2024 COURSES/RETREATS, DATES AND PLACES
These programmes are shared by Bhola Banstola, a long lineage Nepali Shaman with many years of experience in providing knowledge and skills to beginners and experienced practitioners. Our weekends, and our short and long retreats, will introduce you to the traditional ways of the Nepali Shamanic Path. Incorporating Shamanic active journeying (narratives) by playing the drum and singing the sacred songs is part of our earliest ancestors’ enormously powerful techniques to access wisdom beyond the range of ordinary senses.
As humankind’s oldest spiritual healing practice, Shamanism helps us address past events, enrich the present moment, and envision the future. Universally recognized, spiritual healing supports our emotional and psychological health.
For millennia, Shamans have been using their gifts and sacred tools to heal emotional trauma, relieve anxiety and depression, reduce physical pain and helping their communities to live entire lives with more security and confidence. The different levels of transmission and empowerment help aspirants (students who aspire to develop these skills) connect to profound power sources and tap the soul’s infinite potential. Thus it opens ways to solve today’s challenges and help us feel more fulfilled, confident and joyful. Participants will also learn how to use time-tested methods to effectively receive guidance, visions, insights and healing tools for self-empowerment and helping others through rituals, dances, sacred songs, active journeying, mantras chanting, and of course, drumming.
All our transmission and empowerment events are independent of each other. Of course, the necessary understanding and practice are essential to proceed to deeper levels of training and experience, so we recommend that everyone attends the Introductory Transmission.
We are ready to travel to any destination wherever there are people interested in discovering and immersing themselves in experiential aspects of Shamanism, a living tradition of the people of Nepal to this day.
Our transmissions are not limited to indoor practices; we also offer outdoor ceremonies and rituals in remote natural surroundings. We can arrange to guide and accompany aspirants interested in deepening their practices in Nepal with Shamans of different cultural backgrounds, holders of ancient lineages, both men and women.
(shamanic practices do not substitute any other types of healing or treatments)
Thank you and Namaste
Bhola Banstola
Mariarosa Genitrini
The Dance of the Divine Mother: PARIS, FRANCE
In these three-day programs, participants will be introduced to the powers of the Goddesses, as well as other deities and spirits honoured in the Nepali shamanic tradition. Through journeys, stories, songs, mantras and rituals, the two aspects of the Mother Earth Goddess, who manifested all beings and nature from the void and can devour even severe disease and time itself, will be shared- in the peaceful and active wrathful forms.
In these three-day programs, participants will be introduced to the powers of the Goddesses, as well as other deities and spirits honoured in the Nepali shamanic tradition.
The Dance of the Divine Mother:
This Transmission teaches traditional lineage shamanism and how spirit/s are incorporated into our lives and practices. Active shamanic narrative journeying by playing the drum and singing the sacred Mantras and songs are part of the enormously powerful techniques used by the earliest ancestors to access wisdom beyond the range of ordinary senses and timelines. There is no use of any mind-altering plants or substances in this tradition. Shamanic trance is induced only by singing sacred songs transmitted by the teacher, mantras and drumming rhythms.
As humankind’s oldest spiritual healing practice, Shamanism helps us address life’s past events, enrich the present moment, and envision the future. Universally recognized, spiritual healing supports our emotional and psychological health.
For millennia, Dhami-Jhankri Shamans have been using their gifts and sacred tools to heal emotional trauma, relieve anxiety and depression, reduce physical pain and help communities live whole lives with more security and confidence. Shamanism is still a living tradition of the people of Nepal today.
In these three-day programs, participants will be introduced to the powers of the Goddesses, as well as other deities and spirits honoured in the Nepali shamanic tradition. Through journeys, stories, songs, mantras and rituals, the two aspects of the Mother Earth Goddess, who manifested all beings and nature from the void and can devour even severe disease and time itself, will be shared- in the peaceful and active wrathful forms. Working with the wrathful form of the Goddess—Kali, participants have opportunities to identify fear, obstacles and limitations in everyday lives. The empowerment and healing rituals follow in a Mandala representation of the Universe where the Goddess reigns.
For details and reservation of your place, please contact:
03-04
FEBRUARY
The Nagas, Environment and Human Health: FREIBURG, GERMANY
The Nagas—the sacred serpentine beings, are the most primordial shamanic power spirits and semi-divine deities. Their abodes are the oceans, lakes, swamps, rivers, wells, and on the land. They are essential in shamanic practices, healing rituals, mythologies, folk tales and religions.
