Jim Nelson, Beloved Teacher and Friend
With immense gratitude for all of that he offered the Himalayan Tradition and the Meditation Center we note the passing of Jim on February 6, 2026. May Jim’s sacred journey be guided by the radiance and brilliance of the Divine Light.
Everyone is invited to participate in offering the Gayatri mantra for Jim on his sacred journey home. Through February 18th, recite as many repetitions of the Gayatri mantra as you wish.
A special Memorial Service will be held at TMC on
Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Everyone is lovingly invited![]()
11:30 a.m. Memorial Service in Hall of The Tradition.
1:00 p.m. Catered Vegetarian Lunch in Dining Room
and Hall of The Tradition.
Jim held Masters degrees in Education and Counseling Psychology. He worked as a consulting psychologist and therapist for Family Life Mental Health Center in Coon Rapids, MN for almost fifteen years, while teaching psychology at Blaine High School. Jim received the Medtronic Outstanding Teacher Award in 1997 and was selected to the “Who’s Who” of American teachers. He served five terms on Blaine City Council championing environmental causes, and served on the Anoka County Mental Health Advisory Board for several years. He was in private practice and worked until his retirement, at “Transition Plus “as a psychologist, serving students with learning disabilities and mental health issues. For almost 20 years he was on the Meditation Center’s Board of Directors serving as President or Chairman of the Board for most of that time. Jim taught yoga and meditation at the Meditation Center for over 25 years. He served as Vice-President of AHYMS-A and was on the executive committee of AHYMSIN—the International organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Swami Rama and the Himalayan Tradition. He traveled broadly in North America speaking at conferences on a variety of psychological and philosophical topics. He wrote a book—”Running on Empty”–an assessment of the destructive changes and challenges that have eroded the well being of adolescents and young adults.
Gayatri Mantra with Translation
ॐ तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
Om Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ; Tat savitur vareṇyam
Bhargo devasya dhīmahi; Dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
Om. In Earth, Sky and Heaven, I do meditate on, and sustain in myself, the beautiful brilliance of God who shines in the splendor of the sun. (Swami Veda)
Om. Thou Supreme Lord, the Source of Existence, Intelligence and Bliss! The creator of the Universe! May we prove worthy of Thy choice and acceptance! May we meet Thy glorious grace! May Thou vouchsafe an unerring guidance to our intellects and may we follow Thy lead unto Righteousness. (Swami Rama’s plaque)
