The Meditation Center

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing Only: Ayurvedic Study Group with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP on April 25, 2024 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. CDT
2024-05-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – May 23, 2024
Ayurvedic Study Group: Time, Space & Causation:
Harmonizing Ourselves with Nature & the Cycles of Time”
with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sunita Gangopadhyay
6:15-7:00 p.m. Vegan Soup Light Supper
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Ayurvedic Study Group:mTime, Space & Causation:
Harmonizing Ourselves with Nature & the Cycles of Time”
with Gary Gran, DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m. Clean-Up and Departure after Prayers

Tradition tells us we are all subject to time, space, and causation. In this session, we’ll contemplate some verses on the nature of Time from the Atharva Veda. Then we’ll share Swami Rama’s explanation of how our minds are conditioned by time. We’ll conclude with more verses from Chapter 6 of the Charaka Samhita on how the fluctuations of time affect our health, with tips on how to stay balanced this summer!
Please bring your ‘beginner’s mind’ and join us as we listen deeply and reflect on the words of the sages. Attendance at prior meetings is not required. All are welcome.
“Time is a filter. Anything that happens goes through the filter of time.”
– Swami Rama

Gary and Cynthia Gran have been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. They met at the old Glenview Center in Illinois and have served the tradition in various capacities over the years. They are both certified yoga teachers and Ayurvedic educators. They have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. They are once again enjoying desert gardening, cooking and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona.
Gary Gran, DAy. CYT
Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP

Gary’s blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Listening Circle" with Maja Radovanlija, Matt Rahaim, and Molly Sturges - May 30, 2024
2024-05-30 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom – May 23, 2024
“Listening Circle” with Maja Radovanlija, Matt Rahaim, and Molly Sturges
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-8:00 p.m.: An Evening of Music with Maja Radovanlija, Matt Rahaim, and Molly Sturges
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Join Maja Radovanlija, (Professor of guitar and improvisation at the University of Minnesota; Matt Rahaim (hindustani vocal music/ethnomusicologist); and Molly Sturges, ( healing centered composer/artistic director, music/sound and health researcher) for an evening of beautiful music. Come and enjoy the evening with uplifting harmony and vibrations. Come and gather…listen…listen…listen…with an open heart.

Maja Radovanlija was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), in 1975. She studied classical guitar for almost 20 years in Eastern Europe, Vienna and Bloomington, IN. Along the way, Maja collaborated with musicians in a variety of genres and became interested in improvised music through Balkan traditional music, jazz, intuitive free improv, and experimental music. Some of the projects and ensembles Maja works with on regular bases are Szilard Mezéi ensemble, Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Ensemble Studio6, MM Guitar duo, Linda Chatterton-MRadovanlija guitar/flute duo, and Satu Jiwa improvised music collective. Maja’s recent projects are Jeleche trio (traditional Balkan music), and collaborations with improvisers such as Milana Zarić, Molly Sturges, and Matt Rahaim.
Matt Rahaim is a teacher, performer and student of Hindustani vocal music. He has trained in the Gwalior tradition for twenty years, first in Pune under Vikas Kashalkar, and lately under the guidance of his guru, L.K. Pandit, in Delhi. He also is Associate Professor of Music at the University of Minnesota, with affiliations in Religious Studies, Asian Languages / Literatures / Media, and Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature.
Molly Jane Sturges is a healing centered composer/artistic director, music/sound and health researcher, facilitator, educator, activist, whole health coach, and meditation teacher who has worked with individuals, organizations, and communities around the globe for over 30 years at the intersection of personal and collective healing, participatory music and arts, spirituality, healthcare, creative research, community organizing, and education. She is currently a senior researcher/faculty/artist at the University of Minnesota, a senior fellow and coaching faculty with The Center for Excellence in Public Leadership at George Washington University and artist-faculty with Minnesota’s College of Art and Design’s Creative Leadership Program where she specializes in teaching interdisciplinary creative collaboration and contemplative and creative wellbeing relational practices. Molly collaborates with individuals, communities, and organizations across the globe to co-create a care-centric, equitable, compassionate and earth-centered world. Molly is a United States Artist Fellow in Music and a founder of many creative healing activation projects including Littleglobe, Firerock: Pass The Spark, Lifesongs and Waking The Oracle. Courtesy of www.mollysturges.com
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $15.00) for Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
Note: There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Happy Summer Solstice! Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom: "Path of Fire & Light: Swami Rama in Illinois, 1989" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy.
2024-06-20 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom: – June 20, 2024
“Path of Fire & Light: Swami Rama in Illinois, 1989” with Gary Gran MBA,CYT, DAy.
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. CDT
Happy Summer Solstice!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-8:00 p.m.:”Path of Fire & Light: Swami Rama in Illinois, 1989 with Gary Gran MBA,CYT, DAy.
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Every year from 1986 to 1989, Swami Rama presented a series of lectures on the Path of Fire & Light. His stated purpose in offering these seminars was to ensure that his students were well-informed on the practices of the tradition. Proceeds from these seminars helped fund the opening of the Himalayan Institute Hospital in Dehradun, India. According to the HIHT website:
“Swamiji started this project in 1989 with an outpatient clinic of only two rooms. The hospital at HIHT currently has 750 beds and is serving approximately 10 million people of Garhwal, Kumaon and adjoining areas.”
The 1989 lectures were given at the Sheraton Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois over the course of three days, August 18-20. He offered many intriguing tips to refine our standard practices. But the primary focus was to present what he called ‘the monastery system’ of meditation, with an emphasis on third chakra practice and solar science.
“You don’t need to be still like a log – you are a living being!” – Swami Rama
Gary Gran has been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. He was in attendance for the 1986,1987 & 1989 Path of Fire & Light seminars, and will be presenting a recollection of the 1989 teachings from his personal notes. He has served the tradition in various capacities over the years beginning at the old Glenview center in Illinois. He is a certified yoga teacher and an Ayurvedic educator, having published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. He and herself Cynthia enjoy desert gardening, cooking and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona, and are currently in summer residence in Minneapolis.
Gary Gran, MBA, DAy. CYT

