The Meditation Center

New! In-Person Tuesday Evening Drop-In Gentle Hatha Class with Cynthia Gran DAy, E-RYT 500, YACEP, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
2025-08-05 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-12 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-08-19 20:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
New! In-Person Tuesday Evening
Drop-In Gentle Hatha Class
with Cynthia Gran DAy, E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00-8:30 p.m.
No registration is necessary
Everyone is welcome!

Donate in person with cash, check, or on TMC’s square app.
Suggested donation: $10.00
Join Cynthia for a deeply relaxing gentle yoga class that will be ended by a short meditation.
About Your Instructor:
Cynthia Gran, DAy, E-RYT 500, YACEP, has been treading the Himalayan path since the late 1970s. Cynthia and her husband, Gary, DAy. CYT, first attended the old Glenview Center in Illinois where they met 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 Minnesota for the summer teaching at The Meditation Center.
No prior experience needed – “Come as you are, and discover the calm within”
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.

Wednesday Mornings In Person and via Zoom – Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop-In) with Sig Martell and Rosann Chamberlain
2025-08-06 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-20 10:30 - 12:00
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS In Person and Via Zoom – GENTLE HATHA YOGA (DROP IN)

Time: 10:30am to Noon
Instructors: Sig Martell and Rosann Chamberlain
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 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.

Cancelled Tonight- Join the TMC Special Satsang at St Maron;s Church - Thursday Evening In Person: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In) 5:30-6:45 p.m. Everyone is Welcome
2025-08-07 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.

Cancelled for August 9, 2025 - Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2025-08-09 10:30 - 12:00
Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
Cancelled for August 9, 2025
Will resume on August 16, 2025
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
2025-08-10 08:20 - 09:30, 2025-08-17 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.

On Summer Break! The Sunday Morning Book Study Group with Swami Ma Radha, Michael Smith, and Emilio Bettaglio.
2025-08-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-17 10:00 - 11:30
On Summer Break!
SUNDAY BOOK STUDY GROUP VIA ZOOM
WITH SWAMI MA RADHA BHARATI, MICHAEL SMITH, AND EMILIO BETTAGLIO
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
The Sunday Morning Book Study Group with Swami Ma Radha, Michael Smith, and Emilio Bettaglio is now on summer break.
Stay tuned for the announcement regarding the new book title. The Sunday Study Group will resume in the early fall after the August Dunrovin Silence Retreat. Watch for updates at the end of the summer.

5-Day Silence Meditation Retreat at Dunrovin - August 10-15, 2025
2025-08-10 14:00 - 23:30, 2025-08-11 05:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-12 05:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-13 05:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-14 05:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-15 06:00 - 11:00
MARK YOUR CALENDAR…
Silence Meditation Retreat at Dunrovin
August 10-15, 2025

Cost: $850 per person
TMC needs a minimum of 15 people for the retreat to be held in person at Dunrovin.
Registeration coming,
Silence is such a profound and deep experience of human existence that only when we have understood silence can we understand all the inspiration that has ever flowed to humanity from the minds and mouths of its adults, the great rishis, sages and prophets.
~Swami Veda Bharati~

It’s happening!!! An in-person silent retreat in the restful beauty of the Dunrovin Retreat Center at Marine on St Croix, Minnesota.

Please join us for five days in silence with guidance. (First day with orientation and last day with closure are short days.)

The daily schedule includes prayers, group meditations, japa, guided hatha sessions, pranayama and subtle body practices. There is open time for contemplation, journaling, and rest along with quiet walks on the trails.

Three scheduled meals with beverages and snacks available anytime.

Large practice spaces for social distancing during group practices.

Thursday Evening In Person: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In) 5:30-6:45 p.m. Everyone is Welcome
2025-08-14 17:30 - 18:45, 2025-08-21 17:30 - 18:45

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.

