My Visit to the SRSG Ashram

19 March, 2009 @ 11:07 am

My first trip to Swami Rama’s Rishikesh Ashram took place early last year, a check out day trip. I had accompanied my Yoga teacher, to visit his Guru. One visit and I could not get the Ashram out of my mind for days. Within a few months of practicing meditation, I decided there was something in it that went “beyond.” There was a qualitative change; it was slowly opening my mind to a whole new world of spirituality. I made a “sankalpa” (resolve) to go in for Mantra initiation.

Pain Teacher

19 March, 2009 @ 10:55 am

Pain is a Teacher, sometimes a very tough teacher, but effective. Pain is an Ever-present Guide, whether physical, mental, or emotional, big or small—it offers many lessons if we are willing to learn from it. Since I had enjoyed good health prior to 2001, I was looking for a theme to what seemed to be random failures of the body. The theme emerged as, Pain as Teacher.

Vedic Sacred Art

19 March, 2009 @ 9:58 am

The Utopian environment found in cottage 31 was no doubt reflective of Radhika's blissful presence combined with the powerful vibrations of the sacred art itself. The space elicited great feelings of internal joy upon entrance and there was an energizing calmness continuously shared among everyone practicing in the space. The concentrated sattvic atmosphere was very much in groove with the ashram atmosphere and resonated as a pulsating globe of color and sound throughout the campus.

Care of the Dying Patient and Their Family

19 March, 2009 @ 9:32 am

There are new challenges to the oncology team.  How do we care for the terminally ill patient and best use palliative care versus the familiar curative care approach. 

A Wonderful Success – Meditation for Pain Management Conference

19 March, 2009 @ 9:13 am

Swami Veda Bharati, disciple of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, graced the participants with his presence during guided meditations and lectures. His compassion, love and humor permeated the atmosphere of the meditation hall. He spoke from his personal experience of dealing with chronic pain, shared the results of his own experimentations and framed all within the context of a spiritual philosophy of pain management through meditation.

International Conference on Meditation for Pain Management

18 February, 2009 @ 10:54 am

Final preparations are underway for The international Meditation and Pain Management Conference  to be held 24th – 28th February 2009 at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama. The Conference program will give those attending new understandings and tools in managing their own pain as well as those of their patients and others.

Makara Sankranti Festival – From Darkness to Light

17 February, 2009 @ 4:45 pm

One day after Lohry, the Makara Sankranti Festival is celebrated. When the sun moves from one zodiac to another zodiac, it is known as Sankranti. During the solar year the Sun passes through twelve zodiacs. When the Sun enters into Capricorn from Sagittarius it is called “Makar Sankranti.” This festival celebrates the end of darkness and the advent of light. Symbolically, darkness and ignorance is replaced by light and knowledge. For this reason, it is considered to be a significant day to perform activities of japa-tapa, sadhana and charity.

Lohri, Celebration of the New Year

17 February, 2009 @ 3:57 pm

The evening of January 13th found everyone at SRSG gathered around a roaring bonfire. It was the night of Lohri, a popular harvest festival celebrated especially in the Northern parts of India. The festival marks the end of winter when the Sun changes its course. It ushers in the New Year calendar for Hindus. In addition to being a harvest and cultural festival, it prompts people to be thankful for God’s provisions. The festival is especially important to newlyweds and newborns. Young and old, rich and poor, all join in the fun.

Congratulations to AHYMS-Asia!

17 February, 2009 @ 3:43 pm

It is official – AHYMS-Asia has been formed into a regional organization! Representatives from several Asian countries, along with Swami Veda, met in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Malaysia) the first week of December 2008. Accomplishments were many including the election of officers, the development of priorities and goals, and the creation of an action plan. Participants were able to learn about each other, learn from each other, and learn ways to support each other.

Meditation Research Institute (MRI)

15 January, 2009 @ 11:46 am