This ongoing series uses different critical Yogic teachings, with a focus on biomedical and neuroscience connections, from Vedantic, Jain and Buddhist perspectives. Each time, the stage will be set with an exploration of different meditation techniques, to create a readiness for Svādhyāya (Self-study) and Bhāvana (contemplation). Group meditation with other seekers creates a very special energy. Our meditation practices and understanding of things are enriched when connected with systematic exploration of ancient and modern ideas on consciousness, brain and learning.

Topics we may want to explore together over time will include:

1. Brain structure, function, chemistry and plasticity
2. Genetics, brain and ideas of karma
3. Embodied cognition, language and intuition
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and consciousness
5. Meditation and general mental health
6. Meditation and intelligence (creativity, insight and wisdom)

To join via zoom please click here.

Dr. Ken Pugh has been the Director of Research at Haskins Labs since 2009 and holds faculty appointments at both the University of Connecticut and at Yale University School of Medicine. His research program employs genetic, neuroimaging and cognitive methods to explicate the brain bases of typical and atypical language and reading development in children. At the age of sixteen, Dr. Pugh began seven years of training in the Jain monastic traditions and carries these experiences into his work on brain and cognition.

Gratitude and music share a beautiful truth — both bring warmth to the giver and the receiver. Join Kinnar Seen (sitar) and Naren Budhakar (tabla) for an evening of melody and rhythm in celebration of Life itself.

Preceded by Ashram Meditation Program in the MH beginning at 7:00 PM.

Naren Budhakar was brought up in the Indian classical music tradition and began performing Tabla at a young age. A disciple of Tabla Maestro Ustad Shabbir Nisar, Naren has played with prominent instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers including Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Jasraj and Shaed Parvez. He has performed at prestigious venues in the U.S. and Europe, providing Tabla accompaniment for various musical genres. He is also a disciple of Shri Aditya Khandwe, a virtuoso vocalist of the Gwalior style of classical Indian vocal music. Naren is co-director of the East-West School of Music at Ananda Ashram, teaching and performing regularly.

Kinnar Seen, a student of his illustrious father, Ustad Lachman Singh; earned a Master’s degree in Music receiving gold medals. Since the age of 14 he has performed at major music festivals around the world, representing India in Jamaica, Trinidad, and Morocco at the invitation of their governors, and performed even at the residence of John Lennon. Kinnar has presented lectures- demonstrations at leading universities including Harvard, Princeton, Brown, SUNY, and The Juilliard School. Recognized with numerous awards in India and abroad, he was described by The New York Times as 'a leading artist of India.' In 1986, Kinnar and his wife Payal, an accomplished vocalist, founded Sangeet Vilas — Kinnar School of Music, through which they continue to teach students in the Guru–Shishya (teacher–student) tradition.

Welcome to Ananda Ashram’s Thanksgiving Retreat, which includes morning and evening meditation programs -- beginning at 9:00 AM & 7:00 PM daily -- with fire ceremony and chanting for World Peace, Yoga-Vedanta scriptural studies and selected readings. We offer daily yoga classes and also open Sanskrit language classes. Evening programs will feature concerts and Kirtan.

Weds, Nov 26
8:00 PM Thanksgiving Eve Shaktipat Kirtan Concert in Gratitude

Thurs, Nov 27, Thanksgiving Day
Suggested Donation for Thanksgiving Day, Feast & Evening Program: $40 / included in Overnight and Day Guest Rates

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Vegan Feast - Lake House Dining Hall
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM Agni Hotra and Meditation with Hari - Blue Sky Center
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM Kirtan with Krishna Devi and friends - Blue Sky Center
8:15 Special Guest Program with Jivamukti Yoga Founders Sharon Gannon & David Life + Hari Mulukutla

Friday, Nov 28
8:00 PM Sitar and Tabla concert with Kinnar Seen and Naren Budhakar

Sat, Nov 29
8:00 PM (T)Hank(s)giving Concert with Hank Heaven & Naren Budhakar

This ongoing series uses different critical Yogic teachings, with a focus on biomedical and neuroscience connections, from Vedantic, Jain and Buddhist perspectives. Each time, the stage will be set with an exploration of different meditation techniques, to create a readiness for Svādhyāya (Self-study) and Bhāvana (contemplation). Group meditation with other seekers creates a very special energy. Our meditation practices and understanding of things are enriched when connected with systematic exploration of ancient and modern ideas on consciousness, brain and learning.

Topics we may want to explore together over time will include:

1. Brain structure, function, chemistry and plasticity
2. Genetics, brain and ideas of karma
3. Embodied cognition, language and intuition
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and consciousness
5. Meditation and general mental health
6. