OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU:

Leave the Soul Retreat inspired, confident and ready to live your best life (no matter what $h!t you've been through!)

Anything less than a miracle, and your retreat is on us.

A 4 Night Journey of Self-Discovery
through 
Traditional Meditation and Yoga

GRAMPIANS, VICTORIA

Watch your invitation below

UPCOMING RETREATS

1st to 5th November 2024 (Sold out - Waitlist Open)


PRICE
$300 registration fee, then Pay-it-Forward as per your means at the end of the retreat. Retreat didn't deliver? It's on the house.

Note: The Soul Retreat was previously $3495, we have recently de-commercialised Kailash Ashram (our retreat centre) and introduced Pay-if-Forward pricing, which is explained at the end of the page. 


REGISTRATIONS
Please watch the video above and read this page in full, as they both contain essential retreat information. A registration link is provided at the bottom of the page.

From: David and Rajni Wegman
Location: Kailash Ashram

Hey there Soul!

It's David and Rajni Wegman here, nice to meet you! 

We are the founders of Kailash Ashram and your Soul Retreat hosts.

We will cut to the chase because your time is precious... 

Trauma, depression, anxiety and suicide almost took a catastrophic toll on both of our lives.

We were both literally saved by the practices of Meditation and Yoga, which enabled us to move beyond our suffering and delivered us into nothing short of our dream life.

Over the last 6 years we have run dozens of life-changing retreats for hundreds of our students and now.... we would love to serve you!
What has drawn you to connect with us?
Students come to the Soul Retreat for a variety of reasons; many are looking to be free from past trauma, some for stability in times of change. 

Often it is tragedy; be it grief, loss, separation, health challenges or burn out that make us wake up and implement change. 

If this is you, congrats on taking the first steps towards your growth!

Sometimes people are looking for a supportive community and a safe space to be away from the hustle, bustle and distraction of everyday life.

Many are looking to equip themselves with genuine spiritual practices rooted in the Yogic tradition, beyond what is found in the more westernised 'exercise based yoga' studios.
Whatever has brought you here... we know that the Soul Retreat will serve you beyond what you can possibly imagine.

I know, big claims, right? How can we be so confident?

As we share on retreat, there is no greater teacher than your personal experience.

After 30 instalments of the Soul Retreat (yep, they are all individual retreat groups in the image above,) we have witnessed hundreds of people go through our unique process. 

Time and time again the Soul Retreat has delivered profound realisation and immense personal growth; but don't take our word for it, there are plenty of interviews with our students we will share a little later on.
CONTENTS + PRACTICAL INFORMATION

A retreat is more than accommodation, dates, prices and pragmatics - it is your chance to learn, practice and to share.

If you are rushing to get to the details, our advice is to slow down and connect to what we have to share and to read this page in full (it'll take about 5 to 10 minutes.) 

In the past, the Soul Retreat was by application which simply became too much correspondence for us to manage. Hence we now give you all of the information you could possibly want on this page, so that you can make an informed decision about joining us.

Your invitation covers the following;

- The Who 
Who is the Soul Retreat suitable for? And who are David and Rajni!?

- The Why 
Our retreat overview & aims

- The How 
Core practices and activities imparted

- The What/Where 
Amenities, facilities and meals

- Plus
Past student experiences and details about our Pay-it-Forward pricing model

- Frequently Asked Questions (coming soon!)

At the end of the page is a link to registrations, including
- Retreat dates
- Upcoming Availability
- Registration fee payment

Our pre-retreat motto is "Where there is a will, there is a way!"
As you read this page please remember what brought you here. 

No matter what you have been through in life, inner-peace and freedom from suffering is possible.

We are very real about the benefits and challenges of the path of Yoga; it requires belief, faith, courage and conviction. 

Change can happen fast, but it requires consistent effort to sustain it.

This is also known as willpower and this is what will carry you through organising the finer points (like how are you going to get here and what are you going to bring.) 

