What should I do with the disturbing and uncontrollable thoughts during meditation?

Question

What should one do of s/he wants to meditate but while meditating s/he is disturbed by the disturbing and uncontrollable thoughts? And what if during the attempt of meditation, the mind is invaded by obscene thoughts or images of revered beings like saints and/or God? The fact that the more we prohibit a thought from coming to mind, the more forcefully it enters in, makes the thing more difficult! In that condition should one continue meditation attempt or leave it or keep on taking small gaps in between?

Answers

Three have answered this question: Michael Smith, Stephen Parker (Stoma), and Carolyn Hume.

Michael Smith

1) Let any thoughts that come into the mind pass though, like leaves on the surface of a river floating downstream, or traffic going by on a busy street. Don’t give thoughts any energy by paying attention to them. Good, bad, ugly thoughts, silly thoughts, heavy thoughts – it makes no difference; the technique is the same.

2) As best as you can, let your breathing be continuous and unbroken, like a circle, or a sine wave. If the breath is perfectly pause-less, thoughts cannot exist. The unbroken breath stream is your best friend. It’s quite magical that something so simple could be so powerful!

3) Between the exhalations and inhalations, however, there might be a slight pause. Be particularly vigilant to your breathing during these transitions and keep the breath flowing smoothing and effortlessly.

4) With exhalations, there is a natural “letting go,” a good time to visualize any thoughts leaving and dissolving. With inhalations be sure to continue the feeling of release and letting go and not allow tension to come.

5) If you have a personal mantra, replace random thoughts with the mantra thought. If you do not have a personal mantra, use the mantra “So-ham” – “So” with the inhalations, and “Ham” with the exhalations. Two thoughts cannot exist in the mind simultaneously, so concentrate on keeping the mantra thought. Whenever a random thought intrudes, that is the signal to return to the mantra thought. “So-ham” is a high mantra, a maha-vakya, and its subtle sound is intrinsically beneficial.

Stephen Parker (Stoma)

Remember that thoughts that arise in meditation are part of a natural cleansing process that the mind goes through. If you simply observe these thoughts and let them go without reacting to them, gradually your mind will clarify and settle down. We all have disturbing thoughts that arise. If you allow yourself to react to these thoughts and images then you begin to recycle them back into your mind in the form of samskaras.

Carolyn Hume

In addition to what Michael and Stoma have written, Swami Veda wrote,

“If the mind wanders off, because of its usual habit that has been given to it over many lifetimes, straighten your spine again; relax quickly again; re-establish diaphragmatic breathing; continue with the awareness of the flow and touch of the breath in the nostrils.”


Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.

Christian Meditation Retreat in November 2017

A Christian Meditation Retreat is scheduled for November 20 – 25, 2017, at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG), Rishikesh, India. This retreat will be guided by Ma Tureeya Bharati and others. Ma Tureeya, a practicing Christian nun and the spiritual guide of Jeevan Dhara Sadhana Kutir in Rishikesh, has also taken sanyasa vows in the Himalayan Tradition with Swami Veda.

In the morning of 29th November 2007, Swami Veda Bharati gave sanyasa-diksha to Sister Tureeya, who became Ma Tureeya Bharati, in a ceremony at Sadhana Mandir. At that time, Donna Marie Anderson (who became Ma Radha Bharati) and Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati also took vows.

Dr. Prakash Dixit reported that Ma Turiya Bharati explained that as she grew up and began to make her own reflections on life, she realized that the Indian tradition was open to Jesus, and that Jesus held the Indian tradition close to His own Heart.

Ma Tureeya said, “So, I always had a deep but may be unconscious desire to integrate the two traditions for myself and in my own person. Swami Veda Bharati aptly summed up my desire for an integration of identity in the Divine with the metaphor of the ‘mixing of the waters of the Holy Ganga and the waters of the Jordan’ in which Jesus was initiated into His earthly mission. My embracing of sannyasa, therefore, is a witness to this –‘blending’- this communion in the Spirit, the Divine Source. I now feel that I carry in my person the great and eternal truth experienced by our sages and to which Jesus witnessed by his passing through death into Life.-‘Tat tvam asi’ ‘Aham bramashmi’ or as Jesus put it for the people of his tradition ‘I and the Father are One’ or ‘The Father is in me and I am in the Father.’ ”

Contact: ahymsin@ahymsin.org

Index of AHYMSIN Newsletters with Table of Contents

Below is an index of the AHYMSIN Newsletters with their Tables of Contents. Also there is a link for each edition so you can access any edition. (Archive here). Note: A Number of the newsletters have the “Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…” column; to read a listing of those questions and questions, please click on Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

 

2021

April AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Yoga and Buddhism (Part 2 of 3) by Swami Veda Bharati
3 Prime Conditions by Swami Rama
Anniversary Celebration in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Online Seminar in May by Sofia Foteina
The Noose of Time by Shirin Venkat
HYT-TTP Virtual Workshop by HYT-TTP Administration Team
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Questions Is…

March AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Yoga and Buddhism (Part 1 of 3) by Swami Veda Bharati
Atman by Swami Rama
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

February AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Oneness in Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
30 Goals for 30 Days by Swami Rama
Full Moon Message by Wolfgang Bischoff
Upcoming HYT-TTP Virtual Workshop by HYT-TTP Admininstration
Online Workshop in March by Namita Sinha
Reflections on Sadhana Panchakam by Stephanie Robinson
Dear Yoga Mentors, My Question Is…

January AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Stories and Parables of Power by Swami Veda Bharati
Collective Happiness by Swami Rama
Full Moon Message by Wolfgang Bischoff
The “New Meditation Hall” is almost complete! by Rabindra Sahu
Narada Bhakti Sutras [study] submitted by Divya Gupta
Yoga and Family Life [workshop] by Sofia Foteina, John Sellinger, and Divya Gupta
New Online Workshops by Yuko Metsugi
New SRSG Organic Garden by Divya Gupta
Motto for All Future Silence Days by Swami Veda Bharati
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

2020

December AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Subtle Body and Karma by Swami Veda Bharati
The Treasure by Swami Rama
AHYMSIN Board Meeting December 2020 reported by Rajini Prakash
Zoom Class in January 2021 by Divya Gupta
Bhaja Govindam and Tattva Bodha by Berta Millas
Bhaja Govindam
In Praise of Thanksgiving by Randall Krause
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

November AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Reincarnation, Karma and Samskaras by Swami Veda Bharati
Understanding the Purpose of Life by Swami Rama
HYT-TTP Newsletter
Chitta Prasadanam by Keshav Rajgopal
Inspired on Bhaja Govindam by Igor Sampaio
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

October AHYMSIN Newsletter and Full Moon Meditation

News
Sacred Activism by Swami Veda Bharati
Action and Inaction by Swami Rama
8 Qualities of Yogic Breathing by Michael Smith
2020 Navaratri Silence Retreat in Taiwan by Francine Kuo (Sujata)
I am. by Rachna Arora
A Little Ditty by Veena Haasl-Blilie
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

September AHYMSIN Newsletter and October Full Moon Meditation

News
Compassion by Swami Veda Bharati
Prayer in Action by Swami Rama
Message from Swami Ritavan Bharati
AHYMSIN Board Meeting, September 2020 Reported by Rajini Prakash
Reopening of SRSG by Divya Gupta
Symbolism of Kamandalu & Kalasha by Michael Smith
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

August AHYMSIN Newsletter and September Full Moon Meditation

News
Sources of Energy by Swami Veda Bharati
Universal Brotherhood by SwamiRama
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Budapest, Hungary by Frankó Csuba Dea
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA by Daniel Hertz
Virtual Silence Retreat by Lori Beron
Appreciation for All Living Beings by Wolfgang Bischoff
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

July AHYMSIN Newsletter and August Full Moon Meditation

News
Heaven, Hell, Reincarnation? by Swami Veda Bharati
Raja Yoga – Meditation & Samadhi by Swami Rama
Remembering Nina Johnson by Wesley Van Linda
Guru Purnima and South India Sangha by Ashok Shanbhag
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Republic of China (Taiwan)by Tinyu Chen
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

June 2020

News
Non-Violence and Spiritual Strength by Swami Veda Bharati
Discipline by Swami Rama
AHYMSIN Board Meeting June 2020 reported by Rajini Prakash
A New Book from Daniel Hertz by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Republic of Croatia by Patricija Kos Pešut
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Orissa, India by Sudhir Chaitanya
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Pune, India by Dr. Shirin Venkatramani
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Florence, Italy by Ilaria Sarra
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Milan, Italy by Daniele Belloni and Susi Stefanini
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Republic of Korea (South Korea) by Heejung Lee
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Thailand by Little student of the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Trinidad and Tobago by Tricia Lai Tan
AHYMSIN around the Globe – United Kingdom by Rajini Prakash
AHYMSIN around the Globe – Palatine, Illinois, USA by Anil Saigal
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

May 2020

News
Meditation Makes Time for Itself by Swami Veda Bharati
Digging for the Treasure of Life by Swami Rama
The Importance of the AHYMSIN Community Saumya Practice by Swami Ritavan Bharati
The Story of Sai Om by Shi Hong
Infinity Is Six Years Old by Jim Fraser
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is

April 2020

News
Seeking God by Swami Veda Bharati
You Are the Architect of Your Life by Swami Rama
A Willful Event of Purification by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama during Lock-down by Rabindra Sahu
Karuna – Compassion: What It Means in Today’s World by Lalita Arya (Ammaji)
Choosing Tranquility by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Concern for Humanity by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
The Burden of I by Shirin Venkatramani
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

March 2020

News
Two Blood Cells by Swami Veda Bharati
Living Beauty by Swami Rama
Prayers and Succour for Current Global Uncertainties by Dr. Mohan Swami
Dignity to Every Moment of Life by Wolfgang Bischoff
Covid-19 Updates from SRSG by Rabindra Sahu
AHYMSIN Board Meeting March 2020 Reported by Rajini Prakash
MahaShivaRatri 2020 at Sadhaka Grama by Riemke de Groot
Eternal Dedication to Swami Veda Bharatiji by Rashmi Bawa
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Luminosity by Anu Gupta
Italy before Covid-19 by Stephen Parker (Stoma)

January 2020

News
Guru Disciple Relationship by Swami Veda Bharati
Niyamas by Swami Rama
December Workshop in Thailand by little student
Yoga Sutras in Malayasia by Tang
AHYMSIN Board Meeting December 2019 reported by Divya Gupta
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…


2019

December 2019

News
Purgation by Swami Veda Bharati
Seven Steps by Swami Rama
Pranayama Week at SRSG by Trix Dekkers-Heezius
Thank You! by Sofia Foteina
Something’s Brewing in Tucson by Randall Krause (Mokshdeva)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

November 2019

News
Wisdom Within Stories by Swami Veda Bharati
Self-reliance and Happiness by Swami Rama
Construction Project at SRSG by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre) (lots of photos)
November 2019 HYT-TTP retreat by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre) (lots of photos)
Two Seminars in Italy in 2020 by Ilaria Sarri
December Workshop in Greece by Sofia Foteina
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

October 2019

News
Draw Yourself to Yourself by Swami Veda Bharati
To Sit Still by Swami Rama
The Beginning of a New Journey by Ilaria Sarri
Silent Retreat in the Netherlands by Nina Terpstra
AHYMSIN / HYMTA Retreat by Marylou Nunamaker
Swami Ma Radha Bharati in California by Silvia Baratta
Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Pilgimage by Francine Kuo (Sujata)
Silence.Stillness.Love. by Veena Haasl-Blilie
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

September 2019

News
Mastery of Meditation Method by Swami Veda Bharati
Three Categories of People by Swami Rama
Self-Regulation and Stress Management by Daniel Hertz
AHYMSIN Board Meeting, September 2019 Reported by Rajini Prakash
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

August 2019

News
Sanatsujata – The Child Saint by Swami Veda Bharati
The One-Pointed Mind by Swami Rama
Paradise on Heart by Daniela Citti
Guru Purnima Celebration in Bangalore by Namita Sinha
Why Do We Do Joints & Glands Exercises? by Ashutosh Sharma
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

July 2019

News
The Three Shocks of the Buddha by Swami Veda Bharati
Kundalini by Swami Rama
Guru Purnima Blessings from the Himalayan Sages, From Swami Ritavan Bharati
Commencing the 50-Year Celebration by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Japa, Silence and Atma-tattva-avalokanam, Part 4 by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
3 Year Anniversary – Initiation by Joe Garrison
World Yoga Day Celebrations in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Yoga Day Program in Bangalore by Namita Sinha
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
International Day of Yoga, Sabah, Malaysia, Submitted by Henry Yap
Mahasamadhi Anniversary and Guru Purnima at SRSG by Sofia Foteina
New Book – Mahabharata’s Bhishma, Death Your Servant
A Prayer by Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Mohan Swami

