Dharma-Self: Balancing Body, Mind and Being. Retreat at Himalayas. July 15

HIMALAYAS july 15—19

Dharma-Self: Balancing Body, Mind and Being

The 5 days retreat at Himalayas, which connects Western, Nothern, Tibetan and Indian practices for physical and mental well-being and exploring your place within the World

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The present time poses a serious challenge for everyone. External circumstances compel us to consolidate our resources as much as possible. The two main tasks today are, on the one hand, maintaining mental and physical balance, and on the other, gaining a deeper understanding of the processes unfolding in the world.

This is precisely what our 5-day retreat in the magical valley of Dharamsala, located in the Northern Himalayas, is dedicated to.

On one hand, we will engage in practices to harmonize physical health and emotional state, release tension, and foster self-discovery.

On the other hand, we will explore and practically master systems that describe the world and a person’s place within it, learning to better understand ourselves and our role in the world.

Importantly, these tasks are not the concern of any single group, country, or nation. Today, they are part of the shared spiritual path of Humanity.

This is why we bring together experts from different countries and harness the synergy of diverse traditions — from Tibetan Buddhism to the Nordic system of describing the world through runes; from the Indian teachings on human nature to the latest advances in Western science (physiology, psychology, etc.).

The author and organiser of the seminar is Marina Grashina (Moscow, Russia): head of the Valkyrie and the Wind project, psychologist and coach, business trainer, singer and leader of voice practices, and researcher of the Northern sacred tradition.

More than 25 years ago, she encountered the Himalayas and was left enchanted by their purity, clarity and transformative power. Since 2019, she has been developing work in the field of interaction between the traditional cultures of Russia (as well as other Northern European countries) and India.

For, by historical standards, quite recently — about 4,000 years ago — the ancestors of Indians and Russians were one people. The separation occurred at the turn of the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. But to this day, traces of this unity remain in the deep cultural layers of our peoples. To touch them is to accept oneself as part of something greater than one’s own life, family or even country. It is a step towards a new awareness of the human being in the world. A world where what comes to the fore is not difference but the commonality of people — closeness in spirit, goals, and vision of the beautiful and the divine. Ways of perceiving it and reproducing it through oneself.

The path followed by advanced spiritual leaders since the late 19th century has never been more relevant than it is now.

Our Place of Strength - Dharamsala

Dharamsala is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, India. Surrounded by forests of majestic Deodar cedars, the city and its numerous suburbs stand in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley.

This sacred place seems to float above the world, rising above all its conventions. For centuries, representatives of eight religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, the Bon religion, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism) have lived here side by side — respecting each other’s cultures and celebrating holidays together across traditions.

This unique harmony of spiritual teachings creates an extraordinary backdrop for personal insights, harmonizing one’s own life, and ultimately — the universe itself, to the extent that each of us is able to influence it.

The Dharamsala suburb of McLeod Ganj is known worldwide as the capital of world Tibetan Buddhism. Since the mid-20th century, it has been home to the residence of the Dalai Lama and numerous Buddhist monasteries, forming a major center for pilgrimage and tourism. It also houses most of the Tibetan practice and art centers, such as the Men-Tsee-Khang Institute of Tibetan Astrology and Medicine. Our retreat will take place in this very location, a 15-minute walk from the Dalai Lama’s residence.

During the retreat, we will visit many nearby landmarks:

The Dalai Lama Temple

Tsuglag Khang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, is one of the world famous religious centers where Buddhist pilgrims flock all year round. The complex includes Tsuglag Khang Monastery as well as accommodation for His Holiness and his followers.

Men-Tsee-Khang

Tibetan Institute of Medicine and Astrological Sciences Men-Tse-Khang is new life for Tibetan teachings on human health.

Prayer Flag and Stacked Stone Areas

As you travel through the Buddhist areas, you will see colorful flags flying in the wind everywhere. These are Tibetan prayer flags on which auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras are written. Sacred texts and symbols printed on them are believed to have a vibration that is activated and blown by the wind, so that all who are touched by the wind receive a blessing.