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Remembering Swami Veda Bharati" Ninth Anniversary Commemoration of Swami Veda Bharati's Mahasamadhi - July 11, 2024
2024-07-11 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – July 11, 2024
“Remembering Swami Veda Bharati”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Hatha Yoga – TBD
6:15-7:00 p.m. – Vegan Soup
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Commemoration of the Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us to remember Swami Veda Bharati.

Thursday, July 11th, is the commemoration at TMC of
Swami Veda’s Mahasamadhi Anniversary which falls on July 14th.

Details to come.

Join us, either in person or via Zoom, for a special Thursday Satsang to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda Bharati. Swami Veda entered Mahasamadhi on July 14, 2015.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: “The Wisdom Tradition: Yoga, Christianity and the Divine Feminine” with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. - August 15, 2024
2024-08-15 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom
The Assumption of Mary – August 15, 2024
“The Wisdom Tradition: Yoga, Christianity and the Divine Feminine”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
7:00-8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-8:00 p.m.: “The Wisdom Tradition: Yoga, Christianity and the Divine Feminine” with Gary Gran CYT, DAy.

8:00-8:30p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Radha Bharati

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
The development of wisdom is a central theme in Christianity, yoga, Ayurveda and Buddhism, with deep roots in ancient culture. Wisdom denotes a deep knowing, a gnosis, that comes from Silence. Our main theme on this night of the Assumption of Mary will be to trace the presence of Holy Mother Wisdom in the Christian scriptures.
In yoga science, wisdom is called prajna. In the Buddhist tradition, the Perfection of Wisdom is called Prajna-paramita. Ayurveda tells that to go against wisdom, prajna-paradha, is unwise! In the Jewish tradition, wisdom is called Hokmah. And in ancient Greece, wisdom was known as Sophia. Indeed, the ancient philosophers were lovers of Wisdom, Sophia being the root of the word philosophy.
Please join us for this prayerful reflection on our Mother Wisdom.
“One who doesn’t know the beginningless sound of Wisdom, the highest point of heaven where the gods dwell, what do they know of Wisdom?
Only those who sit quietly with focused minds know this inner truth.”
Rig Veda 1.164.39
“Meditating on Her is understanding in its perfect form, and anyone keeping awake for Her will soon be free from care.” Wisdom 6:15
“For in the end you will find rest in Her and She will take the form of joy for you.” Ecclesiasticus 6:28
~
“God the Silence and Mother the Silence, entwined …
you are rapt in listening.
Listen how they sing their listening…
Serenade by you with vow to become a song sung to same entwined entity who, since before locus and time, has been ever serenading to you.
In mindfulness of ascending notes of symphonies breathing cadences of gnosis, silence your serenade so it never ceases. Sing your silence that silence sing you.
May you be a song.”
From Serenade God with a Song of Silence by Swami Veda Bharata
~
Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
Gary first began to appreciate the depth of the Christian tradition when listening to Swami Rama, Swami Veda, and Swami Jaidev talk on the yogic interpretation of the Christian scriptures at the old Glenview center.
Gary and his wife Cynthia have been treading the Himalayan path since the 1970s. They met at the Glenview Center in Illinois and have served the tradition in various capacities over the years. They are both certified yoga teachers and Ayurvedic educators. They have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $15.00) for Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
Note: There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom:"Our Collective Vision for 2025 and The Decade of Loving Transformation" with Swami Ritavan Bharati - August 22, 2024
2024-08-22 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and via Zoom – August 22, 2024
An Evening with Swami Ritavan Bharati
“Our Collective Vision for 2025 and The Decade of Loving Transformation”
7:00-8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga – Our beloved ashramite, Chu, will be guiding this session.
Join Chu for a beautifully guided hatha class before he leaves TMC at the end of August.
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: An Evening with Swami Ritavan Bharati
“Our Collective Vision for 2025 and The Decade of Loving Transformation”
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

We are blessed with the love and light of our guru-guided path through those words: Love, Serve, Remember. We remain steadfast to continue on the path of light serving selflessly as our expression of gratitude. The essence of sacrifice is giving selflessly. It is a complete expression of love in the true sense. We have learned to be content with our essential needs fulfilled using our resources in service of others. We are all here for a purpose; it is an ongoing spiritual process. We are all here for spiritual liberation and to serve that mission. This spiritual path, the Guru’s mission, is alleviating pain and suffering in the world; and to recommit to our path of Mantra-Meditation, Honoring the Sacredness of Life.

To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $15.00) for Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
Note: There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Listening Circle" with Maja Radovanlija, September 12, 2024
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom – September 12, 2024
“Listening Circle” with Maja Radovanlija
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sunita Gangopadhyay
7:00-8:00 p.m.: An Evening of Music with Maja Radovanlija
6:15-7:00 p.m.: Vegan Soup
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join Maja Radovanlija, (Professor of guitar and improvisation at the University of Minnesota;music/ethnomusicologist) for an evening of beautiful music. Come and enjoy the evening with uplifting harmony and vibrations. Come and gather…listen…listen…listen…with an open heart.

