2026 Winter Study Group via Zoom with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT-500 Shantideva's ﻿"Bodhicāryāvatāra"
2026-02-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-02-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
2026 Winter Study Group via Zoom with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT-500
Shantideva’s “Bodhicāryāvatāra”
Mondays: January 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9 2026
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT

$15.00 for a single session
Register here for February 2nd
Meditation with Stoma begins at 7:00 p.m.

We are using Pema Chodren’s book: “Becoming Bodhisattvas A Guidebook for Compassionate Action” previously published as “No Time to Lose.”

If you live in a time zone that does not allow for you to attend the Yoga Sutras sessions in real time, register for any session and you will be sent Vimeo links to the recorded sessions as soon as they are uploaded to Vimeo.

Hybrid Class: "Learning the Basics" with Paul Emerson, Ph.D. Tuesdays: January 27 - February 24, 2026
2026-02-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-02-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:00
Hybrid Meditation I Series: “Learning the Basics”
with Paul Emerson PhD
Tuesdays: January 27 – February 24, 2026
Register here
Section 1 (in-person at the Meditation Center, can zoom when you can’t make it):
Section 2 (zoom only)
This class introduces the student to the basics of meditation in the Himalayan Tradition. Relaxation techniques, pranayama (yogic breath), ideal sitting postures, and the use of mantra will be taught to help the student focus the mind and relax the body. Beginning Raja yoga philosophy is also included in this class. Treat yourself to the many benefits of a regular meditation practice.
Paul Emerson is a biomedical engineer with a Ph.D. He is the authority on the physiology of breathing for The Meditation Center and has been teaching yoga for over 30 years. Paul has worked as a research scientist, has been a manager of clinical research with a major biomedical company and a university instructor. In addition, he holds eight patents in the areas of dialysis and sleep therapy. he is a scholar of ancient yoga texts. Paul was certified by the Rockford School of Yoga and began teaching in 1975.

Wednesday Mornings In Person and via Zoom – Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop-In) with Rosann Chamberlain, Emilio Bettaglio, and Susan Guthrie
2026-02-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-25 10:30 - 12:00
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS In Person and Via Zoom – GENTLE HATHA YOGA (DROP IN)

Time: 10:30am to Noon
Instructors: Rosann Chamberlain, Emilio Bettaglio and Susan Guthrie
Fees: $12.00/class ($10.00 for seniors and students)
DROP-IN HATHA CLASSES (ONGOING)
Everyone is Welcome! These classes are for all levels. Instructors excel at leading the class in relaxation, gentle asana (yoga positions) and pranayama (breath). Relieve stress, achy joints, improve balance at all levels and increase your sense of well being. No registration necessary, just show up.

Thursday Evening In Person: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In) 5:30-6:45 p.m. Everyone is Welcome
2026-02-05 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-02-12 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-02-19 17:30 - 18:45, 2026-02-26 17:30 - 18:45
Thursday Evening In Person Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In)

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Instructors: Varies…Chris Young, Michael Snodgrass, Sunita Gangopadhyay, Susan Guthrie, Eric Ness
Fees: $10.00/class
Thursday Evening DROP-IN HATHA CLASSES (ONGOING)
Everyone is Welcome! These classes are for all levels. Instructors excel at leading the class in relaxation, gentle asana (yoga positions) and pranayama (breath). Relieve stress, achy joints, improve balance at all levels and increase your sense of well being. No registration necessary, just show up.

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing: Meditation on Political Action" with Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT 500 - February 5, 2026
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang – February 5, 2026
Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC
“Meditation on Political Action.”
Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT 500
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Maya Radovanlija
7:00-7:30 p.m: Guided Meditation
with Stephen Parker (Stoma) PsyD, E-RYT 500
7:30-8:30 p.m. ” Meditation on Political Action”
with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT-500
8:30 p.m.: Evening Chants

