Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2025-11-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-29 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
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”

Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2025-11-09 08:20 - 09:30, 2025-11-16 08:20 - 09:30, 2025-11-23 08:20 - 09:30, 2025-11-30 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
2025-11-09 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-11-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-11-23 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!

Solar Salutation Series with Modifications : Lori Beron and Rosann Chamberlain - Only In Person at TMC Sundays: November 9, 16, and 23, 2025 2:00-3:30 p.m.
2025-11-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-16 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-23 14:00 - 15:30
Solar Salutation Series with Modifications
Lori Beron and Rosann Chamberlain
Only In Person at TMC
Sundays: November 9, 16, and 23, 2025
2:00-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $30.00 for all three classes
$12.00 for a single session.
Register here for all three sessions.
Register here for November 9th.
Register here for November 16th.
Register here for November 23rd.

Lori and Rosann will guide 3 classes using modifications of the solar salutation series. We will practice with playfulness in posture exploration, a sacred attitude, awareness of breath and prana, and an introduction to mantras.
Classes are taught in the Himalayan Tradition and in the context of Swami Veda’s book, “Philosophy of Hatha Yoga” chapter 2.
Each class will begin with a few minutes of discussion, a warm up with joints and glands, the solar salutation practices and will conclude with a brief relaxation and meditation.
Each week will progress from the previous class, attend all 3 classes if possible.

Lori Beron is an initiate and certified teacher through the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. She is a retired holistic and surgical oncology nurse and serves on the Meditation Centers board, currently as vice-president. Lori has immersed herself in the Himalayan Tradition teachings, including many visits to SRSG, our sister ashram in Rishikesh, India. Lori took a 3-year Vanaprastha Vow from Swami Veda Bharati during the 2013 Sangha Gathering. (Vanaprastha-a stage

Rosann Chamberlain has been practicing yoga since the 1980s. Rosann teaches the Wednesday morning Gentle Yoga class and serves on the TMC Board of Directors. She is an initiate in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition.

2025 Late Fall Study Group ﻿via Zoom with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT-500 Shantideva's ﻿"Bodhicāryāvatāra"
2025-11-10 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-17 19:00 - 20:30
2025 Fall Study Group via Zoom with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., E-RYT-500
Shantideva’s “Bodhicāryāvatāra”
Mondays: November 3, 10, 17, and December 1, 8, 15, 2025
Class will not meet on November 24th
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT
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.”

Cost: $55.00 for the series
$15.00 for a single session
Register here for all sessions.
Register here for November 3rd.
Register here for November 10th
Register here for November 17th
Register here for December 1st
Register here for December 8th
Register here for December 15th

Cancelled -Meditation I Hybrid Class: "Learning the Basics" with Paul Emerson, Ph.D. Tuesdays: October 21-November 25, 2025
2025-11-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-25 18:30 - 20:00
Cancelled…stay tuned for new new dates and times!!!
Hybrid Meditation I Series: “Learning the Basics”
with Paul Emerson PhD
This series has been cancelled for these dates..
Tuesdays: October 28 – December 2, 2025
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 and Emilio Bettaglio and others
2025-11-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-19 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-26 10:30 - 12:00
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS In Person and Via Zoom – GENTLE HATHA YOGA (DROP IN)

Time: 10:30am to Noon
Instructors: Rosann Chamberlain and Emilio Bettaglio and others
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
2025-11-13 17:30 - 18:45, 2025-11-20 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 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)

Thursday Satsang Via Zoom and In-Person Viewing at TMC: "Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance, Part I" with Gary Gran CYT, DAy - November 20, 2025
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang – November 20, 2025
The speaker will join us via Zoom
The talk will can also be viewed on the TV screen at TMC
“Thursday, November 20: “Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance – Part I”
with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
Everyone is Welcome!
7:00-8:30 p.m. CT

5:30-6:45 p.m.: In-Person Gentle Yoga with Chris Young
7:00-7:30 p.m.: Guided Meditation with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
7:30-8:30 p.m.: “Mindfulness, Memory & Remembrance – Part I” with Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
8:30 p.m.: Evening Prayers

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 Maja Radovanlija In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2025-11-22 10:30 - 12:00
Join Maja Radovanlija 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”

Silent Morning Meditation at TMC with Vegan Breakfast Offering on Thanksgiving Day Morning - November 27, 2025 6:00-8:00 a.m.
2025-11-27 06:00 - 08:00
In-Person Silent Morning Meditation at TMC
followed by a Vegan Breakfast Offering
on Thanksgiving Day Morning
November 27, 2025
6:00-8:00 a.m.

