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AHYMSIN Full Moon Illuminations - March 2026

Hari Om Dear Visitor,

AHYMSIN Sangha Mantra for 2026-29

Vasudeva Mantra

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय।

Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya

Om, I bow to the Lord who dwells within all hearts.

The Vasudeva mantra was given by Swami Ritavan Bharati, the Spiritual Guide of AHYMSIN, on 4th March 2026, and will be practiced by all the members of the AHYMSIN Sangha for the duration of three years, until the AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering in March 2029.

To learn more, kindly read the Vasudeva Principle by Swami Veda Bharati

To watch the live video of Announcement of the New Sangha Mantra by Swami Ritavan Bharati during the AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026, kindly visit - AHYMSIN Channel on YouTube

To learn more, kindly read the Introduction to the Vasudeva Principle by Swami Ritavan Bharati

To learn more about the meaning of the Vasudeva mantra, kindly visit "https://www.ahymsin.org/om-namo-bhagavate-vasudevaya/" by Rabindra Sahu.

To read the detailed meaning of the Vasudeva mantra, kindly visit https://www.ahymsin.org/meaning-of-vasudeva-mantra/ by Rabindra Sahu.

To learn more about Lord Vasudeva, kindly read "Introduction to Lord Vasudeva" by Raghavendra Adiga.

Our Tradition

~ Swami Rama

Himalayan Tradition has the following orientation:

1) One absolute without a second is our philosophy.

2) Serving humanity through selflessness is an expression of love, which one should follow through mind, action and speech.

3) The yoga system of Patañjali is a preliminary step accepted by us for the higher practices in our tradition, but philosophically we follow the Advaita system of one Absolute without a second.

4) Meditation is systematized by stilling the body, having serene breath, and controlling the mind. Breath awareness, control of the autonomic system, and learning to discipline primitive urges are practiced.

5) We teach the middle path to students in general, and those who are prepared for higher steps of learning have the opportunity to learn advanced practices. This helps people in general in their daily lives to live in the world and yet remain above. Our method, for the convenience of Western students, is called Superconscious Meditation. I am only a messenger delivering the wisdom of the Himalayan sages of this tradition, and whatever spontaneously comes from the centre of intuition, that I teach. I never prepare my lectures or speeches, for I was told by my master not to do so.

...

7) We practice vegetarianism. We teach a nutritional diet that is healthy and good for longevity, but at the same time we are not rigid and do not force students to become vegetarians.

Two Guided Meditations

~ Swami Veda Bharati

[You may want to watch the below two guided meditation practices of our beloved Swami Veda Bharati by clicking on the image below.]

16 Steps of Basic Meditation and Mantra

30 Minute Guided Meditation

Swami Veda’s Address to the
Gathering of the Sangha,
February 2nd 2010

~ Swami Veda Bharati

Lecture: “Sangha and the Guru’s Mission”

While you are here please think in your mind, “The Guru’s mission is alleviating pain and suffering in the world. All pain and suffering arises from our mind: from the conflicts in our mind, from the selfishness in our mind, from the greed and anger and desires in our mind. Meditation serves as a way to heal the wounded mind. You are all training to be doctors. Some to provide first aid to the wounds of the mind, some to give the medicine of meditation to the mind, some even to do surgeries on the mind. That privilege is very sacred and limited to a very few on this earth. My master was a master of that surgery and I’ve gone through that surgery. The surgery is not completed on me. I’m just slowly, slowly learning. So in your mind decide what area of the pain of the world you want to alleviate, by what means, and offer your services there. People who have been serving for a long time, people who have been serving outside the circles come up and come forward and say, “I’ll do this.” Not, “Swamiji, what shall I do?” Not, “Committee, what shall I do?”

Whether you are in a committee or you are not in a committee, you are committed. Let your commitment come through. Whether you hold or do not hold a position in a committee, you are committed. Come up from your self, seeking no credit, seeking no position, and above all this process of Atma Tattva Avalokanam. Don’t let it be only something you attempt while the Swami is guiding.

