AHYMSIN

Inspirations from the Himalayan Master - Online Event Series
2025-09-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-28 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-26 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-02 18:00 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata) and 1 more date | Online via Zoom
A 100-day contemplative study dedicated to Swami Rama’s birth centenary, inspired by his teachings through two of his profound books.
Swami Rama of the Himalayas was raised in the cave monasteries of the Himalayas, among yogis and adepts in the ancient science of yoga and Indian spirituality. Swamiji, as we fondly refer to him, was sent to the United States in the late 1960s by his master to share the science of yoga with the Western world – empowering people to live more meaningfully, understand themselves, and discover the purpose of life.
An author, poet, doctor, artist, and humanitarian, Swami Rama transformed the lives of many through his lectures, books, and discourses. His method of teaching was direct and accessible, enabling the modern mind to understand and apply ancient wisdom in daily life. Swamiji taught Indian scriptures such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with both practical insight and philosophical depth.
Swami Rama was a prolific author, and authored over 45 books on yoga, meditation, philosophy, and Indian spirituality. His writings reflect a blend of deep experiential wisdom and clarity, rooted in the teachings of the Himalayan tradition.
In this 100-Day online course, we shall study and contemplate on two of Swami Ji’s books
1. A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
This is a book ideal for a beginner and any yoga practitioner as Swami Ji lays clearly the yogic as well as modern principles of health of the body, mind and spirit. For anyone looking to understand and take charge of their well-being, this book is an invaluable guide.
The book offers simple and systematic approach to

Diet
Exercise
Breath awareness
Positive use of emotions
Relationships
Meditation

And other spiritual practices so that the whole person – body, mind and spirit can attain radiant health. The book is both inspiring and with numerous practical instructions for those who wish to live with awareness, purpose and joyfully in their daily lives and become a source of joy to those around them.
Building on the foundation laid through our previous study of A Practical Guide to Holistic Health, our next exploration will be The Art of Joyful Living.
2. The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama
In this book, Swamiji shows us how to cultivate happiness and a calm, tranquil mind. He guides the seeker in turning the mind away from its outward distractions toward inner stillness—revealing a deeper purpose to life and a more joyful way of living.
The book dwells on the various topics of inner exploration and self-transformation:

Knowing own true Self
Transformation of habit patterns
Positive and negative emotions
Memory and the nature of mind
Developing strength and will power
Developing intuition
Purifying samskaras
Spirituality in loving relationships
Meditation

In Swami Rama’s words, “You are a creation of God, but happiness is your own creation.”
This book is a guide to developing a loving and joyful relationship with yourself and others.
Self-Study and Journaling
For any true change to take place within, self-effort is essential. In the yoga tradition, this effort is known as the practice of swadhyaya—self-study. Swadhyaya involves both the study of yoga texts by oneself and the introspective examination of the self, viewed through the lens of the texts.
As part of this course, you will be guided to engage in journaling and personal experiments—reflecting on your habits and cultivating a joyful personality as outlined in the book.
Keep a diary ready!
Course Schedule
3rd August to 9th November 2025
Sundays | 6:00 to 7:00 PM IST
Fee ₹ 7000
As a dedication to Gurudeva Swami Rama, all proceeds from this course will be donated to the ashram Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh.
Recommended Books:

The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama
A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama

All three titles are available on Amazon. Or can be alternately ordered from our ashram book store by emailing hyptbooks@gmail.com
To Register:
Fill up the Google Form
For more information contact:
E-mail: namita@urdhvayoga.com
WhatsApp +91 96066 89190

Silence Retreat in the Netherlands
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-26 | Uttarakhand
Welcome to the Netherlands for a full week Silence Retreat
With Swami Ma Tripurashakti Bharati, Pierre Lefebvre and Uta Bisseswar
19 – 26 September 2025
For information and registration, you are very welcome to contact: info@yoga-hymns.nl or visit – www.yoga-hymns.nl

