Progress in Meditation

~ Swami Rama

The student of meditation, without understanding the importance of pratyahara, cannot concentrate the mind and thus is unable to sit in meditation. The mind is in the habit of functioning along the ten avenues or senses. These senses distract and dissipate the energy of mind. But the mind can function without the help of the senses. In such a state, the mind starts turning within. During the practice of pratyahara, the student restrains himself from doing meaningless actions that are not related to this practice. Learning to with draw the senses from the objects of the world does not mean withdrawal from the world, but the student, before sitting in meditation, has to learn to withdraw the senses from the objects of sense perception before he steps into another stage called concentration. Here I would like to mention that concentration for meditation and concentration in the external world are two different ideas. Concentration in the external world does not help the student of meditation.

Paying attention toward the action one is performing and performing one action at a time strengthens the power of concentration. Concentration helps one to be successful in the external world by helping him to do his duties efficiently and competently. It should not be forgotten that the mind attends one thing at a time, though at a fast speed. Students often think that the mind can attend more than one thing at a time. In attempting this, the power of distraction increases and concentration decreases. For strengthening concentration, attention should be trained. That is why the teacher gives an object or a point – to focus the mind for strengthening concentration. A fully concentrated mind has immense power – unbelievable power– which is attained by concentrating and focusing the mind. That makes the mind one-pointed, and pratyahara makes the mind inward. The inward tendency and one-pointedness help the student in doing meditation. In meditation, the mind starts flowing spontaneously and uninterruptedly, but this flow of concentrated mind is inward. The body remains still, and the breath remains calm and serene. Such a mind experiences the joys of meditation.

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Silence Can Be Your Wishing Stone

~ Swami Veda Bharati

Om Om Om

This is 9th June [1995] morning at the ashram in Rishikesh – 5:20 am here. The sky is full of sounds – birds’ songs, so rich – of which I sent you all a cassette at one time. The intruder into the bird songs is the cawing of crows that is loud, imperialistic, uncaring . . . but the birds continue to sing. I hope that during this recording no other loud sounds will be heard. If they are heard, please ignore them. I should have done this recording an hour and a half ago, but the momentum of working the Yoga-sutra II.52 was vibrant, and I continued typing, and now I am a little late. And I do want to put this into the mail so that it gets to Minneapolis and from there gets to Calgary. Calgary, a place I’m really very, very fond of. In terms of seriousness of studies it is only second to Germany where people are really serious. On the other hand, I may be doing injustice to others who do study and don’t want to bother me with questions because they are capable of answering themselves. This is also true of Calgary, but I am happy for any reason to communicate – a teacher of silence who loves to speak. Perhaps I will close with that theme at the end.

Let us understand – layers upon layers, fields within fields, kośas within kośas, pillow cases within pillow cases, veils behind veils. Each one has its own frequency, its own “voice,” shall we say, its own light, its own sound. As you know, in our tradition we merge the light and the sound, and the sādhana of one leads to the sādhana of the other. Again, [referring] to the two sūtras in my little book of blessings:

“May you hear sound that light produces as it travels through space.
May you see the light that sound creates as it travels through space.”

Where is that space? What space is it through which the light and the sound travel? What space is it where they are first created so that the light and sound of the universe may eventually emerge from that supreme mind that contains these intangible principles that cannot be measured by any instrument?

I see it in terms of spanda, the central core of the Kashmir philosophy that developed from the 8th century to, say, the 14th or 15th century and created spiritual and intellectual giants. The philosophy of spanda, the philosophy of vibration: [that] within each force-field there is a certain frequency, its voice, its sound.

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Announcements for the
AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026

~ Dr Divya Gupta

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.