Join us on Thursday, February 5, 2026 for an inspiring talk by Stoma, “Meditation on Political Action” Can we maintain balance and equanimity through yogic principles in times of change and uncertainty?.
Stephen Parker (Stoma) was initiated in the Himalayan Yoga tradition by Swami Veda Bharati and was given the initiate name Stoma in 1971. Among the first teachers certified by the Himalayan International Teachers’ Association, H.I.T.A., he began teaching hatha-yoga in 1974. Stoma is a Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500-hour level of the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500). A member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, he serves on the faculties of the Meditation Center in Minneapolis and the Sadhanamandir and Sadhaka Gram ashrams in Rishikesh, India.
He is also a senior faculty member of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teachers’ Training Program. He has lectured on yoga, meditation, and spiritual practice in the U.S. and Canada as well as in Caribbean countries, Holland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, South Africa, Korea, Hong Kong, and India. In 2004 he helped originate and teach the first course on yoga in an American medical school at the University of Minnesota Academic Medical Center. In 2007 he received took preliminary vows of renunciation from Swami Veda and the Shankaracharya of Karvirapitha.
Stoma has been a licensed psychologist in private practice in St. Paul, MN since 1985. He also served as Adjunct Assistant School Professor of Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. He has taught on the faculty of the Introductory Workshops of the Minnesota Society of Clinical Hypnosis. In addition to authoring journal articles and book chapters, Dr. Parker edited volume two of Swami Veda’s definitive scholarly work on the “Yoga-sutras of Patanjali” and he has been a peer review editor for the “Journal of Men’s Studies,” the “American Journal of Orthopsychiatry,” and the “International Journal of Yoga Therapy.”

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..
There is parking available for TMC visitors in the St. Boniface lot across the street from the Center.

On February 6th both in person and via Zoom - "Musika Medica" responsive, improvisational and immersive musical medicine to nourish the body, mind and spirit on Friday, February 6, 2026, 7:00-8:30 p.m. In Person at TMC
2026-02-06 19:00 - 20:30
“Musika Medica”
responsive, improvisational and immersive musical medicine to nourish the body, mind and spirit
Friday, February 6, 2026
7:00-8:30 p.m.
In Person at TMC and Via Zoom on the 6th
7:00-7:30 p.m.- Guided Meditation
7:30-8:30 p.m. – Musical Meditation
Donations are welcome…donate in person with cash, check,
or on TMC’s square app.
All donations will go to support The Meditation Center
Musika Medica is a women-led improvisational music, collective healing and meditation project that weaves together deep listening, musical exploration, and embodied inquiry. Rooted in the practice of attunement, the project responds organically to each unique context, creating experiences that transcend traditional performance boundaries. By collaborating with guest musicians, storytellers, and diverse community voices, Musika Medica crafts immersive concerts, workshops, and restorative performances that invite rest, reflection, and creative wondering.
Musika Medica artists are: Molly Sturges (voice/percussion/assorted instruments), Maja Radovanlija (classical guitar/guitars) and Sara Pajunen (violin/hardanger D’Amore).
Musika Medica plays the first Friday of each month at The Meditation Center with host TMC meditation teachers.

Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person and Via Zoom and Via at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2026-02-07 10:30 - 12:00
Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person and Via Zoom at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
Drop in on any Saturday for class.
Experience the Unique Power of Himalayan Yoga
As taught by the yogis from the Himalayas— Himalayan Yoga combines gentle postures, breathwork, and mindful relaxation techniques to connect body, mind, and spirit resulting in healing from within. Whether you’re new or experienced, this practice will leave you feeling relaxed, focused, and rejuvenated.
Benefits of Himalayan Yoga:

🌿 Enhanced flexibility, balance, and holistic strength
🌿 Tools/Techniques to cope with stress, anxiety and bring mental clarity
🌿 Energizing breathwork to uplift and restore overall health

🕒 Class Schedule: Every Saturday | 10:30 – Noon. Starting November 23, 2024.
💲 Pricing: Heartfelt donations ($10 suggested or pay what your heart desires and what you can…). All donations will go to support The Meditation Center.
📍 Location, parking & other essentials: The Meditation Center (TMC), 631 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Free parking is available across the street from TMC in the Church’s parking lot. Bring a water bottle. Yoga mat, pillows and blankets provided. Please arrive 5 minutes early and get comfortable in “the Hall of Tradition” on the main floor. No registration needed.
About Your Instructor:
Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay brings 18 years of affiliation in the Himalayan Yoga and meditation tradition. She has completed a 200-hour Teacher Training Program with Himalayan Yoga. Dedicated to helping students find balance and peace, Sunita focuses on making each class accessible and rewarding, regardless of experience level. Sunita has a PhD in Physics and a retired executive who worked in high tech industry for 25 years. She is currently the president of the Board at The Meditation Center. Native of India, Sunita currently lives in Eden Prairie, MN. She is married with two children.
No prior experience needed – “Come as you are, and discover the calm within”

Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2026-02-08 08:20 - 09:30, 2026-02-15 08:20 - 09:30, 2026-02-22 08:20 - 09:30
Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation
with Swami Radha Bharati
8:20 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.
Join for Morning Prayers: 8:20-8:30 a.m.
Sunday Morning Meditation: 8:30-9:15 a.m.