Navaratri Retreat – Cultivating the Divine Feminine
2025-09-22 09:00 - 2025-10-01 12:00, 2026-03-19 09:00 - 2026-03-26 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
During the sacred days of Navaratri (the nine nights), we will have Devi-Puja with akhanda (24 hours non-stop) recitation of the Lalita-sahasra-nama (Thousand Names of Divine Mother). One may come and join the daily morning and evening pujas, join the recitation of the Lalita-sahasra-nama. Twelve priests preside over the pujas and the recitations, which are offered both at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama and Sadhana Mandir Ashram.
Our beloved Swami Veda Bharati has said, “These events are charged with special spiritual energy and a very special time to renew your silence and sadhana.”
In this special retreat with Rabindra Sahu, we will be learning about the principles of the Divine Feminine within the Nature and the entire Universe around us. Swamiji has also reminded us “to bring the feminine kindness, compassion, motherliness among all of us. This has nothing to do with the gender of the person undertaking the observance but rather it is for the enhancement of the motherliness in all of us.”
We will thereby learn how can we cultivate these divine feminine qualities within ourselves. All the participants will also get an opportunity to practice recitation of the Lalita-sahasra-nama.

Shakti – the Subtle Force of the Divine Feminine - Online Workshop
2025-10-05 | Online via Zoom
As part of the initiatives dedicated to the celebration of the centenary of Swami Rama’s birthday, the Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence organizes an online workshop with Rabindra Sahu dedicated to the sacred theme of the “Divine Feminine”, in Nature and in the entire Universe around us.
Swami Rama often said that without shakti, without the feminine Power, it is not possible for humankind to survive.
Regardless of gender, the Divine Feminine is a welcoming, nurturing, and transformative force of kindness, compassion, and love that each of us should learn to cultivate within.
Swami Veda Bharati said: “[…] What is important is cultivating the qualities of the hidden essences within yourself and cultivating them without fear. […]” (Cultivating the Feminine in the Male)
“[…] Be not hard like a rock. Be strong like water that grinds down the hardest rock into grains of sand. Learn the way of water that is woman. […]” ( unpublished sayings by Swami Veda Bharati).
This workshop will be a precious opportunity to contemplate and rediscover a non-physical force – the strength and power of shakti – that resides within each of us, which will help us become more balanced people and build a kinder society.
Rabindra Sahu, trained in the Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Tradition, serves as General Manager at the Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) ashram in Rishikesh, where he teaches and leads the Gurukulam. A student of Swami Veda Bharati, Rabindra emphasizes the importance of understanding the teachings through direct experience.
Registration required.
For more information, kindly write to segreteria@himalayanyogainstitute.it

Martial Art and Yoga Retreat
2025-10-08 10:00 - 2025-10-12 12:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
The retreat will contain practical exercises of martial art movements, yoga asanas and relaxation in a unique synthesis of Aikido and Yoga.
Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended.
Contact: info@beardi.com
www.beardi.com

Himalayan Yoga Meditation Retreat in Japan
2025-10-11 - 2025-10-13 | Retreat Dorm OR, Yamanashi 409-1501, Hokuto, Ōizumichō Nishiide, 5606, Japan
Bondage Or Freedom – The Source of True Power
“How do we bind ourselves, and how do we set ourselves free?” To inquire these themes, to awaken the light within and move beyond the ignorance that veils our true nature, true knowledge of the Self is essential. This retreat offers a space to explore the essence of freedom through self-inquiry and an awakening to our divine nature. It supports you in making conscious choices to shape your life with clarity and purpose.