During this Transmission, the participants will be introduced to the realm of Nagas, journeys to their realms, and learn appropriate rituals to honour them. This transmission ritual will be followed by Naga invocations with Mantras and a special ceremony to ask for forgiveness for the harm and pollution we humans have created (Nagas are the active manifestations of Mother Earth). The Naga postures, Mudras, breathing exercises, and the creation of Naga symbols to bring healing within each of us and heal the environment will be taught.
Nagas have mighty magical healing powers, vast knowledge, and profound wisdom but are capricious by nature. In other words, they can quickly change from being friendly and helpful to being angry and malicious. Their bodies are regarded as rainbow bridges, so they connect this world to other spheres of existence and the shamanic realms. Nagas bring health as well as death.
Nagas may act as ladders to the upper and lower realms. They are symbols of the renewal of life or the shedding of unhealthy debris or ill habits. In Nepal, it is also believed that the Nagas’ power controls and maintains the psychic power of all living beings. They are helpful and dangerous as they deliver poison as well as the life-giving elixir of immortality (amrita).
During this Transmission, the participants will be introduced to the realm of Nagas, journeys to their realms, and learn appropriate rituals to honour them. This transmission ritual will be followed by Naga invocations with Mantras and a special ceremony to ask for forgiveness for the harm and pollution we humans have created (Nagas are the active manifestations of Mother Earth). The Naga postures, Mudras, breathing exercises, and the creation of Naga symbols to bring healing within each of us and heal the environment will be taught.
Initiation on Manasa/Nageshwari Devi Goddess (Naga Spirit) will be bestowed according to a long-living shamanic lineage practice of Nepali shamanism. This will be followed by group healing, empowerment, and raising the individual spirits (Siir Uthaune).
For details and reservation of your place, please contact:
24-25
FEBRUARY
The Dance of the Divine Mother Kali:
WARSAW, POLAND
In these three-day programs, participants will be introduced to the powers of the Goddesses, as well as other deities and spirits honoured in the Nepali shamanic tradition. Through journeys, stories, songs, mantras and rituals, the two aspects of the Mother Earth Goddess, who manifested all beings and nature from the void and can devour even severe disease and time itself, will be shared- in the peaceful and active wrathful forms.
This Transmission teaches traditional lineage shamanism and how spirit/s are incorporated into our lives and practices. Active shamanic narrative journeying by playing the drum and singing the sacred Mantras and songs are part of the enormously powerful techniques used by the earliest ancestors to access wisdom beyond the range of ordinary senses and timelines. There is no use of any mind-altering plants or substances in this tradition. Shamanic trance is induced only by singing sacred songs transmitted by the teacher, mantras and drumming rhythms.
As humankind’s oldest spiritual healing practice, Shamanism helps us address life’s past events, enrich the present moment, and envision the future. Universally recognized, spiritual healing supports our emotional and psychological health.
For millennia, Dhami-Jhankri Shamans have been using their gifts and sacred tools to heal emotional trauma, relieve anxiety and depression, reduce physical pain and help communities live whole lives with more security and confidence. Shamanism is still a living tradition of the people of Nepal today.
In these three-day programs, participants will be introduced to the powers of the Goddesses, as well as other deities and spirits honoured in the Nepali shamanic tradition. Through journeys, stories, songs, mantras and rituals, the two aspects of the Mother Earth Goddess, who manifested all beings and nature from the void and can devour even severe disease and time itself, will be shared- in the peaceful and active wrathful forms. Working with the wrathful form of the Goddess—Kali, participants have opportunities to identify fear, obstacles and limitations in everyday lives. The empowerment and healing rituals follow in a Mandala representation of the Universe where the Goddess reigns.
Agnieszka: agnieszka.warsztaty.pl@gmail.
Marek: marek.warsztaty.pl@gmail.com
12-14
April
PANCHA MAHABHUTA IN NEPALI SHAMANISM
FLEURANCE, FRANCE
The basis of Nepali Dhami-Jhankri Shamanism is the relationship we have with the Elements and Elemental Spirits. The five elements are essential to all life. As it is the role of the Shaman to restore balance and harmony, we examine the condition of the Elements in the environment and how they affect the body itself, seeking the best means to heal.
This course is designed to transmit an in-depth working knowledge of the Elements which comprise our Universe and pervade all aspects of our lives through rhythms, syllables, dance steps, prayers, creation of ritual sacred space, mapping in our bodies and ways to keep balance.