Forget all of that for a moment, and allow yourself to feel into the experience of the the Soul Retreat, you'll know if it is something right for you.

A WORD ON EXPERIENCE

The Soul Retreat is suitable for all body shapes and types and no prior experience is required.

Please don't be put off if you aren't familiar with traditional yoga and meditation, or if this page is a little overwhelming (we just want to cover all bases.) Every retreat we host the full range of students, from beginners right through to yoga teachers; you most certainly will be welcome 'as you are.'

"How do I know if the Soul Retreat is right for me?"

To help you work out if the practices that we share on the Soul Retreat can support you goals in life, please ask yourself the following questions and reflect upon your honest answers.
Am I looking to be rid of fear, and to feel stable, grounded and secure through the ups and downs of life?
Am I seeking to flow through my days with more enjoyment, being supported by authentic, joyful connection to self and community?
Am I wanting to be free from the cycle of ‘wanting more’ and to feel satisfied and content with what life has brought me? 
Am I yearning to unconditionally love myself so that I can share that positivity to others... without burning out?
Am I ready to be done with playing it small so that I can allow my unique talents and gifts to shine from within?
Am I tired of a busy mind and do I want razor sharp clarity, presence and a powerful intuition?
And finally; 

Am I ready to rediscover my deepest Self (we call it the Soul,) so that I can live a life of inner-peace, every single day, no matter what?
If you answered yes to any (or perhaps all) of the above, we feel you are a good fit for the retreat. 

Traditional yoga is an applied spiritual path to free yourself from suffering, and it will help you with all of the above aspects of your life.

We trust those who are looking for get-rich-quick, money manifestation 'meditations,'  wine and yoga retreats, or other new-age gimmicks and fads have already moved onto the next shiny thing!

Your Facilitators

Our students love us for being real, raw and honest.

The Soul Retreat is an intimate container of only 15 participants and us 2 facilitators; it is incredibly important that you feel that we are the right people to guide you. 

David Wegman 

FATHER. HUSBAND. YOGIN. MEDITATOR. VETERAN & ASHRAM DIRECTOR

As a veteran, Meditation and Yoga helped me to overcome the trauma associated with service within the Special Forces, where I deployed multiple times to Afghanistan as a Sniper.

As a facilitator and guide I draw upon my rich and diverse life experience which has included founding Kailash Ashram, international aid work, military service, travel and a brief foray into Architecture. 

I share meditation as disciple of the modern Saint, Swami Shivkrupanand (a Himalayan Yogi,) and share Hatha Yoga from my 20 years of studies and practice under Sundernath, the founder of the Shadow Yoga school. My passion is helping individuals to recapture a positive self relationship through traditional Yoga.

I have formal training as an instructor in the Army, and have facilitated leadership and teamwork activities for defence, corporate and institutional groups as well as dozens of retreats at Kailash Ashram. 
gvdv
Army pic is solely to put the doubters minds at rest, you'd be surprised at how many people think we are making things up! ;)

Rajni Wegman 

PROUD MOTHER. WIFE. MEDITATOR. COMMUNITY BUILDER & ASHRAM MANAGER

As a survivor of the worst trauma a woman can endure, meditation and the path of Yoga have allowed me to let go of my past, and to be at peace with my life and what happened to me.

Born and raised in France to parents of Indian/Mauritian ancestry, I draw upon a rich cultural upbringing and lifelong devotional practice. My passion is in sharing soulful art therapy and the trauma healing potential of meditation.

As a long term and experienced meditator, I was part of a team that established a community meditation Ashram in the UK. 

In 2013 I helped to create an online meditation community which grew to thousands of Souls and was the manager until 2023. In 2018 I helped to found and establish Kailash Ashram, where you will receive my direct and honest feedback, as well as a caring and tender space to be heard.

LEARN. SHARE. PRACTICE

Retreat Overview

OUR GOAL
You feeling connected to your Soul, every single day.

OUR METHOD
On the Soul Retreat you will learn real meditation and yoga practices, tied to establish traditions, that will be with you for life.