We are honored to welcome Rabindra Sahu from Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram in Rishikesh, India, as our teacher and spiritual guide. Amid the vast and nurturing nature of Mt. Yatsugatake, come home—to nature, and to yourself. Whether you are new to yoga and meditation or have been practicing for many years, all are warmly welcome. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

“We think we sleep when we close our eyes at night, but we are asleep because we have closed our eyes to that which is our own true essence. People look for God in places of pilgrimage, in churches, in temples, in cathedrals, in forms and they do not look for that presence which is within you and in some ways identical with you. The one whose ray you are is called God, that very life force, that very force, that is consciousness, that light you are. Learn to call forth the power from within you, learn to call forth the power. And as you learn to call forth the power you will find that even the loss of purity doesn’t apply to you.”
~ Swami Veda, Bondage Or Freedom
Contact: ahymsin.jp@gmail.com

Guru Disciple Relationship
2025-10-19 09:00 - 2025-10-25 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
ॐ गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुर्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुः साक्षात्परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः।।
Om gurur brahmā gurur viṣṇur gurur devo maheśvaraḥ,
guruḥ sākṣāt paraṁ brahma tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ.
Om. To that beautiful and benevolent Guru who is Brahmā, the Creator, Viṣṇu, the Maintainer, and Śiva, the Great Lord through whom all things return to their origin. To that Guru who is the direct experience of Brahman, salutations.
अखण्ड-मण्डलाकारम् व्याप्तम् येन चराचरम्।
तत्पदम् दर्शितम् येन तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥
Akhaṇḍa-maṇḍalākāram vyāptam yena carācaram।
Tat padam darśitam yena, tasmai śrī gurave namah॥
I pay obeisances to Sri Guru, who revealed to me That state, which pervades the entire unbroken circle (of creation), both moving and unmoving.
हिरण्यगर्भादारब्धां शेषव्यासादिमध्यमाम्।
स्वामिश्रीरामपादान्तां वन्दे गुरुपरम्पराम्॥३॥
hiraṇya-garbhād ārabdhāṁ śeṣa-vyāsādi-madhyamām,
svāmi-śrī-rāma-pādāntāṁ vande guru-paramparām.
Originating from the Golden Womb (of light, the guru-spirit), and (flowing) down through the medium of gurus like Śeṣa (Patañjali), Vyāsa and the rest, ending at the feet of Śrī Swāmī Rāma, that (unbroken stream of) succession, I worship.
On the most special occasion of Gurudeva Swami Rama’s 100th birthday (25 October), let us come together to honour His Birth Centenary and delve deep into the meaning and significance of the Guru Prayer and the sacred relationship between a Guru and a disciple.
Join us for this satsanga with Rabindra Sahu, as we come together to pay homage to the Guru Lineage on this special day. On the most auspicious day of 25 October 2025, we will offer our prayers and practices through a 24-hours akhanda (non-stop) japa and meditation at the feet of our Gurudeva Swami Rama.

Mantra, Meditation, and Silence Retreat in Spain
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-26 | Monastery of Santa Lucia, Mallorca, Spain
We are delighted to share with you the invitation for The Himalayan Yoga Meditation Center of Mallorca’s most iconic retreat, held in October 2025, at the Monastery of Santa Lucia in Mallorca, Spain. The theme of the retreat would be Mantra, Meditation, and Silence.
May the Grace of the Guru and Tradition guide us.
Fernando Sanchez & Atma Aina Bonet are both long term initiates, practitioners, and teachers within the Himalayan Tradition. They have both received the vows of vanaprastha from Swami Ritavan Bharati.
For more information, you may contact The Himalayan Yoga Meditation Center of Mallorca directly at atma63@gmail.com or contact them on Facebook.

Breath Retreat
2025-10-26 09:00 - 2025-10-31 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
“One who has mastered the breath has discovered Superconsciousness.” — Swami Veda Bharati
Within the teachings of the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation, the practice of breath and pranayama exercises is one of the most important preparations for experiencing the depths of the practice of meditation.
Swamiji writes, “Often we see a rush to learn advanced pranayamas. This is being done without training the breath, without making it slow, subtle, deep. In our tradition there are multiple paths and exercises for achieving the full benefits from subtleties of breath.”
In the Himalayan Tradition, preliminary to the practice of pranayama, an emphasis is placed on correct posture to enable correct diaphragmatic breathing and the subtle elements of breath awareness as taught by the Himalayan sages. Mastery of these serves as a foundation for more advanced pranayamas, which flow as a continuum into the practices of sense withdrawal, concentration and meditation.
This special retreat with John Sellinger is a unique opportunity to learn the subtleties of breath practices. We will practice pranayamas thrice daily. The programme is open for both complete beginners and practitioners. There will be daily instructional sessions and theory/philosophy sessions about breath and pranayamas. Of greatest importance in the programme is the emphasis on guided personal practice.