Let it be your state of consciousness while you are eating, remaining in that Atma Tattva Avalokanam so that you are eating, not the act, as is stated in the scriptures. Eating becomes a Homa (Fire Offering): Pranaya Svaha, Apanaya Svaha, Samanaya Svaha, Udhanaya Svaha, Viyanaya Svaha. You can set a time, this fire into which you make the offerings, the fire of the navel center, that is called eating. What is called eating? People don’t know the art of eating, people don’t know the art of sleeping.

AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026
Announcement of the New Sangha Mantra

~ Swami Ritavan Bharati

[You may want to watch this live video of Announcement of the New Sangha Mantra by Swami Ritavan Bharati during the AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026 on YouTube by clicking on the image below.]

Introduction to the Vasudeva Principle

~ Swami Ritavan Bharati

Transcript of Swami Ritavan’s talk on the Vasudeva Principle at the AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026 from Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh, India

Om. Come to the awareness of your being. No conditions, forms, no past, no future.

You, the pure being, sitting now in that presence where body remains - head, neck, and trunk straight - breath flows. A gentle breath, deepening, smooth out that flow, where mind and breath now flow as a single stream of awareness. That stream thereby merging, that stream thereby submerging, finding that depth that is beyond the waves, experiencing those currents that are beyond the feelings, where at the riverbed, all that is flowing becomes still.

Enter that stillness.

And gently open your eyes, remaining in that presence.

We talk about presence, but what is presence other than this solitude, a stillness within the movement, a solitude that has brought the dualities and multiplicities into some essence of a wholeness, a wholeness that is the reflective joy of your true nature. In the anandamaya kosha, that sheath of your personality that is really so near and dear, the sheath of your being, by way of a personality that carries a joy, that carries a sense of that joy that is not conditioned by the waves. So, I am so happy to be no longer surfing. The waves are there, no doubt, but you are starting to dive and you are going deeper and you are finding nothing. That's the best way.

But you are finding your answers. Because you have come here with a question and most of you, with many questions because life is life. Every day the questions of what to do, how to do, when to do, who to do it with, you are now diving into a depth of, yes, that is life. But there's something to me that has this solitude, this beautiful sweetness of life that is beyond these waves, where it has a depth, and it's beyond even these currents that you feel of a sense of depth by way of feelings. Because the feelings shape the thoughts and the thoughts shape the actions. So, you're going back from the actions and the reactions, no doubt, to the thoughts that have preceded, to the feelings that have nurtured those thoughts by way of now a deeper aspect of the feelings in your habit patterns, your samskaras, that which you've already put in yourself as an experience. The pleasures of life are many, but also are the pains. So, we are taking them both as a reality. Yet in solitude, those realities merge each night, each morning, to taste the solace.

Anyone taste it yet? Such a beautiful merging of all these personalities, all the flavors and colors, the shapes of personalities as that silence, that no doubt has its own range of experience by way of, yes, your samskaras. So, you are just tasting those samskaras when you are trying to meditate.

But not to worry, you have planted those seeds, you have started growing those flowers, but when you thought you had an apple seed, you have an orange. So, you have to be careful what you are planting and nurture that as your spiritual way of living.

Swami Rama talked about identifying the fears of your life. Those are the things that are binding you, holding you. Meditation unbinds and releases the holds of those habit patterns. So, in that sense, ‘Independence from Fears’ is the first message. And the second message from the Himalayan sages is, ‘Be Aware of the Reality Within’. Now this has become our theme for the Sangha, the Vasudeva principle, and we are approaching it in various ways so that you find the doorway that you can enter.

Taking a moment to once again dive deep.

Meaning of Vasudeva Mantra

~ Rabindra Sahu

Before we explore this year's Sangha Mantra—Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya—let us reflect upon few principles.

What is the meaning of love? We can give it any meaning because there is no single meaning. Any meaning we give, would be a limitation. It is just what each of us feels. Any meaning we give is a limitation imposed by the mind. But the mind needs a meaning. So I will try to share my understanding and the teachings that I have received. There are two aspects to understanding this mantra: the literal meaning, and the far more difficult aspect—the meaning within the context of devotion. The masters have their own ways to bring out our vulnerabilities. Today I feel that difficulty, because it is very hard to speak on bhakti, love, and surrender.

I am not sitting here as a teacher, nor are you students. We are brothers, sisters, mothers together, trying to understand what this mantra could mean for each of us.

