Inner Lotus Retreat with Dr. Sarika Persaud
Saturday October 4th
12:30pm - 6:30 pm I $150
In this day-long retreat, we will explore how to work with the energies or shaktis within the subtle body and chakras through meditation. These practices are based in Tantra. As we do perceive some of our inner shaktis as external deities, we will discuss connecting with deities and the divine as well. While this may seem like an advanced or complex topic, we will start with preliminary preparation of the body and mind, and explore topics that may come later in the spiritual journey, such as working with sexual energy. Specifically, we will delve into the differences between the masculine/solar and feminine/lunar paths, and how these approaches to spirituality may change the upayas, or methods, you employ. The benefits to learning how to work with the subtle body include emotional clearing, healing, opening intuition, increased spiritual abilities, and closer connection to the Universe/God.
Since we are a small group, I will make sure to answer individual questions, and help people safely explore these energies wherever they are in their journey. The day will include a reflection and discussion session for this purpose.
Every year, the Inner Lotus retreat explores the intersections of the Indian philosophical systems of vedanta and tantra, with mental health and self-development from modern psychoanalytic theory. We hope to cultivate a space for like-minded individuals looking to learn and connect through spirituality, with a deep interest in psychology and reconnecting with the self. The retreat takes place in nature, where you can take in the refreshing energy of the mountains and river! See below for the full retreat program.
Dr. Sarika Persaud is a psychologist practicing in New York City. She is an Attending Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Montefiore Hospital/Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Persaud is a member of the Psychoanalytic Association of New York (PANY), and has taught seminars and graduate-level courses in psychoanalytic theory, community-based mental health, and multicultural psychology. Dr. Persaud’s clinical specialties and writing include the treatment of sexuality, body image, complex trauma, identity, and relationship issues, with a wealth of experience working with immigrant, LGBTQAI+, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and South Asian populations, using psychodynamic modalities.
Dr. Persaud has studied Vedanta and Tantra philosophies for more than 15 years at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (Saylorsburg, PA) and with various teachers in India and America. She regularly teaches classes on Tantric meditation, energetic healing in Tantra, sexuality, gender, Kama shastras, Shiva Sutras, Upanishads, in a relatable and warm style, integrating her knowledge of Western psychology. She answers questions about sexuality and relationships through the lens of Indian philosophies and psychology on her podcast, Kama with Dr. Sarika Persaud.
Visit her website to learn more: https://www.drsarikapersaud.com/