Cancelled for Saturday, September 30 - Seminar "Decade of Loving Transformation" with Swami Ritavan Bharati
2023-09-30 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago)
Cancelled for Saturday, September 30th, due to unforeseen circumstances
Seminar “Decade of Loving Transformation”
with Swami Ritavan Bharati
October 1, 2023
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Suggested donation $20.00 per session
RSVP here for October 1st
Our “Decade of Loving Transformation” is underway and enlivening the spiritual lives of initiates across the globe.

During Swami Ritavan’s yearly visit to the Meditation Center, the community members are invited to come and experience a deepening understanding of inner peace and total well-being. The theme of “Loving Transformation” will be addressed through the Buddhist Heart Sutra, the Christian Beatitudes, along with the Yoga Sutras, and Yoga Nidra practices. The presentations, discussions, and practices will inspire and enhance aspirations for the coming year.

In Person and Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2023-10-01 08:20 - 09:30, 2023-10-08 08:20 - 09:30 (America/Chicago)
In Person and 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.

Seminar "Decade of Loving Transformation" with Swami Ritavan Bharati - October 1, 2023
2023-10-01 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago)
Seminar “Decade of Loving Transformation”
with Swami Ritavan Bharati
October 1, 2023
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Suggested donation $20.00
RSVP here for October 1st

Our “Decade of Loving Transformation” is underway and enlivening the spiritual lives of initiates across the globe.

During Swami Ritavan’s yearly visit to the Meditation Center, the community members are invited to come and experience a deepening understanding of inner peace and total well-being. The theme of “Loving Transformation” will be addressed through the Buddhist Heart Sutra, the Christian Beatitudes, along with the Yoga Sutras, and Yoga Nidra practices. The presentations, discussions, and practices will inspire and enhance aspirations for the coming year.

No class on October 2nd...will resume on October 9th...Yoga Sutras” Fall 2023 Series - Vibhuti Pada with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., 500-RYT
2023-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“Yoga Sutras” Fall 2023 Series – Vibhuti Pada
with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., 500-RYT

Mondays: September 11, 18, 25 and October 9, 2023
No class on October 2nd
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Begins at 7:00 p.m. with Meditation guided by Stoma

Study of the “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., 500-RYT

Chapter 3, the Vibhuti Pada

Cost: $55.00 for the series
$15.00 for drop-in either in person or via Zoom
If you live in a time zone that does not allow for you to attend the Yoga Sutras sessions in real time, register for the 4-week series and you will be sent Vimeo links to the recorded sessions as soon as they are uploaded to Vimeo

Register here for the 4-sessions series.

Register here for a Single Session on September 11, 2023

Register here for a Single Session on September 18, 2023

Register here for a Single Session on September 25, 2023

Register here for a Single Session on October 9, 2023

The Fall 2022 series of the “Yoga Sutras” with Stoma is being offered to anyone who desires to learn more regarding the gifts of meditation and yoga given through this text.

Everyone is welcome!

Join Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) for this special ongoing study of the text, the “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.” We are continuing the study of the the third chapter, the “Vibhuti Pada.”

We will be using the text, either “The Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali,” or “The Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali with Bhasvati,” both by Swami Hariharananda Aaranya. Or you can use any commentary on the “Yoga Sutras” that you have available.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: "I Am Not The Body" with Daniel Hertz, MS, BCB, E-RYT 500 - October 5, 2023
2023-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: – October 5, 2023
“I AM NOT THE BODY”
with Daniel Hertz, MS, BCB, E-RYT 500
7:oo – 8:30 p.m.
New Time – 5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Chris Young

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Ma Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “I am not the Body” with Daniel Hertz, MS, BCB, E-RYT 500

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m.: Snacks
THERE IS NO SET PRESCRIPTION for moving from fear to courage. Everyone must find what works best for them. Some might find inspiration from their yoga and meditation practice. Others may find serenity in their religious observances. There are many other practices such as cognitive therapy and bodywork that can also help someone reach that place of inner peace. When Daniel was faced with a shocking diagnosis four months ago, he struggled to get beyond the overwhelming fear. Every thought of his approaching surgery brought a wave of anxiety. Please join us as he shares and discusses what helped him move to a place of acceptance.
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 memoir entitled Everything is A Little Bit Alright: yoga, meditation, and a dog named Roy. It is available on Amazon at this link.