My humble request to you would be that each one of us decide what this mantra means for us—not what I say, not what has been written. Define the meaning for yourself, the way you feel it. God is like a mother. A small child cannot speak, yet the mother understands. It is a communication of hearts, not minds. It is not intellectualisation. It is a feeling deep inside the heart that cannot be expressed. yet we keep trying to find words to express. No matter how much we try to find it, it will still be limited. Because the finite cannot express the infinite.

"I" the finite cannot express the infinite, but will try, so the mind can comprehend at a basic level: "I am doing this mantra. This is what it means." And as we move on with our practice, the meaning manifests itself within your lives.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya - Meaning

~ Rabindra Sahu

ॐ (Om)

Linguistic Breakdown: Om is the pranava, the primordial sound. It is composed of three phonemes: A (अ), U (उ), and M (म).

A (अ): Represents the waking state (jagrat), the physical world, and Brahma (the creator).
U (उ): Represents the dream state (svapna), the mental world, and Vishnu (the preserver).
M (म): Represents deep sleep (sushupti), the formless unconscious, and Shiva (the destroyer).
The Silence After: Represents Turiya, the pure consciousness that transcends and pervades all three states.

Meaning: Om is the sound-vibration of the Absolute Reality. It is the symbol of Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality.

नमो (Namo)

Meaning:Salutations, bowing down, reverent homage. It signifies the complete surrender of the individual ego (ahankara) before the Divine. It is an act of offering one's finite self to the infinite.

भगवते (Bhagavate)

Linguistic Breakdown:meaning "to" or "for" of the word Bhagavan.

Meaning: "To the Bhagavan," "To the Lord," "To the Possessor of all divine qualities, attributes, virtues."

The term Bhagavan is specifically defined in the Vishnu Purana (6.5.74) through its etymology:

Bhaga means six divine attributes:
1. Aishvarya: Absolute sovereignty
2. Virya: Absolute power
3. Yashas: Absolute glory
4. Shri: Absolute beauty and prosperity
5. Jnana: Absolute knowledge
6. Vairagya: Absolute renunciation

Van means "one who possesses."

Thus, Bhagavan is the one who possesses these six divine virtues, divine qualities in full, simultaneously, and eternally.

वासुदेवाय (Vasudevaya)

Linguistic Breakdown:The dative case of Vasudeva.

Meaning: This word has two profound layers of meaning:

Son of Vasudeva: This refers to Lord Krishna's appearance as the son of King Vasudeva and Devaki. This grounds the mantra in the historical and personal aspect of the Divine.
The All-Pervading God: The word can be broken into Vasu + Deva.
Vasu: Means "to dwell," "to cover," or "to shine." In this context, it means "all-pervading." The Upanishads state that all beings dwell in the Supreme, and the Supreme dwells in all beings.
Deva: Means "the shining one," "the divine," or "the playful one."

Therefore, Vasudeva means "He who dwells in all things, and in whom all things dwell," the immanent and transcendent reality.

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya)

Putting it all together: The direct translation is: "Om, I bow to the Lord who dwells within all hearts, the possessor of all divine qualities."

Introduction to Lord Vasudeva

~ Raghavendra Adiga

After the Mahabharata war is over, Lord Shri Krishna took Yuddhishthira or Dharmaraja to Bhishma who was on the bed of arrows, and requested him (Bhishma) to give discourse on righteousness or dharma to Yuddhishthira. The teachings imparted to Yuddhishthira by Bhishma is documented as thousand names of Lord (God)—Vishnu Sahasranama—in the form of hymn at the end of Anushawsana Parva of Mahabharata by Sage Shri Veda Vyasa.

It is a gift to the mankind by Sage Veda Vyasa, an incarnation of Lord himself.

Each name in Vishnu Sahasranama depicts innumerable virtues or divine qualities of the God or Brahman. Among one thousand names of the lord, ‘Vishnu and Vasudeva’ appears thrice. Actually, Vishnu and Vasudeva are synonyms.

The Vishnu Sukta of Rigveda says – ‘Vishnu occupies the entire universe or multiverse. Because of his power, everything in his creation is sustained and kept in order. He is the power of intelligence behind the orderliness.’