The Silent Meditation will be followed by a contemplative silent breakfast with nutritional Gluten Free Vegan Porridge and Tea at 7:00 a.m.

"Walk in the Woods…Thanksgiving Day Morning" : Thursday, November 27, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
2025-11-27 09:00 - 22:30
Walk in the Woods…Thanksgiving Day Morning
Thursday, November 27, 2025
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
RSVP here if you plan on attending the walk.

No charge for attending .. registration not required…but appreciated! Thank-you.
Thanksgiving Day Contemplative Walk at Ha-Ha Mdo-Te, Pike Island, Fort Snelling State Park…Dakota sacred ground wherethe Mississippi and the Minnesota Rivers meet.
We will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Wokiksuye K’a Woyuonihan (Remembering and Honoring) Dakota Memorial on the North side of the parking lot, in front of the Visitor’s Center.
Click t0 see park map 1, Ha-Ha Mdo-Te and park map 2, Visitor Center.
Stories… History… Meditation…Contemplation…
Walk in the Woods…Connecting with Nature..
Please dress for the weather… sturdy walking shoes or boots…and warm clothes!!
Walk as much or as little as you like… GF vegan snacks provided..
Park Entrance Fee (per vehicle): $7 for the day or $35 for a MN State Parks annual pass: good for 1 year in all State Parks. ($12 – Handicapped, $20 – Seniors))

Cancelled for Thanksgiving! - Thursday Evening In Person: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In) 5:30-6:45 p.m. Everyone is Welcome
2025-11-27 17:30 - 18:45
Cancelled for Thanksgiving Evening!
Happy Thanksgiving Evening!

Thursday Evening In Person Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In)

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Instructors: Varies… Michael Snodgrass, Sunita Gangopadhyay, and others
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.

Calligraphy Class 1 taught by Misato Sakai...a fundraiser for TMC on November 28, 2025 from 10:30-11 a.m.
2025-11-28 10:30 - 11:30
Calligraphy Class 1 taught by Misato Sakai
This class is a fundraiser for TMC
Date: November 28, 2025
Time: 10:30-11:45 a.m.
The class will meet in the TMC dining room and the class will also be live-streamed. A zoom link will be provided after you RSVP for the Zoom option.
Five seats in-person are available at this time.
Reserve/Register for your in-person seat here.
RSVP here for Zoom access.
A zoom link will be provided after you RSVP.
Donate in person with cash, check, or on TMC’s square app or donate online here on TMC’s website
The origin of calligraphy is pictograph in the shell-and-bone script in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.E.) in China. Since then, mainly six types of writing were developed in China. Chinese letters were brought to Japan by Korean Confucianists in the late fourth century, and then through introduction of Buddhism by Japanese envoys to the Sui Dynasty (600−614 B.E.) and the Tang Dynasty (630−894 B.E.). Currently, five main different styles of letters are used in Japanese calligraphy.
Calligraphy is a form of meditation with a brush. Spinal alignment, breathing, and concentrations are the three key components in the art. In this class, we will start with a short silent meditation with Swami Radha. Then, we will learn how to make liquid ink from charcoal, how to hold a brush, and how to write dots and lines in coordination with breathing. We will practice one or two letters in 楷書 (kaisyo), a printed style writing towards the end of the class.
No experience is needed for this class. If you have a calligraphy set, please bring it. We also have supplies including paper and sumi ink for those who have no set. We hope you enjoy this meditative art class.
Misato Sakai started calligraphy at age six in Japan. Since then, she has been appreciating the meditative aspect of calligraphy. Having been studying environmental science (B.Sc.), environmental management (M.Sc.), and human resource education (Ph.D.), she sees calligraphy and tea ceremony in connection with nature, both of which continuously provide discoveries and learning opportunities.
The following items at Dick Blick look good for those who would like to have their own set.
View here the “Dick Blick” list.
I do have six sets to give away for those who do not have a set.
If they are planning to come in person on November 28th, and would like a set, they can notify me prior to the class so that they will have their set.
Download here a list of online calligraphy supply sources.
* Those who are planning to attend the class online and have no calligraphy set, please contact Misato at misatos37@gmail.com.