Meditation and Meditative Movement with Nikki Strong on Saturday Mornings, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
2025-08-16 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-08-23 07:30 - 08:30

Saturday Farmer's Market Special: Healing Qi Gong and Tai Chi Movement - 9:15-10:00 a.m. - Outside in the Backyard at TMC
2025-08-16 09:15 - 10:00, 2025-08-23 09:15 - 10:00

Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2025-08-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-23 10:30 - 12:00
Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person 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”

Register Now!!! - 4-Seminar Series - "Natural Happiness: Living The Tantric Samaya Tradition" with Dr. Phil Nuernberger via Zoom with Phil Nuernberger, PhD - Presented by: Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Milwaukee, Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center Palatine, and The Meditation Center Minneapolis
2025-08-20 19:00 - 21:00
Presented by: Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Milwaukee; Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center Palatine;
and The Meditation Center Minneapolis
“Natural Happiness: Living The Tantric Samaya Tradition” with Dr. Phil Nuernberger
When the mind is completely free of thoughts of pleasure and appetites, the mind dissolves itself in bliss.
~His Holiness Sri Swami Rama~
4 Seminars via Zoom – 2-2.5 hours each
Wednesdays: May 21, June 18, July 16, and August 20, 2025
7:00-9:00 p.m. CT
All Four Sessions: $108.00
A Single Session: $30.00
Register here here for August 20th
Everyone is welcome to join this seminar. No one need be left out for financial reasons. If you have any questions regarding registration please contact The Meditation Center at phyllis.vargas@themeditationcenter.org.
Ultimately, we all strive to be happy in one way or another. For the tantric sadakha, the world, a manifestation of the Divine Mother, serves as the means to enlightenment. The Samayan tantric does not make the world disappear, he or she makes it transparent to reveal the Infinite One, which is our own true Self. Life is not meant for “no’s”, but it must be free of materialism, the attachment to energetic forms, particularly those of the mind. This is a necessary step in our Samaya tradition. In these next four sessions, we explore the principles and practices necessary to be free, to actually live the beautiful song of life that Guru Dev Swami Rama demonstrated with his example and teachings.
Session 1: Natural Happiness – May 21
A spiritual journey is best understood as the uncovering of natural happiness, or what in our tradition is called ananda. In this session we explore the nature of genuine and natural happiness, and how to experience this as our true identity.
Session 2: Mind: Master or Tool? – June 18
In this session we explore the veil between you and the Reality of Sat – Chit- Ananda. Our thoughts and beliefs can be either a power for expansion or a tyranny of contraction. The key lies not only in our understanding the nature of mind, but also how to effortlessly direct the mind rather than struggle to control it.
Session 3: The Kama Kala: The Sacred Triangle – July 16
In this session we explore the tantric sacred triangle of power and delight, the Kama Kala. Knowing how to access and utilize your will, knowledge , and action provides the certain path to enlightenment.
Session: Samaya: The Inner Path – August 20
We each must find our unique path to freedom. Gurudev led us in the inner path (Samaya) where all practices are internal. While the external (Kaula) and middle (Mishra) paths are often the starting point, eventually we must turn totally inwards. Understanding your unique strengths and weaknesses is essential for success in your inward journey.

Phil Nuernberger, Ph.D. is a direct disciple of H.H. Sri Swami Rama and was personally trained by Swamiji since 1970. Dr. Phil is one of the few Americans to receive initiation by Swami Rama into the highest levels of the tantric tradition of the Himalayan Sages. With his Master’s instruction and blessing, Dr. Phil has been teaching and initiating others in this tradition since 1972. He was instrumental in helping Swamiji build the Himalayan Institute, and served on its Board of Directors until 1992.
Dr. Nuernberger is author of six books. The most recent are Eternal Self , Freedom’s Path: The Dancing Soul, The Warrior Sage: Life as Spirit, as well as, Strong and Fearless: The Quest for Personal Power and From Loneliness to Love: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening.

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.