On the other hand, the name Vasudeva has more of a historical and puranic significance and is more popularly used in meditation and bhakti tradition.

We can understand the word ‘Vasudeva’ as v+asu+deva. ‘V’ is knowledge. ‘Asu’ is prana or one who inspires. ‘Deva’ is bright being who is sportful.

So, 'Vasudeva’ is the one who is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent. For him, the creation, sustenance and regulation of the universe is just a play or sport. Enlightenment and liberation, ignorance and bondage are in his wishful play.

Vasudeva can be understood in another way –
‘Va’ as all pervasive and all knowing.
‘Su’ is the creator of all and everything.
‘De’ is one who grants everything auspicious.
‘Ava’ is one who protects those who meditates on him.

So, Vasudeva means the treasure of illumination, the power of knowledge which enlightens and liberates.

Vasudeva = vasu + deva. God or Supreme Brahman, who hides himself in the innermost core of beings. When through sadhana one crosses the fifteen enclosures¹ and realizes one's essential nature (jiva swarupa), then the lord reveals himself as Supreme Brahman called Vasudeva.

When through meditation, one transcends awareness from gross Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya and Vijnanamaya koshas or sheaths, then the Lord Vasudeva reveals Himself as Spiritual Bliss as He is the infinite source of knowledge, bliss and power.

Ordinarily human beings experience waking, dreaming and sleeping states. Everyone experiences these states without any effort, and these states are governed by Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha form of Supreme Brahman. Beyond these three ordinary states of awareness, there is another higher and enlightened state which can be attained through meditation, called turiya and is governed by Vasudeva!

Om tat sat.

AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026 -
Mantra and Meditation

~ Michael Kissener

For me, the attitude of devotion, of surrendering one's buddhi, prana, mind to that spiritual force that we are trying to connect through our mantra practice. Be it our guru mantra, be it the community mantra or some special mantra we may use for certain purposes. It is this attitude (of devotion) that carries us from the purely verbal form or mental syllabic form of the mantra into experiencing some higher levels that are to be found in the mantra.

The texts tell us about two major stages in the mantra practice. One is the mantra-shakti, the experience of the spiritual force. That's when we get in touch with the specific qualities, attributes, forces that the mantra carries. Then gradually, gradually (it's a process) starting to touch the spiritual presence embodied in the mantra. Once we touch this presence, it may appear as if the mantra is dissolving. At that point there are no more syllables, there is just presence, the core of the mantra. It's syllabic form is just the outer shell or body.

From there entering silence, allowing the mind to go to rest completely. Probably none of us is able to describe this kind of internal state. This silence is still an experience within the mind field, not yet that supreme silence beyond the mind, the Amanaska state.

Silence comes in many stages or depths. We surrender ourselves into this silence. But our minds may not yet be purified enough to stay there. After some time some samskaras will be stirred which pull us out. That's how it goes.

Now, mantra in itself is a purificatory. When the mantra shakti starts to touch our personalities, it will start to remove everything that is in the way. It will start to show us our limitations, our unresolved emotional attitudes, thereby creating a possibility to look into these things and clarify these things. We too can turn these arising obstacles into an offering and allow them to be consumed, burned in the internal fires.

That's one way of purification. There are many ways. In yoga, mantra may probably be considered to be the most important one.

Purification starts with cultivating the yama-niyamas. A hard task in itself. But mantra is our companion from the beginning of the path to the end. Mantra is our connection to the Guru, is our connection to this living stream that is our tradition. In the moment of mantra initiation this connection is established and that is why it is so important to hold on to the Guru Mantra.

The community mantras that are usually given every three years, they serve as means to build and form this worldwide community.

Sometimes when we receive a mantra, our minds, our egos start to cling to the syllables, struggle with the mantra rhythm or with the syllables. Sometimes people are unhappy feeling like they are not progressing in their mantra practice.

Often there's too much clinging to the syllabic form of the mantra. Our ego comes in trying to keep control of the process. That's somehow the job of our ego. It wants to control everything in life. This also applies to our meditation practice. This tendency of our ego is probably the most disrupting factor in our practice. So, to loosen that kind of tendency, to go beyond this tendency, the major key is bhakti, is Ishvara pranidhana, is the internal dedication, is in surrendering oneself to the higher forces. By this the shakti in the mantra can start to touch us, reach us, can start to lift us up. Our ego may not like it, because to some degree it loses its control, being afraid of any change.