Join Swami Radha Bharati on Zoom for a guided meditation on Sunday from 8:20 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Book Study Group via Zoom with Swami Ma Radha, Michael Smith, and Emilio Bettaglio, 10:00-11:30 a.m CT
2026-02-08 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-22 10:00 - 10:30
Sunday Morning Book Study Group via Zoom
with Swami Ma Radha, Michael Smith, and Emilio Bettaglio
10:00-11:30 a.m CT

“The Essence of Spirtual Life”
formerly published with the title “Sadhana”

The book the Selection Committee chose is THE ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE (2002) by Swami Rama. It was first published in 1996 (hardbound, with the title SADHANA) and has been very popular over the years. It is a relatively short book of profound quotations by Swami Rama.
The Selection Committee chose THE ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE because it is recommended by AHYMSIN for the month of September, and it also commemorates the 100th anniversary of Swami Rama’s birth. It is also easy to acquire and relatively short, so we would be able to finish it by the end of the year, and possibly even read another short book by Swami Rama. And then, in 2026, we could begin reading one of the most chosen books by Swami Veda.
If we finish THE ESSENCE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE quickly, we thought that CONSCIOUS LIVING, another book by Swami Rama, would be a good follow-up to it.
And then, in 2026, we could go to Swami Veda’s SILENCE, VOL. I, GURU-DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP, VOL. II, or YOU AND YOUR EMOTIONS.
We look forward to seeing you at the Book Study at 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, September 14th, for a wonderful new season of learning, discussion and camaraderie.
Shantih!

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC : “Mindfulness in Ayurveda: Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance – Part V” with Gary Gran CYT, DAy. - February 12, 2026
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC
February 12, 2026
“Mindfulness in Ayurveda:
Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance Part V”
with Gary Gran CYT, DAy.
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
Gary will be presenting via Zoom from his home in Arizona. The program will be streamed on the Center’s TV in the Hall of the Tradition.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Yoga – TBD
7:00-7:30 p.m. Meditation Guided by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.
7:30-8:30 p.m. “Mindfulness in Ayurveda:
Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance Part V”, Gary Gran CYT, DAy.
8:30 p.m.: Evening Chants
8:40 p.m. Snacks
How can mindfulness help us during troubled times? How do we heal ourselves and our wounded world? How do we care for ourselves and others when under stress? What are the important things to watch, to remember, to know? How do we protect our minds and our memory? These are important questions, and the answers don’t come easily, or all at once. Please join us for our final session on mindfulness, as we reflect together on the teachings of Ayurveda, the science of healing, remembering our connection to each other and all of life.
“May all beings be happy, may all beings be well, may all beings know peace. And may that peace come unto each of us.”
These days, the practice of mindfulness promises us everything from better health and better relationships to success in business and sports. The American Psychological Association’s website provides a list of proven benefits including less somatic distress, reduced depressive symptoms, lower anxiety, less neural reactivity and less emotional reactivity. In addition, there are positives including better working memory, better-sustained attention, better focus, more cognitive flexibility, greater relationship satisfaction, more self-insight, enhanced intuition, more equanimity, greater morality, greater empathy, and greater compassion. With a list like that, what are we waiting for?
How do we strengthen our practice of mindfulness? What’s the relationship of mindfulness to yoga? How is mindfulness connected to memory? What happens to our memory as we age? What are the important things to remember?
In this series of talks, we’ll take a deep dive into the long history of mindfulness practice. We’ll listen deeply and reflect on the rich treasure trove of mindfulness and memory practices. And we’ll share specific practices as passed down in the Himalayan Tradition.
All are welcome.
“This practice of constant mindfulness is taught universally by the yogis of the Himalayas, irrespective of their affiliations.”
– Swami Veda Bharati
Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. Gary and his wife Cynthia 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 currently in winter residence in Tucson, Arizona, enjoying winter gardening, cooking, and hiking.
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.

Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person and Via Zoom and at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2026-02-14 10:30 - 12:00

Maha Shivaratri Observance Via Zoom on Sunday : February 15, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2026-02-15 19:00 - 20:30
Maha Shivaratri Observance Via Zoom
“The Great Night of Shiva”
Sunday: February 15, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Shiva is the Lord of the meditator, the very identity of the meditator. The earliest iconography in human history is a meditative one as divinity sitting in the meditative posture. It is the iconography of Shiva. It is that one by whose grace we are drawn to a life of renunciation to go up the mountain, for he is the dweller of Mount Kailasha, the dweller of the highest mountain within us; the head. From his matted hair, the gushing river of inspiration , knowledge and wisdom flows. The very river descends from the highest of the heavens, comes right into our fontanel, and from there flows downward into the seven worlds (chakras), the seven continents, the seven oceans and becomes our very kundalini. That Shiva. To him I dedicate myself today and chant, “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
Join Emilio Bettaglio and Swami Ma Radha Bharati for a Maha Shivaratri program of inward observation and contemplation.
Maha Shivaratri Puja with Aarti: 7:00—7:45 p.m.
Guided Shivaratri Manasa Puja (Internal Sacrifice) by Swami Veda 7:45–8:30 p.m.
Read here…Swami Veda’s, “1996 Shivaratri Address”

A Special Memorial Service for Jim Nelson Will Be Held at TMC on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. The service will also be Zoomed.
2026-02-19 11:30 - 14:00
Jim Nelson, Beloved Teacher and Friend
With immense gratitude for all 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.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Feb 19, 2026 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/n7sVT8I0QNqKlGnHu9NIMQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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)

Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person and Via Zoom at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2026-02-21 10:30 - 12:00

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "Practical Calm: Simple Self-Care in Difficult Times" with Michelle Skally Doilney - February 26 2026,
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom – February 26, 2026
“Practical Calm: Simple Self-Care in Difficult Times”
with Michelle Skally Doilney
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Everyone is Welcome!

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Yoga TBD
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: ” Practical Calm: Simple Self-Care in Difficult Times”
with Michelle Skally Doilney
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

Join us with Michelle Skally Doilney as she shares everyday, simple ways to care for yourself using breathwork, gentle body movement, home or office adjustments, and especially universal wisdom. Self-care first is the best way we can then be available to help our friends, family, and neighbors. We heal together as individuals, and within community. Michelle will share from her studies and experiences in Himalayan Yoga, Feng Shui, and Zen Writing Practice. There will be time for questions, discussion and sharing.

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 Zen writer and practitioner Natalie Goldberg, as well as an apprenticed Feng Shui consultant in BTB/Tibetan Buddhist Feng Shui for 25 years. Michelle is currently consulting and teaching feng shui, yoga, and writing practice.

Join This Gentle Hatha Yoga Class In Person and Via Zoom at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2026-02-28 10:30 - 12:00
Join In Person and Via Zoom at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
Drop in on any Saturday for class.
Experience the Unique Power of Himalayan Yoga
As taught by the yogis from the Himalayas— Himalayan Yoga combines gentle postures, breathwork, and mindful relaxation techniques to connect body, mind, and spirit resulting in healing from within. Whether you’re new or experienced, this practice will leave you feeling relaxed, focused, and rejuvenated.
Benefits of Himalayan Yoga:

🌿 Enhanced flexibility, balance, and holistic strength
🌿 Tools/Techniques to cope with stress, anxiety and bring mental clarity
🌿 Energizing breathwork to uplift and restore overall health

🕒 Class Schedule: Every Saturday | 10:30 – Noon. Starting November 23, 2024.
💲 Pricing: Heartfelt donations ($10 suggested or pay what your heart desires and what you can…). All donations will go to support The Meditation Center.
📍 Location, parking & other essentials: The Meditation Center (TMC), 631 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Free parking is available across the street from TMC in the Church’s parking lot. Bring a water bottle. Yoga mat, pillows and blankets provided. Please arrive 5 minutes early and get comfortable in “the Hall of Tradition” on the main floor. No registration needed.
About Your Instructor:
Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay brings 18 years of affiliation in the Himalayan Yoga and meditation tradition. She has completed a 200-hour Teacher Training Program with Himalayan Yoga. Dedicated to helping students find balance and peace, Sunita focuses on making each class accessible and rewarding, regardless of experience level. Sunita has a PhD in Physics and a retired executive who worked in high tech industry for 25 years. She is currently the president of the Board at The Meditation Center. Native of India, Sunita currently lives in Eden Prairie, MN. She is married with two children.
No prior experience needed – “Come as you are, and discover the calm within”