June 2019

News
Blessing of a Death Congueror by Swami Veda Bharati
The One-Pointed Mind by Swami Rama
Swami Rama Book Now Available by Swami Rama Centre
Himalayan Tradition Gathering in Chicago by Anil Saigal and Swami Ritavan Bharati
Japa, Silence and Atma-tattva-avalokanam, Part 3 by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Workshop with Swami Nitya and Sabina by Marjan Overgaag
AHYMSIN Board Meeting June 2019 Reported by Rajini Prakash
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

May 2019

News
The Fountainhead of Worship by Swami Veda Bharati
Samkalpa Shakti by Swami Rama
Audio Talk – Swami Veda
Japa, Silence and Atma-tattva-avalokanam (part 2) by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Silence, Svadhyaya and Steadiness of Mind by Jim Fraser
March 2019 HYT-TTP Retreat Summary by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

April 2019

News (includes audio files for the new mantra practice)
The Character of the Mantra by Swami Veda Bharati
Journey of Love by Swami Rama
Audio Talk – Swami Veda – “Refining Negative Emotions”
Be a Flexible Rock: An Account of a Silence Practice by Jim Fraser
Japa, Silence and Ātma-tattva-avalokanam by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Sharing Experiences with Swami Rama by Jyothi Pattabhiram
Sangha Gathering 2019 by Michael Kissener
My Panchakarma Retreat by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

March 2019

News – Three Year Mantra Practice given by Swami Ritavan
Ways into Silence by Swami Veda
Joy of Giving and Sacrificing by Swami Rama and Swami Ajaya
Sangha Practice for the Next 3 Years by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Saumya Mantra Explanation
Advancing Guidance in Yoga Sadhana by Swami Ritavan Bharati
What is AHYMSIN by Swami Ritavan Bharati and Shi Hong
Vision for the Next Three Years, Part 1, by Swami Ritavan Bharati
AHYMSIN Executive Committee 2019 – 2022 by Shi Hong
Mind Mirror by Dr. Vijay Dhasmana
Guidelines for 3 Year Practice by Swami Ritavan Bharati
2019 Sangha Gathering Slideshow by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Working Groups Report by Sonia Van Nispen
Shivaratri Manasa Puja by Swami Ritavan Bharati
What is Shivaratri? by Pawan Mishra

February 2019

News
Methods in Meditation by Swami Veda
Violence by Swami Rama
Mauni Amavasya 2019 by Riemke de Groot
First Stay at Ashram, First Return Home by Debora Ghiraldelli
The Australian Sangha by Nina Pulaska
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

January 2019

News
The Perennial in the Millennium by Swami Veda
Yamas by Swami Rama
November 2018 HYT-TTP retreat by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)
Yoga of Life Retreat in Thailand by Little student of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition
Mauni Amavasya 4th February by Carolyn Hume
December Youth and Children’s Retreat by Tarinee Awasthi
Updates on Renovation at SRSG by Rabindra Sahu
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…


2018

December 2018

News
Diversity of Siddhis in the Yoga Sutras by Swami Veda Bharati
Christ and John the Baptist by Swami Rama
“What is a Disciple?” Audio by Swami Veda
TTP Level 3 Retreat by Marjan Overgaag
Holistic Health by Marjan Overgaag
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

November 2018

News
What to Do With Your Mind by Swami Veda
Concentration by Swami Rama
AHYMSIN Board Meeting October 2018, Reported by Rajini Prakash
Griha Pravesh for New Dining Hall by Amrita McKinney
Audio Lecture – Swami Rama
Audio Talk – Swami Veda
October Seminars in Greece by Sofia Foteina
Journey Within by Ajay and Charu Srivastava
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

October 2018

News
Two Donkeys by Swami Veda
Knowledge of Brahmavidyā by Swami Rama
Silence Retreats in 2019
Silence in the Netherlands by Marjan Overgaag
Bhakti and Loving Meditation Retreat by Amrita McKinney
Navaratri 2018 by Amrita McKinney
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

September 2018

News
A Child’s Insight by Swami Veda Bharati
The Cream of Yoga Science by Swami Rama
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
July Yoga Retreat, Czech Republic by Beatrix Dekkers-Heezius
Griha Pravesh for the New Ashram Kitchen by Amrita McKinney
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

August 2018

News
Observing the Vibration of Infinity Within by Swami Veda Bharati
Transforming Thought Patterns by Swami Rama
Guru Purnima at SRSG by Divya Gupta
Invitation to Children’s Retreat 2018 by Tarinee Awasthi and Divya Gupta
Initiates Retreat October 2018 by Divya Gupta
AHYMSIN Board Meeting July 2018 by Rajini Prakash
Silence Retreat in Italy by Ilaria Sarri
Guru Purnima Celebration in South India by Namita Sinha
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Guru Purnima, Minneapolis 2018 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Not Yet There, Not Yet by Solmaz Dabiri
The Forty-Day Spiritual Festival at SRSG by Tarinee Awasthi

July 2018

News
Delete Death by Swami Veda Bharati
Mind and Prana by Swami Rama
Guru Purnima Letter by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Swami Veda Bharati’s Third Mahasamadhi Anniversary by Tarinee Awasthi
Welcome home dear Swami Ritavan by Sofia Foteina
International Day of Yoga 2018 by Carolyn Hume
International Day of Yoga in Hungary by Andrea Zsolnai
International Yoga Day in Noida by Prateek Panday
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
International Day of Yoga at SRSG by Tarinee Awasthi
The Dance of Transformation by Ildikó Duna
A Month in South Korea by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)

June 2018

News
A Song of Compassion by Swami Veda Bharati
Do Not Lie by Swami Rama
2019 Sangha Gathering and Preparations by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Children’s Yoga Camp Gurgaon, 2018 by Sucheta Sabharwal and Anjali Misra
Ahymsin Thailand by John Sellinger
Himalayan Yoga Workshops by Atsuko Kiyoyoshi
A Small Offering by Shauna Tuttle
Retreat and Workshops in Japan by Yuko Metsugi
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

May 2018

News
What You Might Do by Swami Veda Bharati
God Is in You/Me by Swami Rama
Annual Festival of Spiritual Peace by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Ashram Pramukha Address to Residents by Swami Ritavan Bharati
AHYMSIN Board Meeting, April 2018 by Rajini Prakash
Blessings & Guidance from Swami Ritavan by Rajini Prakash
Nourished by the Tradition by Ines Tsai
What the HYM Center in Pune Is Doing by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
June Events in Greece by Sofia Foteina
Retreat “Yoga Sutras” by Nina Terpstra

April 2018

News
Significance of Yajna by Swami Veda Bharati
Death and Transition by Swami Rama
2019 Sangha Gathering by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Visit to Burkina Faso by Pandit Priyadarshan
HYT-TTP Newsletter March 2018 by Rabindra Sahu
AHYMSIN South India Sangha by Rabindra Sahu and Namita Sinha
Grace of Adi Shankaracharya by Swami Ritavan Bharati
The Words of My Master by Dev Kar
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Shankaracharya Jayanti at SRSG by Divya Gupta and Rabindra Sahu

March 2018

News
Gulliverian Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
Love and Forgiveness by Swami Rama
Celebration in Silence by Sofia Foteina
Culmination of 5 Year Silence Practice by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Prāna, Prāna-Vidya: What is it? by Jim Fraser
Dance Workshop Feedback
August Program for Non-Initiates
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

February 2018 News/1802/e-mail.html 

News
Psychology of Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
The Method for Inner Study by Swami Rama
Sangha Talk by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Deepening Your Sadhana by Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
New Book! Silence: The Illuminated Mind by Himalayan Yoga Publications Trust
Ten Days Silence in SRSG by Shunyaa Tsai
Retreat with Swami Tat Sat Bharati by Srila Devi
July Retreats at SRSG
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Meditation in Christianity by Beatrix Dekkers-Heezius
Dance Workshop & Maha Shivaratri by Carolyn Hume

January 2018 News/1801/index.html

News
Beijing, May 18, 2015 by Swami Veda Bharati
Progress in Meditation by Swami Rama
South India Sangha Gathering 2018 by Namita Sinha
Dance Workshop 2018 February
Youth & Children’s Retreat by Namita Sinha and Divya Gupta
Holiday Celebrations at SRSG by Divya Gupta
Letter from Minnesota by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…


2017

December 2017 News/1712/e-mail.html

Purification of Emotions by Swami Veda Bharati
Path of Love by Swami Rama
Mauni Amavasya
Teacher Training in March
April Program for Initiates
Yoga and Martial Arts October 2018 by Pandit Priyadarshan
December AHYMSIN BoD Meeting by Pandit Priyadarshan
Essence of Yoga by Thaniya Kevalee
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

November 2017 News/1711/e-mail.html

Skill in Action by Swami Veda Bharati
Here and Hereafter by Swami Rama
Is an Ashram for Me? by Swami Ritavan Bharati
HYT-TTP Newsletter by Rabindra Sahu
Yoga Approved in Saudi Arabia by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Thoughts on Breath Retreat by Ruby Hand
Seminar with Bettina Bäumer by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
New Release! Lectures on Yoga Sutras: Karma Yoga, by Swami Rama
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Sadhana in Applied Spirituality (Back in Print)

October 2017 News/1710/index.html

Silent Prayer of the Heart by Swami Veda Bharati
Happiness in Marriage by Swami Rama
Is an Ashram for Me? by Swami Ritavan Bharati
2018 Yoga Nidra Retreat
Strength and Power of the Sangha by Ilaria Sarri
Ashram for a Weekend by Riemke de Groot
Talk with Nina Johnson
New Book Available by Swami Rama Centre
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
November Christian Meditation Retreat
Clearing the Path available in India by Himalayan Yoga Publications Trust
A Sleep Science Conference by Stephen Parker (Stoma)

September 2017 News/1709/index.html

Mind, Economics and Anxieties by Swami Veda Bharati
Power of Determination by Swami Rama
Is an Ashram for Me? by Swami Ritavan Bharati
e-Books Now Available! by Himalayan Yoga Publications Trust
September Board Meeting by Rajini Prakash
New AHYMSIN Managing Director by John Sellinger and Joanne Sullivan
The River of Crocodiles by Dev Kar
3 Events in Thailand by Thaniya Kevalee
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
A Silence Retreat by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Workshops in Japan by Yuko Metsugi
Ashram Life by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

August 2017 News/1708/index.html

Three Principles of Communication by Swami Veda Bharati
Discipline by Swami Rama
Is an Ashram for Me? by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Christmas & Children at SRSG by Namita Sinha
2018 Mauni Amavasya Silence Retreats
Teacher Training at SRSG
October Initiates’ Retreat
Travelling with Swamiji by Tejaswini
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Two Events with Swami Radha by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Human to Human, Heart to Heart by Daniel Hertz
Teaching Joints & Glands by Alice Coelho
Caught by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

July 2017 News/1707/index.html

On Leaving the Body by Swami Veda Bharati
Life and Karma by Swami Rama
Is an Ashram for Me? by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Silence Retreats in Celebration by Swami Ritavan Bharati
New SVB Videos on YouTube by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)
Guru Purnima and Mahasamadhi by Divya Gupta
Guru Purnima and Mahasamadhi 2017 by Sofia Foteina
Celebration in Pune by Shirin Venkat
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Children Celebrate Yoga Day by Sofia Foteina
International Day of Yoga 2017 by Himalayan Yoga Science Society Sabah
Swami Rama Book Available by Swami Rama Centre
October Prana-Vidya Workshop by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)

June 2017 News/1706/index.html

What is a Guru by Swami Veda Bharati
Guru Purnima Address by Swami Rama
New Book Releases by Himalayan Yoga Publications Trust
My Experience with TTP by Geeta Sadhika
In Burkina Faso by Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo
108 Surya Namaskars by Dian Singh
International Yoga Day by Divya Gupta
International Day of Yoga, Noida by Divya Chauhan
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Global Ecumenism by Michael Smith

May 2017 News/1705/index.html

Meditation for Others’ Sake by Swami Veda Bharati
Spiritual Intimacy by Swami Rama
Breath Seminar in November
Initiates’ Retreat by Sandra de los Reyes Hernández Martínez
Shankaracharya Jayanti by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Teacher Training by Julia Lutz
Retreat in South Korea May 2017
Korea Retreat Slideshow by HeungMin Baik
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Mandukya Retreat by Manon van den Berge
August Program for Non-Initiates

