Durga's Tiger School for Tantra Yoga Shamanism

The universe works in truly magical ways!

I was simply looking for a yoga retreat, a place to be, decompress, and meet like minded people on my travels across Latin America. So when I spotted a Kaula Tantra, Art and Shamanism continuous education path at Durga’s Tiger School, I jumped at the chance to explore more.

Nestled on a majestic volcano in the lush Andean greenery of Tumbaco, a calm and very chilled area just outside Quito, Durga’s Tiger School is a serene sanctuary where the connection between nature and energy, body, mind, and soul meet… and start to dance, and dance some more, and this is where the magic begins to unfold.

There’s such great energy here; you can feel it in the air and across the landscape, in the yoga shala and of course between the group, the community and the brilliant teachers that build and maintain a safe space and sense of trust needed to heal, to peel back some layers, let go, let loose, and allow our seeds to grow.

I loved the heady mix of classes and structure to each day with the majority of learning done in an experiential, hands on way. There’s plenty of daily meditation, pranayama and essential yoga with some lovely surprises thrown in from artistic expression to dance (the music and sound hit the spot every time!) to some beautifully crafted nature connection ceremonies. Exactly what my yoga and spiritual awakening journey desperately needed.

All this enhanced by wholesome, nourishing and nutritious locally sourced meals.

Combinatie van kaula tantra yoga, haha, shamanisme

Carmen und Christian haben als ein perfekt aufeinander abgestimmtes Team ein abwechslungsreiches und sehr dichtes Programm zusammengestellt, das mich manchmal an meine Grenzen geführt hat.

Ich hatte jedoch immer das Gefühl, dass die beiden genau wissen, was sie tun und auf uns aufpassen.

Das Essen war ausgezeichnet, die Lage der Unterkunft war zwar weit weg vom Schuss, aber mitten in der Natur.

Mehr als nur Yoga

I just completed my 200YTT here at Durga’s Tiger School. The curriculum exceeded my expectations. Each class contributed to the whole experience in a very unique way, and each instructor adds their own personal valuable touch.

The grounds are beautiful, with many walking paths and gardens to make you feel immersed in a sacred natural sanctuary. The buildings are thoughtfully constructed and had all the amenities needed to be comfortable (Wifi, hot showers, drinking water, kitchen, common spaces, etc).

The school is located up in the hills on the side of the inactive Ilalo volcano, where you can hike to, or explore the nearby eucalyptus groves. There are a couple small convenience stores just outside the school. For around a $2 taxi you can get to pharmacies, shopping areas, restaurants etc.

I felt safe to leave the school on weekends and explore in Quito. The people of Ecuador are super friendly, patient and helpful. I confidently navigated the city with minimal skills in Spanish and did not feel unsafe at any time.

Thank you Durga’s Tiger School!

The school focuses on helping you develop as an individual so that you transform deeply. Wether you are looking to become a yoga teacher or just focus on your self I would highly recommend this location.

Se situe en nature et très beaux paysages. La salle de yoga est très belle, possible de faire un feu. Belle ambiance

The retreat was a great way to calm down, detach from daily life, tune in with my emotions and for getting a lot of interesting new input. Thanks to everyone for creating such a "safe space" and for the beautiful group dynamic.

El emplazamiento de la casa es paradigmático en el contexto de Quito. Había distintos cuartos y algunos espacios compartidos legítimos, pero no se cocina in-situ. El temazcal, el fuego, el jardín y la terraza; la tina y la sala de actividades. Anita, Renata, Fred, los perritos y Ligia. El muchacho que prende la hoguera sagrada, la paz en la noche y un respeto casi mágico al respecto de la intención en los participantes. La actitud del conjunto y el ánimo casi al 100% auténtico.

guter aufbau,

klare, liebevolle leitung - raum sehr gut gehalten,

ruhig und entspannt,

tiefgang,

sehr bereichernd, interessant, sehr wohl gefühlt und getankt,

eine wohltat! ganz herzlichen dank!! wärmstens zu empfehlen!

Die Kursleitung war immer excellent vorbereitet. Sie führte mit ruhigen und klaren Anweisungen durch die jeweiligen Sessionen, welche äusserst gut abgestimmt waren.

Das gesamte Training war ein Weg der Heilung. Heilung innerer Wunden, die ich teilweise schon Jahre mit mir mittrage oder denen ich mir nicht mal bewusst war.

Die Schule, die InstruktorInnen und meine MitstudentInnen boten einen Raum in dem ich mich entfalten, ausleben und neue Ausdrucksformen erfahren konnte.

