BEYOND ADDICTION in India 2022
Beyond Addiction
Invites you to Amritsar, India
Pilgrimage and Spiritual destination for the Seekers of the True Self
Feel the pulse of the infinite in the sacred vibration of the Golden Temple
If you have been curious about the origins of yoga in Northern India, would like to immerse yourself in a devotional experience, commit to personal growth and transformation, befriend your soul and/or help others do the same through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, counselling and naturopathic medicine, then this retreat is for you.
Join Sat Dharam Kaur and Guest Facilitators on this soul journey
The Focus of our Retreat
To bless and release the past
Recreate yourself in alignment with spirit
Integrate healing lifestyle practices
Rekindle your inner light and devotion
Dates of Retreat: November 19 to 27, 2022
Location: Ramada by Wyndham, Amritsar, India
Avail Early Bird Discount until September 15, 2022: $1800 CAD
Regular Fee: $2100 CAD
The prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Convert to your currency here.
Register by October 15 2022
A limited number of subsidies are available. Please apply here before October 1, 2022.
Amritsar
The name Amritsar is derived from two words; ‘Amrit’ meaning nectar of immortality and ‘Sarovar’ meaning pool. Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, a pilgrimage place for Sikhs and a healing sanctuary for people of all faiths. The temple hosts the holy scripture of the Sikhs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The venue of the program is within walking distance of the Golden Temple, where you can renew your devotion and spiritual connection, regardless of your faith. The devotion, selfless service, and generosity present at the Golden Temple is inspiring and transformative. Each day 100,000 people are fed a vegetarian communal meal, known as langar.
The beautiful sound of Gurbani music reverberating through the Golden Temple is a healing balm for the soul. The old Jubi Tree, located in the north-west corner of the temple complex, is believed to have special powers. The tree was planted around 450 years ago by the first priest of the Golden Temple.
Close to our Heart and Long Anticipated
This event is open to all and especially dedicated to helping the Punjabi people and their loved ones, recover from addiction and self-limiting beliefs and habits. It will be taught in English, with Punjabi translation available. English and/or Punjabi speakers are welcome to attend.
Our expert Beyond Addiction team of trainers from Canada and India is passionate about bringing this innovative recovery program to Punjabi people internationally and training local professionals to continue to offer the program in Punjab. We also invite international travelers from all faiths and nationalities to join us at this sacred pilgrimage site for deep renewal.
The Beyond Addiction program will remind you what you came into this lifetime to be and to do, while simultaneously acknowledging the trauma and pain of the past. Through acceptance, compassion, self-expression, connection, courage and grace, all wounds can heal. We will guide you to recover your true self through Kundalini Yoga, Counseling and Naturopathic Medicine while utilizing the transformative power of mantra.
Who may apply?
- Individuals who are at least 40 days free of substance use or currently in a de-addiction program, and are motivated to heal.
- Individual who need support in their continued recovery, with a program that addresses the trauma and pain at the root of every addiction, and takes you through a journey of profound healing and connection to yourself and others
- Individuals who are health professionals – addiction counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, medical doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners, students, yoga teachers and family members.
- Individuals who want to use this program for personal growth. Experience the transformational power of kundalini yoga, make positive lifestyle shifts, and inspire your loved ones.
Understanding Addiction
Is there an activity that you crave and repeatedly do in your life that has a negative impact on you, your family and/or your relationships and you tried to stop but without success?
Have you experienced disconnection from your true self?
Addiction is any pattern of behaviour that you crave, and find some temporary relief or pleasure in, but are unable to give up despite the negative long term consequences of engaging in that behaviour. Most of us have at least one addiction, whether it be sugar, internet use, compulsive cell phone use, or a more harmful physical substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, opiates or gambling. We use these substances and activities to relieve the painful emotions that we don’t want to feel, often a result of childhood trauma.
Addiction springs from a desire to avoid or relieve pain, suffering, and uncomfortable feelings, and to experience pleasure and comfort. When we are addicted, we surrender a piece of our autonomy to a substance or behaviour that may provide short-term relief but then has power over our feelings, thoughts and actions, with negative consequences to ourselves, our relationships and society.
Addiction can be healed by reconnecting to one’s essential spiritual nature, nurturing a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga and meditation, finding one’s place in a safe supportive community, connecting to loved ones with authenticity, cultivating one’s strengths, and focussing on what gives us joy and a sense of purpose.