April 2017 News/1704/index.html

What Is Knowledge by Swami Veda Bharati
Transformation of Thoughts by Swami Rama
October Seminar and Pilgrimage
Art of Shavasana by Svetlana Breus
TTP2 Retreat by Riemke de Groot
Online Satsangs by Namita Sinha
October Retreat with Bettina Bäumer
The Shavasana Retreat by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Mindfulness in Ayurveda & Yoga by Gary Gran
Joyful at Death’s Threshold by Randall Krause
A Week of Silence by Dirk Gysels

March 2017 News/1703/index.html

Rituals in the Modern World by Swami Veda Bharati
The Real and Un-real by Swami Rama
Ahymsin Board Meeting: March 2017 by Rajini Prakash
July Events
International Yoga Festival by Tarinee Awasthi
Rasasvada – Taste of Bliss by Dr. Prakriti Bhaskar
The Dance of Transformation by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Workshop with Swami Tat Sat by Manon van den Berge
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
HYT-TTP Newsletter, March 2017 by Rabindra Sahu
Dance Participant Feedback

February 2017 News/1702/index.html

Himalayan Tradition in Polity and Economy by Swami Veda Bharati
Intellect, Sadhana and Wisdom by Swami Rama
Like a Thriller-Action Movie by Patricija Kos
Teaching Children by Mamta Nakoti
In the Mind’s Garden by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
A Weekend with Swami Tat Sat by Dirk Gysels
Love Whispers by Little student of Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition
Thoughts on Vanaprastha by Pandit Tejomaya
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Nataraja Murti Sanctified by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)

January 2017 News/1701/index.html

Self-Study by Swami Veda Bharati
Sadhana in Relationships by Swami Rama
Journey with a Himalayan Master Swami Rama by Dr. Prakash Keshaviah
Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Children’s Retreat, 2016 by Yuko Metsugi
Meditation in Action by Wolfgang Bischoff
Coming Home by Lea and John Sellinger
Back to the Origin of Yoga II
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Meditation and Art by Jim Fraser
Naked Before God by Richard Parenti
Concert with Pandit Mishra by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)


2016

December 2016 News/1612/index.html

What Really Is Pranayama? by Swami Veda Bharati
Art of Stillness by Swami Rama
Ahymsin Board Meeting: December 2016
CDbaby New Release!
Science of Breath Retreat by Sam Cook
Symposium in Shimla by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Teaching from the Source by Ilaria Sarri
HYT-TTP Newsletter, Nov 2016 by Rabinra Sahu
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Initiators’ Retreat by Yoong
Parenting Seminar in Athens by Sofia Foteina
Annual Sabah Retreat
Upeksha

November 2016 News/1611/index.html

Art of Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
The Journey of Love by Swami Rama
New Release! by Swami Rama Centre
An Ever Present Call by Michael Kissener
Little Light by Tamara Soru
The Dance of Life by Ahimsa Ishaya
Breaking Down the Walls by Daniel Hertz
The Choice by Barbara Murrell
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
The Yoga of the Netra Tantra
Around the Globe Facebook Sharings

October 2016 News/1610/index.html

Be the Dwelling Place of God by Swami Veda Bharati
Understanding the Mind by Swami Rama
Intensive Silence Retreat by Manon van den Berge
A New Center Is Born by Patricija Kos
Swami Ritavan in Budapest by Puskás Kata Szidónia
Shavasana Retreat in March
Dance Workshop in February
Two New Books
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
AHYMSIN Board: September 2016 by Rabindra Sahu
Stomaji’s Visit in Athens by Sofia Foteina
Jelle Grupstra’s Center by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
An Unexpected Blossoming by Joachim Volger
Northern California Silence Retreat by Maryon Maass
Workshops in Greece by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Around the Globe Facebook Sharing

August – September 2016 News/1608/index.html

Tapas in Hatha Yoga by Swami Veda Bharati
Personal Philosophy of Life by Swami Rama
Sadhaka Grama Awaits You by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Guru Purnima 2016 at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Remembering Swami Veda Bharati by Shailendra Bisseswar
1st Mahasamadhi Anniversary by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
North American Teachers Training Program by Chuck Linke
Śrī-Vidyā by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Research Publications by Manu (Dr. Manuel Fernandez)
Ustad Kamal Sabri by Dr. Prakash Dixit

July 2016 News/1607/index.html

The Touch of a Master Hand by Swami Veda Bharati
Guru Purnima Address, 1980 by Swami Rama
Guru Purnima Messages for 2016
Maha Samadhi Address by Swami Ritavan Bharati
1st Mahasamadhi Anniversary by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Celebration in Pune by Dr.Shirin Venkat
Polish International Yoga Festival by Elisa Parigi
New Books Released by John Sellinger
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
International Day of Yoga at SRSG By Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Silence in Hungary by Riemke de Groot
Guru Purnima, 19 July 2016 by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
School Life by Harsh Gupta
Yoga Sutra 2.33, Part 2 by Richard Parenti©

June 2016 News/1606/index.html

Make Yourself Small by Swami Veda Bharati
Working With Mind by Swami Rama
1st Mahasamadhi Anniversary by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Peaceable Emotions by Swami Ritavan Bharati
AHYMSIN Youth
Lucas, Bhishma, and Swami Veda’s Blessing by Gustavo Plaza
May at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Yoga Sutra 2.33, Part 1 by Richard Parenti ©
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Himalayas in the Maldives By Savitri Jugdeo and Rabindra Sahu
AHYMSIN Board Meeting: June 2016 by Rajini Prakash

May 2016 News/1605/index.html

Bhakti, Meditation and Guru by Swami Veda Bharati
Source of Positive Emotions by Swami Rama
40 Day Spiritual Festival
The Gurukulam Library by Elisa Parigi
Chariot of Sadhana by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Breath Seminar October 2016
Firewalking by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
International Day of Yoga
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…

April 2016 News/1604/index.html

14 Practices by Swami Veda Bharati
Forgiveness by Swami Rama
Can I Have Samadhi? by Shi Hong
TTP Program for Thailand and Taiwan by Thaniya Kevalee
Navaratra (Poem & Slideshow) by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
HYT-TTP Newsletter by Rabindra Sahu
Pune Pranayama Camp by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Sangha Gathering 2016 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Swami Nijananda Bharati
Cancer, No Easy Choices by Richard Parenti
Netra Tantra Seminar, October 2016

March 2016 News/1603/index.html

Spiritual Roots of Arts, Culture and Ethics by Swami Veda Bharati
Direct Experience by Swami Rama
Dr. Mohan Swami´s Address to the Sangha
2016 Sangha Slideshow by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Coming Home by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Love by Miklós Zoltai
News from Debrecen, Hungary by Miklós Zoltai
Full Moon Meditation with Refugees by Marloes Vervaet)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Mauni Amavasya, Day of Silence by Joanne Sullivan (Divya))
The Search for Eternal Truth by Amy Cui
Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Yuko Metsugi

January 2016 News/1601/index.html

Guidelines for Spiritual Living by Swami Veda Bharati
Meditative Posture by Swami Rama
Youth and Children’s Retreat Slideshow
2015 Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat
Children Coming Home by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
December AHYMSIN BoD Meeting by Rajini Prakash
My Experience with TTP byFrancine Kuo (Sujata)
Himalayan Yoga in Thailand by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
From Form to Formlessness by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Yoga Sutras in Taipei by Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)
SVB – Last Conversation by Salvatore Zamibito
The Wonder of Dhrupad by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)


2015

December 2015 News/1512Dec/index.html

Half a Halo by Swami Veda Bharati
Fearlessness by Swami Rama
HYT- TTP Newsletter by Rabindra Sahu
Annual Initiators Retreat by Michael Kissener
A Stay at SRSG by Jim Fraser
Holistic Motherhood by Dr. Shirin Venkatramani
Wish List 2015 by YYCR Organizers
In Homage to Swami Veda by Swami Jaidev Bharati
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Dharma in the World Today by Sabina Cesaroni
Finding a True Teacher by Randall Krause
March Retreat at SRSG 2016

November 2015 News/1511Nov/index.html

How to Counsel Yourself by Swami Veda Bharati
A Liberating Reality by Swami Rama
Swami Ritavan Interview, Part 2
Deepening Meditation Course by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Blog Invitation
Yoga and Marital Arts Seminar by Nina Pulaska
Wish List 2015 by YYCR Organizers
On Guidance by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Life Experience and Bliss by Françoise Paradot
Whole Hearted by Arlene Matthews
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap
Because I Still Can by Roxanne Currie

September 2015 News/1509Sep/index.html

A Giant Roped by Swami Veda Bharati
Karma by Swami Rama
Swami Veda’s Intention for AHYMSIN from Swami Ritavan Bharati
Interview with Swami Ritavan Bharati
Interview with Dr. Mohan Swami
Jal Samadhi by Dr. Mohan Swami and Swami Ritavan Bharati
Preview of Upcoming Program at SRSG
Home from Home; Heart to Heart by Moni Ambrus
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
1000 Thoughts by Daniel Hertz
Lama Doboom Tulku Visits SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Delete Death! by Swami Veda Bharati
Unexpected Guest by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

August 2015 News/1508Aug/index.html

Letter to AHYMSIN Family
Who Am I? by Swami Rama
125,000 Gayatris by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
A Tribute to Swami Veda by Bhola Shanker Dabral and Joanne Sullivan
Meditation in the Labour Ward By Dr. Shirin Venkat
Yoga Camp in Moradabad by Rabindra Sahu
Lithuanian Silence Retreat by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Pranams by Madhav P Kamat
Brahmi Juice by Sopa Tamachotipong
In Memory of Swami Veda Bharati by Sudhansu Misra
An Open Letter to My Gurudev by Archana Ranjan
Nectar from Swamiji’s Words by Pat Layton
In Remembrance of Swamiji by Meeta Jagtap
Guru Purnima in Rishikesh by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Guru Purnima in Budapest by Dr. Stephen Parker (Stoma)

July 2015 News/1507Jul/index.html

To That Guru
Guru Purnima Message by Swami Rama
Guru Purnima 2015 for AHYMSIN Sangha by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Swami Veda Lecture Given in April 2015
Gayatri Yajna By Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Mahasamadhi Satsang by Jagadananda Das
The Silent Teacher by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson
Eulogy for Swami Veda Bharati by Randall Krause
In Memory of Swami Veda Bharati by Nandini
Impermanence by Daniel Hertz
August Open House for Hym-LA’s New Home by Randall Krause
International Yoga Day Part 1
International Yoga Day Part 2

Swami Veda Special Edition July 2015 News/1507Svb/index.html

On Death by Swami Veda Bharati
Love Is Deathless by Swami Rama
Chronology of Events
Photos
Swami Veda Bharati Takes his Mahasamadhi by Dr. David Frawley
Swamiji’s Maha Samadhi July 17, 2015 by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Swami Veda – 14 July 2015 by Wolfgang Bischoff
Honouring That Which We Share by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Two Poems from Stoma
A Poem from Swami Veda from Paul Emerson
Jal Samadhi by Veronica M.T. Benjamin
Mahasamadhi of Swami Veda Bharati by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

June 2015 News/1506Jun/index.html

Natural Laws and God’s Hand by Swami Veda Bharati
Determination by Swami Rama
Taiwan Seminars 2015 by Stoma
Programme in Gurgaon by Veena Maitra
The Pilgrimages By Françoise Paradot
Pilgrimage by Anna Stromma
Heat Wave Diary by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
News from India by Swami Veda Bharati
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap
Truly Historical Day in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Hazel Diaries IX by Roxanne Currie

May 2015 News/1505May/index.html

Pain and Ignorance by Swami Veda Bharati
Vairagya by Swami Rama
Pilgrimage to Sikkim by Lori Beron
Returning to my Spiritual Home by Little student of Himalayan Yoga Meditation
Full Moon Meditations in Toronto
Life in the Gurukulam by Ahimsa Ishaya
A Visit to AHYMSIN Korea by Dr. Stephen Parker
Practical Gains from Esoteric Practices by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Swami Veda in Beijing by Shi Hong
Sometimes Words Diminish the Communication by Randall Krause
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap

April 2015 News/1504Apr/index.html

Variety of Dreams by Swami Veda Bharati
Unconscious Mind Stays with You by Swami Rama
HYT-TTP March 2015 by Maryon Maass
Annual Day Celebrations 2015 by HYMC Noida
Two Events Intertwine by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Navaratri (Slideshow) by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Story about Kashayp Goshal by Swami Veda Bharati
Gioco Yoga – Joyful Yoga for Kids by Costanza Viciani and Antonella Panzani
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Tarkeshwar and Dunagiri by Tacson Fernandez and Rajini Prakash
Story about Lala Babu by Swami Veda Bharati
Rural Development Initiatives by Sadhana Mishra
Dear Swamiji by Gabrielle Allen
Council on Yoga Accreditation International by Stephen Parker (Stoma)

March 2015 News/1503Mar/index.html

The Silent World by Swami Veda Bharati
Ten Commitments by Swami Rama
From Gurukulam Student to Pandit by Rajini Prakash
Yoga for Children by Rajah Indran
From Burkina Faso to India to Rwanda by Marie-Noëlle Grell
The Guru’s Shawl by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Conference at Mangalore University by Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)
Conference on Yoga for Wellness by Dr. Prabhu
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Peaceful Conflict Resolution by Daniel Hertz
New Book by Swami Veda by Dr. Mehrad Nazari
Yoga Tarangini by Swami Veda Bharati
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap

February 2015 News/1502Feb/index.html

The Ancient Traveler by Swami Rama
Silence Can Be Your Wishing Stone by Swami Veda Bharati
A Day Designed In Silence by Warren Garstecki
Now, let us share a day of silence. by Pandit Tejomaya
Silence Day in Enschede, Netherlands by Riemke de Groot
Mauni Amavasya: A Secret Enclosure by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Mauni Amavasya & the Purpose of Silence by Ahimsa Ishaya
Mauni Amavasya in Ludhiana by Sunil Trika
Last Desires by Swami Veda Bharati
Celebration in Pune! by Dr. Shirin Venkat, Manasi Vaidya, and Richa Bhansali
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Inspirations 3 by Meeta Jagtap
Addendum to Austerity of Speech by Michael Smith
Aspects of Effective Speaking by Michael Smith

January 2015 News/1501Jan/index.html

Pain and Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
The Preaching of the Plants by Swami Rama
Connecting to Mother Earth by Maria Miguel Ribeiro
Fun with Kids by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
2014 Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Joanne Sullivan
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
2015 Breath & Prana Seminar
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap
Austerity of Speech by Michael Smith
Sabbatical by Swami Nitya
2015 Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Swami Veda Bharati
Shivaratri and Navaratra by Swami Veda Bharati


2014

December 2014 News/1412Dec/index.html

Yogis in the Snow by Swami Veda Bharati
Teaching Children by Swami Rama
HYT-TTP Newsletter, November 2014 by Maryon Maass
Adolescent Resource Centre (ARC) at Lakshmi Devi Academy by Bhola Shanker Dabral
Learning to Forgive by Daniel Hertz
Are You Prepared? by Randall Krause
Dear Yoga Mentor
Yoga and Martial Arts (1997 interview with Ingo Beardi [later Swami Tat Sat Bharati])
Inspirations by Meeta Jagtap
The Recent Initiators’ Retreat by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Teaching Yoga to Children in Hungary by Mónika Bertalan

November 2014 News/1411Nov/index.html

Liquified Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
Contentment by Swami Rama
Dear Yoga Mentor
Sage Yoga: Chair Yoga by Rob Diggins
Yoga Sutra Skype Study Group by Randall Krause
The Castle with Nothing Inside by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra Glimpse by Jim Fraser
Breath Happens by Maria Miguel Ribeiro
Divali, 2014 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

October 2014 News/1410Oct/index.html

Brain Damage in Modernity by Swami Veda Bharati
Conscience by Swami Rama
Navaratri, Autumn 2014 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Workshop in Pune by Dr Shirin Venkat
Pilgrimage to Kailash Mountain by Susan Kuang
Silence Retreat in Italy by Sabina Cesaroni
From Mind to Consciousness by Trix Dekkers- Heezius
Yoga from My Experience by Cynthia Gran
Forests & Trees by Gary Gran CYT, DAy.
Hazel Diaries VIII by Roxanne Currie
Activities at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
2014 Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Lela, Surya, Namita and Nalini
Wish List by Surya, Namita, and Lela
13th Gathering of Grandmothers by Sabina Cesaroni

September 2014 News/1409Sep/index.html

Why Heartaches? by Swami Veda Bharati
Streams of Negative Emotion by Swami Rama
Thank You for Your Support
What I Wanted Was Inside All Along by Randall Krause
Basking in the Light of the Guru-Tattva by Dirk Gysels
Yoga from my Experience by Cynthia Gran
We Live in Two Worlds by Gary Gran, CYT, DAy.
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Future Attractions at SRSG

August 2014 News/1408Aug/index.html

Navel-Gazers and Lotus-Eaters by Swami Veda Bharati
Worrying by Swami Rama
Rural Development: Sewing Project
Guru Purnima Retreat 2014 – photos taken by Jay Prakash Bahuguna
Guru Purnima as Gateway to the Infinite by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Yoga-Tarangini by Swami Veda
When the Student Is Ready by Sarojini Bissessur-Asgarally
O’ World: Many Voices
Sadhana Yoga Conference by Cintamani Musello
Swami Hari Bandhu Bharati by Swami Prashant Bharati
Santosha – Happy to Breathe by Jim Fraser
Surya Namaskar and ‘More’by Sarojini Bissessur-Asgarally
My Commentary on the Yoga Sutras by Swami Veda Bharati
Nava-ratra 2014 by Swami Veda Bharati

July 2014 News/1407Jul/index.html

To That Guru
Guru Purnima Message by Swami Rama
Guru by Swami Rama
Mastering Yoga Nidra by Swami Veda Bharati
Anniversary Celebrations by Dr. Shirin Venkat
The End of Children’s School Year by Mónika Bertalan
The Grace of the Guru by Aditi M. Gaur
An Intangible Beauty by Daniele Belloni
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is …
Walk Up to Guru Purnima 2014 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
What Is Mastery in Yoga? by Swami Veda Bharati
New Book Published: Anant Ki Khoj by AHYMSIN Publishers
Some Coming Attractions at SRSG

June 2014 News/1406Jun/index.html

SVB At Home
Karma by Swami Rama
Experiments with Yoga Nidra by Swami Veda
SVB and the Sunflower by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Beauty That No Cosmetic Can Imitate by Randall Krause
Technology & Kalyana Mitras? by Denise Martin-Harker
A Yoga Home Away From Home by Catherine Campion
Back to the Origin of Yoga by Little Student
Six Steps of Meditative Asanas by Swami Veda Bharati
Recognition Award by Tejaswini
Invitation to Meditate on 1st July, An Interfaith and Global Meditation

May 2014 News/1405May/index.html

Meditation through Sublime Emotions by Swami Veda Bharati
Ego by Swami Rama
Silence, Yoga Nidra Retreat in 2015
Breath by Sonia Van Nispen
A Journey to Inner Self by Sujata
The Connected Feeling by Peter Fabian
AHYMSIN Open House — Europe by Rajini Prakash
AHYMSIN Open House — Asia submitted by Tinyu Chen and written with the support of Thaniya Kevalee.
Silence by Michael Smith
Open House – Heart Experience! by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Hazel Diaries VII by Roxanne Currie
Paintings Lost and Found by Elli Rasmi
The Desire for Something Higher by Sabina Cesaroni
European Intensive Silence Retreat by Willem Meijer and Kries Mannie Sing
Full Moon Connection by Nandini (Grace) Bishop
Kashmir 2012 by Swami Veda Bharati

April 2014 News/1404Apr/index.html

Three Yogas by Swami Veda Bharati
Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas by Swami Rama
March 2014 TTP Newsletter by Maryon Maass
Meditation Research Institute [M.R.I] by M.R.I.team
Bio-Feedback in Meditation Sciences by Dr. Prabhu
Himalayan Yoga Science Society Sabah
Wilderness by Nic Klein
Breath Practicum and Silence Retreat By Carolyn Hume
Key Events in Thailand 2005-2013
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Walk and Dance … by Prasanna K. Pati
Not Just for Teachers in Training! by Jennifer Manion
Shri Anoop Misra, by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

March 2014 News/1403Mar/index.html

Yoga Psychology by Swami Veda Bharati
First Steps toward Self-Transformation by Swami Rama
Swami Veda Returns to SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
2014-15 Gurukulam — Register Now by David Rodrigo
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is … by Stoma
Let’s Meet Again by Sabina Cesaroni
Bhagavad Gita 18.66 by David Rodrigo
International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh By Sandeep Pandey
From Dusk to the Dawn of a New Life by Padmini Persaud
Jarasanda’s Boon by Sudhansu Misra
My Experiences by Dr. Dharmesh Tewari
Mahashivaratri Diary, 2014 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Stoma’s Holland Seminars 2014 by Stoma
Gist of Life by Dr. Dharmesh Tewari
Pandit Shree Datt Sharma Has Left Us By Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

February 2014 News/1402Feb/index.html

Two Paths in Yoga by Swami Veda Bharati
Brahman and Brahma-Vihāra by Swami Rama
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
In Silence by Atem S. Ramsundersingh
Mauni Amavasya 30th January 2014 by Daniela Citti
Kalyana Mitra at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Origins of the Himalayan Tradition by Swami Veda Bharati
The SRSG Experience by Denise Martin-Harker
Rishikesh, February 17, 2014 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Weekend with Swami Ritavan & Pandit Dabral by Lynnda Sharp
The Hazel Diaries VI by Roxanne Currie
Emotional Sobriety by Richard Parenti
Celebrations at SRSG by Swami Veda Bharati
July 2014 HYT-TTP Retreats by The HYT-TTP team

January 2014 News/1401Jan/index.html

Kalyana Mitra Lecture #1 by Swami Veda Bharati
Svadhyaya by Swami Rama
Cultural Activities by SRSG Children by Chandramani
Yoga and Science Retreat by Rajah Indran
TTP Students’ Sangha by Beatrix Dekkers and Jim Fraser
The Hazel Diaries V by Roxanne Currie
A Labour of Love by Michael Smith
Musing by Jyoti Gerlitz
The Gifts of Silence by Aditi M Gaur
Gayatri Marx, a Dear Friend Moves On by Randall Krause
Go-Shala at SRSG Campus by Swami Veda Bharati


2013

December 2013 News/1312Dec/index.html

Lecture #9 by Swami Veda Bharati
Selflessness by Swami Rama
HYT-TTP November 10-22, 2013 by Maryon Maass
Blessing on TTP Certification Day by Swami Veda Bharati
Excerpts from Yoga Sutra 1.7 by Swami Veda Bharati
To Be Rich by Emitai Rodrigo
Himalayan Yoga Institute Italia TTP by Castel Firentino
Shunyaa’s Life in Gurukulam by Shunyaa Tsai
Swami Rama Swadhyaya Goshthi by Dr. Sheelendra Rai Vidyarthi
Visiting Sadhaka Grama by Sudhansu Misra
Eleven Women and One Swami by Sabina Cesaroni
The Hazel Diaries IV by Roxanne Currie
Catching a Traveling Teacher by Stoma

November 2013 News/1311Nov/index.html

Lecture #8 by Swami Veda Bharati
Yoga Is Skillfulness in Actions by Swami Rama
Silence After 2013 by Swami Veda Bharati
Education Welfare Fund by Sadhana Mishra
Hazel Diaries III by Roxanne Currie
Sharing a Poem by Riemke de Groot
What Is a Master? by Randall Krause
Am I A Yogi? by Sudhansu Misra
Effect of Yoga on Health by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam New Year by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Thank you for… by Shunyaa Tsai
Divali 2013 at Rishikesh by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Lectures on Superconscious Meditation Summarized by Little Student of Himalayan Tradition

October 2013 News/1310Oct/index.html

Lecture #7 by Swami Veda Bharati
Ahimsa and Truth by Swami Rama
AHYMSIN Taiwan Center by Joanna Siauw
A Venture in Spiritual Communication
Open House Pilot Session by Rajini Prakash
Packets of Pain and Pleasure by Randall Krause
The Hazel Diaries II by Roxanne Currie
Travelling Teacher in East and South Asia by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Spaces by Suruchi Maitra
“Song of the Lord, Gita in Yoga-Vasishtha” — Book by Swami Veda by AHYMSIN Publishers
Official Photos of Swami Veda Bharati
Navaratri, Autumn 2013 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

