As we stand at the threshold of the second quarter of the 21st century, we must ascertain what future awaits us. During times as confusing and uncertain as ours today, the sages have advised, “Summon your willpower and write your own destiny; blind submission to the forces of change leads to a scary fate.” This New Year’s program is a step toward taking charge of our destiny.

The program opens with Sri Yaga, a time-tested tantric practice to invoke the forces of certainty and stability and boost our atma shakti, the power of all powers, which ensures that we succeed in our endeavors no matter what. This shakti is the force behind the experience of beauty and joy, thus it is called Sri Vidya. It is a valiant force and champions the army of compassion, thus it is known as Durga. The practice of Sri Yaga is to invoke this force within and without, thereby restoring the vibrancy of the human spirit and the natural world.

As part of this retreat, we’ll study the dynamics of Sri Yaga, how it relates to our personal practice of yoga and meditation, and how Sri Yaga serves as a doorway to other forms of group tantric practices, most notably Maha Sri Yaga. The most important feature of this study, however, will be to see how the sages in the past applied Sri Yaga to build a collective consciousness big and strong enough to guide the forces of change, thus passing on a system we can use to write our own destiny.

Major Topics

• • Session 1: Maha Yaga: The Epitome of Tantra Sadhana and Group Practice

• • Session 2: Sri Yaga: Invoking the Forces of Certainty and Stability (Tantric Group Practice)*

• • Session 3: Sri Sukta: The Mantric Body of Sri, Our Very Essence and the Essence of Creation

• • Session 4: Delineating the Steps for Our Immediate and Long-Term Practice of Sri Sukta

• • Session 5: Maha Sri Yaga: A Time-Tested Practice to Restore the Vibrancy of the Human Spirit and the Natural World

• • Session 6: Question and Answer Session

• • Session 7: New Year’s Group Meditation (9pm – midnight)*

• • Session 8: Preparing Ourselves for Maha Sri Yaga

*These two group practices will only be available for online replay for 14 days to honor the integrity and sanctity of the ritual practices.

In-Person and Online

This New Year’s Retreat continues the Institute’s decades-long tradition of hosting transformative retreats that create an auspicious beginning to the new year. Typically one of our most popular retreats, New Year’s is a special opportunity to step away from ordinary life and immerse yourself in a retreat experience. This year’s program will also be available live online for those who are unable to attend in person but feel called to create a retreat within their home environment.

While the teachings and ritual practices convey powerfully through the online experience, there is a unique magic that comes with being on retreat that cannot be fully captured online. Daily prayers, Sri Sukta recitation, and personal meditation practice in the Sri Vidya Shrine; healthy vegetarian meals shared in community; direct access to HI faculty for questions and personal guidance; and the time and space to study, practice, and relax away from the demands of ordinary life are just some of the many reasons why attending in person is recommended.

To attend in person, first register for the online program and pay your tuition. Then, simply book your accommodations on campus with no additional program tuition.

Recommended Reading and Courses

• • Sri Sukta: Tantra of Inner and Outer Prosperity

• • Sri Sukta Course

Schedule

All times listed are in U.S. Eastern Time. Subject to minor changes.

• • 7:30 pm | Maya Yaga: The Epitome of Tantra Sadhana and Group Practice

Sunday, December 29

• • 7:00 am | Guided Yoga & Meditation Class

• • 10:00 am | Sri Yaga: Invoking the Forces of Certainty and Stability (Tantric Group Practice)

• • 7:30 pm | Sri Sukta: The Mantric Vody of Sri, Our Very Essence and the Essence of Creation

Monday, December 30

• • 7:00 am | Guided Yoga & Meditation Class

• • 10:00 am | Delineating the Steps for Our Immediate and Long-Term Practice of Sri Sukta

• • 7:30 pm | Maha Sri Yaga: A Time-Tested Practice to Restore the Vibrancy of the Human Spirit and the Natural World

Tuesday, December 31

• • 7:00 am | Guided Yoga & Meditation Class

• • 10:00 am | Question & Answer Session

• • 4:00 pm | Restorative Yoga Class

• • 8:30 pm—12:00 am | New Year’s Eve Akhanda Japa (Group Meditation)

Wednesday, January 1

• • 7:00 am | Guided Yoga & Meditation Class

• • 10:00 am | Preparing Ourselves for Maha Sri Yaga