Are you longing for personal growth and transformation?
Are you ready to befriend your soul?
Is now the time for you to release past trauma, and access clarity and strength through the practice of Kundalini Yoga?
Would you like to understand and explore the root cause of your addiction?
We invite you to join us and others from around the world on this sacred journey of inner healing and transformation in the vicinity of the Golden Temple in India.
Participate in this 9-day immersion followed by a 16-week integration, where you will be guided to connect deeply with yourself and others, cultivate healthy habits, explore the root cause of addiction, make peace with your past, gain understanding and choice in your behaviour, thrive in the present, acknowledge your strengths, and create an inspired, fulfilling future.
Image: Amritsar Retreat 2022
Registration is open
Registration Fee for Course Only
Accommodation Fees are separate – please scroll down
Early Bird Course Fee: $1800 Canadian Dollars
Applicable before June 29, 2024. Convert to your currency here.
Regular Course Fee: $2000 Canadian Dollars
Applicable after June 30, 2024. Convert to your currency here.
Repeater’s Course Fee for those who attended in 2023: $1500 Canadian Dollars
Apply before August 15, 2024.
Limited subsidies are available
Apply before September 15, 2024.
Additionally
We are excited to invite you to extend your stay at Amritsar for 3 more days to visit the sacred site of Goindwal with us from 24 to 26th November 2024.
Download Retreat Schedule BA-Amritsar-Schedule-2024
*Subject to Change
It takes planning to travel to a new place, so we have put together information that may be helpful to you.
Accommodation and Travel Assistance Contact: Ms. Dishka Arora
M: +91-9779079792 | E: [email protected]
Arrive by: Wednesday, November 14, 2024
Departure: Saturday, November 23, 2024
The Amritsar Retreat is a 9-Day Immersive Experience + 16 Week Online Follow-up using
Kundalini Yoga • Counselling • Naturopathic Medicine
Facilitated by Sat Dharam Kaur ND and Guest Instructors
You will also be invited to join us for early morning sadhana November 15-23 or to spend early mornings at the Golden Temple.
Amritsar Retreat 2022 Group
About the Creator of Beyond Addiction
Sat Dharam Kaur has been practicing as a naturopathic doctor since 1989, with a focus on women’s health, cancer and mind-body approaches to healing. She is an author, and a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher trainer and instructor. She has studied and taught Kundalini Yoga since 1976 and has facilitated teacher training programs internationally for over 20 years.
Sat Dharam developed the Beyond Addiction program, inspired by the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté and other addiction and trauma experts. She has been studying, hosting, working and teaching with Dr. Gabor Maté since 2012, initially with the Beyond Addiction program. Later she structured his psychotherapeutic work into a format that could be taught to others, which is now the Compassionate Inquiry Professional Online Training. Since 2019, much of her naturopathic practice has included Compassionate Inquiry.
Her educational background includes a BA with a major in psychology and English literature, and a B.Sc. in biology from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. She completed postgraduate studies in naturopathic medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and taught stress management and women’s health at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine for 10 years. She has written three books on women’s health and has presented at numerous conferences.
Sat Dharam lives with her husband in an off-grid home on 105 acres of beautiful land and takes care of fruit trees and a large garden. She enjoys hiking, cycling, and communing with plants. She has three adult children and two grandchildren.
Our Focus for the Retreat
The focus of our time together is to accept and release the past, recreate ourselves in alignment with spirit, integrate healing lifestyle practices, and rekindle our inner light.
You will be guided through a deep, impactful and unique program that connects you to the source of vitality, clarity and strength within you through the daily practice of kundalini yoga, pranayama and meditation.
You will enjoy a catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, based primarily on a traditional Indian vegetarian diet. You will connect deeply with one another through group discussion and deep listening. You will have the opportunity to bathe in the healing vibration and sound current of the Golden Temple. Early morning visits to the Golden Temple, as well as sadhana are optional. You can enjoy relaxing evenings around the pool, along with walking tours and shopping in Amritsar.
Befriend your Soul
- Use Kundalini Yoga and meditation to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit
- Utilize yogic techniques to decrease cravings
- Restore the nervous system, brain, frontal lobe and adrenal glands with yoga and naturopathic therapies
- Access your spiritual center and learn to rely on your Higher Self
- Develop neutrality and clear subconscious patterns
- Manage your reactions to people and events
- Enhance communication and relationship skills
- Make a healthy shift in perspective and attitude
The course includes:
- 16 theme-based modules
- 500 pages of written material expanding on the themes
- Specific Kundalini Yoga sets, pranayama and meditations for each module
- 90 teaching videos with Dr. Gabor Maté
- Dietary and nutritional guidelines for recovery and well-being
- Questions for self-reflection
- A home practice program that will run from January – April, 2025, with online meetings twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday mornings (Toronto time 8am-9:30am)
Why Amritsar?
Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and a healing sanctuary for people of all faiths. The devotion and selfless service of individuals preparing and serving langar (a community meal) at the Golden Temple is inspiring and transformative.
Our expert Beyond Addiction team of trainers from Canada and India is passionate about bringing this innovative recovery program to people internationally and training local professionals to continue to offer the program. We invite international travellers from all faiths and nationalities to join us at this sacred pilgrimage site for deep renewal.
The Beyond Addiction program will remind you what you came into this lifetime to be and to do, while simultaneously acknowledging the trauma and pain of the past. Through acceptance, compassion, self-expression, connection, courage and grace, all wounds can heal. You will recover your true self through Kundalini Yoga, Counseling and Naturopathic Medicine while utilizing the transformative power of mantra.
Who may Apply?
- Individuals who are at least 40 days free of substance use or currently in a de-addiction program, and are motivated to heal.
- Individual who need support in their continued recovery, with a program that addresses the trauma and pain at the root of every addiction, and takes you through a journey of profound healing and connection to yourself and others
- Individuals who are health professionals – addiction counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, medical doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners, students, yoga teachers and family members.
- Individuals who want to use this program for personal growth. Experience the transformational power of kundalini yoga, make positive lifestyle shifts, and inspire your loved ones.
Understanding Addiction
Is there an activity that you crave and repeatedly do in your life that has a negative impact on you, your family and/or your relationships and you tried to stop but without success?
Have you experienced disconnection from your true self?
Addiction is any pattern of behaviour that you crave, and find some temporary relief or pleasure in, but are unable to give up despite the negative long term consequences of engaging in that behaviour. Most of us have at least one addiction, whether it be sugar, internet use, compulsive cell phone use, or a more harmful physical substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, opiates or gambling. We use these substances and activities to relieve the painful emotions that we don’t want to feel, often a result of childhood trauma.
Addiction springs from a desire to avoid or relieve pain, suffering, and uncomfortable feelings, and to experience pleasure and comfort. When we are addicted, we surrender a piece of our autonomy to a substance or behaviour that may provide short-term relief but then has power over our feelings, thoughts and actions, with negative consequences to ourselves, our relationships and society.
Addiction can be healed by reconnecting to one’s essential spiritual nature, nurturing a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation, finding one’s place in a safe supportive community, connecting to loved ones with authenticity, cultivating one’s strengths, and focussing on what gives us joy and a sense of purpose.
Dr. Gabor Maté, an international addiction expert says,
“The question is not, ‘Why the addiction?,’ but ‘Why the Pain?’” Addiction is not the primary problem. Addiction is an attempt to solve the problem, which is unexpressed emotional pain, often linked to childhood and intergenerational trauma that was present long before the addiction.
Dr. Maté states: “The chronic condition of severe substance addiction is caused, in most cases, by the distorting effects of early childhood abuse or stress on the developing brain, often in the context of multigenerational trauma and social dislocation.”
Our Goal
In this program, we have taken teachings from kundalini yoga, married them with guidelines and research in naturopathic medicine and neuroscience, and infused them with the insights and experience of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk, Dr. Marc Lewis and other contemporary leaders who work with people who have experienced trauma and have sought relief from emotional pain through various addictive behaviours.
Beyond Addiction has been taught internationally in 13 countries, in 7 different languages and has transformed over 3000 lives, through more than 75 programs, which have been either conducted live in-person or online since 2008.
Our Venue
The venue of the program is within steps of the Golden Temple, where you can renew your devotion and spiritual connection, regardless of your faith. The beautiful sound of Gurbani music reverberating through the Golden Temple is a healing balm for the soul.
Location:
Yoga Shala, a yoga studio within a 5 minute walk to the Golden Temple.
Address: 1743/4-21, Papda wala bazar, Gali Tarkhana, Atta Mandi, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India.
Testimonials from Past Participants
Read more Testimonials
Review our detailed Course Outline
Location & Dates
Travel, Food and Accommodation Details
| Arrival: | Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| Departure: | Saturday, November 23, 2024 |
| Length of stay: | 10 nights |
Accommodation:
Accommodation can be ashram style, adjacent to the Yoga Shala, or at nearby hotels.
Yoga Shala Address: 1743/4-21, Papda wala bazar, Gali Tarkhana, Atta Mandi, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India.
Yoga Shala accommodation includes a shared apartment, with several rooms and 2-3 separate beds in each room, plus 3 meals, water and tea daily. It is also possible to request a single room.
Amenities include cotton sheets and quilts; a personal safe; kettle and herbal tea; water-purifier to drink clean water; herbal soap; self-laundry facilities; rooftop patio; internet access. Each floor includes two bathrooms and one shower facility with hot water.