Swami Ritavan Bharati has announced that the theme for AHYMSIN Sangha for 2026-29 will be “vasudeva sarvam”—That indwelling One is All. There is no other in relation-to, or conditioned-by. “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

The upcoming 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

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An Auspicious Unveiling -
A New Book by Swami Veda Bharati
Inner Healing

~ Rabindra Sahu

On the sacred day of Navami (October 1, 2025) during the recent Navaratri celebrations, our hearts turned in devotion to Maa Siddhidatri, the radiant ninth form of the Mother Divine. Her very name means the One who bestows Siddhis. She represents the pinnacle of spiritual journey: the blissful moment where the seeker dissolves into the sought, and all perfections are attained.

In this spirit of divine culmination, we joyfully announce the release of a new offering from the timeless teachings of Swami Veda Bharati: "Inner Healing".

In this book, Swamiji guides us to conquest over both our internal and external conflicts, leading to lasting harmony. Various aspects of the body, mind, senses and spirit are seamlessly interwoven into a composite whole offering a unique perspective and a definite guidance for well-being. This is not just a book; it is a powerful tool to the most essential siddhi of all: spiritual liberation.

Yoga therapy is not a new concept; however, certain practices have been lost through the ages. Swamiji has taught extensively on the topic of ‘Yoga Therapy as Transcendental Science’ over the past many decades. This is the first book in a series of many to come. In this book, Swamiji talks about how by understanding the origin of disease and shifting our attitude towards illness are essential to the healing process. The emphasis is thereby on a spiritual approach to illness and liberation. Swamiji says, “All sickness, physical or mental is a lack of balance.”

Find your copy of "Inner Healing" and begin your journey today. You may contact the Bharati Bookstore at hyptbooks@gmail.com

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Spiritual Significance of the
Festival of Dusshera

~ Rabindra Sahu

Rabindra ji shared what he had learned about the spiritual significance and esoteric meanings on the occasion of the festival of Dusshera –

Lord Shri Rama is the Paramatma—the supreme soul, divine spirit—the true embodiment of the light, absolute purity, righteousness, and boundless love within. He is the eternal king of the city of Ayodhya (the city without conflicts)—a heart untouched by desires and fears.

Mother Sita is the jivatma, the individual soul, though radiant and virtuous, has now been abducted in the realm of worldly experiences (Lanka) by Ravana (the ten-headed demon king).

Ravana holds her captive, alienating her from her true source of bliss—Lord Rama. He is not just a ten-headed demon, but is a manifestation of our own ego and inner distortions. The five senses of cognition (jnana-indriyas) and the five senses of action (karma-indriyas), which when dominated by the ego, can become our greatest obstacle. His ten heads represent the ten vices that tempt and command our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

This Ravana resides not in the golden Lanka, but in the inaccessible fortress of our own minds, built by the insatiable desires and deep-rooted conditionings (vasanas and samskaras) of countless lifetimes.

Lord Shri Rama's victory over Ravana is the dawn of self-realization. This is the moment when the ego is subdued, the senses are mastered, and the individual soul (Sita) is reunited with the absolute Supreme Being (Lord Rama). It is the return to Ayodhya—a state of inner peace and harmony.

…

This Dussehra, may we dare to light the pyre of the Ravana within us. May we offer its ten heads to the sacred fire of knowledge (jnana-agni). May the light emanating from this fire reveal the eternal Rama, the divine King, seated in a tranquil splendour within our hearts.

May our minds become a true Ayodhya—the abode of divine order, love, and unwavering light. May the victory of your inner light be ever-lasting and absolute, enabling us to LOVE, SERVE, REMEMBER.

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Experiences During the
84-Days Intensive Sadhana Retreat

~ Sharing by Carter Michaud

84 days is more than just a number — it’s a powerful window of transformation. In that time, you could launch a passion project, build lasting habits of fitness and healthy eating, master a new skill or craft, complete a certification or course, or even save and invest a meaningful sum. However, these things are all the results of what you direct your actions toward, and if we do not have the inner strength to follow through with them, we won’t see them come to fruition—how many times have we tried to get ourselves to go to the gym, only to give up after a couple of weeks? With inner strength, we have the ability to accomplish whatever we intend to pursue. We might say, “I want to eat healthy” or “I want to learn a new language,” and instead of giving in when the mind says, “I’m bored of this. I’m going to stop,” we have the strength to choose to continue anyway. This cultivation of inner strength is just a fraction of what I have developed throughout the 84-day retreat.