Our strategy is to 'teach you how to fish' (meaning we set you up with skills, rather than just providing you a nice experience. 

Many retreats we have seen focus on a pampered spa experience and taking you through some nice activities, which may feel good at the time, but will leave you high and dry due to the lack of take-home practices and long term guidance.

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL MEDITATION & YOGA?
The teachings shared on the Soul Retreat come from the ancient Indian applied school of philosophy and practice called 'Yoga,' with its roots stretching back at least 5000 years.

Traditional Yoga is a proven pathway to a life of inner-peace, and consists of practices used to free oneself from suffering so that you can lead a full, rewarding and peaceful life (no need to shave your head and run off to the mountains just because you start a Yoga practice!)

ISN'T YOGA JUST STRETCHING?
With no disrespect to your experience intended, Yoga is more than what it has become in the West. Many people's experience of modern Yoga is as a stretch class in the local gym. This is only a small and mostly unimportant part of a very vast tradition.

Beyond the stretching, Yoga consists of meditative, philosophical, devotional and service based practices that foster a deeper connection to one's Soul. These are what bring inner-peace. Benefits to the health of the body are a welcome secondary benefit. 

Traditional Yoga provides a structured approach to the common difficulties we all face in life – from worry, fear, doubt and jealousy, to greed anger, hatred and lust; Yoga has teachings and practices to make sure you are living your best life, free from the above poison.
WHAT DO YOU STAND TO GAIN?
A balanced, healthy, peaceful and rewarding life!

The ultimate juicy fruit of a Traditional Yoga practice is enlightenment (also known as freedom from suffering, moksha, nirvana etc) we call this the Sahaja or natural state. It is a sense of inner peace that is not dependant upon outer circumstance. 

This ultimate goal will eventually come through practice, but your quality of life and outlook towards yourself and others will benefit from day 1.

A strong emphasis of the Soul Retreat is how the ancient wisdom and practices are relevant to the chaotic modern times (and how to make sure you show up and actually do the practices we give you!)

WILL IT HELP ME RELEASE TRAUMA?
Yes. Much of the suffering we experience is due to the mind and body holding onto the difficulties we experienced in the past. 

Kailash Ashram and the Soul Retreat is a safe container for you to learn to 'let go' whilst equipping yourself with a positive outlook. This has helped students with significant trauma, oftentimes very deeply held, to re-frame their experience

Noting this, we don't go poking or prodding into the difficulties you have experienced, and the retreat is an opportunity to learn to forgive and let go of past challenges.

IS YOGA RELIGIOUS? 
Not in the modern sense of the word. It is, however a deeply spiritual practice.

As a multi-faith friendly environment, there is no requirement for you to follow our belief system and we have hosted students from a variety of faiths (atheists are welcome too!) 

Yoga is first and foremost about practice, rather than intellectual ideas or belief, and during the retreat you will be given instruction and guidance and space to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with continuing with your own personal daily practice back home (where it really counts.) 

We have often had Christians, Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims and Atheists all on the same retreat.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?
At the Soul Retreat we are excited to share with you a variety of methods, but one core meditative practice called Himalayan Meditation.

Sanskrit is the ancient language of the Yogic texts, and Himalayan Meditation is called Samarpan Dhyan Sanskar. Both David and Rajni have received initiation from a Himalayan Master, Swami Shivkrupanand who is based in India and teaches globally. 

This practice is the main focus of the Soul Retreat, and is conducted in silence for 30 minutes at a time. During the retreat, we will sit multiple times per day.

In addition, we will offer you other teachings and practices (in sanskrit, practices are called 'sadhana') to support your understanding of the Soul. These will leave you with plenty of take home practices, knowledge and activities.

In 30 retreats, no one has complained that we didn't give enough (indeed we offer so much that some students have come back multiple times to get a second go.)

Below is a description of the core activities, followed by a schedule.

A final note on the program; though the activities appear separate, the Soul Retreat is very much a journey and we will take knowledge from one session, and build upon it in others to weave together a comprehensive and coherent experience.  

