Friday, October 2, 2026
Gathering: $125 (dinner included) | Optional on-site lodging: $100 ($150 for two nights)
When: 5pm - 9:30pm. Participants are welcome to arrive as early as 2pm to enjoy the tranquil grounds. Please aim for a 4:30pm arrival at the latest. We welcome you to linger afterwards for stargazing and enjoying the gardens and forest at night. Book your overnight stay if you would like to lounge into the morning.
Facilitator: Souvik Dutta | Host: Tona Williams and Wild Life Refuge
Join us for an immersive evening of rejuvenation, connection, and spiritual exploration in a peaceful natural setting. This unique workshop combines the ancient wisdom of mantra chanting, pranayama (breathwork), Vedic philosophy, and sacred fire practices to help participants cultivate inner balance, clarity, and vitality.
Throughout the evening, we will explore the transformative power of sacred sound through traditional mantra chanting. Participants will learn how mantras have been used for thousands of years to harmonize the mind, awaken higher awareness, and align with beneficial planetary and divine forces described in the Vedic tradition.
We will also delve into the science and practice of pranayama, using conscious breathing techniques to calm the nervous system, increase life force energy (prana), and support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Discussions on subtle energetics and the universal life force will help participants gain a deeper understanding of how ancient wisdom traditions approach healing and transformation.
As the sun sets, we will gather around a sacred fire for a traditional fire-cleansing ceremony (Agni practice), symbolizing purification, renewal, gratitude, and the offering of intentions. The fire serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to nature, spirit, and the transformative forces within ourselves.
The evening will include opportunities for:
Guided mantra chanting and meditation
Learning about planetary and divine energies in the Vedic tradition
Breathwork and rejuvenation practices
Sacred fire ceremony and intention setting
Connection with nature and the surrounding landscape
Shared meal (vegetarian with vegan options), refreshments, and community fellowship
Music, conversation, stargazing, and optional late-evening activities
This program is open to everyone—whether you are completely new to these practices or have an established spiritual path. No prior experience is necessary. Come with curiosity, an open heart, and a willingness to explore ancient tools for healing, self-discovery, and inner transformation.
—
Souvik Dutta
Philosopher · Yogi · Vedic Astrologer
Born in Bengal, India, I began yoga practice at age four to help my acute asthma. It gave me new life. The Ramakrishna Mission monks introduced me to philosophy and by age eight my Kula Guru (family priest) initiated me into a spiritual life focused on Jyotish (Vedic astrology), tantra, and dharma. My second guru, who I met while working as an engineer in western India, initiated me into Naadi Jyotish. My third guru introduced me to the Arsha School of Jyotish. In 2009 I established my own Jyotish school, AIAC, in the Chicago suburbs. I offer private consultations and lecture on Hindu philosophy, Mantra Shastra, Jyotish, and Hindu mythology.
Friday, October 2, 2026
Gathering: $125 (dinner included) | Optional on-site lodging: $100 ($150 for two nights)
When: 5pm - 9:30pm. Participants are welcome to arrive as early as 2pm to enjoy the tranquil grounds. Please aim for a 4:30pm arrival at the latest. We welcome you to linger afterwards for stargazing and enjoying the gardens and forest at night. Book your overnight stay if you would like to lounge into the morning.
Facilitator: Souvik Dutta | Host: Tona Williams and Wild Life Refuge
Join us for an immersive evening of rejuvenation, connection, and spiritual exploration in a peaceful natural setting. This unique workshop combines the ancient wisdom of mantra chanting, pranayama (breathwork), Vedic philosophy, and sacred fire practices to help participants cultivate inner balance, clarity, and vitality.
Throughout the evening, we will explore the transformative power of sacred sound through traditional mantra chanting. Participants will learn how mantras have been used for thousands of years to harmonize the mind, awaken higher awareness, and align with beneficial planetary and divine forces described in the Vedic tradition.
We will also delve into the science and practice of pranayama, using conscious breathing techniques to calm the nervous system, increase life force energy (prana), and support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Discussions on subtle energetics and the universal life force will help participants gain a deeper understanding of how ancient wisdom traditions approach healing and transformation.
As the sun sets, we will gather around a sacred fire for a traditional fire-cleansing ceremony (Agni practice), symbolizing purification, renewal, gratitude, and the offering of intentions. The fire serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to nature, spirit, and the transformative forces within ourselves.
The evening will include opportunities for:
Guided mantra chanting and meditation
Learning about planetary and divine energies in the Vedic tradition
Breathwork and rejuvenation practices
Sacred fire ceremony and intention setting
Connection with nature and the surrounding landscape
Shared meal (vegetarian with vegan options), refreshments, and community fellowship
Music, conversation, stargazing, and optional late-evening activities
This program is open to everyone—whether you are completely new to these practices or have an established spiritual path. No prior experience is necessary. Come with curiosity, an open heart, and a willingness to explore ancient tools for healing, self-discovery, and inner transformation.
—
Souvik Dutta
Philosopher · Yogi · Vedic Astrologer
Born in Bengal, India, I began yoga practice at age four to help my acute asthma. It gave me new life. The Ramakrishna Mission monks introduced me to philosophy and by age eight my Kula Guru (family priest) initiated me into a spiritual life focused on Jyotish (Vedic astrology), tantra, and dharma. My second guru, who I met while working as an engineer in western India, initiated me into Naadi Jyotish. My third guru introduced me to the Arsha School of Jyotish. In 2009 I established my own Jyotish school, AIAC, in the Chicago suburbs. I offer private consultations and lecture on Hindu philosophy, Mantra Shastra, Jyotish, and Hindu mythology.