Through Hatha Yoga, I’ve developed physical discipline—learning how to calm my mind while my body is in discomfort. If I can tell myself to keep pushing despite my mind telling me that this is uncomfortable, then I’ve successfully won the battle with my mind and followed through with the intention to hold the posture or continue with the exercise even when my mind is complaining.

Through Karma Yoga, I’ve learned to break through the idea of doing all of my actions for my own sake. Will I do something for someone else with 100% effort, knowing that I won’t get any benefit or recognition from it? Can I tell myself to do it anyway, even when my mind doesn’t see the reward? This is yet another reason why inner strength is important.

…

~ Sharing by Radha Bhojraj

Writing about the 84-day retreat feels almost impossible. The experience can only truly be lived, as for each person it reveals itself differently—shaped by what is most needed at that moment in their lives. I hope to be able to put in words reflections of my time here.

I had come in with certain expectations and a picture in my mind of how I wanted the retreat to be. I thought I knew how I should conduct myself and imagined the journey would follow that script. But as the days unfolded, it became clear that the retreat had its own way of working on me, often in ways I could not have anticipated.

My introduction to this path has been gradual, with lessons scattered over the years. Yet, there was a certain naivety in how I had approached these teachings. Over these months, something shifted more deeply. The rigid ideas I had carried began to loosen, and an inner restructuring quietly unfolded.

…

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The Gifts of Our Masters

~ AHYMSIN Americas Sangha Gathering

The recent AHYMSIN-Americas Sangha/Silence Gathering in Minnesota was an enriching time, guided with care by Swami Ritavan Bharati and Swami Radha Bharati. This inspiring event celebrated the lineage, legacies, and teachings of our beloved Himalayan yoga masters, Swami Rama and Swami Veda, and was enhanced by personal reflections from senior leaders, teachers and sadhakas in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition.

Over the course of four days, participants immersed themselves in a carefully curated program. Sessions included "Re-imagining Our Meditation Communities," and two sessions where special guests shared their insights on the profound influences of Swami Rama and Swami Veda within their lives. An interactive session, “Building Bridges to New Students,” fostered collaboration and innovative ideas for advancing the Himalayan Tradition into the future.

The agenda was enriched with delicious, authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine, hatha yoga sessions, and spiritually uplifting addresses from Swami Ritavan. His talks, including “Solving Uncertainty through Meditation,” “The Path of Fire and Light as the Himalayan Way,” and “Illuminating the Guru Within,” provided profound insights and helped enrich our meditative practices. The gathering was further uplifted by a lively kirtan led by Shakti and Bhakti one evening, and a sacred fire puja ceremony on the night of the full moon.

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Experiences During the
Silence Retreat in the Netherlands

~ Sharing by Dirk Gysels

It was an experiment....but it was needed.

In our hectic lives, 4 or 5 days of silence was too brief. Our bodies and minds need more.

So the bold decision was made to extent the silence to a full week.

And it was such a relief to allow oneself to go inside, to shut down the outward senses of cognition and action for an extended period. We all have our stories why it felt so good. Mine is not the most inspiring. I booked the week at a time not knowing that my karma would visit me at the end of June with a full-blown infarct. I am well again, but the scars are there, not in the least on an emotional and energetic level.

But the deep healing happened. It seemed that all the poses, the relaxations, the meditations, akhanda japa, Yoga Nidra... were the things my body-mind needed right now.

It felt that my body 'knew' that it had a full week to go into deeper healing. So a lot came up: sadness, fear, anger, loneliness, behavioral traits that do not serve my awakening into what I really am, insights... I tried to talk to my mind in a friendly way when things became too confronting....