St Johnes at the Wilderness

A Protestant church dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamsala, India, on the road to McLeod Ganj, in the Forsyth Ganj area. Set among the cedar woods and built in neo-Gothic architecture, the church is known for its Belgian stained glass windows donated by Lady Elgin (Mary Louise Lambton), wife of Lord Elgin. Their surreal beauty is astounding.

Gyuto Tantric monastery

The Gyuto Monastery was founded in 1474, some 550 years ago by Jetsun Kunga Dhondup, one of His Holiness Sri Dalai Lama's principal disciples. It is home to monks who study the principles of Buddhism, tantric texts and other religious topics. One of the must-see places in Dharamsala.

Norbulingka Institute

Dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture in its literary and artistic forms. Norbulinka is dedicated to passing on traditions and restoring its principles by providing Tibetans with training, education and employment. It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. The institute creatively and respectfully blends the traditional with the modern and strives to make the international community aware of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature.

McLeod Ganj

Located in Kangra district and a suburb of Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most favorite tourist spots. It is situated in the shadow of the mighty Dhauladar Himalayan mountain range, in the picturesque Kangra valley covered with dense deodar and pine forests, and is one of the most charming valleys in Himachal Pradesh.

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Retreat Program Includes

Practices, lectures and consultations

Accommodation

Meals (including the festive dinner on day 4)

Field trips

Approaches

The retreat price does not include:
·         Transfer to Dharamsala
·         Medicines prescribed by the Tibetan doctor
·         Souvenirs

Retreat Practices

Sacral Geography

Routes on amazing nature trails and cultural monuments that keep the imprint of tradition
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Traditional Tibetan Medicine

Tibetan scientists' centuries of experience for health, beauty, and balance
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Voice Practice

Harmonization of the psychophysiological state through a healthy and natural sound
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Personality Typologies

Studying oneself and others through the author's system of psychological types based on the works of C. G. Jung
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Runes and Runic Practices

An ancient alphabet, a unique system for describing the world, and a way of knowing yourself and your place in the universe
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Integrative Nutrition & Root-Cause Healing

Evidence-based nutrition for reversing chronic diseases and restoring the body's innate healing intelligence

Accommodation During The Trip

Participants stay in comfortable rooms at the Kailwood Guesthouse Hotel

Located in the picturesque locality of McLeod Ganj, Upper Dharamsala, Kailwood Guesthouse is a home away from home with beautiful, clean and cozy guest rooms for guests to relax during their trip to McLeod Ganj. The guesthouse is located in the heart of the city, just a 2 minute walk from the main square of the town, a few steps away from the TIPA Tushita road.

Surrounded by evergreen Himalayan cedar trees, the guest house is the perfect place to spend a wonderful time and soothe your soul. Although it is located very close to the center, this is not felt because of the large surrounding area, the beautiful valley and mountain views, and the fact that the road on which it stands has little traffic compared to others. The interior and furnishings are in a lovely retro-colonial style.

The guest house is run by a family who love to look after your interests and needs. Surinder (Sur-in-der as he is called in Hindi) looks after your comfort and helps you in every little detail during your stay. He doesn't promise all the luxuries but provides all the basic services that any local host can offer. All it will give you is the experience of local life, comfort, peace, tranquility, friendliness, and most importantly, the desire to come back again!
In the guest house, each room is equipped with its own private bathroom. There are three types of rooms on three floors: double room "Deluxe", double room "Standard" and double room "Budget". All Deluxe double rooms have balconies, beautiful views of the valley and wooded courtyard, and a kitchen with stove.
Free private parking is available in the large wooded area in front of the guest house.
The location of the guest house is particularly liked by couples - they rate it 9.3 on Booking.com.

We provide veg or non-veg meals at your wish (3 meals a day + coffee breaks).

On the day 4 of the retreat, we will organise a celebratory dinner with grilled meat and vegetables, drinks and delicacies.

In the Russian tradition, our feast is not just about food. It is warm, heartfelt communication, songs accompanied by the guitar beside a campfire, merriment and a sense of universal unity — as if all the participants and tutors were one big family.