If it doesn't make much sense yet, it will by the end of the retreat!

REDISCOVER YOUR SOUL THROUGH

Himalayan Meditation

Receive this powerful, ancient practice and clear, balance and open your mind as you reconnect to your Soul (witness consciousness or atman.)

Himalayan Meditation has transformed over a million lives worldwide and is based on a living tradition 800+ years old.

Himalayan Meditation is the main practice of the retreat and was the master-key we used to unlock our own journey of transformation.

Learn from David and Rajni's combined 25+ years of personal practice, and feel supported by the energy of the group as we sit for 2 x 30 minute collective meditations each day.

FEEL GREAT AS YOU BRING HEALTH, VITALITY AND HEALING TO THE BODY THROUGH

Hatha Yoga

Receive a gentle and flowing Hatha Yoga sequence that will leave your body feeling blissful, balanced and alive.

The practice is led by Ashram Director, David and is shared is from the Shadow Yoga School, which is tied to an established Nepalese/Indian tradition (the Nath Sampradaya.)

Each morning you will receive a 90 minute workshop including theory, demonstration, practice and question and answers.

By the end of the retreat you will have learned a complete sequence and will feel comfortable to practice at home.

RECEIVE ANCIENT WISDOM MADE RELEVANT FOR MODERN TIMES IN OUR

Elements of Yoga Workshop

Learn a clear, easy to remember way to see the connection between mind, body and nature so that you can avoid falling into the traps that have caused you to suffer.

Understand your past experiences and how significant life events impact your wellbeing in predictable ways in mind and body, and learn simple ways to shift stuck energy through an increase in your awareness.

This interactive workshop uses knowledge from traditional Yoga and weaves theory, discussion and mindfulness practice to help you heal and grow.    

MINDFULLY DISCOVER THE GRAMPIANS IN

Mountain Yoga

Find a deep sense of connection to nature as you are guided through an ancient Yoga practice from the Gurung tribe, based in Nepal.

During the activity we explore the stunning Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) which is literally on our doorstep and is a fantastic teacher (when we open our eyes and ears!)

The practice involves breath meditation, chanting and mindfulness practice, and will leave you feeling as deeply connected to nature as you have ever been.

Mountain Yoga is exclusive to Kailash Ashram.

UNLEASH THE INNER CHILD AS YOU TAP INTO

Soul Art

Gain new insight about your past and also unlock a brighter future as we blend meditation and creative expression (don't worry, no skills are needed, just an open mind!)

Learn a creative practice to take home so that you can continue to use unconscious soulful expression to help you understand your deeper yearnings.

Soul Art is exclusive to Kailash Ashram.

RELEASE BODY AND MIND IN OUR ICONIC

Sound Meditation

Release deeply held tension as the divine sounds of Kailash take you within.

Weaving mantra (sacred sounds,) Nepalese Bowls, Gong and other world instruments, leave the body behind and go on an inner journey to remember.

Harnessing the power of your Himalayan Meditation practice, our Sound Meditation is a truly unique experience that must be felt to be believed.   

WEAVE THE EXPERIENCE TOGETHER IN OUR 

Traditional Fire Ceremony

Participate in an ancient ritual which is used to form positive intentions for your life after the retreat, and to cut the cords of past attachments.

During the ceremony (Chitta Shuddhi Yagya) you will have the process explained in english and made relevant to modern times, whilst preserving the ancient ways through Sanskrit mantra and adherence to process.

The ceremony is the perfect way to bring together all of the knowledge and transformation shared on retreat, and for many (including us) it is the highlight and a memorable way to finish the retreat.  

EXPERIENCE A BALANCE OF LEARNING AND REST 

Soul Retreat Program

FEEL GROUNDED, COSY AND COMFORTABLE IN OUR

Bespoke Ashram Facilities

Supporting you during the retreat are our hand pressed mud brick lodge, our stunning yogashala (yoga studio) and 50 acres of pristine Grampians nature. Our facilities are earthy, cosy and are comfortably heated and cooled year round.