25/26/27/28: Le Hameau des Etoiles”, Domaine de Haumont, 32500 Fleurance, FRANCE
PANCHA MAHABHUTA IN NEPALI SHAMANISM (the Five Elemental Spirits)
KNOW YOURSELF, KNOW THE ENVIRONMENT, CREATE BALANCE AND HARMONY!
(SPIRITS OF NATURE)
The basis of Nepali Dhami-Jhankri Shamanism is the relationship we have with the Elements and Elemental Spirits. The five elements are essential to all life. As it is the role of the Shaman to restore balance and harmony, we examine the condition of the Elements in the environment and how they affect the body itself, seeking the best means to heal.
This course is designed to transmit an in-depth working knowledge of the Elements which comprise our Universe and pervade all aspects of our lives through rhythms, syllables, dance steps, prayers, creation of ritual sacred space, mapping in our bodies and ways to keep balance.
We now understand the Environment and Ecology better as significant globally, and it is even more relevant to the Shamanic work that we know and integrate work with the Elements into our ceremonies and personal lives. This course is for anyone willing to experience and learn first-hand the ways of a traditional Nepali shamanic path and then adapt those methods to their circumstances, culture and environment.
During this experiential retreat, the participants will learn the myths of creation, cosmology, cosmogony, the spirits of elements, their role, colours, positions within the body and the world, rhythms of different spirits, rituals to honour and balance them, group healing rituals and initiation with sacred syllables/mantras.
For reservation of your place and other details, please send an email to
Noucetta Nouce: kanoontami@gmail.com
25-28
April
INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF SHAMANS: FRANCE
Shamanism has gained increasing popularity in the West in a few decades, in the wake of the New Age and the self-actualization movements. This event brings together the ancient lineages from across the world to share authentic and powerful practices, gathered under one roof. It is a unique occasion to meet and get to know so many of them together. Nepal is also working to hold the same level of Shamanic Gatherings shortly.
Shamanism is a traditional practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness to perceive and interact with a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world. A shaman is regarded as having access to and influence in the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enter a trance state during a ritual and practice divination and healing.
This event brings together the ancient lineages from across the world to share authentic and powerful practices, gathered under one roof. It is a unique occasion to meet and get to know so many of them together. Nepal is also working to hold the same level of Shamanic Gatherings shortly.
For details, please send an email to:
1-5
May
The Shamanic Teaching of Jhankri-Guru Shiva and the Himalayan Spirit
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Lord Shiva is the principal spirit teacher, mentor, and helping spirit for many Himalayan Shamans, known as Dhami Jhankri, and spiritual healers in Nepal and the Himalayas.
The workshop will delve into ancient truths about cosmology and creation. We will focus on how the Universe was born from the union of Prakriti (feminine forces) and Purusha (masculine forces). Prakriti refers to the primary cosmic material that is the root of all beings. Purusha is the spirit or conscious energy governing life and reality. The cosmic entity, Purusha, exists beyond time and space and partners with Prakriti in creation.
The ancient Sanskrit texts of the Devas and the written spiritual tradition of the Himalayas speak of the dialogue between Shiva and his consort Mahadevi, the Great Goddess, that became the primary source of the earliest teachings of infinite paths, including Dhami-Jhankri-shamanism, plant medicine, esotericism, and more.
The workshop will delve into ancient truths about cosmology and creation. We will focus on how the Universe was born from the union of Prakriti (feminine forces) and Purusha (masculine forces). Prakriti refers to the primary cosmic material that is the root of all beings. Purusha is the spirit or conscious energy governing life and reality. The cosmic entity, Purusha, exists beyond time and space and partners with Prakriti in creation.
These eternal, indestructible realities join to form the matter we perceive. Purusha and Prakriti comprise a union of opposing creative forces, which may arise as spiritually esoteric and overt worldly manifestations. They become the mirror image of each other and reflect each other. In response to the presence of Purusha, Prakriti’s evolution occurs. Further subtle changes lead to the gross Five Elements, the Panchamahabhutas. The Chitta (mind-soul) in the Purusha with five heads leads to the creation of the Universe.
During this retreat, we will focus on the source of healing practices from the beginning of time, the creation of Primordial Jhankri shamans and subsequent transference of knowledge to humans, as well as the attributes of Shiva and his different manifestations, which are peaceful, sombre, and wrathful.