September 2013 News/1309Sep/index.html

Lecture #6 by Swami Veda Bharati
Guru Purnima 22nd July – Rishikesh by HYMC Noida Sangha
Fear by Sopha Tamachotipong
“Superconscious Meditation (Audio)” by Swami Veda by Ahymsa Publishers
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Free Yoga in the Park by Marylou P. Nunamaker
The Hazel Diaries by Roxanne Currie
Meditation: What, Why and How by Nina Johnson
A Practical Meaning of the Tàijítú (Yin-Yang Symbol) by Ilyaz Nasrullah
Swami Nitya on the USA’s West Coast by Maryon Maass
“We Are Only Visitors”
You Needn’t Be Lonely by Swami Veda Bharati

August 2013 News/1308Aug/index.html

Lecture #5 by Swami Veda Bharati
Uttarakhand Disaster Relief
Inner Yatra (Pilgrimage) by Daniela Citti
Death, Inseparable Companion of Life By David Rodrigo Garcia
The Human Urge for Peace; What is Right with the World, 2nd Edition by Carol Weiler
Explore the Richness of Inner Life by Little Student of Himalayan Yoga Tradition
Experiences of a Student Teacher of TTP by Geeta Currimjee
How Is Your Silence Going? by Swami Veda Bharati
Destiny by Randall Krause
Mindful Musings by John David Wilson
Interview with Pandit Harshanand Uniyal by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Guru Purnima in Rishikesh by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
HYM Workshop at the Pune Center by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Swami Hari on Kindle by Daniel Hertz

July 2013 News/1307Jul/index.html

Homage to the Guru by Swami Rama
Lecture #4 by Swami Veda Bharati
2014 International Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Lela Pierce
Reflections on my Mantra Initiation by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson
First Scholarly Article Published by Dr. Manuel Fernandez
Silence Which Speaks Loudly about Body and Mind by Dr. Prabhu
2013 Spring Workshop in Taiwan by Kai-Fang Cheng
The Last Art Class with SRSG Kids by Shunya Tsai
Silence Retreat on Lake Balaton, Hungary by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Bundles of Joy! by Dr. Shirin Venkat
An Album of a Spiritual Journey by Maryon Maass
Swans by Stephen Parker (Stoma)

June 2013 News/1306Jun/index.html

Lecture #3 by Swami Veda Bharati
Cultivating Sankalpa Shakti by Swami Rama
A New Release from Swami Veda Bharati by Ahymsa Publishers
Happy Birthday! Shankara Jayanti at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
Davood Azad Speaks through Music at SRSG: No Trance, No Dance by Swami Veda Bharati and That Beautiful Night by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Bocskai Award Given to Miklós Zoltai
Yoga for Children by Mónika Bertalan
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
“Sutra” Group Introduction by Veena Maitra and Shih Hung
Eyeful of Sky by Lalita Arya by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Dr. Sanjay Shastri on the Meaning of Havan, Yajña and Ritual by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Sewing Project by Sadhana Mishra
Barun Kumar Pal Concert and the Guru by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

May 2013 News/1305May/index.html

Lecture #2 by Swami Veda Bharati
Saving the World, One Breath at a Time by Jim Whiting
Audios for you! by Ahymsin Publishers
Our Place in the Tradition by Sandhya Matthews
Changing Loss into Learning by Fiza Mishra
Navaratri at SRSG by Daniela Citti, Silvia Baratta, and Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Meditate Your Way through Childbirth by Sweta Parikshit Dalmiya
Kumbha Mela (part 2) by Pierre Lefebvre
An Invitation to You to Become Kalyana-Mitras by Swami Veda Bharati
Can We Live in Silence in Everyday Life? by Denise Harker-Martin
Poems Written in India by John David Wilson
Children at Saksham School by Sadhana Mishra
2013 Sangha Gathering by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

April 2013 News/1304Apr/index.html

Lecture #1 by Swami Veda Bharati
How to Bring Spirituality into Family Life by Swami Veda Bharati
HYT-TTP Newsletter, March 2013 by Maryon Maass
Secret History of Teaching by Swami Veda Bharati
Summer Events at SRSG
Swami Veda’s Silence Vow Ceremony by Michelle Kinsey
Something Swamiji Said by Sunil Trikha
Vanaprastha Vows by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Maha-Shivaratri 2013 by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Annual Day Celebration of HYMC Noida by the HYMC Noida Sangha
A Newborn Flower in the Blessed Garden of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama by David Rodrigo
Future Force Yoga Youth by Vikash Ramjanam
Gurukulam Admissions Open for 2013/2014 by David Rodrigo
Activities at the Himalayan Yoga Center Pune by Shirin Venkat

March 2013 News/1303Mar/index.html

If You Want to Live Positively and Joyfully by Swami Rama
Love in Stillness by Swami Veda Bharati
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Thai TTP Group by Little student of Himalayan Yoga and Meditation
Kumbha Mela by Pierre Lefebvre
An Interview with Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
How to Practice Non-violence in a Violent World by Randall Krause
We Are Not the Body by Daniel Hertz
Two Wings to Fly by Ilyaz Nasrullah
Meditation in Embroidery by Swami Veda Bharati
Samadhi nai Ngan Pak by Gorapin Pangnakorn
Gratitude for Spoken Words
Introduction to Bali by Swami Veda Bharati
The Hour of The Goddess by Karin Fiedler
Brief Notes on the 2013 Sangha Gathering Program at SRSG by Rajini Prakash
Gendercide: Daughters of the Goddess by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati

January 2013 News/1301Jan/index.html

Resort to Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
Elaboration of Meditation as “Indwelling” by Wolfgang Bischoff
My Friend the Mantra by Randall Krause
Bali Comes to SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)
Yoga for Inner Peace and Outer Strength by Rajah Indran
Homage to the Masters! by Suruchi Maitra
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
On a Festival Called Savitri… by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Speak to Me of Silence by Nandini Grace Bishop
Self and Non-Self
Sing like the Birds Sing by Ilyaz Nasrullah
SRSG Ashram News by Lalita Arya
Thunderstorm at SRSG
The Tunnel Inside by Daniel Hertz


2012

December 2012 News/1212Dec/index.html

Upaaya-Kaushala by Swami Veda Bharati
Chitta-Prasaadanam by Swami Veda Bharati
Imparting the Knowledge of Brahma Vidya by Swami Rama
November’s HYT-TTP Retreat by Maryon Maass
The Prince or the Pauper by Jyoti Gerlitz
A Weekend in Wales by Sabina Cesaroni
Shouting from the Roof Tops! by Denise Martin-Harker
Pilgrimage to Dev Bhumi by Dr. Advaita Manohar
“Nbr 15” Put Wrinkles 0n My Forehead! by Denise Martin-Harker
Bedridden at Cottage 18 by Karin Fiedler
Wandering Sages of the Himalayas by Dr. Tacson Fernandez and Rajini Prakash
Alone, Not Lonely by Ilyaz Nasrullah
It Started with a Whisper by Daniel Hertz
Shiva Meets Patañjali by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Understanding Human Personality by AHYMSA Publishers
Would You Rather Be or Do This or That by Veena
Swami Veda Returns to SRSG by Joanne Sullivan (Divya)

October – November 2012 News/1210OctNov/index.html

Three Festivals by Swami Veda Bharati
Swami Veda Visits Ecuador by Gustavo Plaza (Arjuna)
Yama and Niyama Kriya by Pandit Tejomaya
Cosmos within Cosmos within Cosmos by Denise Martin-Harker
Burkina Faso 2012 by Stephen Parker (Stoma)
Destiny Crossroads – Why Meditate by Wolfgang Bischoff
Yoga Alchemy by Joanna Siauw
Celebrate Silence by Dr. Divya Mittal and Mr. Sanjay Kath
Dear Yoga Mentor, My Question Is…
Yoga Nidra, A State of Consciousness by Tina Gatterman
Without Fear by Randal Persad
Celebrating Vimala Chaitanya – A Letter from Swami Veda Bharati and Swami Ritavan Bharati
With Gratitude by Daniel Hertz
Transitions in Self-Transformation by Swami Ritavan Bharati

September 2012 News/1209Sep/index.html

Sadhana in Applied Spirituality by Swami Veda Bharati
Breath by Wolfgang Bischoff
Purifying One’s Emotion with Yoga Asana by Ashutosh Sharma
Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Shibir by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Discover the Potential of Your True Nature, Explore the Five Elements by Marylou Nunamaker
How fortunate are we to be followers of the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation? by Joan Anundson-Ah
Home Study in HYT-TTP by Maryon Maass
Personal Retreats and Residential Programs at The Meditation Center by Lela Pierce
Silence Retreat in Northern California by Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Society Northern California and the Awakening Retreat Center
Yoga Nidra for Making Mother’s Day Cards by Sopa Tamachotipong
Contemplative Walking by the Ocean by Stephen Parker (Stoma) and Dhimati (Elizabeth Procter)
Something Swamiji Said

August 2012 News/1208Aug/index.html

Therapy as Spiritual Liberation by Swami Veda Bharati
Guru Purnima Message 2012 by Swami Veda Bharati
Like a Tortoise Withdrawing His Limbs by Swami Rama
Practicing Greatness by Jennifer Manion
About the Children’s Program by Greg Hart
Himalayan Yoga Camp, September 2012 In Pune, India by Shirin Venkat
Reflections on a Sacred Thread byPandit Tejomaya/Tim Bruns
Silent Meditation Retreat by diane hunter
Purusharthas: The Four Purposes of Life by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Something Swamiji Said by Romy van der Pool
Prana Vidya Continuing Education for Yoga Teachers and Students by Carolyn Hodges
Guru’s Eyes by Emilio Bettaglio
200-hr Teacher Training in Chile by Manuel Fernandez

July 2012 News/1207Jul/index.html

Why Did He Not Heal Himself? by Swami Veda Bharati
Glory to All Saints, An Interview with Swami Veda Bharati
Parents, Children, and Spirituality by Swami Rama
50 Kids in a Memorable 4-day Program by David Rodrigo
Questions Can Save a Life
Yes! Yes! Yes! And Yes! by Divya (Joanne Sullivan)
To Be Born by Daniel Hertz
Shiva Country – Himalayan Pilgrimage 6th-9th November 2012 by Silvia Baratta
“Silence, the voice of the soul” by Sabina Cesaroni
2012 Taiwan Tour by Stoma
Guru Purnima, 2012 by Divya (Joanne Sullivan)
Silence by Bryan Stenlund
Listen to Your Inner Wisdom by Sabina Cesaroni
The One and Only Church of Universal Ice Cream by Steven J. Gold
Something Swamiji Said by Four Sadhakas
Self-Study Readings, Recordings, Videos Of Swami Rama and Swami Veda

June 2012 News/1206Jun/index.html

Raising a Spiritual Child by Swami Veda Bharati
The Future Force Yoga Youth Conference 2013 by Lela Pierce
A Reflection on my Experience in the Gurukulam by Maurizio Teodoro
Yoga for the Little Ones by Noida Sadhakas
Ferry Meditation by Sarah
Something Swamiji Said by Roxanne Currie
Spring 2012 Korean Tour by Stoma
Lithuania 2012 by Stoma
One Year Anniversary in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Silent Retreat on the Shore with Ma Radha by Lauren Forney
God Speaking, Humans Hearing, and a Nice Jewish Boy Meets Rabbi Jesus by Steven J. Gold
Poem for Swamiji by Elizabeth Proctor
The Art of Joyful Living
Tattva Samasa by Swami Nityamuktananda Sarawati

May 2012 News/1205May/index.html

Swami Veda Talks about 2013
Chakra Puja by Swami Veda Bharati
A Discussion with a Wandering Monk by Joanne Sullivan
Tara Comes to Town by Dirk Gysels
My Experience as a Gurukulam Student by John Sellinger
The Art of Borobudur: Working with the 5 Dhyani Buddhas and the 5 Elements by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Meditation Classes in Pune by Dr. Shirin Venkat
German Group Visits SRSG by Iris Stenzel
Three New Books by Swami Veda
Running on Empty by Jim Nelson
Pilgrimage to the Himalayas With Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
Yoga at the University by Susi Stefanini
Stoma Visits California by Gabi Allen
Something Swamiji Said by Arianna Darshani
Evening Lecture Series by The Meditation Center
Opportunities for 2012 and 2013