Recommended Readings:

Science of Breath by Swami Rama, Dr. Rudolph Ballentine, and Dr. Alan Hymes.
A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
Meditation and Its Practice by Swami Rama
Path of Fire and Light (Vol. 2) by Swami Rama
Yogic Practices of the Himalayan Tradition as taught by H.H. Swami Rama of the Himalayas by Dr. Prakash Keshaviah
What Really Is Pranayama? by Swami Veda Bharati
Diaphragmatic Breathing by Swami Veda Bharati
14 Breath and Meditation Practices by Swami Veda Bharati

Ha-tha Yoga as Meditation
2025-11-02 09:00 - 2025-11-07 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
Throughout the classical yoga literature, Hatha Yoga is consistently described as the science of utilizing all aspects of one’s personality: body, breath and mind, for the purpose of ascending to the heights of Raja Yoga in the experience of one-pointed awareness, meditation and samadhi.
Until the prana enters the middle path [ of the sushumna stream],
Until the point [of concentration] becomes firm through the control of prana,
Until one’s essence flows naturally and evenly in meditation,
Till then all your knowledge [of hatha] is myth, hypocrisy, and words.
(Translated from Svatmarama’s Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Dr Usharbudh Arya in Philosophy of Hatha Yoga, 1977).
This week long seminar will touch on the traditional approach of Hatha Yoga and the subtleties of practice as a pathway towards meditation and inner awareness as taught by Swami Veda Bharati.

Living Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life in Malaysia
2025-11-07 09:00 - 2025-11-09 16:30 (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur) | Uttarakhand
A 3-Day Immersive Course on Purpose, Practice and Inner Peace
Join us for a meaningful weekend of reflection, learning, and gentle transformation through the lens of traditional yoga with Rabindra Sahu in Malaysia.

Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program Retreat
2025-11-09 09:00 - 2025-11-22 12:00, 2026-03-15 09:00 - 2026-03-28 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
Our Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program (HYT-TTP) offers an integrated program of self-transformation leading to self-realization in the authentic tradition of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. HYT-TTP, as its parent organization, AHYMSIN, is dedicated to making available the teachings of Swami Rama.
Our program is a systematic, sadhana-based program. “Sadhana” is a Sanskrit word which means undertaking a practice so as to cultivate and refine one’s character. The main goal of our program is to deepen the students’ sadhana so that they can transmit authentic yoga teachings to others, not only from a storehouse of academic knowledge, but also from a depth of personal experience.
Our comprehensive curriculum offered through home study, mentoring, and ashram retreats presents all aspects of yoga and meditation in a spiritually inspiring context. The student’s progression through the home study is managed interactively and facilitated by an active discussion board, each student being followed and supported by a mentor who is well versed in the tradition.
The HYT-TTP consists of 3 levels. Each level requires at least one year of study and practice. The student will progress through three study levels becoming gradually more aware of the subtle layers of personality. Swami Rama defined this growth process as the attainment of some degree of disentanglement from attachments, allowing one to see that which s/he was previously “blind to”:

Level One – Awareness: exploration and self-acceptance
Level Two – Control: mindfulness and regulation of emotions
Level Three – Synthesis: harmonious whole personality