We maintain an intimate container of only 15 participants, so the Ashram will never feel crowded and you will have the chance to connect as much (or as little) with the other participants as you wish. 

As an Ashram, we are dedicated to the practices we share and only host our own retreats. You will feel the alignment and integrity in our space, where the ancient wisdom of Gariwerd country can be felt. 

LOCATION:
The Grampians is in Western Victoria, about 3.5 hours from Melbourne or 5 hours from Adelaide and we are located away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist towns in a sleepy area called Wartook.

For those travelling interstate we suggest flying to Melbourne and organising a lift with another participant (we will help you coordinate prior) or hiring a car. 

There is also public transport to Horsham and we can organise a transfer (subject to availability and for a small fee.) 

As students, Rajni and I often travel to India and abroad for teachings, and we encourage students to see that for the right guidance, this is part of the journey.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Bedrooms are a mix of smaller private roms, twin-share rooms and private glamping tents. 

Twin share rooms are same gender and host 2 participants.

Private rooms and glamping tents are reserved for snorers, light sleepers or those requiring privacy for another reason.

The retreat program runs for the full day from 630am until 830pm. Thus, bedrooms are for sleeping only and most students find that twin-share is an enjoyable experience once you meet your room-mate (many roomies have gone on to become close friends for life.)

FEED THE BODY AND NOURISH THE SOUL WITH OUR  

Vegetarian Meals

Included are 3 delicious and nourishing meals each day, tailored to suit the activity and weather.

During the retreat we observe the yogic principle of Mitahara, the controlled intake of pure substances.

This means meals are light, nourishing and supportive of the activity, and that participants are required to abstain from intoxicants.

During the retreat you may help yourself to snacks, tea and coffee at any time.

The Ashram is a strictly drug and alcohol free environment (there is a dedicated smoking area and tobacco users are required to minimise use during retreat, or abstain entirely if possible.) 

EXPERIENCES OF HEALING, TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH

Interviews with Past Ashram Students

We suggest you watch the shortened versions of the interviews here. 

These retreat participants were so moved by their experience that they volunteered to share with you to help encourage others that change is possible.
 
Longer form interviews, as well as other content can be found on our YouTube channel and will be emailed to you in the coming days.

“I am a strong, valuable woman… and for the first time in my life I love myself.”

Jo Drury, Regional Victoria

Seeking to let go of past trauma and to repair a family relationship, Jo found that peace starts with a loving connection to Self. 

On the Soul Retreat she deepened her meditation practice and began to cultivate self love.

“It was amazing… from start to finish… we were all broken open!”

Fiona Smart, Brisbane

Seeking to heal, grow, and recalibrate, Fiona used the Soul Retreat to set up her daily meditation practice and to hit the reset button. 

Fiona left the retreat pointing in a healthy direction (away from the past and towards her true goals.) 

“I went past myself!
I conquered something here”

Rohan Parr, South Australia

After a business closure, Rohan was lacking his usual spark. He came seeking to let go of self judgement and to work out 'what's next.' 

During the retreat he found his voice and direction and went past himself to recapture his courage.

“Anything is possible!”

Jane Edgely, Melbourne

Jane had ‘tried all the things’ and was still feeling stuck. She joined us on the Soul Retreat and found resonance with the authentic practice and our raw, real, honest vibe.

Jane left with the newfound belief that “anything is possible!” 

“I’ve never felt more connected to a group of people in my whole life.”

William Morrisey, South Australia

Will came to the Ashram seeking to enhance his connection to self and community, and to spend some time reminding himself of his deeper truth. 

He left deeply moved having never felt so connected to a group of people in his life!

...and they are not alone!

We have run 30+ Installments of the Soul Retreat, plus many other retreats and special events and have touched the lives of hundreds of sincere seekers. 