"Subtle Energetics in Yoga Practice" with Dr. Dale Buegel, In Person at TMC and Via Zoom, October 6-8, 2023
2023-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
“Subtle Energetics in Yoga Practice” with Dr. Dale Buegel
October 6-8, 2023
In Person at TMC and Via Zoom
Registration coming soon.
If you are able, it is good to attend this workshop in person as you will have the opportunity to perform asana and pranayama practices under the expert guidance of Dr. Buegel.
Friday Evening 7:00 – 9:00 pm
“The Effects of Āsana Practice on Prāṇamāya Koṣa”
The literal translation of “hatha yoga” is to unite or bind together the energetic forces of piṅgalā and iḍā, the solar and lunar energies. In this workshop we will examine the passive and active effects of performing āsanas on the subtle energetic anatomy of prāṇa.

Saturday Morning 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
“Prāṇamāya Koṣa and Cakras I”
Saturday’s cakra sessions are for those who wish to understand the subtle energetic anatomy of the cakras and explore methods to study, balance, and cultivate those energies. Balancing the energies at a cakra is essential to opening that aspect of a cakra which embodies consciousness.
Saturday Afternoon 1:30 – 3:30 pm
“Prāṇamāya Koṣa and Cakras II”

Sunday Morning 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
“The Role of Śakti in Prāṇāyāma Practice”
This workshop will focus on opening the lower gate at mūlādhāra cakra and facilitating the role of Śakti in energizing the twelve cakras. Please wear non-binding clothing appropriate for prāṇāyāma practice. Retention during these practices will be optional for those who are prepared and experienced with practices involving retention.
Dr. Buegel was a student of Swami Rama and has practiced and taught hatha yoga and meditation for over 40 years in seminars, teacher training programs, and specialty workshops. His expertise in the fine points of yoga techniques have earned him the respect and appreciation of students in the U.S. and abroad. He is certified by Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500, YACEP.

Thursday Satsang In-Person and Via Zoom: "Ayurveda Self-Care for Autumn" with Cynthia Gran - October 12, 2023
2023-10-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In-Person and Via Zoom – October 12, 2023
“Ayurveda Self-Care for Autumn”
with Cynthia Gran, E-RYT 500, YACEP

6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Sunita Gangopadhyay

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Ayurveda Self Care for Autumn”
Cynthia Gran, E-RYT 500, YACEP

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Details to come.
Cynthia and Gary 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 practitioners. They have published more than eighty articles on yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. They are currently enjoying desert gardening, cooking, and hiking at their home in Tucson, Arizona.

Cynthia Gran, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Via Zoom - Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
2023-10-15 10:00 - 23:30, 2023-12-03 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang Via Zoom
with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Swami Radha, Jim, and Michael will continue the study of spiritual topics in 2023. The Book Club is now reading “Sacred Journey_ Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully” by Swami Rama

Sacred Journey
Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully
We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are enjoying yourselves this fall.
The Book Study will resume Sunday morning October 15th at 10:00 a.m. with Swami Rama’s SACRED JOURNEY. This book complements the Ten-Year Plan, outlined by Swami Ritavan, which focuses on Vanaprastha and devising a blueprint for the rest of one’s life.

In Person at TMC and via Zoom:The Meditation Center is Celebrating the Nine Days/Nights of Navaratri October 15 - October 24, 2023
2023-10-15 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago)
In Person at TMC and via Zoom
The Meditation Center is Celebrating the Nine Days/Nights of Navaratri
October 15 – October 24, 2023
Immortal She is, pervading all things that grow downward and all things that extend upwards. It is by Her brilliance and light that the darkness of ignorance vanishes. She, Devi, the Divine One who has expounded Herself as the very being of the universe and the custodian. Mother Deity, the Divine Mother, Shri who is the refuge of all forms, of all thoughts and sentiments – all Her expressions in the power of will, power of knowledge, power of creativity – Lalita, the tender one, the gentle one, Tripura Sundari, the Beauty of the Three Realms, She whose name is beauty. She, who has revealed Herself in Creation, through the powers of Shree. (The meaning of this event for which Sadhakas celebrate)
Sunday, October 15, 8:00 p.m.: Navaratri Puja in the Meditation Room. Swami Veda’s recitation of 1,000 names of Lalita after the puja.
Monday, October 16 to Monday, October 23, 8:45 p.m.: Via Zoom Swami Veda’s recording of 1,000 names of Lalita.
On Navaratri’s last evening, Tuesday, October 24, 8:00 p.m.: Navaratri concluding puja will be held in the Meditation room after the 1,000 names of Lalita recitation.
Listen here and follow the 1,000 Names of Lalita, the Mother Divine, “Sri Lalita Sahasranama” recited by Swami Veda Bharati
Read here the 1,000 Names of Lalita, the Mother Divine, “Sri Lalita Sahasranama.”