What to do? Observe. Observe the fact that there are obstacles, that there are tendencies of resistance. Surrendering that too. Gradually, gradually turning this personality into an offering to the guru, to the deity dwelling in the mantra, to the Supreme. This is the internal gesture that lifts us up.

The Vasudeva mantra is the direct expression of the attitude of devotion and surrender, of bhakti, and thereby is nurturing our longing for completeness.

AHYMSIN Executive Committee for 2026-29

~ AHYMSIN Office

On March 4, 2026, an election of the AHYMSIN Executive Committee and Office Bearers was held at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG). The elected/appointed members of the full Executive Committee and Office Bearers for 2026 – 2029 are:

Spiritual Guide: Swami Ritavan Bharati
President: Tan Sri Datuk Dr Mohan Swami
Senior Vice President: Namita Sinha
Vice Presidents: Michael Kissener and John Sellinger
General Secretary: Sadhana Mishra
Assistant Secretaries: Tinyu Chen and Dr Swati Saharan
Treasurer: Narendra Pushkarna
Assistant Treasurer - Manish Vig

Executive Committee Members:
Ashutosh Sharma (Teaching)
Pierre Lefebvre (HYT-TTP)
Adhikari Bhoi (SRSG)
Rabindra Sahu (SRSG)
Deepak Semwal (SRSG)
Wong Yoong Khiang (Adhyatma Samiti)
Anoop Kanodia (Himalayan Institute of Kanpur)
Dr Vijay Dhasmana (DMT)

In addition, Swami Ritavan Bharati, the Spiritual Guide, has appointed four Senior Advisors to the Executive Committee. They are:
Special Advisor to Spiritual Guide - Foo Tuat Yein
Senior Advisor to AHYMSIN - Dr Stephen Stoma Parker
Legal Advisor to Spiritual Guide - Shreedhar Kamat
President Emeritus - Shi Hung

A Sangha Gathering: Journey
into the Sweetness of the Divine

~ Dea Franko Csuba

Our journey to India began long before our flight touched down at Delhi airport. The preparation to return to our spiritual home and to reunite with our global spiritual family in celebration of the wisdom, ever-flowing love, and blessings of our masters filled our hearts with joy and quiet anticipation for weeks.

This was not our first Sangha gathering, and yet we knew it would be unlike any we had experienced before. Each gathering is always new, always different, perhaps reflecting where we are in our lives, and in our sadhana and understanding.

As the great master Abhinavagupta expressed so beautifully:
“Vismaya yoga-bhūmikā”
“The path of yoga is full of wonder.”

And so, we prepared ourselves to become like empty vessels ready to receive, allowing every layer of our being to absorb the many forms of wonder that would unfold throughout the gathering.

After arriving at Delhi airport, we set off by taxi toward Rishikesh. The journey was smooth and joyful, filled with laughter, shared stories, and a delicious meal along the way. It already hinted at what was to come during our stay at SRSG, where around 200 people from 33 countries gathered, flowing together like a quiet, nourishing river.

Entering the Ashram is an experience that touches every heart. It feels like stepping into a cocoon of silence and lightness. The vibrant colors of fragrant flowers, the gentle presence of birds, the cows and their playful calves, and the lush green gardens create a hidden oasis amidst the vibrant intensity of India.

The Ashram family worked tirelessly to prepare for our arrival. Every detail was infused with love, and they served the Sangha with wholehearted devotion. Even in moments of fatigue, they radiated a gentle, caring presence. They all are living expressions of seva - selfless service - flowing as naturally as breath and prana.

Swami Ritavan welcomed us with a warm smile and unconditional love. His presence carried the sweetness and fragrance of Bhagavan, the source of divine rasa, the essence of all that is sacred and alive. Simply being near him began preparing our hearts and minds for the Vasudeva mantra initiation that was to come.