For more details, kindly visit – www.HimalayanYogaTradition.com

Breath, Balance and Beyond… Yoga for a Sustainable Life in Sabah, Malaysia
2025-11-14 - 2025-11-16 | Zen Garden Resort, Malaysia, KM 2, Jln Mohimboyon Kibas, 89300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
We warmly invite you to join our 2025 Retreat — a time of renewal, reflection, and inner peace.
Guided by Rabindra Sahu from Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram (SRSG), Rishikesh, India, this retreat offers an opportunity to experience timeless wisdom in a practical and heartfelt way. Through breathwork, yoga practices, and meditative guidance, you will explore how balance on the mat can inspire balance in daily living.
Take this time to recharge your body, refresh your mind, and reconnect with your spirit.
Spaces are limited — reserve your place today and gift yourself this journey inward.
For more information, you may contact the Himalayan Yoga Science Society Sabah directly via Email or contact them on phone:
Datin Judy Rajah: +6012 825 2809
Sukumaran Vanugopal: +6013 863 0007
Elisa: +6012 870 0676
You may also want to follow them on Facebook to learn more about their activities.

Peace, the Fruit of Silence: A Residential Silence Retreat in Italy
2025-11-20 - 2025-11-23 | Camaldoli, Italy, Camaldoli, Italy
A Residential Silence Retreat with the teachers of the Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence, Oasi Divin Maestro, Camaldoli, Italy.
The healing power of Silence, in action, word and thought, gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves. Diving into Silence leads us to witness, with deeper awareness, the nature of our mind, allowing it to calm down and turn inward. The proposed practices (hatha yoga, pranayama, relaxation, meditation, contemplative walking, etc.) will help us to dive deeper towards the centre of silence, immersed in the location of Camaldoli’s forest.
“However, it is not Silence if you are silent because you happen to be alone!
Silence is silence when you have the intention, make the sankalpa, to keep a spiritual silence and then your mind is filled with spiritual contemplation and mantra, whether sitting, eating, bathing, lying down or running”. Swami Veda Bharati.
For more information, you may contact the Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence directly at segreteria@himalayanyogainstitute.it or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You may also visit their website.

Yoga of Action in Thailand
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-08 | Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre, Thailand
The Inner Battlefield and the Path of the Warrior within
Friday 5th – Monday 8th December 2025 Baan Phu Waan, Sampran, Thailand
‘Learn to create the inner strength through selfless action rooted in non-attachment and neutralized mind – the timeless wisdom of Bhagavad Gita’
Our humble invitation for those who seek peace and happiness to learn the ancient wisdom and practice integrated yoga (asana, relaxation, pranayama and meditation) together, under the guidance of two outstanding teachers, Shi Hong and Pandit Priyadarshana (Pierre Lefebvre) from Himalayan Yoga Meditation, an authentic tradition from India
Registration fee: Bt7,000/person for twin room, Bt8,500/person for single room (including accommodation and all meals) – “we request our friends to consider making some donations to support us according to your capacity as the registration fee only cover some of the costs”.
Interested person please contact ahymsinthailand@gmail.com
Facebook: Ahymsinthailand Himalayanyoga
Mobile contact +6681-932-5413
May Guru blessings be with you always.

Meditation and Its Practice
2025-12-14 09:00 - 2025-12-19 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
This six-day programme is as much appropriate for beginners as for more advanced seekers treading the path of spirituality. The foundation stones of meditation will be approached in a scientific and systematic manner. Preparations and progressions of meditation practice will be shared step by step. This course will give you the tools to establish and pursue a regular personal meditation practice.
In his book Meditation and Its Practice, Swami Rama of the Himalayas wrote:
“For thousands of years, the science of meditation has been studied and practiced by aspirants who sought to make their lives more serene, creative and fulfilling. Meditation will give you the capacity to improve your health, your relationships and the skilfulness with which you perform your activities. This is because meditation can do something no other technique can accomplish – it introduces you to yourself on all levels and finally leads you to the center of consciousness within, the higher self, which is called Atman.”