Bhola shares the lineage knowledge and conducts traditional shamanic initiations and empowerments to help people align with these powerful energies that work both within and outside time and space. He will also transmit the songs, sacred mantras, mudras, and sacred geometry that take the form of mandalas. Intense group healing rituals, including the fire ceremony, will be conducted with the activation of the Spirit of Shiva. This is a transmission of an authentic tradition still practised and respected throughout the Himalayas.
For reservation of your place and other details, please send an email to:
Astrid Johnen: schamanismus@astridjohnen.de
08-12
May
SPIRITS OF CREATION, EARTH MOTHER'S EMANATIONS AND HEALING
BUNDE, GERMANY
The Transmission will be divided into two sessions, with two days for each session: The first reveals the shamanic myths of the creation of the earth and all the living and non-living beings, the dawn of humans and evolution, the causes of disharmony and disease, and the emanation of Earth Mother in different forms and appropriate rituals to honour them.
The second is an introduction to Nepali Jhankri-Shamans’ healing tools: teachings on using them will be followed by transference, release, and group healing rituals by using appropriate objects, Rekhi (Mandal) and other elements.
For reservation of your place and further information, please contact:
Claudia Winker: claudia_winker@yahoo.de
13-16
June
GARUDA, GOLDEN HEALER BEYOND TIME AND SPACE
LARBERT, SCOTLAND
The Nagas are the guardians and keepers of the Water and Earth realms. In the same way, Garuda the Regal Eagle or Harul-Gadul, a mythical bird-like deity with a human body and a bird’s wings and beak, is considered the guardian and caretaker of the in-between Space, Aakash.
During this retreat, we will unfold the myths, rituals, journeys, mantras, rhythms, sacred songs, healing rituals and more related to the self, family lineages and ancestors.
In Nepal, the Garuda figure is dominant in temples and places of worship as a Vahana (carrier) of Lord Vishnu.
The dialogue between Lord Vishnu and the Garuda became the famous Garuda Purana, the Sanatani Vaidic Hindu ‘Book of Dead’- concerning the soul’s journey after earthly life.
Holding different names and attributes based on its multitudes of roles in worldly and other-worldly realms, Garuda is called Nagari (enemy of the snakes), Vishahari (healer or eliminator of poison), Suparna (golden colour or as representative of the Sun), etc.
The Retreat
During this retreat, we will unfold the myths, rituals, journeys, mantras, rhythms, sacred songs, healing rituals and more related to the self, family lineages and ancestors.
The Garuda practice helps us look down deeply into ourselves, withdraw outside our limits, and be spectators observing and understanding more profoundly.
As with the Vishahari and Suparna form, Garuda’s powerful spirit helps heal the inner wounds and unknown situations we must be holding within ourselves.
Garuda rituals are also performed for the healing of others, especially if the condition is unable to be healed through working with the Nagas.
In all, this is a very rare opportunity to learn some of the most powerful healing practices used within Dhami-Jhankri Shamanism.
For reservation of your place and other details, please contact:
Fotoula: fotoula@isis-school.com
Maggie: MaggieCarMichael@live.co.uk
20-23
June
The Shamanic Teaching of Jhankri-Guru Shiva and the Himalayan Spirit
LYONE, FRANCE
Lord Shiva is the principal spirit teacher, mentor, and helping spirit for many Himalayan Shamans, known as Dhami Jhankri, and spiritual healers in Nepal and the Himalayas.
The workshop will delve into ancient truths about cosmology and creation. We will focus on how the Universe was born from the union of Prakriti (feminine forces) and Purusha (masculine forces). Prakriti refers to the primary cosmic material that is the root of all beings. Purusha is the spirit or conscious energy governing life and reality. The cosmic entity, Purusha, exists beyond time and space and partners with Prakriti in creation. Read More
The ancient Sanskrit texts of the Devas and the written spiritual tradition of the Himalayas speak of the dialogue between Shiva and his consort Mahadevi, the Great Goddess, that became the primary source of the earliest teachings of infinite paths, including Dhami-Jhankri-shamanism, plant medicine, esotericism, and more.
These eternal, indestructible realities join to form the matter we perceive. Purusha and Prakriti comprise a union of opposing creative forces, which may arise as spiritually esoteric and overt worldly manifestations. They become the mirror image of each other and reflect each other. In response to the presence of Purusha, Prakriti’s evolution occurs. Further subtle changes lead to the gross Five Elements, the Panchamahabhutas. The Chitta (mind-soul) in the Purusha with five heads leads to the creation of the Universe.