Ein Weg, um mich mit meinem authentischsten Selbst wieder zu verbinden, diese Verbindung zu stärken und sie nach aussen zu tragen, um es mit meinen zukünftigen StudentInnen zu teilen.

Meine gesamte Yoga Praxis hat sich vertieft und transformiert in meine eigene.

DAs Konzept und die tiefe Reise zu mir selbst. Die Gruppe und die Gestaltung von Gruppe.

Vielfalt, Abwechslung, Porfessionalität, Intensität, Tiefes Eintauchen.

Entspannung, tolle und lustige Gruppe.

Carmen und Christian waren sehr gut organisiert. Das Programm war sehr abwechslungsreich und ich konnte viel Neues lernen.

The way we were coached along the path of self discovery and moving outside the frames society have placed in us was deeply moving. Genuine and humble teachers made wonderful workshops and lessons.

I like the teachers and the activities. I learnt much more about yoga and meditation. I had the opportunity to upgrade myself in many skills, from yoga positions and movements to energy and vibes of the group.

I loved the setting. The combination of shamanism, theatre, art, chantings, pranamanya, dance, and a little Hatha thrown in with tantra. It was a very complete 200 hr YTT. And the best part was the deep connection with all of the students as we held space and supported each other through the challenging inner work as well as the physical work.

die Location mit Chalet / Garten, ruhige Umgebung, Instrumente und Song Books, veganes Essen

I cannot describe how grateful I am to Carmen and Christian for encouraging me to stop controlling my feelings and to just let go.

I felt like home: safe, comfortable and loved.

I want to thank you for one of the best experiences I ever had, for sure I will never forget it.

Carmen and Kristian offered a surprising, unravelling and beautiful journey into discovering my inner energy, my body and my connection with nature. I experienced a powerful group energy through sharing yoga, meditation, chanting and delicious food with wonderful people in a magic setting.

Les sujets abordés sont nombreux et le complément tantra chamanisme est carrément parfait.

A varied practices to reconnect with "the true self" : yoga, breath, meditation, dance, game, laugh, introspection, expression, ease, challenge, ritual, sing, music, nature... Thank you Carmen and Christian for your benevolence and authenticity !

..

It was quite a retreat for body and mind! Welcomed by the spaceholders with so much warmth and openness.

The whole journey was an emotional rollercoaster with quite a lot of benefits to take home. I was able to let go of things and open my heart up completly. The spaceholders provided just the right balance of support and space for one owns need, Even the Yoga was a little to slow for my taste (I'm a vinyasa power-yoga person) it fitted the whole experience perfectly and was suitable for all levels.

The cacao-cermony was beautiful and the food delishous and very fresh.

Die Lehrer haben das Retreat sehr abwechslungsreiche, liebevoll und harmonisch gestaltet. Morgens verschiedene Meditationen und Yoga, nachmittags Spiele, Atemarbeit, Austausch, verschiedene Techniken betreffend Emotionen etc.

In der Pause über Mittag war es schön, Zeit in der Natur zu verbringen und dabei eine kleine Aufgabe (Ritual, Achtsamkeit..) zu erfüllen, welche uns mitgegeben wurde.

Abends singen, tanzen, musizieren oder frei. Dies war eine ganz neue Erfahrung und kein gewöhnliches Retreat, wo zwei mal täglich Yoga praktiziert wird.

Il fait bon vivre que d'être aux côtés de magnifiques personnes bienveillantes. La bonne énergie du groupe et des organisateurs m'ont fait me sentir bien. Je rentre à la maison avec le coeur rempli de souvenirs et de gratitude !

Sometimes things can’t really be explained but definitely have to be lived. I would 100% recommend this retreat.

Das komplette Seminar war extrem gut. Für mich als sehr kopflastiger Mensch mit wenig Yoga und Tantra Erfahrung war es extrem gut um mich zu erden und mich selbst besser kennen zu lernen.

The good quality classes, activities, the food, OMG the food! the kindness, the singing around a bonfire, the dancing. Another thing I appreciated is that there is no wifi or microwaves in the working room, a clean space for a nurturing good energy time. A great expecience! thank you!!!

Un programme très dense, mais il est possible de renoncer à l'une ou l'autre activité et prendre du temps pour soi.

Il faut y aller avec l'esprit ouvert et l'envie d'experimenter quelque chose de nouveau. Les activités sont très variées et permettent de se libérer. Une place importante est donnée au partage verbal (cercles de discussion). Mais ce qui m'a particulièrement plu, ce sont les activités qui permettent de laisser son corps s'exprimer librement à travers le chant, la danse et la méditation active.