April 2012 News/1204Apr/index.html

Ahimsa in the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Veda Bharati
Puroheeta-Diksha by Swami Veda Bharati
Kusum, Priestess of the New Devi Temple at SRSG by Dr. Vijaya Subramani, by Dr. Vijaya Subramani,and Joanne Sullivan
TTP News by Maryon Maass
Ecuador Yoga Retreats with Swami Veda Bharati by Gustavo Plaza
Inauguration of Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center Noida, India by Jaya Bhagat and Arjun Banarjee
Sitting Lesson by Peter Fabian
News from Taiwan by Joanna Siauw
Swami Veda’s Lectures on Mantra Available
Something Swamiji Said by Two Sadhakas
Why Families are Important by Swami Rama
Admission Open for Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam by David Rodrigo
The Birth of The Lady of Compassion at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan with Pawan Mishra

March 2012 News/1203Mar/index.html

“Nurturing Spirituality in the Family”
Our Tradition by Swami Rama
Meditation, the Unifying Stream in Religions by Swami Veda Bharati
Religion as Re-Linking by Dr. Stephen (Stoma) Parker
Religious Perspective on Unity in Diversity by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Installation of Mount Kailash Murti At Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Installation Photos
The Thousand Names of Shiva by Lalita Arya
Teacher Training Program in Chile by Manuel Fernandez
Swami Veda Bharati in Thailand by “little student of Himalayan Yoga and Meditation”
Transitions and Speaking in Silence, 1st – 22nd July 2012 Conference, Minnesota, USA
Something Swamiji Said by Rob Diggins
European Retreat – June 2012 by Christina Nobile
KHEL Annual Report 2011 by Lalita Arya, Stomya Arya Persaud, and Beni Bhatt
A Norway Family at SRSG by Lalita Arya

February 2012 News/1202Feb/index.html

First Initiation by Swami Veda Bharati
Something Swamiji Said by Four Sadhakas
This Journey by Lucia
A Spiritual Retreat in Thailand by Stoma Parker
The Birth of Swami Prashant Bharati by Joanne Sullivan
Kamadeva & Valentine by Lalita Arya
Dr. George Mann
SRSG Impressions by Ian Stenlund
Back to the Himalayas by Gustavo Plaza (Arjuna)
Anatomy in Clay by Mary Bowman-Cline
Reeny Rowny Cookies by Margaret Woods

January 2012 News/1201Jan/index.html

The Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Joanne Sullivan
Wisdom of Ten Years Old by Swami Veda Bharati
To Serve Nature by Swami Veda Bharati
Seeds Were Planted by Sabina Cesaroni
An Experience of the Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Carolyn Hume
TTP for the Taiwanese: Reflections on the 2011 TTP by Joanna Siauw
A New Important Project by Giancarlo Colombo
Dr. Shirley Telles at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan
40 Days Silence at SRSG by Dave Downing
Something Swamiji Said by Four Sadhakas
Three YMT Seminars in Italy by Danielle Belloni
Toronto News December 2011 by Shanta Sawh
Expanding Identity by Randall Krause
Perpetual Youth by Swami Rama
“Yoga in India”
Love is a Song of the Nightingale by Nandini


2011

December 2011 News/1112Dec/index.html

Fasting for Enlightenment by Swami Veda Bharati
“The Yoga Society” 40th Anniversary by John Barry Stutt
Largest HYT Teacher Training in Rishikesh EVER!! by Maryon Maass
TTP Graduation Talk by Swami Veda
Something Swamiji Said by Katie Stueve
Contemplative Walking in a Peace Garden by Lori Beron
Swami Nityamuktananda in Florence by Sabina Cesaroni
Something Stolen by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Only A Life: A Journey to the Vashishta Cave by Arlene Matthews
A Walk in the Winter Dawn by Joanne Sullivan
A Himalayan Blueprint by Joan Anundson-Ahr
February Retreat in Thailand by Thaniya Kevalee
Divine Mother at SRSG by Swami Veda
A Retreat to Re-Treat Yourself submitted by Rose Reindl
New Swami Rama Book
Download the Shiva Sutras Series! by Wesley Van Linda
The Children Are Here! by Carolyn Hume

November 2011 News/1111Nov/index.html

Virat-Atma Meditation by Swami Veda Bharati
Mt. Kailash by Swami Veda Bharati
Coming Home! by Swami Ritavan Bharati
Tinyu’s Mt. Kailash Trip by Tinyu Chen
The Parikrama, Circumambulation of Mt. Kailash by Yoong
The Human Being Is on a Pilgrimage by Swami Rama
New Center in Hungary by Anna Mezosi
Something Swamiji Said by Four Sadhakas
Swami Veda Returns to SRSG by Joanne Sullivan
Divali 2011 at SRSG by Joanne Sullivan
New Children’s Room by Lela Pierce
Silence in Holland by Stoma
Catch Them Young! by Dr. Vishala
SVB’s One US Public Appearance in 2012
Audio Downloads Available

October 2011 News/1110Oct/index.html

Gods My only Kin by Swami Veda Bharati
30 Years – Himalayan Institute Germany by Wolfgang Bischoff
Something Swamiji Said by Lalita Arya
Pain-Teacher by Veena Haasl-Blilie
Marching Onwards by Dian Singh
To Give People a Daily Practice by Giancarlo Colombo
Surya Namaskar by Lori Beron
Biofeedback and Beyond by Daniel Hertz
Untying Emotional Knots on the Way to Joy by Randall Krause
Self Awareness – The Core of Yoga by Florentina Hausknotz
You Should Teach your Children through Example by Swami Rama
Swami Veda Recommends Two Books
2013: Are You Coming?

September 2011 News/1109Sep/index.html

How to Prevent Future September 11ths by Swami Veda Bharati
Hiking with Swami Ritavan in Jasper, Canada by Margaret Wood
The Gardener by Phil Paradis
Svaha: On Giving Up my Father by Saumya Arya Haas
Spartan Training Regimen Using Yogic Breathing Technique (Practical Use of Pranayama in Alleviation of Pain) by Peter Fabian
Teacher Training Program Retreat Through the Eyes of a Student by Jyoti Gerlitz
From Simple Forest Monk to World Traveler by Daniel Hertz
Five Elements, Human Emotions, and Love by Arlene Matthews
Manu in Chile and Ecuador
Strengthening the Ball of Light in the Heart by Marylou Nunamaker
Swami Nitya Visits Southern California by Randall Krause
Something Magic Happened in Kauai by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Important: Registrations for 2013

August 2011 News/1108Aug/index.html

Integration and Ecstasy by Swami Veda Bharati
Darshan with Swami Veda by Sharon Fruechte
Silence Retreat 2011, Tihany, Lake Balaton, Hungary by Dea Frankó Csuba
The Patañjali Course in Budapest, June 2011 by László Mészáros
The Guru Lineage and a Yoga Documentary on OHM TV By Daan De Lange and Kries Mannie Singh
600 Celebrate Guru Purnima in Orissa by Sudhir Chaitanya
After Silence: Full Moon of May 2010 by Steve Siegel
if you had just a minute or ten what would you do? by Valerio Gullì
Meditation, Mysticism, Poetry and Consciousness by John David Wilson
UK Retreat: 1st – 3rd July 2011, The Joy of Yoga by Denise Martin-Harker
Ware … A Fantastic 3 Days Workshop by Sabina Cesaroni
Thirty-One Graduate from Sewing School
A Dedicated Family Member Serves Soldiers by Swami Veda Bharati
World Peace and Prayer Day 2011 By Jim Feketa and Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
World Peace and Prayer Day, 21 June 2011 – Summer Solstice – Minneapolis By Sabina Cesaroni
Swami Veda’s Letter to Hungary
DunHuang Energy Dance By Jenny Lee
2011 Events and Beyond

July 2011 News/1107Jul/index.html

How to Pray for Someone by Swami Veda Bharati
‘Last Words of the Rishi’ by Dirk Gysels
Himalayan Neem Nursery by Sunil Trikha
Challenges on the Spiritual Path by Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral
Highlights from Korea
The Himalayan Tradition in Italy by Sabina Cesaroni
Surrender to the Wave of Silence by Jim Whiting
Lithuania Silence Retreat by Darius Plikynas
Health Camp for Virpur Khurd
A Contemplation on the GURU-Gita by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Life’s Twists and Turns by Marylou P. Nunamaker
New Magazine Announcement
2011 Events and Beyond

June 2011 News/1106Jun/index.html

Meditation, Love and Service by Swami Veda Bharati
Service To Our Elders As A Path Of Love and Spiritual Growth by Randall Krause
HYT-TTP Replacement, Rishikesh By Maryon Maass
Transitions in TTP by Chuck Linke
“I’m telling you of the joy I have experienced.” An Interview with Nina Johnson by John Barry Stutt
Emergency in the Cowshed! by Dr. Shirin Venkat
Buddha Purnima at SRSG with Lama Doboom Tulku Rinpoche by Jagadananda Das
Between Samadhi and Solar Science by Daniele Belloni
AHYMSIN Taiwan April Workshop by Joanna Siauw and Tinyu Chen
A Letting Be Concept by Denise
Yoga for Self Awareness, AHYMSIN-Asia Retreat 2011 by Jean Bibby
Inspiring Israel- Being Inspired by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
Register NOW! International Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Lela Pierce and Nalini Behari
2013 All Teachers and Sangha Gathering
The 2011 Himalayan Yoga Meditation Congress
Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Programs (HYT-TTP)
New Jersey Satsang, July 9-10, 2011 by Janice Englund
2011 Events and Beyond

May 2011 News/1105May/index.html

International Study Programme
A Successful Yoga Nidra Retreat by Stephen (Stoma) Parker
After Years of Yoga Nidra I Am Moved from the Inside by Hélène
After 3 Years of Yoga Nidra by Riccardo Valdettaro
Use of Yoga Nidra for Creativity and for Enhancing Intuitive Faculty by Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati
News from the Land Down Under by Jean-Alain d’Argent & the Dharma Team, Dr Mihaela Ivan, Dr Daniel Jalba, Nina Pulaska
Insight Journey to Tiruvannamallai by Silvia Baratta
Children’s Yoga: Breath- Awareness by Nivedita Mishra
The Universal Soul is Hurt by Dr. Dinesh Sharma
The Children of KHEL Perform at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
2011 Events and Beyond

April 2011 News/1104Apr/index.html

My “su-hrd” — “beautiful-hearted” friend by Swami Veda Bharati
Teacher Training March 2011 by Dirk Gysels
Education of Children
AHYMSIN Annual Report – 2010 by Sadhana Mishra
What Sannyasa Means to Me by Swami Chetan Bharati
We are all his hands and feet by Joanne Sullivan
Full Moon with Swami Veda
Swami Veda’s SRSG Teaching Schedule
The Lawrence School Visits SRSG by Nalini Behari
2011 Events and Beyond

February 2011 News/11Feb/index.html

One Must Run One’s Life by a Spiritual Plan by Swami Veda Bharati
Swami Veda Visits Taiwan
TEDx-Taipei 2011 – Swami Veda Bharati
Intimacy by Swami Nitya
A Sufi – Yogi Dialog by Swami Chetan Bharati
Joyful Living with Yoga in Tokyo
Peter Fabian Receives His E-RYT 500! By Maryon Maass
Children’s Yoga Camp 2010 at Swami Rama Himalayan Yoga Ashram, Orissa, India
The Human Being Is Born Out of Selfless Love by Swami Rama
5th Keningau Annual Retreat By Judy Chin
Mind Your Mind by Mehrad Nazari
Great Spiritual Inspiration From the Himalayas to Bangkok
AN ODE Honoring Swami Veda
Offerings by Vijaya Subramani
Yoga Congress 2011

January 2011 News/11Jan/index.html

2013 All Teachers and Sangha Gathering
Maya Margo Balog By Keely Scott
Yoga Nidra Seminar 2011
Mysticism Beyond Bounds Conference
Friends Finding One Another
We are two birds of different branches by Chandramani
A Mantra for Freedom from Fear by Swami Veda Bharati
November 2010 TTP News from Rishikesh by Maryon Maass
Honoring Mr. & Mrs. Nijhawan
Yoga Youth and Children’s Retreat by Swami Veda Bharati
2011 Events and Beyond
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe


2010

October 2010 News/10Oct/

Dive into the Depths of Your True Nature, “Svabhava and Svarupa” by Swami Veda Bharati
Personal Reflection of Semi-Silence by Thaniya Kevalee
Yoga Nidra Conference 2011
Divya Prem Sewa Mission Project by Adhikari Bhoi and Br.Sukru Chaitanya
Summer of Satsang 2010
Himalayan Tradition Retreat in Lithuania and Hungary
Canadian Students “Lived Traditions of India”
Upcoming Events
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