During this retreat, we will focus on the source of healing practices from the beginning of time, the creation of Primordial Jhankri shamans and subsequent transference of knowledge to humans, as well as the attributes of Shiva and his different manifestations, which are peaceful, sombre, and wrathful.
As Shiva is honoured as the Chief of all the male and female mountain spirits and deities, the participants explore the deeper meaning of the role of mountains, weather spirits, guardians of the community and households, protectors, and more. As the Earth Mother and mountain spirits are related, appropriate rituals to honour them and receive their guidance will be shared.
Bhola shares the lineage knowledge and conducts traditional shamanic initiations and empowerments to help people align with these powerful energies that work both within and outside time and space. He will also transmit the songs, sacred mantras, mudras, and sacred geometry that take the form of mandalas. Intense group healing rituals, including the fire ceremony, will be conducted with the activation of the Spirit of Shiva. This is a transmission of an authentic tradition still practised and respected throughout the Himalayas.
For reservation of your place and other details, please send an email to:
04-07
July
The Nagas, Environment and Human Health: FLEURANCE, FRANCE
The Nagas—the sacred serpentine beings, are the most primordial shamanic power spirits and semi-divine deities. Their abodes are the oceans, lakes, swamps, rivers, wells, and on the land. They are essential in shamanic practices, healing rituals, mythologies, folk tales and religions.
During this Transmission, the participants will be introduced to the realm of Nagas, journeys to their realms, and learn appropriate rituals to honour them. This transmission ritual will be followed by Naga invocations with Mantras and a special ceremony to ask for forgiveness for the harm and pollution we humans have created (Nagas are the active manifestations of Mother Earth). The Naga postures, Mudras, breathing exercises, and the creation of Naga symbols to bring healing within each of us and heal the environment will be taught. Read More
The Nagas—the sacred serpentine beings, are the most primordial shamanic power spirits and semi-divine deities. Their abodes are the oceans, lakes, swamps, rivers, wells and also on the land. They are essential in shamanic practices, healing rituals, mythologies, folk tales and religions.
Nagas have mighty magical healing powers, vast knowledge, and profound wisdom but are capricious by nature. In other words, they can quickly change from being friendly and helpful to being angry and malicious. Their bodies are regarded as rainbow bridges, so they connect this world to other spheres of existence and the shamanic realms. Nagas bring health as well as death.
Nagas may act as ladders to the upper and lower realms. They are symbols of the renewal of life or the shedding of unhealthy debris or ill habits. In Nepal, it is also believed that the Nagas’ power controls and maintains the psychic power of all living beings. They are helpful and dangerous as they deliver poison as well as the life-giving elixir of immortality (amrita).
11-14
JULY
The Nagas, Environment and Human Health: JURA, FRANCE
The Nagas—the sacred serpentine beings, are the most primordial shamanic power spirits and semi-divine deities. Their abodes are the oceans, lakes, swamps, rivers, wells, and on the land. They are essential in shamanic practices, healing rituals, mythologies, folk tales and religions.
During this Transmission, the participants will be introduced to the realm of Nagas, journeys to their realms, and learn appropriate rituals to honour them. This transmission ritual will be followed by Naga invocations with Mantras and a special ceremony to ask for forgiveness for the harm and pollution we humans have created (Nagas are the active manifestations of Mother Earth). The Naga postures, Mudras, breathing exercises, and the creation of Naga symbols to bring healing within each of us and heal the environment will be taught. Read More
The Nagas—the sacred serpentine beings, are the most primordial shamanic power spirits and semi-divine deities. Their abodes are the oceans, lakes, swamps, rivers, wells and also on the land. They are essential in shamanic practices, healing rituals, mythologies, folk tales and religions.
Nagas have mighty magical healing powers, vast knowledge, and profound wisdom but are capricious by nature. In other words, they can quickly change from being friendly and helpful to being angry and malicious. Their bodies are regarded as rainbow bridges, so they connect this world to other spheres of existence and the shamanic realms. Nagas bring health as well as death.
Nagas may act as ladders to the upper and lower realms. They are symbols of the renewal of life or the shedding of unhealthy debris or ill habits. In Nepal, it is also believed that the Nagas’ power controls and maintains the psychic power of all living beings. They are helpful and dangerous as they deliver poison as well as the life-giving elixir of immortality (amrita).
For details and reservation of your place, please contact:
Karine Emond: lamainbienveillante@orange.fr
17-20
JULY