Thursday Satsang with In-Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom: Viewing of the Video "Viewing of the Recorded Talk "Love in the Yoga Sutra, Where is It?"presented by Salvatore Zambito on June 17, 2021 - October 19, 2023
2023-10-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang with In-Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom:
In remembrance
Viewing of the Recorded Talk
“Love in the Yoga Sutra, Where is It?”
presented by Salvatore Zambito on June 17, 2021.
In remembrance
October 19, 2023

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Susan Guthrie
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Viewing of the Recorded Talk “Love in the Yoga Sutra, Where is It?”
presented by Salvatore Zambito on June 17, 2021.
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

“A Loving Tribute to Salvatore from Stoma”
Salvatore was a great student of the yoga-sutras and his writings, “The Unadorned Thread” and the “Yoga Sutras Dictionary” are both very helpful tools for going deeper into your understanding of the fine points of the sutras. He was a sadhaka who well understood the continual attention of the siddhas upon genuine sadhakas. He once went to an astrologer to have his chart done. After their conversation about the chart, the astrologer told him that while they were talking there were five subtle beings sitting around him. “Who were they?” Salvatore had no awareness of them but he understood that these were undoubtedly the siddhas that attend upon sincere practitioners who have established asteya, non-stealing, in their personality. By non-stealing, Patanjali means the continual re-evaluation of what is mine that we go through as we grow. As less and less becomes mine, we become more and more generous. That generosity of heart is answered by the silent gaze of the siddhas of the lineage and the help they bring in moments when we are moving in harmony with our dharma. Bask in the warmth of that light, wise brother.

“Love in the Yoga Sutras”
After thanking Salvatore for presenting his beautiful June 17, 2021 Thursday Satsang lecture, “Love in the Yoga Sutras,” Salvatore responded.
“… In about 1984 I had a lengthy conversation with a Tibetan rinpoche. One of the areas he shared was an understanding that universes emerge from a thematic intention, mostly Will, Love and Wisdom, and Active Intelligence. It was his contention that this is a Love-Wisdom universe, hence the loving wisdom nature of our great spiritual leaders…”
Salvatore exemplified this loving wisdom nature in his teachings and presence. Thank you, Salvatore, for being an expression of this Love-Wisdom for us in this realm.
To learn more regarding Salvatore’s life’s work read his bio here courtesy of The Yoga Sutras Institute

“Something Swamiji Said”
by Four Sadhakas
“Salvatore’s Story”
“One cool, sunny afternoon in Boise, I was driving Swamiji, in his previous incarnation as Pandit Arya, to our next engagement. He turned to me and I heard him say, “So what!?”
I glanced at him quizzically and after a pause, he continued, “ ‘So what’ may be the most important question a teacher is ever required to answer and students are always within their rights to ask it. Actually, it is the duty of a student to determine the applicability of the material under consideration. If you can’t answer that question, you simply don’t know where you are going with the presentation. Consider empowering your students to ask, “So what?” at any time. It will serve to keep you alert and they may enjoy themselves.”
I followed Panditji’s advice at the next class at Boise State. From then on students would challenge me with, “So what?,” often quite unexpectedly, and we had great times together exploring why anything I said might matter. On a couple of occasions I had to admit that what I was saying probably didn’t matter, at least not very much, but I enjoyed the topic. The students were satisfied with the honesty of the reply and, good-humoredly, joined in with me.
On a little expanded scale, I find myself often asking, “So what?” in the widest variety of human activities. It has served as an unusually effective focus for self-witnessing of habitual response and deepening emotional stability as inappropriate reactions come to be seen clearly and fresh action taken – or not taken.
Of course, I still invite students to challenge me with “So what?” I never know what I’ll learn from their inquiry!”
Thank, you, Swamiji.
– Salvatore Zambito
Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org. Read the entire article here.
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Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing Only: "Ayurvedic Study Group" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP on October 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – October 26, 2023
“Ayurvedic Study Group”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran, DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Eric Ness