May 2010 News/0510/

No Silence Nor Non-Silence by Swami Veda Bharati
A Secret by Swami Veda Bharati
An Experiment To Try by Swami Rama
Practices For AHYMSIN Family 2010-2013
Svanta Sukaya, Because it Gives Me Satisfaction by Swami Veda Bharati
Just Released!! What is Right with the World, Human Urge for Peace By Swami Veda Bharati
Initiation by Carolyn Hume
AHYMSIN DVDS
600 Hour Himalayan Yoga Tradition Teacher Training Retreat in Rishikesh 2010
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

April 2010 News/0410/

Pilgrimage, A Talk by Swami Veda Bharati
Four Poems by Elizabeth Procter
A Unique Yoga Approach in Helping People with Multiple Sclerosis Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes By Richard Parenti
Lord, Give Me the Strength by Michael Smith
Earthquakes and Mindquakes By Swami Veda
The First Himalayan Tradition Workshop in Australia by Dr Mihaela Ivan
New Center in Orissa India
TTP News March 2010 by Maryon Maass
Report on “The Holistic Health Through Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Workshop” 28th March-4th April 2010 in Pune, Maharashtra, India by Dr. Shirin Venkatramani
Samanvaya Vidya Dham by Jagadananda (Jagat)
Two New Booklets by Swami Veda Bharati by Lalita Arya
The Meditation Center’s Online Bookstore
Learn from Swami Rama! HIHT Publications
Dans Digital Bookstore » Dan’s Special Help Books
Swami Veda Article in “Yoga Journal”
Atma Tattva Avalokanam by Swami Veda Bharati
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

February – March 2010 News/0210/

Swami Veda, Mahamandaleshwar
GPIW Summary Report – Sufi Yogi Dialogue
Meet three of Swami Veda’s new friends from the Sufi-Yogi Dialogue
Gathering of the Sangha
Vows of a Swami: The Sanyasa Ceremony
Marriage of Atul and Klara at SRSG
Devotional Poems by John David Wilson
Holi Washes, Holi Wishes by Joanne Sullivan
Yoga-Yatra: The Inner Pilgrimage
The Meditation Center’s Online Bookstore
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

January 2010 News/0110/

The Essence of Sacrifice by Swami Rama
You Are Invited Wherever You Might Be To Be One with the Sangha
pūrṇa – āhuti by Swami Veda Bharati
AHYMSIN Three Year Report 2007 – 2009
Coming to One through the Many by Dena Merriam
Kindness, Health, Education & Laughter (KHEL) for Leprosy Families and the Poor by Lalita Arya, Beni Bhatt, and Stomya Persaud
Orrisa New Dawn Project by Wolfgang Bischoff
7 Days of Silence by Jim Waeffler
Peace on Earth Meditation by Veena Haasl-Blilie
www.dansdigitalbooks.com by Dan Prideaux
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe


2009

December 2009 e-mail/newyear.html

Consecration by Swami Veda Bharati
Gathering of the Sangha, 1-12 February, 2010
Sarva Yoga International Congress
International Yoga Week
Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program
Himalayan “Insight-Seeing” Tour from 21-25 March, 2010
European Retreat 27 – 30 June 2010 by Christina Nobile
Peace on Earth Meditation, 7 January 2010 by Veena Blilie
Human Fulfillment by Swami Veda Bharati
Heart Yoga Becomes a Best Seller in Taiwan by Shi Hong

October – November 2009  News/10_1109/

New Havan Kund at The Meditation Center by Lela Pierce
The cows are here! The cows are here!
Sitting with the Swami by Sheila Rampersad
October 2009 TTP Report by Maryon Maass
Planting the Precious Seed – Children and Yoga by Lela Pierce
An Insight – Seeing Tour Around Himalayan Temples By Allman Metten
Vedic Sacred Art
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

August – September 2009 News/08_0909/

Power of One 10.10.10,Washington, DC, Conference, Swami Veda Bharati’s Address to the Delegates, September, 2009
Swamiji in Trinidad, Personal Reflections by Priya
Summer Sadhana at Kalimath by Pierre Lefebvre
Datuk Rajah Indran, The New International Managing Director of AHYMSIN
AHYMSIN – ASIA August ’09 Retreat Report
Dr. Sharma Meets SVB and King Cobra
Children and Yoga Around the World
HYT -TTP Report by Maryon Maass
Swami Veda at Rancho La Puerta
New AHYMSIN Centre Opens in Mauritius by Geeta Currimjee
Insight Travel
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

June – July 2009 News/06_0709/

Swami Rama’s Address to the Meditation Center by phone on Guru Purnima, July 29th, 1988
To Everyone with Love, GURU PURNIMA MESSAGE FROM SWAMI VEDA BHARATI 2009
Our Lineage (Guru-Parampara)
“Live with Nature, Walk with Nature. .” by Rahul and Acharya Chandramani Shastri
SHING NING YOGA (HEART YOGA), Swami Veda visits Taiwan to celebrate publication of his first book in Chinese
Swami Veda Visits Scotland, Russia and Hungary by Tejaswini and Stoma
AHYMSIN-Asia to hold August Retreat by Rajah Indran
Peace on Earth Meditation – Summer 2009
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

April – May 2009 News/04_0509/

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
HIMALAYAN YOGA AND MEDITATION CAMP
Swami Veda’s early spring visit to Holland.
Visit of Gurukulam students to Devprayag and Chandrabadni by Rahul and Chandramani
SANSKRIT BHARATI YOGA MEDITATION CAMP AT SRSG by Adhikari
Call for Volunteers
TTP News
Yoga Nidra Workshop with Swami Ritavan Bharati
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

March 2009 News/0309/

Happy Holi!
Gurukulum Outreach
Stabilizing the Spiritual Mindfield
Remembering Raj Verma by Peter Fabian
HYT-TTP March 2009 by Maryon Maass
SRSG, “Little Hungary”
AHYMSIN-WorldWide
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates
Location of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama on the Globe

February 2009 News/0209/index.html

Vedic Sacred Art
Pain Teacher by Veena
On the Full Moon, the Universal Mind and Love by Swami Veda Bharati
My Visit to the SRSG Ashram by Rashmi Kaura
A Parting Reflection from the Korean TTPers by Mi Suk, Yoon
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates

January 2009 News/0109/index.html

Congratulations to AHYMS-Asia!
Invitation to 2010 Fire Offerings by Swami Veda Bharati
Lohri, Celebration of the New Year by Mr. Nijhawan
Makara Sankranti Festival – From Darkness to Light by Adhikari Bhoi
International Conference on Meditation for Pain Management
TTP NEWS
YOGA YOUTH AND CHILDREN!
Upcoming Events and Calendar
Full Moon Meditation Dates


2008

November – December 2008 News/NovDec2008/index.html

Meditation Research Institute (MRI)
SRSG Presents: “Insight Seeing ” March 16-21, 2009
News from the HYT-TTP Rishikesh office by Maryon Maass
HYT-TTP Rancho La Puerta Memories
Upcoming Events
CALLING ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH!

Bhakti Yoga: Path of Love and Devotion

Bhakti is a powerful path for learning to channel one’s emotional power, which arises from desires. Desires themselves spring from the four primitive urges—the drives for food, sex, sleep, and self-preservation, which exist in every living creature. But there is another inborn force within us that does not arise from these primitive foundations—the drive to know, experience, and enjoy Truth. It is this drive which gives rise to devotion and bhakti.

When the force and power of all our desires can be channeled toward the Divine, rather than toward attaining the charms of the external world, then love, the strongest force in the universe, lends its energy to the path. That love exists within all, and can be experienced when the mind is no longer dissipated by the ego and the objects of the senses. When the spark of that love is ignited, it can create a burning desire to experience union with the Absolute. That flame is capable of burning away all the little desires of life, until only one flame exists—the flame of devotion that burns eternally in the chamber of the heart.

This quality of one-pointed devotion can also be compared to a wave of joy and beauty that sweeps across all the little waves made by emotional distractions, and has such power that it can transform a human being. This is a state of surrender of one’s little self to a higher reality, in which one accepts oneself as being one with the Absolute. This is a subtle and profound transformation of the human heart. After this change has taken place, one does not necessarily have to stop his or her involvement with the world; instead, everything that is done is done with a new awareness. Then, everything becomes an act of devotion and worship, directed toward the Divine principle. One works, eats, talks, and sleeps—but these are no longer mundane activities. Instead, each of these actions is done with an awareness of the Divine and is transformed into an offering and a surrender of oneself.

Selfishness is the opposite of this process of surrender. When we are selfish, we seek to maintain the priorities of our own individual egos and personalities, and we deny the existence of any higher entity. This is why selfishness is so destructive to any sincere seeker on the spiritual path. When we are selfish we contract ourselves and think only in terms of “I, me, and mine,” which limits our ability to allow consciousness to unfold. When we expand our personalities through selflessness and surrender, we are actually allowing the expansion of consciousness and freeing ourselves from the prison of our own egos.

That is why love and non-violence are also so important on the path of bhakti. Learning to cultivate love on the human level in our daily relationships also serves to assist us in unfolding love for the Divine. Love expresses our awareness of the unity that exists within all. But it is very challenging to love, because it means surrendering all our expectations and demands. This concept of surrender does not mean surrendering ourselves to another person or allowing ourselves to be treated badly by others. Instead, surrender means surrendering the little self of the personality to the highest Self. When one cultivates this attitude, there is no sense of sorrow or deprivation, but only the desire to give and serve, and the ability to receive joy and delight from that process.

In the higher levels of bhakti and surrender, one actually begins to think of oneself as an instrument of the Divine, and every action is a means of expressing devotion. This is an unlimited and unconditional love for the Divine. When one lives in this state of consciousness, then many miracles and unusual things can be accomplished, because the seeker no longer thinks of himself or herself as separate from the One. This is the final stage of bhakti, in which one has united his or her consciousness with the Divine, and identifies with the Beloved.

Before this stage can be accomplished, however, there are preliminary levels in which one experiences bhakti from the perspective of duality and separation from the Divine. In many mystical traditions, the devotion of bhakti is expressed as the seeker’s longing for union with the Beloved. This theme can be found in the writings of some of the Christian saints, such as St. Teresa, and also in the devotion of Meera for Krishna. Many well known poets in the East, such as Kabir, Tagore, and Tulsidasa, also wrote beautiful devotional poetry that expressed their longing for union with the One.


Editor’s Note

Reprinted from Yoga International, Jan/Feb, 1992

Happiness in Marriage

Some people think that many men and women turn to married life only for the sake of security, motivated by selfishness and the fear of being alone. Actually, the institution of marriage exists for a much higher purpose; it is not simply a biological or emotional convenience. The great sages teach that marriage is more sacred than a mere contract or arrangement in which two people decide to get together and live with each other. Marriage has a goal, and both partners should have a common purpose, regardless of the country from which they come or their cultural, religious, philosophical or historical backgrounds. Everyone seeks happiness in life, but the problem is, how do we achieve a state of genuine happiness in the world, when everything around us in changing constantly? Whatever makes us happy will not last forever. This external world of people and objects is transient and impermanent. So how does a human being achieve a state of enduring happiness?

Most people wait for others to make them happy, and they think that at some specific point they will achieve happiness – when they are married on a child is born or they purchase a home. But none of these joyful events creates lasting happiness. Thus, the mind itself creates suffering, because it harbours expectations that are unrealistic – the only real happiness lies within.

We expect marriage of family life to make us happy, but this institution is not the goal itself, it is only a means to a deeper happiness. If two people share this understanding, then they can enjoy their married life with a sense of contentment, rather than expectation.

The highest aim of life is to possess the deeper happiness that is eternal, undisturbed, and unchanging. To achieve such happiness, human beings need to understand not only themselves, but others as well.

In ancient times men and women did many experiments and finally decided to live together with a certain understanding in the arrangement that we call marriage. In Persian the world for marriage is cushy, which also means “happiness”. In Sanskrit the word for marriage is vivaha, which signifies that two people have decided to tread their paths together and attain the highest state of happiness in this lifetime.

But I have observed that all too often, marriage does not lead to such happiness. Rarely have I seen a genuinely happy couple. Couples often come to see me smiling, and I feel very happy when they affirm their love for one another. The first question I ask them is whether they love each other, and they usually insist that they do, but often after some time passes, I discover that their claims are false. I have tried to understand the root cause of this superficial level of commitment and insincere life, and I have found that the cause lies in their individual selfishness.

