia trees and peaceful hilltops. Forest bathing together with mindful walking helps you let go while remembering and establishing a sense of grounding. The tree’s peaceful nature mirrors the peaceful state of your inner being.
We will conduct sacred satsang sessions to delve into the authentic teachings of Diwali and Lakshmi and new moon power. The sessions function as sacred rememberings rather than lectures. The ancient stories will speak to something already alive in you. Your journey will be about remembering rather than learning because you already possess the knowledge inside.
The retreat comes from the heart of Mother India to find its peaceful haven in California’s natural landscape. Your return home will be accompanied by nourishment that includes knowledge as well as presence and clarity and an inner light which stays with you.
🪔 Join us this Diwali. Your inner light will emerge from deep within your being.
Come learn to make Rangoli with colors and explore your creativity through this ancient Indian art form.
Floral Mandala:** A mandala featuring intricate patterns of various flowers in vibrant colors, with a central lotus flower.
Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form created by drawing patterns on the floor or ground using materials such as colored powders, rice flour, sand, or even flower petals
Diwali 2024 guests making Rangoli
A Journey of Healing and Sharing
A Vision for a Better World
Deepak Swarup’s story is one of personal evolution. A realization of the profound impact of lifestyle choices on his own health became a catalyst for his transformative journey. This epiphany led him to transition from the business world to the realm of the Ancient Yogic Sciences. Motivated by a desire to share his deepening insights and contribute to positive change, he now runs a nonprofit organization. Vedanta Spiritual and Holistic Retreat Center is a beacon of hope for those seeking healthier and stress-free lives.
He shares his own experiences and empowers others to make informed choices to embark on a journey of holistic well-being. Deepak envisions a world where individuals are empowered to make conscious lifestyle choices, leading to improvement in health, wellness and relationships. His commitment to share is not only a personal journey but a shared mission to create a positive impact on the lives of those ready to embrace a healthier, more harmonious way of living.
All prices include Accommodations, Course Material & Organic Vegan Meals.
*Work trade/financial assistance available, no one will be turned away on this auspicious retreat.
This Retreat, located in the womb of the California Sierra Nevada Mountains, is one of our specialized experiences.
Vedanta Spiritual & Holistic Retreat
501(c)(3) nonprofit