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Ayurvedic Study Group”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m. – Snacks

Please join us for the next meeting of our Ayurvedic study group. Attendance at prior meetings is not required. All are welcome. For this class, we’ll move to Chapter 26 of the Charaka Samhita to continue our discussion of rasa, the six tastes. Here, we’ll learn of an historic conference of the sages who raised questions about rasa, and we’ll hear what they concluded. This will give us a chance to raise our own questions about rasa, and to deepen our appreciation of ‘the heart of Ayurveda’. Please bring your ‘beginner’s mind’ and join us as we listen deeply and reflect on the words of the sages.

“Taste occurs as a sensation on the tongue. The underlying elements of taste are water and earth. Variations in taste are caused by the other three elements of fire, air, and ether.” –
“Charaka Samhita”, Sutrasthana, 1.64
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 : "Sutras of Remembrance and Life Lessons" with Paul Emerson PhD - November 2, 2023
2023-11-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom
November 2, 2023
“Sutras of Remembrance and Life Lessons”
with Paul Emerson PhD

New Time – 5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Chris Young
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Sutras of Remembrance and Life Lessons”
with Paul Emerson PhD
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
The leaves fall, the day darkens and there is the hint of cold in the air. The plentitude of summer gives way to autumn. Everything passes. November 1st is dedicated to the saints but for most of us who aren’t as privileged to know that many saints, Nov 2, All Souls Day, is perhaps more meaningful. We think of those whom we have known who have passed. And of course there is also some self reflection in the process. In fact if one thinks broadly about yoga, it becomes obvious that it is based on an educational paradigm or process much as Buddhism and many of the more mystical traditions. You are given the opportunity to learn, “take the test” and more often than not “retake the test”. So from time to time it is useful to contemplate what we have learned and perhaps even to summarize it in a sentence or two. We’ll spend some time looking at a few examples of how this might be done and discuss our own life sutras.
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.

Hybrid Thursday Satsang In Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom - Path of Fire & Light: 'Package Deal' continued with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy - November 9, 2023
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Hybrid Thursday Satsang In Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom – November 9, 2023
“Path of Fire & Light: ‘From the Beginning’ “
with Gary Gran CYT, DAy
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Path of Fire & Light: ‘From the Beginning’ “
with Gary Gran CYT, DAy
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Swami Rama taught the first of several “Path of Fire & Light” seminars from July 24-31, 1986, in Honesdale, PA. There were eight full days of lectures and workshops given in support of the book “Path of Fire & Light: Advanced Practices of Yoga”, the first of two volumes on the subject. Swami Rama called the first volume ‘an encyclopedia of yoga.’ In his series of lectures, he gave a systematic account of all the teachings known as the path of fire & light. Please join us as we share the contents of his first four lectures. On December 7th, we will detail the last four lectures. There will be plenty of quotes from Swamiji to inspire us. All are welcome.
Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. was in attendance at the seminar and will be sharing the teachings from his personal notes. He 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 residing in Tucson, Arizona where they enjoy desert gardening, cooking and hiking.

Fall Fundraiser 2023 "Living Purposefully" on Sunday, November 12, 2023, 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2023-11-12 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago)
Fall Fundraiser 2023
“Living Purposefully”
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Please join us Sunday morning, November 12, 2023, for a community fundraiser celebrating life.
“Living Purposefully”
8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Schedule
Morning Prayers In Person and via Zoom: 8:20-8:30 a.m. CST
Sunday Morning Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati In Person and via Zoom: 8:30-9:15 a.m. CST
Tea and treats in the dining room, self-directed gentle hatha stretches in the Hall of the Tradition, browse the used book sale: 9:15 – 10:00 a.m CST
Sunday Morning Book Club In Person & via Zoom with Swami Radha, Jim Nelson, & Michael Smith: 10:00-11:30 a.m. CST
Community Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST

Buy a Fall Fundraiser Raffle Ticket
Drawing will be held on Sunday morning November 12th.
Cost $20.00
Purchase here.
Prizes:
An initial 90-minute Ayurveda consultation with Cynthia or Gary Gran
2 bundles of 20 free drop-in hatha classes and satsangs
A 50-minute biofeedback session with Daniel Hertz

Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom:“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas” November 16, 2023
2023-11-16 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In Person and via Zoom – November 16, 2023
“Remembrance of the Mahasamadhi of H.H.S. Swami Rama of the Himalayas”

New Time – 5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Susan Guthrie
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
8:30 p.m.: Recording of Swami Rama chanting AUM
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

27th 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

Program Schedule
This year, we celebrate the 27th 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.