Reclaim Your Destiny 
join the 
Kailash Ashram

A 4 NIGHT JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY


GRAMPIANS, VICTORIA

When You Book Your Soul Retreat Today You Will Receive;
  All-inclusive 5 Day, 4 Night Life Changing Retreat  (Value $Priceless)
  • ​Feel secure learning authentic practices from established schools of yoga and meditation
  • Let go of the painful past and welcome in a happy future in our proven life-changing program
  • ​Learn take-home practices that you will actually do. 
  • ​Connect to a like-hearted tribe of Souls and join our supportive community
  • ​Receive personal guidance from experienced facilitators. 
  • ​Experience an intimate container of just 15 participants

We used to charge $3495 for our Soul Retreat, and even at this price, students found it good value because of the profound transformation and realisations they received.

Since March 2024, we have de-commercialised our Ashram and now offer all retreats by Pay-if-Forward with the vision that all students, irrespective of financial means, should have access to our program. 

INTRODUCING OUR NEW PAYMENT MODEL

Pay-It-Forward

Step 1: Registration

Secure your spot on the upcoming Soul Retreat through a $300 registration fee. 

Your fee is non-refundable and goes to covering administration and advertising costs only.

This is not the 'cost' of the hosting of the retreat, but a way to reserve your place whilst helping us cover our administration.
Step 2: Retreat

Attend your Soul Retreat knowing that your place was made available by the generous gift of another Soul who has been through the Soul Retreat.

All of our retreats are now entirely funded by the contribution of past students as a gesture of goodwill towards others.
Step 3: Pay-It-Forward

At the end of the Soul Retreat, only if the program has brought you benefit, you will be invited to contribute towards another student attending the retreat.

NOTE: You may make a once-off contribution, or monthly instalments as per your capacity and means. These are managed at the end of the retreat.

Kailash Ashram is a social enterprise and all funds are retained within the organisation. 

We invite those students who have limited means (less than $1000 once off, or less capacity than $100 per month) to consider applying for a scholarship.

As you can tell, we are wildly passionate about serving you on the Soul Retreat.

We do apologise if this page has been overwhelming, too lengthy or confusing, and we ask your forgiveness if what we shared was not to your liking. 

As we mentioned at the start, it pays to remember what brought you here. 

Your noble intention and wish to be free from suffering will carry you far. If you are still reading this, great work, you've got momentum on your side. We suggest rolling with that momentum all the way to our next retreat. 

A word on delaying / sitting on it / feeling into it 
Some people have followed us for years, waiting for the right time, 'sitting on it', leaving it up to the universe etc.

It is normal to unconsciously delay the changes we know we need to make. The mind is an expert at talking us out of things, and for many students who waited years to join us have remarked that "they wish they had found us 40 years ago." 

The Soul, is decisive. It knows. It is your friend in the battle against the doubtful mind. 

The right time
The truth is, between work, family and life, there will never be a 'good time' for you to come on retreat. Many students travel interstate, and 5 days off is a big ask,

On the path of Yoga one must learn to make time for things that are important, and only you will know if what you stand to gain by joining the Soul Retreat is a priority for you. If you are doubtful, please scroll back to our google reviews and interviews.

What if it doesn't work?
With the Pay-it-Forward model, we have reduced any financial risk to you. If the retreat isn't what you were seeking, simply take it as a gift from a previous student. We anticipate due to the much lower entry point for the retreat, that the upcoming retreats will sell out very quickly. 

We trust there is enough information for you to make a decision about joining us on this page, and truly, it will be our joy to host you at the Soul Retreat.

In our tradition it is customary to say;

Jai Atmeshwar!
(Victory to the Divine Soul)

David & Rajni Wegman 

See you on Retreat!

P.S. To help keep that momentum going, we have some special bonuses on the next page that aren't available anywhere else.

P.P.S If you've just scrolled to the bottom to check out what the Soul Retreat is, it is kinda important you know what you are getting yourself into! I'd suggest going back to the top and reading through this page in full when you have the time :)

© 2024 Kailash Mountain Collective Pty Ltd