Reflection on the 2026
Sangha Gathering at the Ashram

~ Meekyung Kim

From the moment I booked my flight last September, my heart had already taken up residence in the Indian Ashram. My daily life became a series of moments spent noticing things to bring to India. At one shop, a pair of vibrant orange socks caught my eye. Drawn by the color, I bought two pairs for Swamiji and tucked them into my suitcase first. I thought of the unwavering dedication of the Ashram family, who had been working tirelessly for a year to prepare for this gathering. Although this year’s gathering took place in March, allowing fewer members of our AHYMSIN Korea family to attend than in previous years, traveling alongside familiar members still brought a quiet sense of reassurance as I set off for India.

The journey was smoother than usual, as the flight time was about an hour shorter. Every time I visit the Ashram, I feel as though the entire process—from landing to taking a taxi toward the gates—is guided by the hand of the Divine. Around midnight, feeling as if I were walking on clouds, I arrived at the Ashram. The air was, as always, stable and serene. A profound sense of relief washed over me: "We are home again." While the cottage entrance doors had been replaced last year, this time I noticed the curtains in every room had changed to a pattern of orange and green hearts linked together. Seeing them, I could only imagine how much energy went into such a transformation. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the environment provided by someone else's labor.

The Ashram programs, such as the early morning fire offerings (Agni Hotra), morning chantings, and Joints & Glands Exercises, proceeded with their timeless consistency. It was a joy to greet familiar faces. Perhaps because more brothers and sisters had gathered this year, the Ashram felt more vibrant than ever. Even among strangers, happy smiles were exchanged everywhere. The time spent engraving the new mantra into our hearts during Akhanda Japa, the fire offerings held by various national groups, and our shared devotion toward the pilgrimage sites reminded me why we must return to this Sangha gathering at least once every three years.

One evening, Swamiji introduced a passage from Swami Vedaji’s book, Kundalini: Stirred or Stilled, specifically Chapter 10, "When I Left the Sun," using Swami Vedaji’s own recorded voice. That particular section was the one I struggled with most while translating the book, so the moment brought a fresh wave of profound emotion. Another unforgettable highlight was when Swamiji draped a shawl embroidered with the new sangha mantra around each person, one by one. As we all stood together in our yellow shawls for a group photo, I felt the fullness of the Tradition’s love and blessing.

A family wrapped under a
warm “yellow” shawl called Love

~ Ilaria Sarri

It's not easy to resume what happens before (and after) the participation to a Sangha Gathering: months of preparations (for the ashram residents and also for people attending) and a very long mental, emotional and spiritual journey before reaching our spiritual family. But every time we gather together, all the fatigues disappear.

It seems like, every time, something special and magic happens: a stream of love made up of true connections that will last forever, a big family that, day by day, becomes stronger, grows and expands, a group that supports each other in deep processes, the strength and the power of the sangha.

Each Sangha Gathering is unique in its connotations and brings with it an infinite variety of colours and emotions: these are the wonderful colours of all the kalyana mitras coming from all over the world, a beautiful bouquet of flowers (like the beautiful flowers of the ashram) that fill with their light and energy the ashram. This year, the emotion was truly very intense for the entire Italian sangha, made up of many people experiencing it for the first time, as well as those returning to the ashram after many years.

We really felt at home: everything was very smooth and natural and it was a precious gift and a blessing. A warm, genuine and caring hospitality, a simple organization, love and care for the details were just few of the elements that made us feel “with special people, in a special place”.

Despite the intense 10 days programme (from early morning to late evening) and the large number of particpants, the atmosphere was very quiet and calm and we could enjoy the beauty of the ashram: birds singing, a stream of water flowing smoothly, the wind playing with trees and leaves, flowers blooming.