Please join Swami Radha, Emilio Bettaglio, and Chris Young for a special Swami Rama Mahasamadhi celebration on Thursday evening. After a guided meditation by Swami Radha, there will be a flower Havan with the following sankalpa:

An expression of deepest gratitude for Swami Rama’s presence in our lives, for the Guru lineage and wisdom, and for the oral tradition.
Havan Program:

Purification and Sankalpa
11 Recitations of Ganapati Mantra
108 Recitations of Akhanda Mandala
3 Recitations of OM Shreem Gurave Namaha
1 Recitation of Purna Ahuti

Read the mantras here.
After the Havan, a video entitled “Portrait of a Himalayan Master” will be played, followed by recordings of Swami Rama reciting the poem “At Thy Lotus Feet,” and then Gurudev Swami Rama chanting “Guru Brahma.”
There will be a few minutes of time for community sharing of thoughts / memories of Swami Rama.
Join The Meditation Center Community either in person or via Zoom on November 16th, to remember and honor the life and work of H.H.S. Swami Rama

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)

Happy Thanksgiving - No Thursday Satsang Tonight - November 23, 2023
2023-11-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
No Thursday Satsang Tonight – “Have a Happy Thanksgiving”
November 23, 2023

Thursday Satsang will resume on November 30, 2023

Global Full Moon Meditation Zoom Only 9:00-10:00 p.m. CST
2023-11-27 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Monday, November 27, 2023
Global Full Moon Meditation
Zoom Only
9:00-10:00 p.m. CST
The Meditation Center will not be open for a group meditation gathering this evening.
This Full Moon Meditation via Zoom will begin guided by Swami Ritavan Bharati, followed by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.
This event is courtesy of the Chicago Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center – HYMC.
To get the Zoom link and for more information aregarding the global full moon meditation schedule
visit HYMC’s website here.
“You are lovingly invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, ‘Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise..'” (Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org January 2023 newsletter).
Everyone is welcome!

“Yoga Philosophy views the mind as Universal field; its waves passing through us and becoming our individual minds. This Universal mind is a radiant force and is also known as a Universal Guru within.”

“When all sit together at the same time even in different parts of the world, they connect to the Universal Guru mind and generate a strong field, like so many magnets being joined together and forming a much stronger magnet; the strength of each then equals the combined strength of all.”

– Swami Veda Bharati –

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing Only: "Ayurvedic Study Group: Teachings on Herbs and Medicinals" with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP on November 30, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
2023-11-30 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC – November 30, 2023
“Ayurvedic Study Group: Teachings on Herbs and Medicinals”
with Gary Gran DAy. CYT and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT
6:00-7:00 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass

7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati

7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Ayurvedic Study Group: Teachings on Herbs and Medicinals”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. and Cynthia Gran DAy. E-RYT 500, YACEP

8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

8:40 p.m. – Snacks

Please join us for the next meeting of our Ayurvedic study group. Attendance at prior meetings is not required. All are welcome.
For this class, we’ll review some key concepts from Chapter 1 of the CharakaSamhita as we delve into the all important sutras on the use of herbs and medicinals to restore and maintain good health.
This session will conclude our study of the first four chapters of Charaka on Longevity. Next year we’ll begin a new section called “On the Preservation of Health.”
Please bring your ‘beginner’s mind’ and join us as we listen deeply and reflect on the words of the sages.

“May we live happily and healthily for 100 autumns,
and see each other with love and respect for 100 years.”
-Atharva Veda

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.

