Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat – Bhutan – 2023

DAY 1
Thimphu

• Arrival – Arrive to Paro and head on to Thimphu (1 Hr)
• Blessings and Sense of Place Ceremony – Welcoming ceremony upon arrival to Bhutan
• Forest Bathing – A mystical experience led by a monk through the Himalayan Cypress forest
• Traditional Dinner – Get acquainted with traditional Bhutanese culture through food

Forest Bathing
A 2017 National Taiwan University study (128 middle-aged and elderly participants) found that a 2-hour forest bathing experience led to changes in autonomic nervous system activity and emotions. Heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower after the short experience, while the mood scores for “tension-anxiety”, “anger-hostility”, “fatigue- inertia” and “depression-dejection” were also significantly lowered.

DAY 2
Thimphu

• Morning Meditation- Peaceful meditation led by a monk in a serene setting to start the day
• Sissinang Nunnery – Spend time getting to know the Buddhist nuns at the revered all-women’s Sissinang Nunnery
• Singing Bowls Sound Healing Ceremony – Experience vibrational healing frequencies with sacred instruments
• Introduction to Gross National Happiness – Understand further the principles of Gross National Happiness which unite the Kingdom

Singing Bowl Sound Healing Ceremony
The pure vibrations which emanate from Himalayan singing bowls are widely used to heal people from stress, body aches, and depression. The profound tones sync with the mind and bring about states of consciousness optimized for meditation, creative thinking, and profound relaxation.

DAY 3
Thimphu

• Spiritual Cleansing Ritual Ceremony – Purify and release negativity during this powerful ceremony
• Visit Sacred Nature Site – Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty to its fullest
• Guided Burnout Meditation – Lecture and practice led by a monk regarding revitalization after burnout in everyday life
• Sacred Mask Dance Performance – It is said that to reach enlightenment, a person must witness the sacred mask dance at least once.

Sacred Mask Dance
The Drametse Ngacham, or Dance of the Drums, is the most popular mask dance in Bhutan dating back to the 16h century. Originating as a celestial dance meditation to show appreciation for and call on the blessings of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) to defeat evil. It is said that Guru Rinpoche performed this dance to rid the land of evil spirits.

The concept of peaceful and wrathful deities is a key allegorical idea in the sect of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. The human body is seen as a metaphorical collection of 108 deities which represent our thoughts and reactions to situations in life. The wrathful deities teaching us through difficult lessons and peaceful deities guiding us to calm, serene happiness.

DAY 4
Thimphu

• Dochula Pass – Views from one of the most scenic locations in all of Bhutan
• Guided Meditation – A gentle session in the mountains
• Buddha Dordenma Statue – One of the most spectacular Buddha statues in all of Bhutan

Buddha Dordenma
Widely known as the guardian of Thimpu, the statue is made of bronze and is gilded gold. There is more to this sculpture than meets the eye, as it includes over 120,000 smaller Buddha statues enclosed within. This 177 foot long representation of peace and serenity with a panoramic view of the Himalayas sees hundreds of people admiring its beauty each day.

Dochula Pass
A collection of 108 stupas built along the mountain pass between Thimphu and Punahka to commemorate the loss of Bhutanese soldiers in a 2003 conflict with Indian insurgents.
The number 108 has been considered sacred since the ancient time of the vedas. In Vajrayana Buddhism there are 108 peaceful and wrathful deities. There are also 108 beads on the mala (Buddhist rosary) and they are used to count mantra chants whch are repeated 108 times.

• Drive to Paro – Discover new valleys and rivers from above on the journey to paro
• Tachokgang Lhakhang Bridge – Visit the most iconic bridge in Bhutan
• Rinpung Dzong – A fascinating example of Bhutanese architecture and art to explore
• Candle Lighting Ceremony – Take part in an ancient tradition

Candle Lighting Ceremony
Candles are an age old traditional part of Buddhist rituals. In conjunction with incense and flowers, they are placed in front of Buddhist shrines or statues and images of the Buddha as a mark of respect. They are often accompanied by offerings of food and drink. The light of the burning candle flame represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings. Candles and incense also evoke the state of impermanence and change.Their light can also be said to symbolize the enlightenment of the Buddha.

DAY 6
Paro

• Chele La Pass – Awe-inspiring views
• Prayer Flag Bathing and Setting – Take in the blessings from the wondrous prayer flags and even set your own
• National Museum – Gain a deeper insight into Bhutan as a whole
• Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House – Explore and experience grandiose prayer wheels at this stunning complex

DAY 7
Paro

• Hike To Tiger’s Nest Monastery – A tranquil hike up to the mystical temple in the sky
• Riverside Lecture and Meditation -Guided reflective meditation by the riverside at the foot of the Tiger’s Nest
• Hot Stone Bath – A perfect conclusion to the day

Tiger’s Nest
One of the most beautiful temples in the world and a national treasure of Bhutan, Paro Takstang, as it is known in Bhutanese, was built in front of the entrance to a cave where the great Guru Rinpoche meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, and 3 hours during the 8th century. Legend has it that the great Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet to this cave high on the cliffside in Bhutan, riding on the back of a magical tigress.

DAY 8
Paro

• Morning Meditation – A happy meditation to begin the final day of the journey
• Farewell Blessing – Short talk and blessing concluding the journey
• Depart with Happiness – A final farewell and off to the airport