Yoga Shala Meals:
For reservation at the Yoga Shala please contact Parvinder at: [email protected]
Meals may be purchased from Yoga Shala separately from accommodation, so that we can eat together even if you are staying elsewhere. All meals can be vegetarian or vegan:
Alternate Accommodation Options:
Transportation charges as below:
- Airport pick up or drop : INR 1700/- or CAD 28.18/- BY INNOVA per way
- Airport pick up or drop : INR 1300/- or CAD 21.55/- BY SEDAN per way
- Railway Station pick up or drop : INR 1000/- or CAD 16.60/- BY INNOVA per way
- Railway Station pick up or drop : INR 800/- or CAD 13.26/- BY SEDAN per way
Price may change slightly with the exchange rate.
Bookings are subject to availability. You can contact: Ms. Dishka Arora at +91-9779079792 or email [email protected] for further information.
Amritsar Tourist Spots:
Places to visit:
- The Golden Temple
- Rose Garden
- Wagah Border Ceremony
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Gobindgarh Fort
- Shri Durgiana Mandir
- Sri Ram Tirath Temple
- Mandir Mata Lal Devi
- Sada Pind
- Haveli
- Partition Museum
Shopping Places :
- Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar
- Hall Bazaar
- Guru Bazaar, Amritsar
- Lawrence Road, Amritsar
- VR Mall
- The Mall of Amritsar
Places to eat :
- Kesar Da Dhaba
- Bharawan Da Dhaba
- Kanha Sweets
- Lassi from Ahuja Milk Bhandar
- Crystal Restaurant
- Kulcha Land
- Goenka Sweets
Program Instructors
Founder, Lead Trainer, Naturopathic Doctor
Sat Dharam is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher trainer and instructor, author, and naturopathic doctor practicing in Owen Sound, Ontario. She has studied Kundalini Yoga since 1976 and has facilitated teacher training programs in Toronto (ON), Canmore (AB), and Owen Sound. She developed the Beyond Addiction program, inspired by the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté an other addiction and trauma experts. She has also developed … Continued
Course Translator, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, BA Group Facilitator
Priya is a naturopathic doctor and kundalini yoga instructor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. Areas of focus in her practice are breast cancer, autoimmune disorders, addictions and supporting people affected by mental health issues using the Compassionate Inquiry Approach. Priya obtained her Doctor of Naturopathy degree from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Toronto. Prior to attending CCNM, Priya was trained as a medical doctor in … Continued
BA Assistant Trainer
Anirudh N Goel is actively pursuing to become a Mental Health Professional since 2017. He is currently based out of Mumbai India, where he parallely runs a Brand and Marketing Strategy Consultancy. He is trained and certified in diverse modalities and processes, such as Somatic Experiencing, Integrated Somatic Psychotherapy, Bodymanics, Compassionate Inquiry and Presence Oriented Psychotherapy. His personal explorations have led him to the Eastern … Continued
Fees & Registration
Regular Course Fee: $2000 Canadian Dollars
Applicable after June 30, 2024. Convert to your currency here.
For exact amount in INR please refer to the currency rates Course Fee (includes manual, immersion course fee, and follow-up 16-week online program with facilitated weekly integration check-ins). Does not include accommodation and food – see below.
Convert to your currency here.
Repeater’s Course Fee for those who attended in 2023: $1500 Canadian Dollars
Apply before September 15, 2024. Convert to your currency here.
For exact amount in INR please refer to the currency rates Course Fee (includes manual, immersion course fee, and follow-up 16-week online program with facilitated weekly integration check-ins). Does not include accommodation and food – see below.
Registrations are now open
Additionally
We are excited to invite you to extend your stay at Amritsar for 3 more days to truly complete the pilgrimage by visiting Goindwal with us from 24 to 26th November 2024.
Group Pricing
Are you an organization or a group interested in enrolling for the Amritsar Retreat?
You may contact Michelle Peddle at [email protected] or Anirudh Goel at [email protected].
Registration Process
- In order to register for this retreat, you must first read the Criteria for Acceptance into Beyond Addiction Program. Space is limited, register early.
- Block the room in the hotel post registration. Contact Ms Dishka Arora to block rooms through [email protected].
- Apply for Visa to travel to India
- If you need extension or are reaching Amritsar early, please contact Ms Dishka Arora through [email protected] for arrangements.
What the Course Fees Does Not Include :
Travel, Visa, Food and Accommodation are not included in the Course Fees
Accommodation and Travel Assistance Contact: Ms. Dishka Arora
M: +91-9779079792 | E: [email protected]
Cancellation Policy:
- Once the program has begun, there are no refunds. If you withdraw six weeks before the course begins, by Oct 1, 2024, a $500 CAD cancellation fee will be charged and the rest of your payment will be refunded. No refunds after Oct 1, 2024
- Cancellations for accommodation must be made separately through [email protected]
- If the retreat is canceled, a 100% refund would be provided on the course fee