3,5 jours est une durée optimale pour une première expérience de ce type.

yoga gebucht und viele geschenke dazu bekommen. der yogateil war nur ein teil. es hatte so viele meditations, chakren, atmungstechniken dabei. tanz, gesang, feuer und choclate zeremonie.... für mich ein einzigartiges retrait...von und mit herz organsiert und durchgeführt.

nicht zu vergessen ist die einzigartige und reichhaltige verpflegung.

Durga's Tiger's Workshop allowed for my physical/emotional healing required to support personal life stresses in the age of COVID, family abroad issues & challenges, mitigating life as an “Auslander” in der Schweiz; as well to find support & tools that I could take back and incorporate daily to be my best, healthy and fully engaged with my professional self. I found with this Yoga/Medication workshop under the professional, personal & heart-felt care of its highly trained Leaders, Christian & Carmen, EXACTLY what I was searching for – to recover and rediscover my deep and full inner strength and presence. The Durga's Tiger School workshop uses a multifaceted approach that supported my; as well as the other participant's, wellness using tools of Kaula Tantra yoga, breathwork, meditation, evening singing by the fire circles, nature connection – utilizing the amazing beauty of the Jura Region, non-structured movement & dance, various specialized activities/forums to support optimal self-grounding and balance. Lastly the use of the “talking stick”, something new for me, supported shared inner wisdom & courage -- all alternating with the recommended silent and stillness times. Not to forget to mention that the food and/or nutrition provided as part of the course offering is superbly vegan and by the end of my four days my gut was singing too!

I HIGHLY recommend this EXCELLENT Yoga-Meditation-Emotional Healing 4-day workshop. I have resigned up for the next offering!!!

I loved everything about this program! The teachers were so knowledgeable and caring! They made this experience so beautiful and welcoming! The facility was gorgeous living in the Illalo! The food was great and Nancy was adorable! Everything they put together is well curated and meant to have you go deeper!

I really enjoy the diversities of the program, is more than a basic Yoga Training Teacher...

It's a profound personal development... Everyone must try this opportunity if they want to take responsibility of their life... And be a sovereign human being!

AWE

The most amazing experience you will ever have in your life! Your life will never be the same after doing this comprehensive training that makes your body hard and your heart soft.

The variety of knowledge offered at Durgas is unparalleled to other programs I have participated in. Durgas touches on asana practice, incorporates nature, shares philosophy and pranayama practices. Everyday was magic, especially the food and lifestyle at the school. Perfectly intense for those who have been practicing for years and wish to go deeper, and amazing for those looking for a true challenge!

The program was a full, thoughtful, holistic set of meditation, yoga and shamanism classes, that allowed a deep dive into one's healing path, while also giving the time to ease and relax in the beautiful little surf town of mompiche. The organizers and hosts were absolutely sweet, providing all participants with all the essential needs for a wonderful vacation, the support required for one's inner journey, and good advice for touring the area.

The yoga classes were really unique, including both hata yoga and kaula tantra yoga. The hata was more body challenging while the kaula was soft on the body but more challenging on the mind. They complimented each other perfectly.

The shamanism portion was absolutely transformative for me, it literally opened my heart and soul and allow me to see things in myself I wasn't even aware of.

It included all sorts of ceremonies such as cacao ceremony, tree ceremony, tobacco ceremony and many more, each learned from a different indigenous tradition.

Most classes were practiced at the retreat location on the yoga deck, or the sun deck, surrounded with beautiful garden and jungle views. For a few classes were went to some of the neighboring beaches and practiced in nature- these were the best!

Lastly, the retreat attracted some amazing individuals, like minded people on a deep journey into their souls. The group was a really important component of the success of this experience for me.

I loved the entire experience and I am so grateful to have had this unique opportunity to grow and blossom from home while this pandemic is preventing us to go anywhere. The choice of course is perfectly and meticulously chosen to make a super rich 100 hours of knowledge. The discovery of Kaula tantra, Kundalini, shamanism, Durga’s tiger dance, Playground theatre and the deepening of Ayurvedic and Chakra knowledge were a great discovery and rediscovery for me. Although I much rather the warmth of real human contact, It is supervising how we can connect so deeply with souls around the glob without even leaving your house. It was a beautiful experience all in all. I can’t thank you all enough. I love you! Namaste.🙏🏼💜✨

I have grown like never before. I got to know what I am and I met so many beautiful people here. It's not just a yoga school, it's a school of life. You will not be the same person after you leave.

I learnt that I am so loved and that there are many wonderful and conscious people in the world. I am not alone. I learnt that we are all very similar being who want similar things and have a range of the same fears. Life is beautiful!