Please register for the call to ask any questions directly
Free Live Q&A Call
On: August 21, 2022
From: 8am to 9:30am ET (Toronto Time) (Convert to your time zone here)
Addressing trauma and the root cause of addiction in Punjab, India
As a follower of the Sikh faith, Beyond Addiction founder and creator Sat Dharam Kaur has a special place for Punjab, India and this event is specially dedicated to addressing Addiction in Punjab and Punjabi community.
Of the approximately 30 million people in Punjab, about 3.2 million are addicted and dependent on substances such as alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cannabis, stimulants and sedatives, with the most prevalent being opioids.
Why is drug use in Punjab 3 times higher than the national average?
There are several reasons, one being that Punjab is an entry point for drugs into India, therefore they are easily available. Secondly, historically the Punjabi people have been negatively impacted by partition, oppression, colonialism, loss of cultural identity, intergenerational trauma and suppressed emotional pain. This contributes to a loss of connection to oneself, one’s faith, one’s vitality and sense of purpose.
Dr. Gabor Maté, an international addiction expert says, “The question is not, ‘Why the addiction?,’ but ‘Why the Pain?’” Addiction is not the primary problem. Addiction is an attempt to solve the problem, which is unexpressed emotional pain, often linked to childhood and intergenerational trauma that was present long before the addiction.
Dr. Maté states: “The chronic condition of severe substance addiction is caused, in most cases, by the distorting effects of early childhood abuse or stress on the developing brain, often in the context of multigenerational trauma and social dislocation.”
Befriend Your Soul
- Use Kundalini Yoga and meditation to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit
- Utilize yogic techniques to decrease cravings
- Restore the nervous system, brain, frontal lobe and adrenal glands with yoga and naturopathic therapies
- Access your spiritual center and learn to rely on your Higher Self
- Develop neutrality and clear subconscious patterns
- Manage your reactions to people and events
- Enhance communication and relationship skills
- Make a healthy shift in perspective and attitude
What is Included in the Course Fee?
- Included in the course fee is a 4-month follow-up home practice program with online yoga videos and webinars taught by Sat Dharam Kaur ND and teaching clips from Dr. Gabor Maté, and weekly facilitated discussion. This home practice program will run from January – April, 2023.
- Catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner is provided, based primarily on a traditional Indian vegetarian diet.
- We will enjoy meals together, and gather daily to practice yoga, meditation and engage in discussion.
- Early morning visits to the Golden Temple, as well as sadhana, are optional.
- We will also enjoy relaxing evenings around the pool or walking tours and shopping in Amritsar.
Testimonials from Past Participants
Packed full of knowledge, techniques, wisdom and powerful kundalini yoga that supports the healing of the whole self, psychologically, physically and spiritually, along with self-discovery, nutrition, yoga, community and the wisdom of Sat Dharam Kaur and Gabor Maté. Give yourself this gift.
– KM
Read more Testimonials
Review our detailed Course Outline
Retreat Details
Location & Dates
Location: Ramada Hotel, Amritsar, India. 117/1 Hall Bazaar, Inside Hall Gate, Amritsar, 143006. It is a 14 minute walk to the Golden Temple (Harimandir Sahib).
Dates: November 19-27, 2022
Times: 8:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily
Program Instructors
Founder, Lead Trainer, Naturopathic Doctor
Sat Dharam is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher trainer and instructor, author, and naturopathic doctor practicing in Owen Sound, Ontario. She has studied Kundalini Yoga since 1976 and has facilitated teacher training programs in Toronto (ON), Canmore (AB), and Owen Sound. She developed the Beyond Addiction program, inspired by the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté an other addiction and trauma experts. She has also developed … Continued
Instructor, Professional Trainer, Counsellor
Sat Charan Simran, B.S.W., is a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher, a Beyond Addiction instructor and trainer, an Addiction Counsellor, a student of Ayurvedic Medicine, and a Social Worker of 25 years. Sat Charan Simran managed the Beyond Addiction Program in Vancouver 2012 and teaches weekly support yoga classes in the Beyond Addiction program in Vancouver, BC. She has a passion for wholistic health, spirituality, counselling, … Continued
Course Translator, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, BA Group Facilitator
Priya is a naturopathic doctor and kundalini yoga instructor practicing in Toronto, Ontario. Areas of focus in her practice are breast cancer, autoimmune disorders, addictions and supporting people affected by mental health issues using the Compassionate Inquiry Approach. Priya obtained her Doctor of Naturopathy degree from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), Toronto. Prior to attending CCNM, Priya was trained as a medical doctor in … Continued
BA Trainer, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Psychotherapist, Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Therapist
Michelle Peddle is a Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Facilitator and Registered Psychotherapist. She is also an IAYT Registered Yoga Therapist, KRI certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher, and E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She witnessed first-hand the powerful impact of blending Eastern spiritual practices with Western psychology in her early 20’s. She utilizes these diverse practices, philosophies, disciplines, and theoretical perspectives to provide her … Continued
Please register for the call to ask any questions directly
Free Live Q&A Call
On: August 21, 2022
From: 8am to 9:30am ET (Toronto Time) (Convert to your time zone here)
Fees & Registration
Course Fee:
Early Bird Fee by September 15, 2022: $1800 CAD dollars Course Fee (includes manual, immersion course fee, and follow-up 16-week online program with facilitated weekly integration check-ins). Does not include accommodation and food – see below.
