The Unbroken Journey of YMSTT

A Reflection on Devotion, Discipline, and Community (1987–2026)

Surya Sadhana is a profound, energetic spiritual practice dedicated to the Sun. Far beyond a simple physical workout, it is a comprehensive, multi-hour practice combining deliberate physical movement, rhythmic breathing, and specific vocal sounds to awaken vital energy, reduce stress, and restore complete harmony to the mind and body.

The Yoga Meditation Society of Trinidad and Tobago (YMSTT) has preserved this unbroken tradition since its conception in 1987. The year 2026 marks the 39th annual cycle of this foundational spiritual practice.

THE 13 WEEK SADHANA TIMELINE

The Origin

The journey of this unbroken Surya Sadhana practice began with a pivotal trip in 1986, when Alexander Benjamin (affectionately known as Alex Bhai) led a group of devotees to the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, USA. Deeply inspired by the spiritual experience there, Alex Bhai returned with a vision to bring this practice to Trinidad and Tobago.

Acting on a personal request from Alex Bhai, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait officially established the structural framework for the community. He provided both a written script and a voice recording to precisely guide the students through the sacred steps. This preparation culminated in January 1987, when the first public sessions of the Surya Sadhana were launched at the Penal Hindu Mandir.

Practice and Discipline

In its original form, this intense session started at 6:00 AM and took approximately three hours to complete. It consisted of 24 pairs of Surya Namaskars woven together with sacred mantras prescribed by Pandit Rajmani. The number 24 holds profound spiritual significance, aligning the practitioner’s energetic body with the 24 solar cycles of the year and the 24 hours of the day.

To deeply purify the physical body and forge mental willpower, early practitioners observed a strict, rigorous discipline:

• Fasting: On the day of the practice, participants observed a 24-hour fast with one meal of any type of grain, which was usually taken in the evening.
• Ingredient Purity: The dedicated meal was prepared with absolutely no sugar and no salt.

This intense sadhana takes place over 12 consecutive Sundays, beginning on the first Sunday after Makar Sankranti (the transition of the sun into Capricorn, marking the end of the winter solstice period). The entire spiritual journey culminates on the 13th Sunday with a grand Vedic Pooja, a sacred havan (fire ceremony), and a purnahuti (final offering). To preserve this knowledge, a dedicated instructional book was compiled and printed in 1990, with a revised edition published in 2014.

Evolution, Expansion, and Adaptability

Over the past four decades, YMSTT has dynamically adapted the practice to meet the changing needs of its growing community:

Community & Venue Expansion

• A Resilient Fellowship: Founded with approximately 50 participants, the practice has weathered the natural cycles of life with grace. While we have deeply mourned the transition of three beloved elders and acknowledged those who could no longer attend due to age, the sacred fire has never dimmed. New participants have consistently joined our ranks over the years, sustaining a dynamic core fellowship of 25 to 30 participants annually.
• Decentralized Venues: In 1996, we opened a second venue in Endeavour, Chaguanas. Just one year later, operations shifted to the prominent Divali Nagar site, which became our primary home by 2000. In 2015, we further decentralized our presence by establishing a new venue in Siparia upon completing the ground floor of the YMSTT headquarters.
• The Siparia Sanctuary (2026): Making a historic milestone for our 39th year, the 2026 closing ceremony was conducted at the newly consecrated Pooja Shala at our headquarters and retreat center in Siparia.

Physical & Spiritual Adjustments

• Asana Evolution: The practice was upgraded to 108 Surya Namaskars during 1994 and 1995, before safely reverting to the foundational, sustainable 24 pairs in 1996.
• Spiritual Upgrades: Following consultations between Alex Bhai and Swami Veda Bharati, in 2010, powerful additions were introduced into the sadhana, including the 120 names of Surya Deva.
• Sadhana Refinement: In 2019, a senior student consulted Pandit Rajmani about further procedural updates. Panditji advised that a simplified Purnahuti (final fire offering) would suffice, which has remained the standard closing protocol. ### Critique of the Passage

Leadership & Resilience

• Guidance: Alex Bhai faithfully led the sessions for approximately 30 years, after which senior students stepped forward to sustain leadership. Pandit Dabral conducted the sacred Poojas until 2009. Local pundits filled the role until Pandit Dabral’s return in 2026.
• Sustaining the Sacred Fire: The single disruption to public gatherings occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public assemblies were suspended after week four; however, dedicated students maintained their vows and completed the remaining eight weeks safely at home.

Looking to the Future

As this rich spiritual tradition continues to flourish, a new dawn of transformation is on the horizon. Pandit Dabral has shared early thoughts on potentially fine-tuning our practice layout for 2027. This evolution aims to guide the next generation of practitioners into a new era of mental clarity, holistic wellness, and spiritual focus.

Author Notes:

Gopaul Datto (b. 1955) is a senior practitioner of the Himalayan Tradition. Initiated in 1986 by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait at the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, he has dedicated nearly four decades to rigorous sadhana. Notably, Gopaul has successfully completed all 39 consecutive years of Surya Sadhana since its inception in 1987. A prominent figure in the national yoga community, he served three terms as President and two terms as Treasurer of the Yoga Meditation Society of Trinidad and Tobago (YMSTT). His commitment to the lineage is further evidenced by his returns to the spiritual source at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh in 2007, 2011, and 2013. Now retired from secular professional life, he continues to focus on spiritual practice and favorite hobbies—growing bonsai and kitchen gardening.