Recommended Readings:

Meditation and Its Practice by Swami Rama
“Beginning Meditation” in Night Birds by Swami Veda Bharati
Meditation: Art and Science by Swami Veda Bharati
Audio with book: Learn to Meditate (plus relaxation exercises) by Swami Veda Bharati.
Video: Treading the Path of Superconscious Meditation by Swami Rama
The Royal Path by Swami Rama
Holistic Living Manual by Swami Rama
Conscious Living by Swami Rama

Read More Information:

About visiting the ashram – Accommodation
About our other short-term upcoming events – Events
About our ongoing short-term Ashram Immersion Program
About how you may contribute towards the ashram – Donate

Mauni Amavasya Silence Retreat
2026-01-08 09:00 - 2026-01-28 12:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
Mauni Amavasya (Silence Day) is an annual observance. The observation of Silence Day is a practice that Swami Veda Bharati invited us to practice.
In 2026, Mauni Amavasya is 18 January.
There will be 21-day silence retreats at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh, India from 8 to 28 January 2026. Swami Ritavan Bharati and Adhikari Bhoi will be available to guide the silence participants.

Swami Veda has said, “…there is also an annual silence day in the traditions of India. It is called Mauni Amavasya. Mauni means ‘of or for silence’, and amavasya means ‘no-moon day.’
It occurs on the no-moon day of the Maagha month in the Hindu calendar when sun and moon are both supposed to enter the sign of Capricorn (makara rashi).
It is held in the tradition as the day when Manu, the Archetypal Man first appeared on earth; he wedded Shata-roopa (She of a Hundred Beautiful Forms) and generated humankind.”
All silence retreats in the Himalayan Tradition are always guided and each participant is interviewed by a silence guide before the retreat may begin. Everyone is given a silence schedule to follow for the duration of the retreat. These schedules may vary among participants, depending upon the prerequisites or health issues or other individual factors. You will also be given some articles and handouts to read.
Everyone’s silence schedule will include the ashram morning and evening meditations, morning joints and glands class and an afternoon relaxation practice session. Schedules will also include breathing practices, contemplative walking and japa.
Arrival and Departure Plans
You are strongly advised to arrive on campus two days before your retreat begins in order to rest, get settled, take care of any pending business, get needed supplies etc. This is important. Only with rested body and a relaxed mind will you be able to enter a silent state of mind from the first day.
You should also plan to have at least one full day at the ashram at the end of your retreat before you leave or travel anywhere. This is to allow time for making a gentle transition from silence to everyday life.
At the end of your retreat you will have an opportunity to debrief with your silence guide. The silence guide will also advise you about ways to maintain some silence in everyday life.

Mauni Amavasya (Silence Day)
2026-01-18 | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
Mauni Amavasya (Silence Day) is an annual observance. The observation of Silence Day is a practice that Swami Veda Bharati invited us to practice.
In 2026, Mauni Amavasya is 18th January.
Swami Veda has said, “…there is also an annual silence day in the traditions of India. It is called Mauni Amavasya. Mauni means ‘of or for silence’, and amavasya means ‘no-moon day.’
It occurs on the no-moon day of the Maagha month in the Hindu calendar when sun and moon are both supposed to enter the sign of Capricorn (makara rashi).
It is held in the tradition as the day when Manu, the Archetypal Man first appeared on earth; he wedded Shata-roopa (She of a Hundred Beautiful Forms) and generated humankind.”
He has further explained that the practice of silence is not limited to Indian spiritual traditions only – “On the other hand, if you prefer to be true to some western tradition you may research if there was a day sacred to Harpokrates, the Greek god of silence whose statues have been found as far away as the Gandhara country (present day Afghanistan). Harpokrates was derived from the Egyptian god Harpa-khruti, the child Horus, representing the daily new born sun, the source of light.
Of course, there is an amplitude of Christian saints who have taught silence and there are numerous monasteries of various orders dedicated to silence.”
He further has shared that – “…I would like many of my friends to set aside at least one day to share the silence with me just as you have shared the full moon day for an hour each month for more than a decade now.
…If you plan from now, you can arrange your worldly affairs in such a way that they do not interfere with your one-day vow of silence.
On that day, no driving (except for emergencies), no TV, no conversation, just self-observation, contemplation, japa and learning (1) to give love in silence while (2) learning to love silence.
May I ask all our swamis, initiators, spiritual advisers, teachers, centre leaders to kindly popularize this concept and take this year to prepare the people to undertake this one-day vow of silence.”
This sacred day is celebrated at SRSG by all ashramites and visiting sadhakas as well as globally by the AHYMSIN community.

Recommended Readings:

Silence (Vol. 1) by Swami Veda Bharati
Silence (Vol. 2) by Swami Veda Bharati
Motto for All Future Silence Days by Swami Veda Bharati

AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026
2026-03-01 09:00 - 2026-03-10 21:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Dhyana Gurukulam, Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P. O Pashulok, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203, India
We are delighted to share with you all that the dates for the next AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering in 2026 have now been finalised. Swami Ritavan extends his personal invitations to all members of the Guru family.
It would be lovely to receive your beautiful presence at the ashram for this once in three years event. Do remember to mark your calendars and plan to come to Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram in Rishikesh between 1-10 March, 2026 for another inspiring and transformative immersion into the timeless teachings of the Himalayan Masters.
Invitation from Swami Ritavan Bharati:
“I would like to extend again the invitation to continue living in the vasudeva principle, the principle of the in-dweller, the single in-dwelling deity, the in-dwelling force.” – Swami Veda Bharati
With overflowing joy and profound gratitude, we extend a heartfelt invitation to our worldwide sangha to our next Sangha Gathering in 2026. Our theme for 2026-29 will be “vasudeva sarvam”—That indwelling One is All. There is no other in relation-to, or conditioned-by.
One of the many ways the word “Vasudeva” is translated in Bhagavad-gita is the “indwelling deity.” This is closely related to the word “vasu,” meaning “all places,” for all places are dwelling places of divinity. Vasu is also the “hamsa”, that swan of the universal prana dwelling every-where in every-thing. “Vasu-mana” is also one of the thousand names of the Divine. Vasu-mana means beautiful mind, a mind that dwells as light in Being, and therefore, Vasu is the beautiful, light-filled, indwelling force.
May your mind be vasu-mana, not this “me”, this little individuated mind, but mind as it is linked to the minds of the whole universe. One mind-wave meeting another mind-wave in this oceanic-wave-field, and the two become one. When your individual mind touches that universal mind, “samasthi-chitta”, the senses of time and space dissolve. There is a force that acts through the force-field called “mind”, where space and time cease and some other force flows. This is the “Guru-force”.
When we live by the in-dweller principle, we know that spirit in all beings is one. We must not be satisfied by merely speaking of it superficially. We must live by it in our relationships with all beings.
The 2026 Sangha Gathering would be an opportunity to learn to allow all your acts to be acts of compassion onto all living beings. Learn to recognise the oneness of the in-dwelling spirit within ourselves and within all living beings. Quite often we get fearful of the other, we get angry at the other and we get defensive in front of the other. Who is fearful of whom? Who is angry at whom? Who needs to defend whom against whom? We are not there yet, let’s embark on this journey together.
Swamiji says, “[Learn to] cultivate a sweet sentiment. It is not an act of compassion, nor is it a repression; it is an act of cultivating a beautiful sentiment. For if the in-dwelling spirit is one, at whom am I being angry? Ask yourself that question, and that would help you to overcome the strong urge towards violence.”
We pursue relationships for pleasure, fulfillment and security, regardless of the nature of the relationship. The ‘Vasudeva principle’ is an invitation towards conquest of the urge to use other living beings for your pleasure. Conquest of the urge to use others as your safety valves. Both are violations of the principle of the one, indwelling spirit. Not only that, but you are then seeing every living being as your kith and kin – lovable. So when you come upon an ant or a bug, know the oneness of the in-dwelling spirit. Let your heart be filled with love and compassion.
This oneness being within us all, I hope to see all members of the Guru’s family at the same place, at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, at the same time, from March 1 – 10, 2026.