Regular Fee on or after September 15, 2022: $2100 CAD dollars Course Fee (includes manual, immersion course fee, and follow-up 16-week online program with facilitated weekly integration check-ins). Does not include accommodation and food – see below. Register before October 15 2022.
The prices mentioned are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Convert to your currency here.
A limited number of subsidies are available. Please apply here before October 1, 2022.
Registration closes October 15 2022.
Register Online:
In order to register for this course, you must first read the Criteria for Acceptance into Beyond Addiction Program. Space is limited, register early.
Course Fee ($1800 CAD dollars before September 15, 2022, $2100 regular).
Registration information:
Email: Please fill out the completed registration form and use the paypal button above or send an etransfer (for Canadians) to [email protected].
Phone: Please fill out the completed registration form and then call us at (519) 372-9212 with your credit card information.
Fax: Please complete the registration form and Fax your credit card information to (519) 372-2755.
Mail: Please complete and print the registration form and send it along with your credit card information, cheque, or money order (made out to Sat Dharam Kaur) to: Sat Dharam Kaur, 235 9th St E, Owen Sound, ON, Canada N4K 1N8.
Payment may be made by cheque, money order, VISA, MasterCard, or eTransfer.
Please contact Sat Dharam Kaur at 519 372-9212 or [email protected] if you have further questions.
Fee for Accommodation and Food (pay separately from Course Fee):
3 vegetarian meals and snacks/day, + 10 nights accommodations at the Ramada Hotel Amritsar, organized through Axis Travel in Amritsar.
| Arrival: | Friday, November 18, 2022 |
| Departure: | Sunday, November 27, 2022 |
| Length of stay: | 10 nights. |
Standard Room for 10 nights, plus meals, double occupancy: $800 CAD (this rate is in Canadian dollars per person, with two people per room)
Standard Room for 10 nights, plus meals, single occupancy: $1400 CAD for single occupancy room for 10 nights including breakfast, lunch and dinner, and tea.
The 19 square meter Standard Room comes with a queen size bed and a study table. It overlooks the old walled city. The Standard Room includes a 32-inch flat screen with full HD television. Its bathroom has both a hand and rain shower.
Price may change slightly with the exchange rate.
What is Included in the above fees?
Daily Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Morning and evening tea with snack.
Ramada Hotel Room Facilities
- High speed internet
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board on request
- 24-hour room service
- Tea/Coffee maker
- Multiple Channel full HD television
- Direct temperature control
- Mini bar on request
- Blackout curtain
- Two bottles of complementary packaged drinking water
- Daily Newspaper
- Large Writing/ study table
- Laundry Service
- Spacious wardrobe with digital safe
Fee for Food Only (for those who have other accommodations)
Breakfast: $13 CAD per person per meal
Lunch: $20 CAD per person per meal
Dinner: $20 CAD per person per meal
To book accommodation at the Ramada Hotel (including meals), or to book meals separately, please contact Ms. Dishka Arora by telephone at +91-9779079792 or email [email protected]
Cancellation Policy:
Evaluation for Suitability:
After registering, each participant will be evaluated on his or her own readiness for the program, based on his/her intake form and an interview with the Lead Mental Health Practitioner of the designated program.
The Lead Trainer and the Lead Mental Health Practitioner will determine the fitness of each candidate for the program. Acceptance of the registration fee does not confirm attendance in the program. If the applicant is not suitable at this time, the registration fee will be fully refunded and every attempt will be made to assist the applicant in finding a suitable alternative program or support.