Return to Presence-An Outdoor Day Retreat with a Monk

The BYMC
Dec 7, 2023
4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

A Sacred Day of Mantra, Meditation, Nature & Inner Stillness

Special Guest Facilitator: Swami Yatidharmananda

Hosted by Chumki Chakraborty of Moss and Moksha

Return to Presence is a one-day sanctuary of stillness, mantras, meditation and restorative practices — a day retreat in the special presence of Swami Yatidharmananda, crafted to reconnect you with the peace that lives beneath the surface of our chaotic mind.

Held in the heart of nature, just a short drive from Portland, this retreat is blessed by the presence of Swami Yatidharmananda, a monk from Uttarkashi, the Himalayas in India, and a direct disciple and personal assistant of Swami Chidananda of the Sivananda lineage. Deeply rooted in the yogic path, and shaped by years of devoted service, Swamiji brings the essence of ancient wisdom with a modern practical, down to earth and humorous approach.

This is a rare opportunity to spend the day in the presence of a monk, and is an invitation to listen more deeply, to move more gently, and to touch the sacred stillness within.

This is not just a retreat — it is a returning.

To breath.

To presence.

To the quiet, enduring light within.

Whether you are seasoned on the path or simply feeling called to pause and realign, this day offers a sacred space to be held, heard, and healed.

🪷 Open to all. No experience needed. Just bring your breath, your heart, and your presence.

🌲 Spots are limited. Early registration is encouraged!

🌸 The Flow of the Day

9:00-9:30AM| Intro and Opening Circle

9:30 – 10:30 AM | Meditative Nature Walk (with Chumki)

10:30AM – 12:00 PM | Yoga Nidra: Journey into Deep Rest (Swami Yatidharmananda)

12:00 – 1:30 PM | Nourishing Lunch & Rest —

1:30 – 2:30 PM | Interactive Q&A session — Talk on mind and Personal journey of Swamiji

2:45 – 4:00 PM | Mantra and Meditation (with Swami Yatidharmananda and Chumki)

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Kirtan: A Heart opening Call in response style community singing (Swami Yatidharmananda/Chumki and participants)

5:15 – 6:30 PM | Mantra Sound Bath (with Chumki)

6:30 PM | Closing Circle & Reflections

* Vegetarian Lunch, Tea and light snacks will be served.

Please bring:

Mat and blanket (if available)
$10 state park parking permit will be required
Water bottle.
Comfortable clothing including a hat

Dates / Times

Saturday, July 19th

9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Format / Location

In-person

LL Stub Stewart State Park – Mountain Dale Cabin VillageMeeting room, Buxton, Oregon

Investment

Amplifier: $289 - Pays for your spot and supports others

Sustainer: $249 - Pays for your spot

Supported: $189 - A need-based discounted rate. Please select this rate if you cannot afford the regular rate. See our Equity Pricing information to determine whether this rate is for you.

About Swami Yatidharmananda

Swami Yatidharmananda is a monk since last 25 years, has traveled extensively across US/Europe and conducts workshops on Relaxation and Meditation, Sings Kirtans and loves to share inspiring stories of his life transformative journey. He has also developed unique and impactful programs that heal, empower and transform you to tackle challenges in day to day lives.

He has been on a spiritual path since the age of 17 after meeting his guru and has been the personal assistant in service of his Guru Swami Chidananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda Saraswati from the age of 24. In the past he was a computer programmer and worked for a tech company in Hong-Kong but gave up everything and chose the path of monkhood from a very early age. He currently resides in the Himalayas and serves as the General Secretary at the Swami Sivananda Samiti Ashram in Uttarkashi, India and offers his services for community empowerment.

He has hosted talks at the parliament of world religion congress a few times in the US. Swami Yatidharmandanda is a very practical and down-to-earth Swami who conveys spiritual teachings in a memorable and humorous way.

About Chumki Chakraborty (She/Her)

Chakraborty (@mossandmoksha), creator of Moss and Moksha, is a certified sound healing practitioner, mantra & Kirtan vocalist, energy healer, and forest therapy guide with roots in Indian Hindustani Classical vocals. She creates transcendental sound journeys that blend Vedic mantras, Tibetan and shamanic-inspired vocals, channeled chants with handpan and multi-instrumental healing vibrations. Her sessions are restorative and powerful, guiding you to surrender to the vibrations, open portals to your inner divinity, and deepen your spiritual connection. At the heart of her work is a heart-centered approach rooted in love, fostering deep transformation.

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel more than a week before the event, we will happily give you a 100% refund. If you cancel 1 week or less from the date of the workshop, we will give you a refund if we are able to fill your spot.

Fragrance Notice:

Our studio is a fragrance-free zone. Please avoid wearing or using scented products at the studio. Natural and synthetic scents such as essential oils and scented personal care products, laundry detergents, and perfumes cause debilitating symptoms for some of our community members. Thank you for being a part of creating a more accessible space.