We are members in the spiritual body of the Gurus. Their life-force, their grace flows through us. Our own minds grow in this grace only when we remember that in all our work we are serving as members, as organs, of that Spirit. – Swami Veda Bharati
As constituents of this Sangha, this body of the Guru, we aspire to come together regularly for the pursuit of our spiritual goals, to take stock of our progress, as well as chart the way ahead to prepare ourselves for a deeper commitment to our sadhana, and to the Mission.
This AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering from 1-10 March 2026 will mark the beginning of our sangha practice based on this theme of “vasudeva sarvam”.
As we prepare for the Sangha Gathering, we are happy to share details on the various activities:

Yajna (fire offering) and Purnahuti (conclusion of the practice) of the current AHYMSIN Sangha Mantra—akhandamandalakaram mantra.
Swami Ritavan will guide the AHYMSIN Sangha into the new practices for the next 3 years.
Yajna and Japa with the new AHYMSIN Sangha Mantra.
Receive many blessings and a beautiful meditation shawl from Swami Ritavan and the Guru Lineage.
Special Sessions on our theme – “vasudeva sarvam—That indwelling One is All” with Swami Ritavan and other senior teachers.
Guided Meditations with Swami Ritavan and members of the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee in the Initiation Room
Opportunity for silence practice and guidance on deepening one’s personal practices.
Advanced classes on Hatha yoga, Pranayama, Contemplative Walking with senior teachers.
Group Discussions on the Mission of AHYMSIN
AHYMSIN Executive Committee Elections
An excursion and pilgrimage to an ancient temple.
Cultural Programmes
Celebration of the Festival of Colors – Holi!!

We also take this opportunity to express our encouragement to participants who would like to arrive a couple of days prior to, and/or to stay beyond, the gathering to deepen their practice.
Registration for the gathering is open (only for initiates). As many of our family members have already confirmed their presence for the gathering, only limited spots are now remaining. If you would like to join the gathering, kindly reach out to us soon at ahymsin@gmail.com
We lovingly await for the pleasure of your divine presence at the gathering.
In service of the Guru Lineage,
Divya, AHYMSIN Office,
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama

Editor’s Note:
Swami Veda Bharati has often emphasised the ‘Vasudeva Principle’ to the global sangha as 40-days and yearly practices. In 2026, Swami Ritavan Bharati will give a new sangha practice to the worldwide community, in line with the ‘Vasudeva Principle’.
Apart from teachings on the theme of the gathering—Vasudeva Principle, there will be opportunity for personal guidance, silence, community and personal fire offerings, a pilgrimage to an ancient temple, presentations on SRSG and AHYMSIN activities, and to attend classes with senior teachers and initiators.
Spaces for the Sangha Gathering are limited. Kindly reach out to the AHYMSIN Office at ahymsin@gmail.com for more information and to reserve your space for the Gathering.

A Day of Celebration in Italy
2026-03-14 | Villa Vrindavana, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence, Italy, San Casciano Val di Pesa,, Florence, Italy
A Day of Celebration – May, 16th 2026
35th Anniversary of the Foundation of the
Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence
&
20 Years of the Italian Teacher Training Programme
at Villa Vrindavana, San Casciano Val di Pesa, Florence, Italy

This year marks two important milestones for the Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence: 35 years since the Foundation of the Institute, strongly wanted by Swami Rama, and 20 years of the Italian Teacher Training Programme, highly requested by Swami Veda.
On this auspicious occasion, we joyfully invite all friends, members and practitioners of the Himalayan Tradition (from Italy and beyond!) to join us in celebrating this special moment.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, May 16th, at Villa Vrindavana, a magical place full of energy on the hills of Florence, to spend a day of celebration, sharing, and joy together.
Reservation required.
For more information and registration, kindly write to: segreteria@himalayanyogainstitute.it