Program By Day

Unfold the cards by clicking on the + and read the detailed descriptions

12:00 AM Coming to Dharamsala. Check-in at the hotel
12:00 AM - 01:00 PM Accommodation
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Lunch at the hotel
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM Acquaintance, voice practices
03:30 PM - 05:00 PM Introduction to runes (1 att)
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Integrative nutrition. Practical skills: grocery selection; eating out strategies; healthy kitchen swaps
07:00 PM - 08:00 PM Private sessions on voice practices & health consulting (30 min per person)
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM Dinner at the hotel
09:00 PM - 11:00 PM Free time. Independent work

*The schedule is preliminary. We reserve the right to change the schedule based on the needs of each participant and the dynamics of the group as a whole.

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The Retreat Tutors

Marina Grashina

Business consultant and trainer, voice couch and singer, author of 6 books, explorer and coach in the areas of practical psychology and Northern Tradition, organizer of conferences, concerts and festivals

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Pooja Mehta

Clinical Dietitian, Holistic Health Practitioner, Teacher of Gnosis

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Mandeep Singh

Tradeshow, exhibition, conference specialist and venue manager, track and tour guide, explorer and coach of various mindfulness practices

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Here's what those who have already been on a transformational journey with us are saying:

What has changed since the retreat? Pretty much everything.

I conquered a small part of the Himalayas. I’ve practically acquired two new professions: runologist and psychotypologist. I’ve built strong international connections. New projects began after the retreat. Now I host business breakfasts, organize networking events, and large-scale gatherings. I help other people express themselves. I directed my first three-minute film and am preparing to shoot a short film. My third eye has opened more clearly, though it does blink occasionally and doesn’t quite catch everything yet)) My voice has developed a higher register. I really want to read runes for people, but for now I’m in the phase of studying and living with the runes. With gratitude to all participants and in the hope of seeing you soon.

Andrey M.

The trip went as smoothly as possible in terms of transportation and organization. We were driven there in comfort, and they arranged a guest house for us in a stunningly beautiful location! Even if nothing else had happened, I would have absolutely loved the trip. Watching the colorful mountain views from the windows or on walks every morning, afternoon, and evening—like something out of Roerich’s paintings—is priceless!

But in addition to admiring the beauty of the Himalayas, we also engaged in an extensive practical program during the retreat. The practices were seamlessly interspersed with excursions to the amazing sites of Dharamsala: McLeod Ganj, the Dalai Lama’s temple and residence, St. John the Baptist Church, the Tibetan School, the Men-Tse-Khang Institute of Tibetan Medicine, Gyuto Monastery, Norbulingka Park and Institute, and a tea plantation. Thanks to the organizers, we saw them all in just 10 days. We also managed to go for walks in the Himalayan forest—places full of energy that recharge you for weeks to come with every visit!

We were also fed very delicious and hearty meals on the trip, which is important to me.)) The spicy and rich, yet vegetarian Indian cuisine was naturally balanced by meat-based, gentle Tibetan fare, and from time to time, home-cooked meals more familiar to us.

Uliana B.

The most amazing thing is that, two months later, I can still feel the power of the Himalayan retreat. First, this trip significantly boosted my immune system, and I’ve been able to successfully fend off viruses during the winter season. Second, I have much more energy and determination—various tasks are going well, and issues are being resolved exactly as I need them to. Third, all processes related to mental well-being and personal growth are unfolding very quickly and yielding results.

For me, this is nothing short of a Himalayan miracle!

I really want to go on a trip like this again.

Uliana B.

My voice has changed in terms of timbre, depth, and resonance—it’s become stronger. It’s as if I’m not speaking loudly, but there’s a sense of depth. People around me have noticed this. And more than one person has told me so. Although, I was resistant to voice training. I’m starting to think about this more seriously and plan to practice TOGA regularly, not just once every three years as promised.

The Himalayas didn’t let me go until December 8. I started one practice and reached the prenatal period. I was sitting in my mother’s womb, sensing her resentment toward the world. I was born an adult from the start, carrying my mother’s emotions.

I saw the first image... A little baby sitting there with pouty lips and wise eyes. A wise expression on the face, surprising in the depth of the gaze. Time passed. Curiosity slowly replaced the pouting. And then surprise—what a bunch of adult idiots! And along with the change in the image came the realization—we make fools of ourselves. Right now, what remains is an image with a knowing look in those surprised eyes. It’s like condescension and surprise at the same time—why do we have to be so stupid?!