“Each time I visit the Ashram, it feels like coming home.
I love the quiet atmosphere when few people are there, but I enjoy also when it’s very crowded, as it was during AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering 2026, during which you can truly experience the beauty of being part of a large family coming across different countries all over the world.
During the last Sangha Gathering, I especially enjoyed the flowers and the ceremonies, which I hold dear as I return to my daily life. For all of this, I am deeply grateful and I thank you”. Chiara“

Back from India after two weeks at the ashram, I feel enriched and peaceful, nourished by colors and warmth, by sounds and vibrations, by the chanting of mantras, by glances and silences, nourished by inspiring meetings ….
I would like to thank everyone who worked quietly behind the scenes allowing these magic experiences to happen in such a special and unique place”. Ruth

“This year, after a long time, I returned to the ashram with my mother and my four-year-old son. It was a very different experience for me. In the past, coming here meant being able to practice, practice, and practice. It happened again this time, but in a different way. I deeply appreciated the sense of family, the slow passage of time, the "doing nothing": watching my son play with the other children, the flowers, plants, and animals, breathing, sleeping, and doing the same things I do at home, but with a different state of mind. I particularly felt the connection between the participants and between them and the Tradition, as if we were all blessed by the wonderful gift of a protective shawl that wrapped us. It was a special moment, and even more special to be able to share it with my son. I asked him if it seemed strange to him, a different way of life, but he didn't even understand the question. For him, everything flowed with joy and simplicity. He was fascinated by the monkeys and animals in general”. Elisa

“Receiving the new Sangha mantra during the Sangha Gathering was really special for me: the fire offering with the mantra recitation and the occasion to actively take part in the ritual, and the mantra explanation through the beautiful story read by Rabindra, which moved me deeply”. Lamberto

Sangha Gathering:
A Soul Nourishing Experience

~ Dr Sunita Bhardwaj Gangopadhyay

The March 2026 Sangha gathering was once again such a heart and soul nourishing experience. I met so many familiar spiritual friends and family from all over the world and made some new beautiful connections. Being at the ashram with the sangha always feels like coming home. It is truly a home away from home. I feel loved, nourished, and cared for throughout my stay. The ambience at the Ashram, with the spring season and so many gorgeous flowers in bloom with the Himalayan ranges in the background, adds to the magic.

The spiritual talks and panel discussions by our beloved senior teachers are going to add towards deepening my spiritual journey, along with the new Sangha Mantra shared by Swami Ritavan ji. The 24-hour unbroken recitation of the mantra and the Yajna felt divine and cleansing for the mind and spirit...

I am going back to my routine life with lots of heartwarming spiritual gifts to deepen my practice until next year, when I am back again to replenish my bowl...

Global Meditation Reminder

Full Moon Meditation
on 1 April 2026

New Moon Meditation
on 17 April 2026

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

Long Term Programs in 2026 at
Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama

We received an overwhelming to our events and activities this year, along with multiple requests to continue to our long term programs including the 84-Days Intensive Sadhana Retreat and the One-year Residential Program: Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam. We will be offering both these programs in 2026 as well, starting on the auspicious day of the Guru Purnima, 29th July 2026.

84-Days Intensive Sadhana Retreat

One-year Residential Program: Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam

Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama
Invites You

~ Upcoming Events

Dates	Name of the Retreat	Teacher
12 – 17 April 2026	Meditation and its Practice	Ashram Faculty
10 – 15 May 2026	Meditation and its Practice	Ashram Faculty
14 – 26 June 2026	International Yoga Day Special: Yoga Meditation Retreat	Ashram Faculty
12 – 17 July 2026	Guru Disciple Relationship	Rabindra Sahu
14 July 2026	Swami Veda Bharati’s Mahasamadhi Day Celebrations	Swami Ritavan Bharati
21 – 29 July 2026	Guru Purnima Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati
29 July 2026	Guru Purnima Celebrations	Swami Ritavan Bharati
29 July 2026 onwards	84-Days Intensive Sadhana Retreat	Rabindra Sahu and others
29 July – 20 October 2026	Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam: One-Year Residential Program in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition	Swami Ritavan Bharati and all Faculty
13 – 16 August 2026	Himalayan Yoga Meditation Weekend Retreat	Ashram Faculty
13 - 18 September 2026	Conscious Living Retreat	Dr Swati Saharan
20 - 26 September 2026	Freedom from Bondage of Karma Retreat	Dr Divya Gupta
11 - 19 October 2026	Navaratri Retreat - Cultivating the Divine Feminine	Rabindra Sahu
1 - 27 November 2026	Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program 4-Week Level One Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati and others
29 November - 4 December 2026	Meditation & Its Practice Retreat	Ashram Faculty
24 January - 13 February 2027	21-Days Mauni Amavasya Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati and Adhikari Bhoi
14 February - 6 March 2027	21-Days Mahashivaratri Special: Shiva Sankalpa Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati and Rabindra Sahu
7 March - 2 April 2027	Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program 4-Week Level One Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati and others
7 - 15 April 2027	Navaratri Retreat - Cultivating the Divine Feminine	Rabindra Sahu
2 - 6 May 2027	Meditation & Its Practice Retreat	Ashram Faculty
6 - 11 June 2027	Meditation & Its Practice Retreat	Ashram Faculty
20 - 23 June 2027	What is Yoga? International Yoga Day Retreat	Ashram Faculty
6 - 11 June 2027	Meditation & Its Practice Retreat	Ashram Faculty
11 – 16 July 2027	Guru Disciple Relationship	Rabindra Sahu
14 July 2027	Swami Veda Bharati’s Mahasamadhi Day Celebrations	Swami Ritavan Bharati
10 - 18 July 2027	Guru Purnima Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati
18 July 2027	Guru Purnima Celebrations	Swami Ritavan Bharati
18 July 2027 onwards	Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam: One-Year Residential Program in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition	Swami Ritavan Bharati and all Faculty
18 July - 26 August 2027	40-Days Intensive Sadhana Retreat	Rabindra Sahu
30 September - 8 October 2027	Navaratri Retreat - Cultivating the Divine Feminine	Rabindra Sahu
10 - 16 October 2027	Signs of Spiritual Progress	Rabindra Sahu
24 - 30 October 2027	Breath Retreat	John Sellinger
31 October - 27 November 2027	Himalayan Yoga Tradition – Teacher Training Program 4-Week Level One Retreat	Swami Ritavan Bharati and others

More Events

Upcoming Global Events

AHYMSIN Korea Silence Retreat 2026
with Swami Ritavan Bharati and Rabindra Sahu

2025 marked a meaningful milestone: the 100th birth anniversary of Swami Rama. Practitioners have been deepening their sadhana-through trainings in India and steady personal practice in daily life.

In 2026, the AHYMSIN Sangha Gathering will offer new practice guidance for the coming three years (including mantra practice) shared by Swami Ritavanji in that living stream of practice. AHYMSIN Korea warmly invites you to a structured Silence Retreat at a serene Korean Buddhist temple in Busan, guided by Swami Ritavanji and visiting teachers of the Himalayan Tradition.

Busan Retreat: Friday, May 8, 3:00 PM – Thursday, May 14, 12:30 PM
Seoul Workshop: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM – Sunday, May 17, 6:00 PM

A Day of Celebration in Italy – 16 May 2026

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, kindly write to: segreteria@himalayanyogainstitute.it

Meditation and Silence Retreat with John Sellinger and Michael Kissener

When: 11-17 May 2026

Where: Schweibenalp, Centre of Unity, Brienz

In our daily lives, we are constantly mentally occupied with sensory impressions, information, developments, and various activities.

This retreat offers the opportunity to completely withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few days, to turn our attention inward, and to explore our own inner dimensions. We can learn to understand ourselves better and find access to the transformative and healing power of silence.

Silence inspires
Silence is creative
In silence we find peace
As soon as the restlessness of the mind ceases, we perceive the sound of silence.

For more information, kindly visit the event page at - https://schweibenalp.ch/detail/?seminarId=%204566d826-3213-4cdf-b41c-478b611b0e64

You may also read more about the event at - https://www.ahymsin.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Embracing-Silence-Retreat-in-Switzerland.pdf

Registration by: 28th of February 2026

2026 Family Yoga Summer Camp in Greece

When: August 4 - 12, 2026

Where: SCOUT CENTER AGIOS ANDREAS, 27 Poseidonos Avenue, Nea Makri, Municipality of Marathon, Attica, Greece

The 4th Family Yoga Summer Camp is coming! - Daily yoga, family beach time, arts and crafts workshops, interactions with senior teachers, sightseeing in Greece are among the activities we offer to all, adults, teens and children! Three vegetarian/ Mediterranean meals per day are catered so that families can use their time for maximum play and be together.

Extended Letter: Press Here
Register here (benefit from the early bird price until April 30th): Press Here

Dutch Retreats in 2026