Maja Radovanlija was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), in 1975. She studied classical guitar for almost 20 years in Eastern Europe, Vienna and Bloomington, IN. Along the way, Maja collaborated with musicians in a variety of genres and became interested in improvised music through Balkan traditional music, jazz, intuitive free improv, and experimental music. Some of the projects and ensembles Maja works with on regular bases are Szilard Mezéi ensemble, Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Ensemble Studio6, MM Guitar duo, Linda Chatterton-MRadovanlija guitar/flute duo, and Satu Jiwa improvised music collective. Maja’s recent projects are Jeleche trio (traditional Balkan music), and collaborations with improvisers such as Milana Zarić, Molly Sturges, and Matt Rahaim.
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $15.00) for Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
Note: There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: Ayurvedic Study Group: "The Preservation of Health - Working with our Biological & Psychological Urges" with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP on September 19, 2024 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. CDT
2024-09-19 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and Via Zoom – September 19, 2024
with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Ayurvedic Study Group:
Ayurvedic Study Group: The Preservation of Health:
Working with our Biological & Psychological Urges
with Gary Gran, DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m. Clean-Up and Departure after Prayers

Once again, we’ll use the “Charaka Samhita” to guide us in our discussion of Ayurvedic principles and practices for the preservation of health. In this session, we’ll first consider some timely health tips and yoga practices for entering the fall season.
The autumnal equinox is considered to be the sunset of the year,
when day and night are in equal balance.
Then we’ll begin chapter seven on how to work with our biological urges and our psychological urges. We’ll be encouraged to restrain certain urges and to express others.
“Give way to your natural human urges—the urge to give, the urge to share, the urge to make sacrifice for others, the urge to knowledge, the natural urge to peace.” – Swami Veda Bharati

Please bring your ‘beginner’s mind’ and join us as we listen deeply to the words of the sages and share our reflections. Participation is invited! Attendance at prior meetings is not required. All are welcome.

Gary & Cynthia Gran have been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. They met at the old Glenview Center in Illinois and have served the tradition in various capacities over the years. They are both certified yoga teachers and Ayurvedic educators. They have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. They enjoy desert gardening, cooking and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona, and are currently in summer residence in Minneapolis.
Gary Gran, DAy. CYT
Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP

Gary’s blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Swami Hari: A simple forest monk" presented by Daniel Hertz - October 17, 2024
2024-10-17 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – October 17, 2024
“Swami Hari: A simple forest monk”
A presentation by Daniel Hertz MS, BCB, E-RYT 500
5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-8:00 p.m.: “Swami Hari: A simple forest monk”
A presentation by Daniel Hertz MS, BCB, E-RYT 500
8:00-8:30 p.m.: Meditation Guided by Swami Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Swami Hari Harananda Bharati spent many years living in near-isolation at the holy Himalayan Shiva shrine of Tarkeshwar. Over the course of thirty-five years, he pursued Swami Rama to become his disciple, but was always turned down and sent away. Then late one night, Swami Rama unexpectedly showed up at Tarkeshwar and told Swami Hari he would initiate him the next morning. Daniel will share several stories about Swami Hari and also explain how he became Swami Hari’s personal assistant for several years. In addition, he will show several photos of Swami Hari and play a rare recording of Swami Hari leading a kirtan at Tarkeshwar.

BIO:
Daniel Hertz, MS, BCB, E-RYT 500 has been on the faculty of The Meditation Center since 1995. He is the author of a book about Swami Hari entitled Swami Hari: I am a simple forest monk. It is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Swami-Hari-simple-forest-monk/dp/1456505874

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing: Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba ﻿"Moved by Grace - Part I", November 7, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m. CST
2024-11-07 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing -November 7, 2024
Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba
“Moved by Grace – Part I”
7:00-8:30 p.m. CST

5:30-6:45 p.m. – Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba “Moved by Grace Part I”
8:00 -8:30 p.m. – Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m. Evening Prayers
Everyone is welcome!!!

“An Astounding Mystic” by H.H.S. Swami Rama
Selflessness is one of the prominent signs of a spiritual man. If this quality is missing in the character of one who is supposed to be spiritual, he is not really a spiritual person. There was a well-know master, Nim Karoli Baba, who befriended me when I was still quite young. He lived in Nanital, one of the hill resorts in the Himalaya. He was a man who lived half here and half there…
…In such a high state one becomes like a child. He is not fully aware of mundane things, but he is constantly aware of the Truth.
(Living with the Himalayan Masters pages 107-110)

Using the festive ambience of the 15 June bhandara queue at Kainchi, as a warp and 11 versions of Hanuman Chalisa as a weft, the film weaves together remarkable and endearing stories of faith into a small shred of Maharajji’s blanket of love. Equally the film is a heartful tribute to Maharajji and to the sweet surrender and devotion of so many of Maharajji’s delightful devotees.
The film endeavors to spotlight different facets of the Master’s grace through a few beings who represent us all as the countless nameless, faceless devotees of a Master.
The potent reminder for us is that the subtle movement of grace can occur to any one of us as long as we are receptive.
These “Moved by Grace” stories are interspersed with different verses of the “Hanuman Chalisa” sung by 11 different devotees in their own unique melodies.

To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $25.00) for Special Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.

Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom:“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas” November 14, 2024
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom – November 14, 2024
“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas”

7:00-8:30 p.m. CST
5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Commemoration of Māhasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama through stories and remembrances of some of Swami Rama’s close disciples and students.
8:30 p.m.: Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas left his body on November 13, 1996. Please join us on Thursday, November 16, 2023 for a celebration and memorial of the life and teachings of this great master from The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. H.H.S. Swami Rama was a yogi, scientist, researcher, writer, and humanitarian

28th Anniversary
H.H.S. Swami Rama’s Māhasamadhi
November 13, 1996

“In 1996, this fully enlightened Master and representative of the ancient lineage of yogis left his body. His memorial today is in the hearts of his disciples and students who carry his work. He is most remembered for his great love for all and the magnetic power of his spirit, such that as he walked, one felt pulled to follow behind him. The full impact of his legacy will be
realized perhaps in a century.”

Om
Gurave namaḥ.
Parama-gurave namaḥ.
Parameṣhṭhi-gurave namaḥ.
Paramparā-gurubhyo namaḥ.

~ Swami Veda Bharati ~
from Swami Veda’s Blog

This year, we celebrate the 28th anniversary of Swami Rama’s MahaSamadhi. Gurudev left his body on November 13, 1996 in his apartment at the HIHT campus. He was surrounded by his close disciples. A special program (in person and via Zoom) for Thursday’s gathering will be presented.

On the First Maha-Samadhi Anniversary of H.H. Swami Rama

Published: 13 November 2015 | Written by Swami Veda Bharati

On the First Maha-Samadhi Anniversary of H.H. Swami Rama
Phone Address by Swami Veda
The Meditation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
November 2, 1997
OM! OM! OM!
The days become sacred when a sacred being imparts a special grace or energy to the forces in the universe. All the annual cycles of celebration and commemorations are built around those occasions. In our present day society and thinking, the human being is no longer a unit in the universe; he views himself as something outside the universe, trying to control the universe as an outsider. This view is incorrect, we are part of the universe, the energy and life that flows through us is the same one through whose rhythms and waves, all the planets, stars, constellations, breath patterns, respond. That enlightenment is not an individual event; it is a cosmic or ultra-cosmic event. The coming into body of a sacred being, an enlightened being, also is not an individual event. It is not something over which only the immediate physical relatives rejoice; it is something of universal importance. It is a universal event. It is beyond the category of the birth of planets. It is said that when an enlightened being sits for his final enlightenment session all the saints, past Buddhas, and enlightened ones attend upon him. And thereafter, his rhythms are not the rhythms of an individual. Those of us who were fortunate to see the Master walking, who recall at times walking with him and feeling as though we paced together with the universal force, with some unseen, unknown magnet – those of us who experienced that phenomenon will never forget it, because it was not an individual but the condensation, the convergence of an unknown number of universal forces passing through that particular space, time, matter coordinate that we call an individual.
I’ve said, “The days become sacred.” Those of us who have been taught to be in tune, even to a minor degree, to be attuned to those rhythms, to the beat to which a master walks, find that on those sacred days, certain special waves touch us. These are not the waves of a physical energy, but rather something happens within the consciousness. We do not realize that it is all synchronized, that the events of consciousness are synchronized with the events in the universe. Or rather, to put it more correctly, the events in the universe are projections of the events in consciousness… (an excerpt)

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing: Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba ﻿"Moved by Grace - Part II", November 21, 2024, 7:00-8:30 p.m. CST
2024-11-21 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing -November 21, 2024
Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba
“Moved by Grace – Part II”
7:00-8:30 p.m. CST

5:30-6:45 p.m. – Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Showing of Documentary Film on Neem Karoli Baba “Moved by Grace Part II”
8:00 -8:30 p.m. – Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m. Evening Prayers
Everyone is welcome!!!

“An Astounding Mystic” by H.H.S. Swami Rama
Selflessness is one of the prominent signs of a spiritual man. If this quality is missing in the character of one who is supposed to be spiritual, he is not really a spiritual person. There was a well-know master, Nim Karoli Baba, who befriended me when I was still quite young. He lived in Nanital, one of the hill resorts in the Himalaya. He was a man who lived half here and half there…
…In such a high state one becomes like a child. He is not fully aware of mundane things, but he is constantly aware of the Truth.
(Living with the Himalayan Masters pages 107-110)
Using the festive ambience of the 15 June bhandara queue at Kainchi, as a warp and 11 versions of Hanuman Chalisa as a weft, the film weaves together remarkable and endearing stories of faith into a small shred of Maharajji’s blanket of love. Equally the film is a heartful tribute to Maharajji and to the sweet surrender and devotion of so many of Maharajji’s delightful devotees.
The film endeavors to spotlight different facets of the Master’s grace through a few beings who represent us all as the countless nameless, faceless devotees of a Master.
The potent reminder for us is that the subtle movement of grace can occur to any one of us as long as we are receptive.
These “Moved by Grace” stories are interspersed with different verses of the “Hanuman Chalisa” sung by 11 different devotees in their own unique melodies.