I’m not ready to write a review yet, because I need to wait for the processes that have been set in motion to finish. Then something else will appear…

Evgeniya M.

A call for transformation during Samhain and a retreat in the Himalayas—now that’s a challenge, not for the faint of heart:
- I missed my flight
- I fell behind the group the day before departure
- All sorts of little mishaps throughout the retreat…

What a mess! In situations like this, fear of the unknown and feelings of guilt are a standard cocktail. For my former self, this would have been a disaster—I would have eaten myself alive for all my actions. But this time, everything is different!

In India, I was often visited by thoughts:
- “What if I had arrived at the airport on time and flown to India with the group?”
- “What if I hadn’t fallen behind the group on shopping day?”
- “What if I were offered the chance to turn back time and start our journey over—just as I had planned?”…

For the first time in my life, I was guided by “sober inaction,” trust in my path, and an inner acceptance of change. Not for a single moment did I lose that inner sense of pulsating, unshakable certainty—this is how it must be! And this “must” applies not only to me personally, but to everyone involved.

This journey led the entire team to profound changes and qualitative shifts in our understanding of the world and ourselves.

I express my boundless gratitude to the retreat participants for the pearls of this priceless experience.

Tatiana M.

Good afternoon)))) I want to say that for me it was at the same time a challenge, an adventure, an opportunity to assess my strengths, to be in a creative environment different from my professional environment, work and relaxation, communication with enthusiastic enthusiasts and professionals, which is very important! I am grateful to you all for this experience, for trust, for the opportunity to participate in such a beautiful, thoughtful and lovingly executed event. I was not disappointed, but pleasantly surprised by people's attitude to their work, love for music and people. Thank you to those who came up with the idea and to all those who realized it. Marina Nikolaevna, a special thanks to you for the Queen of Spades, I am delighted with such a hit in the image! You simply mesmerized me. I apologize for the verbosity... Emotions are overflowing! Good luck to everyone and simple human joys))))))

Victoria A.

It was the most amazing and intense ten days of my life. Sometimes the sessions ended at midnight, but the learning continued even after that: around the campfire with a cup of tea we talked, talked, talked.... However, the format of the retreat was not just about getting information. Each student went through his personal rite and received his personal initiation on the Path. There is no way to describe it in words. It should be simply lived, felt, accepted and kept forever....

Valentina N.

How do you describe the North so that you realize you can't live without it? A place of Power? That's not quite true, for the North is the Force, it is everywhere there, you don't have to look for some special tree or stone to feel it. It is in the air, it is under your feet, it is in salty drops of icy water, which the White Sea generously throws in your face and behind your neck. "I wanted the wind to hit me hard and through" (V. Kipelov, Aria). To feel how much Force is in these lines, you should come to the North. At such moments you begin to realize the nature of northern magic, its sources, the roots of its Tradition. Realize without words, inexpressibly, but to the depths of your soul....

Maria Yu.

It was a wonderful 10 days. I went there lowing my expectations in advance, so that in case of anything I would not be deeply disappointed. I had wanted to visit these places for a long time and I said to myself: "Even if the seminar turns out to be uninteresting, I will sit on the seashore with a pipe and delicious coffee and look at the sea for 10 days. And that's the only reason why I came for a reason". But the seminar exceeded my wildest expectations. It was a very interesting and useful experience, unique knowledge that you cannot get anywhere else.

Dmitry G.