The classes are amazing and different each time. You are always being stimulated and invited to dig deeper into who you are and what you want in life. The teachers are ONE OF A KIND. Beautiful souls, who really care about you your wellbeing. You will fit right in, and feel at home. Don't think about it. Just book your spot already.

Every single thing!

This is by far the best yoga school on the planet!

Completely changed my life.

The education of a lifetime!

The best teachers ever!!

Most beautiful school and location.

Everyone at Durga’s is amazingly kind, brilliant, kind and lovely. ,

I love the yoga!!! It is integrative for working with trauma and blockages, yet is gentle for all audiences. So in love with the tools I’ve been gifted from this place!

Made friends for life . With myself too . I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get connected to the amazing life we create

It was a nice experience for me. The teachers are very good. The vegetarian food was very tasty. Thank you Nancy. The courses are well combined, many thanks to Iris. We had a wonderful time ... We were just one big family... :)

Inneke, Spain

Fue una buena experiencia para mí. Los profesores son muy buenos. La comida vegetariana era muy sabrosa. Gracias Nancy Los cursos están bien combinados, muchas gracias a Iris. Tuvimos un tiempo maravilloso allí ... Éramos una gran familia... :)

Inneke, España

I’ve been been there for 500h and already made plans for going back!

The teacher are inspiring people, they easily become your family and by the time your “soul rehab” is over you will find a completely bew person inside yourself!

It was a beautiful immersion of Kundalini, Tantra, Sahmanism, and dance. I feel joy, warmth, the connection to my body, all elements, animals, the volcanic land.

Tantra yoga got me in touch with my own body and my own energy on a deeper level.

There are few words that can fully express the magnitude of what I received in my 6 weeks at Durga’s Tiger School ...but the 300 hour Yoga Teacher certificate was only part of it! If you are looking to rediscover yourself in order to live your best life (and offer a part of that new and improved self to your students through your yoga classes), you will not be disappointed here at Durga’s Tiger School!

I will definitely return to complete the 500 hour training!

Everything was well organized. The training was intense and it was a great experience. The instructors were well prepared. Their skillful guidance was of great benefit for all, for the people who had extensive yoga training and for the ones that had some yoga experience. Learning about Shamanism was very interesting. The arts were introduced step by step in such a way that it was not an external experience but it was more a time for an introspection, it was time to look at our deep essence and discover what was there. The setting was beautiful. Accommodations were sometimes personalized and that really helped people who had special requests. The food was grandiose, it was healthy and tasty.

C.A. was an amazing leader for our group at Durga's Tiger School! I was fortunate enough to experience two groups of people coming through the school. C.A. gracefully guided us along our journey and provided insight when needed.

The experience I have had through Durga's Tiger School is one that I will cherish for a lifetime. All of the teachers are so passionate about what they do and they all do it with the utmost patience and love! If you are not looking for the average yoga teacher training and want to go a bit deeper and have a complete and amazing experience then this course is for you! You will laugh, you will cry, but mostly you will love and learn and grow!

Todo me encantó....

Llegué con la expectativa de mejorar mi práctica personal de yoga y de saber cuál era mi propósito en la vida…. y me voy con un conocimiento mucho más profundo de mi ser y de lo que realmente importa en la vida.

..... Me voy con los pies bien puestos sobre la tierra, con mi corazón abierto, conectada con mi alma y con un profundo agradecimiento por todas las experiencias vividas en este lugar.

…. Y por supuesto no sólo mejoré mi práctica personal de yoga sino que me siento totalmente empoderada, tranquila y con confianza para compartir kaula tantra yoga con otras personas.

..... En mi experiencia, esta no es una escuela que enseña un estilo de yoga, ni forma profesores para repetir una serie de secuencias y entregar un certificado. En esta escuela he visto un firme propósito de facilitar a todos los estudiantes herramientas que de verdad ayuden a sanar y a reconectar con nuestro ser, ya que solo a través de nuestra propia experiencia y nuestra propia sanación podemos volvernos maestros de nosotros mismos y en consecuencia podemos compartir esta sabiduría con los demás.

The property the people pure magic

This was such an amazing experience. The course was beautiful, deep, heartwarming, opening and so much more. A journey through the body and mind. The blends with shamanism exceeded my expectations. The work with the local Tati and Ruben were so beautiful. How they supported our journey, took us to different places and showed us so much. Nico and Magdalena's classes were very well set up, thought through and opened me up. Pushed me to improve and discovered myself, express and experience. So wonderful. The yoga and partner yoga was very opening aswell. I loved it. I love the course, I would recommend it to anyone willing to go deep within themselves and take the bold journey of discovery through the mind and body. -Alex