Qigong for Winter: Wudang Mountain Five Animal Tortoise Qigong with Nikki Strong, Saturday: December 2, 2023 - In person and live streamed via Zoom
2023-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Note the change in time and date for the Zoom class… ***
Qigong for Winter:
Wudang Mountain Five Animal Tortoise Qigong
with Nikki Strong
Saturday: December 2, 2023
In Person Only
9:00 a.m. – Noon CST
Cost: $15.00

***Saturday: December 9, 2023
Zoom Only
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. CST
Cost: $15.00
Register here.
Register here.
We will explore and practice Tortoise Qigong from the Wudang Mountain Five Animal series, a beautiful qigong practice for winter… with both walking and standing movements. At the end of the session we will also learn some sitting qigong practices for promoting health and wellness in the winter season. Tea and snacks provided. All levels of experience and ability are welcome.
Saturday, December 2, 2023
9:00-11:00 a.m. : Wudang Mountain Five Animal Tortoise Qigong
11:00-11:30 a.m. : Tea Break
11:30 a.m.-Noon : Sitting Longevity Practices for Winter
Instructor : Nikki Strong

Hybrid Thursday Satsang In Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom - Path of Fire & Light: 'From the Beginning' Last Four Lectures continued with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy - December 7, 2023
2023-12-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Hybrid Thursday Satsang In Person Viewing at TMC and via Zoom – November 9, 2023
“Path of Fire & Light: ‘From the Beginning’ ” Last Four Lectures
with Gary Gran CYT, DAy
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Path of Fire & Light: ‘From the Beginning’ ” Last Four Lectures
with Gary Gran CYT, DAy
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks

Swami Rama taught the first of several “Path of Fire & Light” seminars from July 24-31, 1986, in Honesdale, PA. There were eight full days of lectures and workshops given in support of the book “Path of Fire & Light: Advanced Practices of Yoga”, the first of two volumes on the subject. Swami Rama called the first volume ‘an encyclopedia of yoga.’ In his series of lectures, he gave a systematic account of all the teachings known as the path of fire & light. Please join us as we share the contents of his first four lectures. On December 7th, we will detail the last four lectures. There will be plenty of quotes from Swamiji to inspire us. All are welcome.
Gary Gran, CYT, DAy. was in attendance at the seminar and will be sharing the teachings from his personal notes. He 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 residing in Tucson, Arizona where they enjoy desert gardening, cooking and hiking.

Qigong for Winter: Wudang Mountain Five Animal Tortoise Qigong with Nikki Strong, Saturday: December 9, 2023 - Live-Streamed via Zoom from 9:00-10:30 a.m.
2023-12-09 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
Qigong for Winter:
Wudang Mountain Five Animal Tortoise Qigong
with Nikki Strong

Register Today….
ONLINE CLASS:
Wintertime Qigong – Wudang Tortoise Qigong
with Nikki Strong
Saturday: December 9, 2023
Zoom Only
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. CST
Cost: $15.00
Register here.
As the days become chillier and snow begins to fall… let us gather to warm our soul and body with healing movement for wintertime….
Live-streamed on Zoom. Class recording and handouts provided for all registered class participants.
In this class we will learn and practice the Wudang Five Animal Tortoise form. This class will serve both as an introduction to the practice as well as an excellent review for those that participated in the live class last weekend. This class is open to ALL. No previous experience necessary.

Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom: The Meditation Center's Holiday Program 2023, "Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope" December 14, 2023
2023-12-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursday Satsang In Person and Via Zoom
December 14, 2023
The Meditation Center’s Holiday Program 2023
“Celebration of the Season of Silence, Light, and Hope”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Holiday Program Schedule
5:30-6:45p.m. No Hatha Yoga Drop-In Class Tonight
7:00-7:30 p.m. “Meditation on Light” guided by Swami Ma Radha Bharati
7:30-7:45 p.m. Welcome Message and Annual Board of Directors Report by Sunita Gangopadhyay
7:45-7:50 p.m. Lighting of the Menorah on the Last Night of Hanukkah
with Daniel Hertz and Nikki Strong
7:50 -8:00 p.m. Music by Chris Young
8:00 -8:05 p.m. Eric Ness Reading Swami Ritavan’s Holiday Message 2023
8:05-8:30p.m. Spiral of Light Candle Lighting Ceremony Accompanied with Music by Chris Young
8:30 p.m. Chris Young and Community Singing Silent Night
Read here the lyrics of “Silent Night”
8:40 Vegan Soup by Paul Emerson and Trimmings
If you can, please bring a savory dish or a sweet to share with the community.

