40-Day Spiritual Festival 2025 from June 1- July 10 (Guru Purnima), 2025
2025-06-30 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-01 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-02 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-03 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-04 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-05 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-06 08:00 - 23:30, 2025-07-07 08:00 - 23:30 (America/Chicago) and 2 more dates
40-Day Spiritual Festival 2025 from June 1- July 10 (Guru Purnima), 2025
Read here “42nd Annual 40-Days Spiritual Festival, June 1-July 10, 2025″ courtesy of AHYMSIN.org.
The festival is 40-days of purification of all aspects of our being through chosen practices.
Some options for practices are :
Begin or increase the Sangha “Akhanda-mandala mantra” japa to honor Gurudev Swami Rama
Begin or increase the Sangha Ganesha mantra japa…practice embodying Ganesha in stillness, in his stillness.
Decrease screen time, especially in the evening; put down the phone, turn off the computer.
Find ways to honor Earth Mother: walk in silence in the woods, feed the wild animals, nourish the ants, pick up trash in nature, contemplate one of the five elements in nature.
Fast one day a week, could be partial fasting or simply eliminating one preferred food item.
Contemplate that which helps you be still.
Do self-study and journal your experiences.
Study “Sutra 1.33,” the Brahma Viharas, especially Upeksha (equanimity in the face of evil.

Extended Registration for In-Person Meditation I : "Learning the Basics", A 5-Week Series with Rodney Huff (Rajni), Mondays: June 2 - June 30, 2025
2025-06-30 18:30 - 20:00
5-Week In-Person Meditation I Series: “Learning the Basics”
with Rodney Huff (Rajni)
Extended Registration!

Mondays: June 2 – June 30, 2025
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fee: $62.50
Register here.
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.
If you have already taken Meditation I and would like to attend this class for 5 weeks, the cost is $31.25. Email us at info@themeditationcenter.org stating your intention to ret

Rodney Huff (Rajni) first came to the Center in January of 2000 and quickly took as many classes as he could. Since then he has traveled to India to study at Sadhana Mandir and Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh. He began teaching Hatha yoga in 2003 and has been a regular teacher of Hatha Yoga (I & II) as well as Meditation I. Rodney is grateful for the opportunity to teach at a place as special as the Meditation Center. The teachings he received transformed his life, and he hopes that each of his students can have an equally rewarding experience.

New! In-Person Tuesday Evening Drop-In Gentle Hatha Class with Cynthia Gran DAy, E-RYT 500, YACEP, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
2025-07-01 20:00 - 20:30, 2025-07-08 20:00 - 20:30
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.

9-Day "Guru Gita" Recitation via Zoom from Tuesday, July 1 - Wednesday, July 9, 2025
2025-07-01 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-02 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-03 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-04 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-05 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-06 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-07 20:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-08 20:00 - 21:00 and 1 more date
New opportunity to prepare for Guru Purnima during the 40-Day Spiritual Festival….
9-Day “Sri Guru Gita” Recitation via Zoom
July 1 – July 9, 2025
Begins at 8:00 p.m. CT
The exception is on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
The “Guru Gita” introduction and recording will be played between 7:30: and 8:30 during Thursday Satsang.
As a tradition in our Sangha, the Guru Gita’s recording by Pundits at SRSG is shared via Zoom during the 11 days leading to Guru Purnima. Tonight is the 1st day that the Guru Gita recording will be shared via Zoom. The session will begin at 8:00 p.m. CT.

“Three chapters in the latter part of the Skanda Purana, one of the most widely read of the 18 Puranas composed by Sage Vyasa, comprise the verses referred to as the Guru Gita, the “Song in Praise of the Guru”. The verses are the dialogue between Shiva and Parvati that serve as a fount of knowledge and wisdom about the Guru, the Guru’s power and greatness, and specific ways of paying adoration.” ~Stoma on 6/27/24~

Read here the “Guru Gita” in English…newest version with diacritical marks.
Read here the text of the “Guru Gita” in Sanskrit.
The audio starts with: Mama catur vidha puruartha siddhyarthe jape viniyoga…
and continues with Verse One: (these audio verses match all succeeding written verses until 182 ending)
Sūta uvāca: verse one begins on bottom of page 3 of the English translation

Verse 1, Sūta said:
Kailāsa-śikhare ramye
bhakti-sandhāna-nāyakam,
Pranamya pārvatī bhaktyā
śankaram paryaprcchata.
To listen to the audio recording of the “Guru Gita” click here.

Cancelled for July 2nd - Wednesday Mornings In Person and via Zoom – Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop-In) with Sig Martell and Rosann Chamberlain
2025-07-02 10:30 - 12:00
Cancelled for July, 2025
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 Evening In Person: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop In) 5:30-6:45 p.m. Everyone is Welcome
2025-07-03 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 with In-Person Meditation and Talk via Zoom: Introduction to the "Guru Gita" followed by the recorded recitation of the "Guru Gita" with Emilio Bettaglio via zoom - July 3, 2025
2025-07-03 19:00 - 20:30
Thursday Satsang with In-Person Meditation and Talk via Zoom – July 3, 2025
Meditation at 7:00 p.m. with Swami Radha will be in person.
Introduction to the “Guru Gita”
followed by the recorded recitation of the “Guru Gita”
with Emilio Bettaglio via zoom

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

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

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

Join Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay In Person at The Meditation Center (TMC) for Transformative Himalayan Yoga Classes
2025-07-05 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”

Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2025-07-06 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.
2025-07-06 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.

Wednesday Mornings In Person and via Zoom – Gentle Hatha Yoga (Drop-In) with Sig Martell and Rosann Chamberlain
2025-07-09 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.

Guru Purnima Global Full Moon Meditation, July 10, 2025 Via Zoom 9:00-10:00 p.m. CT
2025-07-10 08:00 - 17:00
Guru Purnima Global Full Moon Meditation, July 10, 2025
Via Zoom
9:00-10:00 p.m. CT
The Global Full Moon Meditation will begin guided by Swami Ritavan followed
by a silent meditation until 10:00 p.m.
This event is courtesy of the Palatine Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center – HYMC.
For more information regarding the global full moon meditation schedule visitHYMC’s website here.