By the end of the week, I felt a new light, a deeper strength shining through....The turning point was the akhanda japa and the long yoga nidra right before the start.

And magic happened. So grateful to all who made it happen!

…

~ Sharing by Jane Cox

Jane Cox read in the closing circle from her journal writings: Confession

I’ve never been able to retain song lyrics; even my eight-syllable mantra took nearly a year to settle into memory. However hard I try, I’m terrible at learning mantra. Maybe it’s my age, but what emerges is more word salad than sacred chant—a jumble of good intentions hopelessly out of order.

So, after an early morning session of Akhanda Japa, I neither felt inclined - nor, to be honest, wanted - to do another.

Instead, I took a contemplative walk, then a long one, then a brisk walk, before retreating to the safety of my bedroom. And, as often happens when a holiday draws to a close, my mind drifted toward home: train times and the inevitable empty fridge.

I decided to check in our flights and–oops–like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, I found myself on a magical mystery tour of social media.

The evening japa became an alarming combination of the scrambled mantra colliding with a thought explosion of algorithms: Gaza, ginger root recipes, Trump blaming pregnant women for autism–and, layered on top, an inner debate with Pierre about the moral and ethical dilemma of remaining silent, of accepting this seemingly unjust world as purnam.

…

~ Sharing by Riemke de Groot

During our retreat last week, I was asked this question by Pierre Lefebvre, and given the microphone, to share my experience with the group. The question came unexpected, but the words that came out of the mouth for an answer surprised me even more. When I wanted to tell about many years of yoga retreats, I suddenly realized something different. And this was my answer:

I practiced silence from a very early age, every Sunday for a minute or so, in the church services I was attending with my parents and siblings. After chanting the first hymn, the reverend would say: “Let us become silent before the Lord, our God.” And we stood... still... eyes closed, hands folded. I somehow felt that the moment was sacred. It was also mysterious, exciting, weird. And sometimes hilarious when someone coughed, a hymnbook fell to the floor or someone came in late, and all turned to see what happened. But most of all I remember the sacredness of the spoken formula and the following silence, that seemed always too short to my taste. And in the moment I gave this answer, I realized that these early silence practice is the fundament of all silence retreats that followed.

In the retreat, during the meditations afterwards, I let this realization sink deep into my mind and started every meditation by inviting my mind: “Let's become silent for the Lord, our God.” And a reservoir of silence, hidden deep inside, seemed to open up, The word ksetrikavat from the Yoga Sutras (4.3) came to my mind. The verse of the farmer who does nothing new or different, but just breaks the dyke so the water that is already there can flow freely. In this way I felt a flood of silence flowing through me. My meditation got to a new depth.

…

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“Embracing Silence”
AHYMSIN Switzerland’s First Retreat

~ Lea, John, Maria, Alan and Anna

Nestled in the serene beauty of the Valais Alps, near Martigny, AHYMSIN Switzerland held its very first Meditation and Silence retreat. The proximity of the majestic mountains and tranquil forests made everyone feel uplifted and supported by nature’s presence. Our home for the retreat was a 200-year-old guesthouse, where stillness seemed to emanate from the very walls. Its spacious, quiet seminar hall provided the perfect setting for our sessions. Each day, the family who runs the hotel lovingly prepared fresh, delicious organic vegetarian meals, adding a nourishing touch to our retreat experience.

The retreat unfolded over four days. The first full day was devoted to an introduction to the core practices of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, while the second became a full immersion into silence. The daily rhythm resembled that of the ashram—intense and structured, yet deeply nourishing. Meals were recommended to be taken in silence, and during the opening evening, participants were reminded to listen to their own capacities and allow themselves moments of rest whenever needed.