Thursday Satsang in Person and via Zoom: "Lost in Mist and Clouds in the Wudang Mountains: Images and stories from temples and remote mountain places of Wudang" with Nikki Strong - December 21, 2023
2023-12-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
“Lost in Mist and Clouds in the Wudang Mountains:
Images and stories from temples and remote mountain places of Wudang”
with Nikki Strong
December 21, 2023
New Time – 5:30-6:45 p.m.: Gentle Hatha Yoga with Michael Snodgrass
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Lost in Mist and Clouds in the Wudang Mountain:Images and stories from temples and remote mountain places of Wudang” with Nikki Strong
8:30 p.m.: Prayers
8:40 p.m.: Snacks
Nikki Strong will present us with an insightful peak at this very spiritual and extraordinary place…the Wudang Mountains. Details to come.

Cancelled for Christmas Eve - Via Zoom - Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
2023-12-24 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Cancelled for Christmas Eve – Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang Via Zoom
with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Will resume on January 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Swami Radha, Jim, and Michael will continue the study of spiritual topics in 2023. The Book Club is now reading “Sacred Journey_ Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully” by Swami Rama

Sacred Journey
Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully
We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are enjoying yourselves this fall.
The Book Study will resume Sunday morning October 15th at 10:00 a.m. with Swami Rama’s SACRED JOURNEY. This book complements the Ten-Year Plan, outlined by Swami Ritavan, which focuses on Vanaprastha and devising a blueprint for the rest of one’s life.

Global Full Moon Meditation Zoom Only 9:00-10:00 p.m. CST
2023-12-26 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Global Full Moon Meditation
Zoom Only
9:00-10:00 p.m. CST
The Meditation Center will not be open for a group meditation gathering this evening.
This Full Moon Meditation via Zoom will begin guided by Stoma, followed by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.
This event is courtesy of the Chicago Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center – HYMC.
To get the Zoom link and for more information aregarding the global full moon meditation schedule
visit HYMC’s website here.
“You are lovingly invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, ‘Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise..'” (Courtesy of AHYMSIN.org January 2023 newsletter).
Everyone is welcome!
“Yoga Philosophy views the mind as Universal field; its waves passing through us and becoming our individual minds. This Universal mind is a radiant force and is also known as a Universal Guru within.”
“When all sit together at the same time even in different parts of the world, they connect to the Universal Guru mind and generate a strong field, like so many magnets being joined together and forming a much stronger magnet; the strength of each then equals the combined strength of all.”
– Swami Veda Bharati –

Cancelled for December 27th Wednesday Mornings via Zoom – Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop-In) with Sig Martell and Rosann Chamberlain
2023-12-27 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Cancelled for the December 27th – WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 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 Satsang In Person Viewing of Recorded Video and via Zoom: "Patañjali in Eternity: the Legend of Śhri Patañjali – the Ṛiṣhi Sage of Yoga" with Salvatore Zambito Shown on March 25, 2021 - December 28, 2023
2023-12-28 19:00 - 20:30 UTC
Thursday Satsang via Zoom – December 28, 2023
Recorded Session of “Patañjali in Eternity: the Legend of Śhri Patañjali –
the Ṛiṣhi Sage of Yoga” recorded on March 25, 2021
with Salvatore Zambito
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
5:30- 6:45 p.m. – Gentle Hatha Yoga guided by Michael Snodgrass
7:00 p.m. – Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Recorded talk by Salvatore Zambito
8:30-8:45 p.m. – Evening Prayers

Join us for this recorded March 25,2021 talk on “Patañjali in Eternity: the Legend of Śhri Patañjali
– the Ṛiṣhi Sage of Yoga”
Swami Veda included it in his second edition of his elucidation of the “Samadhi Pada”

Cancelled for New Year's Eve Via Zoom - Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
2023-12-31 10:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago)
Cancelled for New Year’s Eve – Sunday Book Study Group/Satsang Via Zoom
with Swami Ma Radha Bharati , Michael Smith, and Jim Nelson
10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Will resume on January 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Swami Radha, Jim, and Michael will continue the study of spiritual topics in 2023. The Book Club is now reading “Sacred Journey_ Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully” by Swami Rama

Sacred Journey
Living Purposefully and Dying Gracefully
We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are enjoying yourselves this fall.
The Book Study will resume Sunday morning October 15th at 10:00 a.m. with Swami Rama’s SACRED JOURNEY. This book complements the Ten-Year Plan, outlined by Swami Ritavan, which focuses on Vanaprastha and devising a blueprint for the rest of one’s life.