I had the most amazing trip in Himachal thanks to my tour guide Mandeep, the most scenic views, the bubbling springs of Himalayan waterfalls buried deep in the mountain ranges, so many unforgettable memories in just a short span...
We started the day very early. First we did a monastery tour, we went to Tsuglagkhang complex which is the Main Dalai Lama temple, it was beautiful and then nearby we went to the Kalachakra temple in Mcleod Ganj and the enlightenment stupa which is built on 4 cubic steps to symbolize 4 achievements of the Buddha.
Then we had some tasty Tibetan cuisine, we ordered some exotic spring rolls, mutton momos, thukpa, a tibetan soup and topped it up with a nice cappuccino.
The we set off to the beautiful meditative atmosphere of Nechung monastery, which is situated between Mcleodgunj and Dharamshal city, where there is brilliant artwork, a silent and still, calm and meditative atmosphere, lot of foreigners do silent retreats here, next we went to the Tibetan Men Tsee Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological ) museum, where we bought some tasty Tibetan sorig tripa tea and sorig bae kan tea.
Finally we went to the beautiful Dharamkot where we saw the beautiful Tushita monastery with its Shanti Stupas, medicine Buddha and Vajrasattva Gompa, it is a beautiful environment and full of students who come from all over the world for world for an introduction to Buddhism.
We ended the day with a scenic trek to the beautiful Naddi, it is enclosed by beautiful scenic snowy peak and has breath taking sunset views, we had a lovely dinner and withdrew to our residences
The next morning we went for the most beautiful trek, with breathtaking views and an experience which was truly categorized as a once in a lifetime. We trekked from Naddi to Gallu Devi stopping for some Rhododendron juice and breakfast, passing by the most scenic Rhododendron trees, high up in the scenic mountains, it was unique and very refreshing, it gave us energy for the rest of the trek. Then we went high up in the mountains to the Nag Temple above Gallu Devi, enjoying a l panoromic view of Dharamkot Valley, Bal Village and the Dhauladhar Himalayan Range. Subsequently, we set off for a trek to the most beautiful waterfall... Where I took a dip in the freezing cold Himalayan waters, we had a nice chai and snacks and spoke to a charming cafe owner who stays at the waterfall even in the winter when it becomes all ice and snow. While returning we stopped at Sunset Café to behold a mesmerizingly beautiful sunset.

The 3rd day of our trip we set off to Norbulingka, it is a very beautiful monastry and tibetan heritage site, the walls are covered with tibetan deities such as the 5 buddha families(5 elements), the medicine buddhas and various deities, and a huge statue of Tsong kha pa.
Then we went to the famous residence of Karmapa (gyuto monastry) where the famous tibetan High Lama Samdong ronpoche was giving a talk explaining Shantidevas famous book. Then we went to Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, it is a scenic ashram, it is famous for being around ancient caves where Siddh Yogis still meditate intensely till today. From there we went to Kangra Devi Shaktipeeth, where we bought fresh mountain Akhrot and some sweets.
It was a beautiful trip and we formed life long memories, it was a painful departure from such a beautiful refreshing environment.

Dhiraj Sh.

Have you ever walked in the rain, wind and black sky with your back straight and your head up? With a thirst to live and happiness to be yourself?
I had been practicing the skill of walking like that for many months, but it came out on its own, so naturally and beautifully - after communicating with Marina Grashina.
And it's not that I was some naive fool or, on the contrary, a very serious "smart girl with furrowed brows". It's just that life happened in such a way that recently it became important to find and understand myself. And the search led, among other things, to this curious blog.
"Why not?" - I decided. Does it matter that I know nothing about it? There's a specialist, let him explain to me who I am and why. What if it resonates?
It bombed in such a way that the resonance will shake the space of my reality for another long week, I'm sure. So suddenly opened abyss and understanding of the world in you, its structure and your place in it.....
This method, of course, is not the only one. But it's certainly not superfluous! It puts a lot of things in their proper places. And here is the unconditional merit of the Master - if you do not want to work with a "man-instruction", who once and for all decided how "right" and will drive you into a given framework, but understand the value of when you SEE you, and see right to the root, picking out and clearly conveying the essence, you are here.
Delicacy and professionalism in one cocktail, flavored with a note of life drive - you'll like it, I'm sure! I found out))))
Marina Nikolaevna, I wish you long and fruitful years, I will be sincerely happy to cooperate again! Thank you and your team!

Elena K.

Join us on our exciting journey through the Himalayas

Participation fee

Early bird rate until June 24
After that: 65 000 Rupee

60 000 Rupees

The number of spots in the group is limited — only 6–8 people!
Be sure to secure your spot at the retreat: make a payment of at least 15% of the cost (full payment by June 15, 2026).
This payment is non-refundable if your plans change and you decide not to participate in the retreat.

Registration

Feel free to contact us on any question

Pooja Mehta

Tutor of the retreat, project coordinator in India

Phone: +91 8527761950
Email: healthcoachpooja@gmail.com