Each day began at 5:30 a.m. and concluded at 9:30 p.m., framed by the sacred chanting of our ashram prayers. To our delight, nearly all participants chose to join both morning and evening chantings, engaging in their own ways—some reading, some listening, others chanting with heart. Gentle Hatha Yoga classes in the mornings and evenings, guided by Anna and Maria, invited breath awareness and prepared body, breath, and mind for meditation. Morning meditations were teacher-guided, while evenings meditations were experienced in silence.

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Himalayan Yoga at LMU

~ Randall Krause (Mokshadeva)

The Yoga Studies Program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles has become one of the top programs in the United States for gaining a broad understanding of yoga, through its Yoga Philosophy Certificate program and its Master of Arts degree in Yoga Studies. For the past several years, teachers from the Himalayan Tradition have been invited to conduct workshops for LMU Yoga Studies students. Charles and Carol Crenshaw—longtime disciples and teachers of the Tradition— were the latest to share the teachings of the Himalayan Tradition on Saturday, September 27, 2025. 

According to Dr. Christopher Chapple, the founder and Director of the Yoga Studies program, “It was a superb event…About 25 students showed up for the daylong workshop. It covered everything: Samkhya, the Kosas, Astanga (Patanjali, not Patabhi), and more. The afternoon came to a close with wonderful group chanting of the Devi Mantra, with Charles as song leader, also playing the harmonium.”

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Global Meditation Reminder

Full Moon Meditation
on 6 October 2025

New Moon Meditation
on 20 October 2025

You are invited to sit in meditation for an hour wherever you are, in your home or with friends. Total beginners and longtime practitioners, non-initiates and initiates are welcome. If you cannot sit for the entire hour, sit as long as you are able; as Swami Veda has said, “Let the quietness of the mind continue even after you rise...”

Global Meditations Schedule

Full Moon New Moon

Upcoming Ashram Events

Martial Art and Yoga Retreat
with Swami Tat Sat Bharati

Guru Disciple Relationship
with Rabindra Sahu

Breath Retreat
with John Sellinger

Ha-tha Yoga as Meditation
with Pandit Priyadarshan
and John Sellinger

Himalayan Yoga Tradition –
Teacher Training Program Retreat

Meditation and Its Practice

Mauni Amavasya Silence Retreat

AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026

Himalayan Yoga Tradition -
Teacher Training Program Retreat

More Events

Upcoming Global Events

Inspirations from the Himalayan Master – Online Workshops
with Namita Sinha

To Register: kindly fill up the Google Form. For more information, you may contact Namita on Email or WhatsApp.

Shakti – the Subtle Force of the Divine Feminine – Online Workshop
with Rabindra Sahu

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.

Himalayan Yoga Meditation Retreat in Japan
with Rabindra Sahu

For information and registration, you are welcome to contact: ahymsin.jp@gmail.com. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Mantra, Meditation, and Silence Retreat in 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.

For more information, you may contact The Himalayan Yoga Meditation Center of Mallorca directly at atma63@gmail.com or contact them on Facebook.

2025 Silence Camp and Workshop in Taiwan
with Swami Ritavan Bharati, Yoong Wong Khiang, Pandit Ashutosh Sharma, Prasanna, Jenny, Sujata, and Divya

For registration, kindly contact AHYMSIN Taiwan directly at ahymsin.taiwan@gmail.com. Association mobile phone: 0933-293-087 Miss Xu. They also have a Facebook Page. You may also fill up the online registration form: https://reurl.cc/Nxqzr9.

Living Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life in Malaysia
with Rabindra Sahu

Breath, Balance and Beyond… Yoga for a Sustainable Life in Sabah, Malaysia
with Rabindra Sahu

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

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.

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
with Shi Hong and Pandit Priyadarshan (Pierre Lefebvre)

For information and registration, you are welcome to contact: ahymsinthailand@gmail.com or visit the Ahymsinthailand Facebook page

More Events

AHYMSIN

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Contact Us

AHYMSIN, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
Virpur Khurd, Virbhadra Road, P.O. Pashulok Rishikesh 249203, India

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama