The Meditation Center

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
“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
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, 2023-10-07 10:00 - 15:30, 2023-10-08 10:00 - 12:00
“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.

In Person and Via Zoom – Sunday Morning Guided Meditation with Swami Radha Bharati
2023-10-08 08:20 - 09:30, 2023-10-15 08:20 - 09:30, 2023-10-22 08:20 - 09:30, 2023-10-29 08:20 - 09:30, 2023-11-05 08:20 - 09:30
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.

Yoga Sutras” Fall 2023 Series - Vibhuti Pada with Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma) Psy.D., 500-RYT
2023-10-09 19:00 - 21:00

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
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, 2023-10-22 10:00 - 23:30, 2023-10-29 10:00 - 23:30, 2023-11-05 10:00 - 23:30
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, 2023-10-16 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-17 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-18 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-19 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-20 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-21 20:45 - 21:30, 2023-10-22 20:45 - 21:30 and 2 more dates
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
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
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
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.