To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here (suggested donation $25.00) for Special Thursday Satsang or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: The Meditation Center's Holiday Program 2024, "Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope" December 19, 2024
2024-12-19 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom
December 19, 2024
The Meditation Center’s Holiday Program 2024
“Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Program Schedule
Details to come

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Relax, Rest, and Recover" with Swami Ma Radha Bharati and Lori Beron; Lighting of Hanukkah Candles on the Second Night of Hanukkah with Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz at 8:30 p.m.- December 26, 2024
2024-12-26 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom
December 26, 2024
“Relax, Rest, and Recover”
with Swami Ma Radha Bharati and Lori Beron
7:00-8:30 p.m. CST
Lighting of Hanukkah Candles on the second night of Hanukkah
with Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz at 8:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga – Cancelled
7:00-8:00 p.m.: “Relax, Rest, and Recover”
with Swami Ma Radha Bharati and Lori Beron
8:00-8:30 p.m. Guided Meditation with Swami Radha
8:30-8:40 p.m.: Lighting of Hanukkah Candles on the second night of Hanukkah
with Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz
8:40 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Relax, Rest and Recover from the hustle and bustle that typically comes with Christmas: Swami Radha Bharati and Lori Beron will be leading practices to help you let go of tension and stress in your body and mind. No lectures. Nothing is required of you. Yoga mats, cushions and blankets are available at the Center or bring your own. Just come to TMC or participate via zoom. Since you will be lying down on the floor in shavasana for a while, you may want to cover yourself with a blanket or shawl and use a cushion under your knees and a small pillow under your head. After the practices we will sit for meditation.
Practices: (approximately 45 minutes or so)

Tension and Release
Systematic Relaxation
61 Point Blue Star
Shitali Karana relaxation
Yoga Nidra Conscious Rest
followed by Guided Meditation

To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC: "Writing and Reading as Personal Practice" with Michelle Skally Doilney - February 4, 2025
2025-02-06 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC – February 6, 2025
“Writing and Reading as Personal Practice” with Michelle Skally Doilney
7:00-8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga – TBD
7:00-8:00 p.m.: “Writing and Reading as Personal Practice” with Michelle Skally Doilney
8:00-8:30 p.m. Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us for a talk with Michelle Skally Doilney as she speaks about the benefits and the hows of using reading and writing as a personal practice. She will read examples from her own unedited notebooks and travel journals, as well as from Living with a Himalayan Master. Michelle will share benefits and how-tos of writing practice as another way to witness mind, to experience non-judgement and non-attachment. Bring your pen and paper for a short experience.
If you have further interest, Michelle will also be teaching an extended workshop on writing practice on February 15, 2025. 10:00-11:30 a.m., “Writing is for Everybody.”
Michelle Skally Doilney is a student and initiate in the Himalayan Tradition since 1997. She is a lifelong writer and a longtime student studying in-person with Natalie Goldberg, writing teacher and author of Writing Down the Bones and her latest, Writing on Empty: A Guide to Finding Your Inner Voice. Michelle is currently consulting and teaching feng shui, yoga, and writing practice. She is working on several writing and art projects drawing from her love of travel and photography.
www.practicalenvironments.com

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC: "Writing and Reading as Personal Practice" with Michelle Skally Doilney - April 3, 2025
2025-04-03 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang via Zoom and In-Person Zoom Viewing at TMC – April 3, 2025
“Writing and Reading as Personal Practice” with Michelle Skally Doilney
7:00-8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga – TBD
7:00-7:30 p.m. Guided Meditation -TBD
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Writing and Reading as Personal Practice” with Michelle Skally Doilney
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us for a talk with Michelle Skally Doilney as she speaks about the benefits and the hows of using reading and writing as a personal practice. She will read examples from her own unedited notebooks and travel journals, as well as from Living with a Himalayan Master. Michelle will share benefits and how-tos of writing practice as another way to witness mind, to experience non-judgement and non-attachment. Bring your pen and paper for a short experience.
If you have further interest, Michelle will also be teaching an extended workshop on writing practice on April 5, 2025. 10:00-11:30 a.m., “Writing is for Everybody. Part II”
Michelle Skally Doilney is a student and initiate in the Himalayan Tradition since 1997. She is a lifelong writer and a longtime student studying in-person with Natalie Goldberg, writing teacher and author of Writing Down the Bones and her latest, Writing on Empty: A Guide to Finding Your Inner Voice. Michelle is currently consulting and teaching feng shui, yoga, and writing practice. She is working on several writing and art projects drawing from her love of travel and photography.
www.practicalenvironments.com

Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and Via Zoom: "My Time in India at SRSG" with Emilio Bettaglio - April 10, 2025
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and Via Zoom
April 10, 2025
“My Time in India at SRSG” with Emilio Bettaglio
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m: Guided Meditation with Emilio Bettaglio
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “My Time in India at SRSG” with Emilio Bettaglio
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
Join Emilio Bettaglio for a Thursday Satsang talk and slide presentation regarding his recent visit to India and SRSG.
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Cherry Blossoms, Temples, and Zen: Reflections on a Fortnight in Kyoto" with Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz with special guests Atsuko Kiyoyoshi and Misato Sakai - April 1, 2025
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – April 1, 2025
“Cherry Blossoms, Temples, and Zen: Reflections on a Fortnight in Kyoto”
Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz with special guests Atsuko Kiyoyoshi and Misato Sakai
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga – Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Cherry Blossoms, Temples, and Zen: Reflections on a Fortnight in Kyoto”
Nikki Strong and Daniel Hertz with special guests Atsuko Kiyoyoshi and Misato Saka
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
Kyoto is known as the city of 10,000 temples and shrines, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites… ancient palaces… and endless gardens… But Kyoto is much more than a long and impressive list of tourist destinations. It’s mystical beauty… subtle yet ever present, captivates one in a way only Kyoto can. Join us as we explore the magic of this special place once known as the City of Peace and Tranquility.
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate here or make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: "Journey Inward with Food" with Carol Crenshaw - Session 1: Exploring our Psyche through Food Choices - June 5, 2024
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – June 5, 2025
“Journey Inward with Food”
Session 1: Exploring our Psyche through Food Choices
with Carol Crenshaw Ed. M; MA in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga TBD
7:00-7:30 p.m: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.:”Journey Inward with Food” Session 1: Exploring our Psyche through Food Choices
with Carol Crenshaw Ed. M; M.A. in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
While most of us have a working knowledge of what foods are healthy and which aren’t, it
doesn’t always mean that we follow this understanding in food choices. And if you already do,
you may still glean many pointers and insights in these sessions. We will use food habits, likes
and dislikes, and emotions connected to food to learn more about ourselves and how to work
with the mind.
Learn how to explore food choices from the psychological perspective, as well as understanding
how the mind and food choices affect our practice, and how our practice affects our mind and
food choices. Balance according to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine will be included.
In addition, we will delve into other user-friendly methods to gain mastery of using food for
optimal spiritual growth.
Session 1: Exploring our Psyche through Food Choices
Session 2: Practical Methods for Making Changes
Carol Crenshaw, Ed. M; Master’s in Eastern Studies / Comparative
Psychology / Holistic Health (yoga therapy and research program) founded by Dr. Swami Rama. Co-founder of Inner Peace Yoga Center in Indpls. Former co-director of Himalayan Institute NYC; biofeedback trainer and yoga therapist in Combined Therapy, Honesdale and NYC. IYAT Certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, Certified Clinical EFT Practitioner, co-author of EFT For Meditation. On staff with Teachers Transformation Program for SRSG.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: "Journey Inward with Food" with Carol Crenshaw - Session 2: Practical Methods for Making Changes - June 12, 2024
2025-06-12 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – June 12, 2025
“Journey Inward with Food”
Session 2: Practical Methods for Making Changes
with Carol Crenshaw Ed. M; MA in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga TBD
7:00-7:30 p.m: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.:”Journey Inward with Food” Session 2: Practical Methods for Making Changes
with Carol Crenshaw Ed. M; M.A. in Eastern Studies/Comparative Psychology/Holistic Health
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
While most of us have a working knowledge of what foods are healthy and which aren’t, it
doesn’t always mean that we follow this understanding in food choices. And if you already do,
you may still glean many pointers and insights in these sessions. We will use food habits, likes
and dislikes, and emotions connected to food to learn more about ourselves and how to work
with the mind.
Learn how to explore food choices from the psychological perspective, as well as understanding
how the mind and food choices affect our practice, and how our practice affects our mind and
food choices. Balance according to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine will be included.
In addition, we will delve into other user-friendly methods to gain mastery of using food for
optimal spiritual growth.
Carol Crenshaw, Ed. M; Master’s in Eastern Studies / Comparative
Psychology / Holistic Health (yoga therapy and research program) founded by Dr. Swami Rama. Co-founder of Inner Peace Yoga Center in Indpls. Former co-director of Himalayan Institute NYC; biofeedback trainer and yoga therapist in Combined Therapy, Honesdale and NYC. IYAT Certified Yoga Therapist, Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, Certified Clinical EFT Practitioner, co-author of EFT For Meditation. On staff with Teachers Transformation Program for SRSG.

Thursday Satsang with In-Person Meditation and Talk via Zoom: Introduction to the "Guru Gita" followed by the recorded recitation of the "Guru Gita" with Emilio Bettaglio via zoom - July 3, 2025
2025-07-03 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang with In-Person Meditation and Talk via Zoom – July 3, 2025
Meditation at 7:00 p.m. with Swami Radha will be in person.
Introduction to the “Guru Gita”
followed by the recorded recitation of the “Guru Gita”
with Emilio Bettaglio via zoom

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m: In-Person Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Introduction to the “Guru Gita”
followed by the recorded recitation of the “Guru Gita” with Emilio Bettaglio
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Emilio will give a brief introduction to the “Guru Gita” followed by the recorded recitation of the “Song of the Guru.”
The “Guru Gita” (lit. ’Song of the Guru’) is a n Indian scripture that is said to have been authored by the sage Vyasa. The verses of this scripture may also be chanted. The text is part of the larger Skanda Purana. There are several versions of the “Guru Gita,” varying from around 100 to over 400 verses. Another view is that “Guru Gita” is part of “Viswasara Tantra”….
…The text of the “Guru Gita” describes a conversation between …Shiva and his wife, the goddess Parvati, in which she asks him how to achieve liberation. Shiva answers her by describing the guru principle, the proper ways of worshiping the guru and the methods and benefits of repeating the “Guru Gita.” Courtesy of Wikipedia.org.
Verse 4
Durlabham trishu lokeshu, tach chrnushva vadaamyaham; Gurum vinaa Brahma naanyat, satyam satyam varaanane.
Here is the secret knowledge that is difficult to attain in the three worlds. Listen to it carefully as I reveal it to you now. The Absolute is the same as the Guru.
This is the truth, O beautiful One, this is the truth.
To support the work of The Meditation Center and register you can donate hereor make a general donation by clicking on the “donate” button on the “Support TMC” website page.
Or donate through PayPal.
There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

Read here the “Guru Gita” in English…newest version with diacritical marks.
Read here the text of the “Guru Gita” in Sanskrit.
The audio starts with: Mama catur vidha puruartha siddhyarthe jape viniyoga… and continues with Verse One: (these audio verses match all succeeding written verses until 182 ending)
Sūta uvāca: verse one begins on bottom of page 3 of the English translation
Verse 1, Sūta said:
Kailāsa-śikhare ramye
bhakti-sandhāna-nāyakam,
Pranamya pārvatī bhaktyā
śankaram paryaprcchata.
To listen to the audio recording of the “Guru Gita” click here.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Remembering Swami Veda Bharati" Tenth Anniversary Commemoration of Swami Veda Bharati's Mahasamadhi - July 17, 2025
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – July 17, 2025
“Remembering Swami Veda Bharati”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:00-8:00 p.m.: Commemoration of the Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us to remember Swami Veda Bharati.