When people decide to marry, they need to recognize that up to that point, they have lived alone, which is easy, because a single person can think only of himself or herself. Now, they must learn to live with each other. People who wish to marry should ask themselves, “Do I have the capacity to live intimately with this person? Can I adjust to him or her? Do I have the essential qualities that are needed to live with others –truthfulness, sincerity, faithfulness, tolerance, patience, acceptance, and self-sacrifice? Do I have the qualities that I will need to live peacefully with another person? If not, I must develop them, or I will not succeed in my marriage.”


Editor’s note

This passage has been taken from the book Love and Family Life, pp 13 – 15, by Swami Rama, published 1992 by the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA.

Talk with Nina Johnson

Skype Talk with Nina Johnson at The Meditation Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA – 12 Oct0ber 2017.

In 1971 I was teaching hatha yoga at the YMCA in Milwaukee. I heard that a Swami was coming to town, and that he could initiate people, so I went to him. He gave a talk, and I thought, “Well, he didn’t say anything that I didn’t already know.” Later on, a friend took me to him, and he initiated me. It was July 22, 1971, at 1:30 pm. After the initiation, we talked, and I said, “I’d like to ask you some questions about Jesus.” I was born in Kentucky and was raised as a Southern Baptist, and I had talked to a lot of ministers and priests about Jesus, but they had no knowledge about the things I wanted to know. Swami Rama answered all my questions, and afterwards, he said, “Now I want something from YOU. I want you to open a yoga center for me.” “No, I can’t do that,” I said, and I got up to leave. He was sitting cross-legged, but when I got to the door, he was already there, blocking me. He would not take no for an answer. “I am your master,” he said. “You must open a yoga center.” I thought, “Well, I’ll say ‘yes,’ because it’s the only way I’ll get out of here.”

When I got home, my husband asked me about what happened. I told my husband that Swami Rama had answered all my questions about Jesus. “How do you know he’s right?” he asked. The Beatles had gone to see Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and there was also a young spiritual teacher in the USA called Maharaji, and people were skeptical. I said, “Of course he’s right. He’s a yogi.”

Later Swami Rama gave another talk to a large group in Milwaukee and announced, “I am going to open up a yoga center here in Milwaukee which will be led by a wonderful teacher.” I was relieved when I heard him say that, and I was looking forward to knowing who the wonderful teacher was going to be. Then he said, “The teacher is Nina Johnson. Stand up, Nina.”

Swami Rama had founded the Himalayan Institute in Glenview, Illinois, which was a suburb a little north of Chicago. The Glenview center was run by Ann Alyward. She was going through the files to find names and addresses, and my card fell out onto the floor, so Swami Rama had my name and address. Swami Rama said to Ann, “That’s the one; call her.”

So I started a yoga center in Milwaukee, but I did nothing. Truly. The center always ran itself, and I’m glad it was that way. I never really felt that I did anything. There was a time when Gary Evers said to me, “We can’t pay the rent.” I said, “Tonight I’ll give you the money for the rent.” I had a lot to do a lot that day. I had to go shopping for groceries and take care of my kids, and then go to the bank. When I got back to the center, Gary said, “We just got a check in the mail for more than we need.” This kind of thing was par for the course at Milwaukee.

I live in Malethi, India, for a good part of the year. Here I am now back in the United States, with all the conveniences of lights and hot water and so forth. Swami Rama said to me, “America is a wonderful place to live, but a terrible place to die.” It’s not Windsor Castle in India. One morning it was very cold, and I was taking a shower and was all soapy, and the shower stopped, and I slipped and fell. That kind of thing is not pleasant. Neither are the bugs. But there’s a certain feeling in India that you can’t get here in the United States.

Swami Rama had told me that after my husband and mother died, to come to India and be with him, and I did that. In 2005 my husband died, and after that I started going to India regularly. In 2006 I had a vision of a being at a railway station in India, totally surrounded by Indians. And one of the Indians I immediately knew was my husband. I saw him, and I knew that reincarnation was really true. I came up to him and said, “Oh Bud! I miss you. I love you.” “What was THAT all about?” I asked myself afterwards. During the time the vision lasted there was nothing but pure joy! I had painful scoliosis in my back, but at that time there was absolutely no pain. “Well,” I said to myself, “I met Swami Rama in 1971, and he guided me, and now I am totally hooked.”

So now I’m dying to die. My mother lived to be 107. I was with her at the end, like a nurse holding her hand. And I remembered a poem by Kabir about not being afraid of death.

[Nina did not name the poem or recite it, but one of Swami Veda’s favorite passages from Kabir was:
“When you were born in this world, you cried and everyone else laughed.
Live such a life, so that when you die, YOU laugh and everyone else cries.”]

And Swami Rama often said, “Death is not a period, it is just a comma, a brief pause.”

There was a retreat at Green Lake, and everyone gathered around Swami Rama at the end, and I intruded, as if to show him that I was there when he was about to leave. He said, “We don’t say goodbye in our tradition. We’re always together.” I’m originally from Kentucky and in the winter, it freezes, and we have to wait until spring. So there’s a saying, “We’ll see you in the spring if the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise.”

I once asked Swami Rama a question about my dog. When I meditated I had a little dog who only weighed about six pounds, and he used to want to come into the room when I was meditating. I told Swami Rama about that, and he said, “Sure.” And the dog would stay with me and look at me while I said my mantra.
I’m glad Swami Rama knew about my meditations. I just meditate the best I can. I just did the practice even though I was rotten at it. I love my practice now, and it just keeps getting better and better and better.  Swamiji used to say, “All the religions are good, but they’re not complete.” What we’re working toward in our practice is Eternity, but of course, there’s karma.

Set some time every day to be with God and keep at it. Right off the bat, nothing happens, but it will happen.

One day my son ran to me shouting, “Your Center’s on fire.” The fire trucks came and eventually the fire was extinguished, but there were ashes all over and the carpet and the draperies were burned. At the Center there was a picture of Swami Rama. Everything around that picture was burned, the frame and everything, but the picture itself was untouched by fire. We still have that picture with frame that all charred around the edge at the altar.

Nina’s response to a question from the audience about what is life is like for her when she goes to India and stays at Malethi

Malethi is about an eight-hour drive from Delhi. It is always cold in the winter, but we have little heaters, and in the hot summer there is air conditioning. When I get up in the morning, I do hatha in bed with Swami Rama’s “Exercise without Movement” series. I have a small room with a chair and a coffee table. All that I own I can put in two suitcases. Swamiji said, “The things of the world are yours to enjoy but not to claim.”2 Negi the cook makes breakfast about 8:00. Then I go for a walk and then write in my journal. One time I was cutting up a tomato and found little white worms. I decided not to eat that tomato. There is a time in the afternoon when I have tilk.3 Tilk was a favorite drink of Swami Rama. I try to walk in the evenings. I do the laundry – light stuff. Ginny does the heavy things. There are marble floors and I sweep them, but outside there’s a dirt road, and the when a car goes by there’s a cloud of dust, and so dust from the road always gets in. Why not cement the road? Swamiji said that the roadway would collapse. I sit and do japa in my room. It’s the happiest time of my life. I was happy when I got out of school, and I was happy to be married, and I was happy to have children, but there’s nothing like the joy of meditation. Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock,” but he did not say how many times you needed to knock on the door. I want to speed it up a little, but if not now, I know it’s coming.

Mayanne Krech

Mayanne Krech said this about Nina after the Skype: “She is a true devotee, and everything Swami Rama told her to do, she did. He said to her, ‘After your husband and mother die, you will come to see me in India.’ In her room at Malethi, there is just a bed, a table, a chair and small kitchen. She started going to Malethi when she was in her 80s – about 14 hours direct flying time from Chicago to Delhi and then an 8 hour drive to Malethi. Imagine the stamina and commitment to do that when you are 80+ years of age, now 92. Swami Rama wrote 93 letters to Nina, some of which will be published in an upcoming book. Lucky for Nina that Swami Rama told her directly what to do but it does not matter if the guru’s teaching is not direct; the teaching always comes. Nina called me In Minneapolis one day to say, ‘I don’t know why I’m calling you; you know nothing anyway.’ It was a pin-prick from Swami Rama, to keep the tricky ego in check!”

That was in 2001 when Mayanne realized that Nina is also one of her teachers. Nina did regular journal writing and has completed over 60 journals. We hope her entries will be compiled into a book. She’s 92 years of age now and has many, many stories. It’s phenomenal what she has gone through, and Mayanne truly thinks Nina will grab the brass ring of enlightenment in this life because of Nina’s life time devotion and commitment to Swami Rama. Nina does her meditation practice pretty much all day, and all the possessions she has can be put in two suitcases. Nina’s focus is a simple life. Nina says: “If God/Gurudev wants me to fall over and crack my head on the sidewalk right now, so be it.” What Nina has learned is – whatever the Master tells you to do, do it. Swami Veda once told Mayanne in her early years, “Whatever you’re afraid of, just get rid of it.” Mayanne thinks she’s done an acceptable job of that although she didn’t know why she needed to do that. As the years passed, Mayanne could see how Swami Veda knew that she’d be traveling a lot on her own in order to meet Swami Veda at his foreign teaching locations. She needed to not be afraid of being at strange foreign airports and strange places. These are all the trainings on the path. The Master knows your destiny, your dharma. The teachings themselves – enjoy the things of the world, but don’t get attached to them because the time will come when — like the California fires – it will all go. Nina has a spiritual guide at Malethi named Shivrama, and he said to Nina, “As long as you are alive, I will be alive.”

From I Am That: Talks with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

“How do you go about finding what is it that never sleeps and never wakes, and whose pale reflection is our sense of ‘I’? How do you go about finding anything? By keeping your mind and heart on it. Interest there must be, and steady remembrance. To remember what needs to be remembered is the secret of success.

You come to it only through earnestness.

We discover it by being earnest, by searching, inquiring, questioning daily and hourly, by giving one’s life to the discovery.

[Both qualification and opportunity] come with earnestness. What is supremely important is to be free from contradiction: the goal and the way must not be on different levels; life and light must not quarrel; behavior must not betray belief. Call it honesty, integrity, wholeness; you must not go back, undo, uproot, abandon the conquered ground. Tenacity of purpose and honesty in pursuit will bring you to your goal. All will come to you as you go on. Take the first step first. All blessings come from within. Turn within.

Though it may seem arduous, it is easy if you are earnest. And it is quite impossible if you are not.

Earnestness is both necessary and sufficient. Everything yields to earnestness.


Footnotes:

1) Some background material about Malethi. Nina was very close to Swami Rama and also Swami Rama’s disciple, Swami Hariharinanda. Both of them were born in a small village in the Himalayas called Toli. Nearby is Malethi, where Swami Hari founded a polytechnical school. This is where Nina has gone every year since 2006 in order to immerse herself in meditation. In 2008 Daniel Hertz wrote a book about Swami Hariharinanda and in the last chapter was a summary of Swami Hari’s work to build the school:
“Malethi is a one hour drive from Toli, and the school he built there he called SRIVERM (Swami Rama Institute of Vocational Education & Research, Malethi). I was told this school is the biggest building ever built in the Himalayas. It serves the people of the poor mountain communities who had little access to quality education and training before that. This was a multi-million dollar undertaking that took several years to complete. Even though his health deteriorated more and more each year, he would not let go of the goal of building this institute. It opened for classes in 2005 and served over one hundred students at that time, with room for many more. In one section there is a program for small children who are starting their school careers. In another there is a program for young adults who want vocational training in areas such as plumbing, electricity, and computers. There are also many other plans in the works. He continued working on that project until his last breath. When I visited SRIVERM in 2006, I finally started to understand his vision for the project and what a great thing he had done. It was located in the valley of a beautiful mountain setting and gave the people in that area the most important thing he could have given them – hope.”

2) “What you will not renounce voluntarily will be taken from you perforce.” (Swami Veda Bharati)

3) Spiced Tilk (or Chai) – Pour and inch of water into a pot along with 8 black pepper corns, the seeds from one cardamom pod; a broken-up stick of cinnamon, a grated ½ inch piece of ginger root, and 1 clove. Bring water to a boil, and let it boil down to ½ inch.  Pour in a quart of milk and let it to come to a boil again. Turn off the heat, and put in 5 teaspoons of loose tea. Cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and serve.


Editor’s Note:

Nina Johnson is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Center, formerly called The Yoga Society, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.  Nina has been teaching classes in Milwaukee for over 40 years. With the blessings of her guru H.H. Sri Swami Rama, and with her own natural compassion, determination, and practical, down-to-earth style, Nina has trained and initiated hundreds of students in the practice of hatha yoga and meditation.