Thursday, July 17th, is the commemoration at TMC of
Swami Veda’s Mahasamadhi Anniversary which falls on July 14th.

Details to come.

Join us, either in person or via Zoom, for a special Thursday Satsang to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda Bharati. Swami Veda entered Mahasamadhi on July 14, 2015.

Thursday Program: August 7, 2025! The Meditation Center Invites You to Join Us -“Solving Uncertainty through Meditation” with/ Swami Ritavan Bharati & Other HYT Teachers, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
2025-08-07 08:00 - 17:00
Please join us in person &via Zoom for a very special & timely evening exploring the theme:
“Solving Uncertainty though Meditation”
Thursday: August 7, 2025
7:00-9:00 pm CT
St. Maron’s Church
600 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Come early to immerse yourself in the sound of beautiful flute music performed by Lexy Race.
Our evening speakers include Swami Ritavan Bharati, Swami Radha Bharati, Stephen Parker,
Sunita Gangopadhyay, and Anil Saigal.
This is a free event.
There is parking available in the St. Boniface parking lot, entrance on University Avenue NE; and in St. Maron’s parking lot, with entrance on 6th Avenue NE, behind the church.
There is also street parking available on University Avenue NE
and the side streets in the area.
There will be no TMC in-person hatha class at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom - On Silence: "Storytime" from 'Living with the Himalayan Masters'and other writings with Michelle Skally Doilney - August 14, 2025
2025-08-14 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – August 14, 2025
On Silence: “Storytime” from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other writings
with Michelle Skally Doilney
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “On Silence: “Storytime” from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other writings
with Michelle Skally Doilney
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us with Michelle Skally Doilney as she reads aloud from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other books or essays on personal practice, practical lessons, and silence practice. Enjoy the experience of settling in to the moment, settling down within, with someone reading stories aloud to you as there is nothing else to do, nowhere else to be. There will be time between readings for questions, discussion and sharing.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: Ayurvedic Study Group:"Ayurveda Study Group: The Three Roots" with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP on August 21, 2025 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
2025-08-21 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and Via Zoom – August 21, 2025
“Ayurveda Study Group: The Three Roots”
with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CdT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga with Nikki Strong
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Ayurvedic Study Group “Ayurveda Study Group: The Three Roots”
with Gary Gran, DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Please join us for our group study of Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity. In tonight’s session we’ll be reading sutras from the 7th chapter of the “Charaka Samhita” which discuss our basic urges – which ones to express, which ones to moderate, and which ones to suppress. From there we’ll introduce what are called the three roots, or the underlying causes that perpetuate suffering in the world, drawing from Buddhist commentaries and the “Yoga Sutras.”
“There are various modes and levels of suffering, but ignorance is the mother of all.” – Bengali Baba
Ayurveda teaches that eliminating the cause, cutting the root, is the best cure, but that’s not always possible. So, we’ll be reflecting on how to best live in this world, reduce suffering, and foster peace. Please bring your “beginner’s mind” and join us as we listen deeply to the words of the sages and share our reflections.
Participation is invited! Attendance at prior meetings is not required. All are welcome.
.Gary & Cynthia Gran have been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. They met at the old Glenview Center in Illinois and have served the tradition in various capacities over the years. They are both certified yoga teachers and Ayurvedic educators. They have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. They enjoy desert gardening, cooking and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona, and are currently in summer residence in Minneapolis.
Gary Gran, DAy. CYT
Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP

Gary’s blog is ayurvedalessons.com.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Bodhicāryāvatāra," (The Way of the Bodhisattva) presented by Stephen Parker PsyD, E-RYT 500, 7:00-8:30 p.m. on August 28, 2025 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person at TMC and Via Zoom – August 28, 2025
Bodhicāryāvatāra, (The Way of the Bodhisattva)
presented by Stephen Parker PsyD, E-RYT 500, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Stephen Parker PsyD, E-RYT 500
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Bodhicāryāvatāra, (The Way of the Bodhisattva) w/ Stephen Parker PsyD, E-RYT 500
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

A discussion of the text …Bodhicāryāvatāra, (The Way of the Bodhisattva) to prepare for the in-depth study of the text with Stoma beginning September 8th.. a bodhisattva is a person who has attained, or is striving towards, bodhi (‘awakening’, ‘enlightenment’) or Buddhahood. Often, the term specifically refers to a person who forgoes or delays personal nirvana or bodhi in order to compassionately help other individuals reach Buddhahood. Courtesy of Wikipedia .org.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom - On Silence: "Storytime" from 'Living with the Himalayan Masters and other writings with Michelle Skally Doilney - October 9, 2025
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – October 9, 2025
On Silence: “Storytime” from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other writings
with Michelle Skally Doilney
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Yoga
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “On Silence: “Storytime” from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other writings
with Michelle Skally Doilney
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us with Michelle Skally Doilney as she reads aloud from Living with the Himalayan Masters and other books or essays on personal practice, practical lessons, and silence practice. Enjoy the experience of settling in to the moment, settling down within, with someone reading stories aloud to you as there is nothing else to do, nowhere else to be. There will be time between readings for questions, discussion and sharing.

Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom:“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas” November 13, 2025
2025-11-13 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom – November 13, 2025
“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas”

7:00-8:30 p.m. CST
5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga
7:00-7:20 p.m.: Recorded Guided Meditation with Swami Rama
7:20-7:30 p.m.: Recitation of “Akhaṇḍa-maṇḍalākāram” mantra
Akhaṇḍa-maṇḍalākāram vyāptam yena carācaram
Tat padam darśitam yena, tasmai śrī gurave namah
(Which) pervades the entire unbroken form of the circle (of creation), moving and unmoving, to that beautiful and benevolent Guru through whom that state was revealed (to me), salutations
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Commemoration of Māhasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama. A video of Prakash Keshaviah’s presentation on the life Swami Rama and the lineage of the Himalayan Tradition will be shown.
8:30 p.m.: Evening Chants
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas left his body on November 13, 1996. Please join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025 for a celebration and memorial of the life and teachings of this great master from The Himalayan Yoga Tradition. H.H.S. Swami Rama was a yogi, scientist, researcher, writer, and humanitarian

28th Anniversary
H.H.S. Swami Rama’s Māhasamadhi
November 13, 1996

“In 1996, this fully enlightened Master and representative of the ancient lineage of yogis left his body. His memorial today is in the hearts of his disciples and students who carry his work. He is most remembered for his great love for all and the magnetic power of his spirit, such that as he walked, one felt pulled to follow behind him. The full impact of his legacy will be
realized perhaps in a century.”

Om
Gurave namaḥ.
Parama-gurave namaḥ.
Parameṣhṭhi-gurave namaḥ.
Paramparā-gurubhyo namaḥ.

~ Swami Veda Bharati ~
from Swami Veda’s Blog

This year, we celebrate the 29h anniversary of Swami Rama’s MahaSamadhi. Gurudev left his body on November 13, 1996 in his apartment at the HIHT campus. He was surrounded by his close disciples. A special program (in person and via Zoom) for Thursday’s gathering will be presented.

On the First Maha-Samadhi Anniversary of H.H. Swami Rama

Published: 13 November 2015 | Written by Swami Veda Bharati

On the First Maha-Samadhi Anniversary of H.H. Swami Rama
Phone Address by Swami Veda
The Meditation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
November 2, 1997
OM! OM! OM!
The days become sacred when a sacred being imparts a special grace or energy to the forces in the universe. All the annual cycles of celebration and commemorations are built around those occasions. In our present day society and thinking, the human being is no longer a unit in the universe; he views himself as something outside the universe, trying to control the universe as an outsider. This view is incorrect, we are part of the universe, the energy and life that flows through us is the same one through whose rhythms and waves, all the planets, stars, constellations, breath patterns, respond. That enlightenment is not an individual event; it is a cosmic or ultra-cosmic event. The coming into body of a sacred being, an enlightened being, also is not an individual event. It is not something over which only the immediate physical relatives rejoice; it is something of universal importance. It is a universal event. It is beyond the category of the birth of planets. It is said that when an enlightened being sits for his final enlightenment session all the saints, past Buddhas, and enlightened ones attend upon him. And thereafter, his rhythms are not the rhythms of an individual. Those of us who were fortunate to see the Master walking, who recall at times walking with him and feeling as though we paced together with the universal force, with some unseen, unknown magnet – those of us who experienced that phenomenon will never forget it, because it was not an individual but the condensation, the convergence of an unknown number of universal forces passing through that particular space, time, matter coordinate that we call an individual.
I’ve said, “The days become sacred.” Those of us who have been taught to be in tune, even to a minor degree, to be attuned to those rhythms, to the beat to which a master walks, find that on those sacred days, certain special waves touch us. These are not the waves of a physical energy, but rather something happens within the consciousness. We do not realize that it is all synchronized, that the events of consciousness are synchronized with the events in the universe. Or rather, to put it more correctly, the events in the universe are projections of the events in consciousness… (an excerpt)

In-Person Attendance is Cancelled for Tonight's Satsang Due to the Weather Conditions - Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only Tonight: The Meditation Center's Holiday Program 2025, "Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope" December 18, 20
2025-12-18 19:00 - 20:30
In-Person Attendance is Cancelled for Tonight’s Satsang Due to the Snowy and Icy Weather Conditions
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom Only Tonight
December 18, 2025
The Meditation Center’s Holiday Program 2025
“Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Program Schedule
There will be no gentle hatha class on the 18th.
7:00-7:30 p.m.
“Meditation on Light” guided by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:05 p.m.
Welcome Message and Annual Board of Directors Report
Music by Chris Young and Maja Radovanilija
Swami Ritavan’s Holiday Message read by Cynthia Gran
A Holiday Reading by David Alexander
8:05- 8:10 p.m.
Lighting of Candles in Remembrance of
Those Who Passed in 2025
8:10-8:30 p.m.
Spiral of Light Candle Lighting Ceremony
Accompanied with Music by Chris Young and Maja Radovanlija
8:30 p.m.
Community Singing Silent Night
8:40 p.m.
Vegan Soup by Simone De Los Santos and Trimmings
If you can, please bring a savory dish or a sweet to share
with the community.
Read here the lyrics of “Silent Night”
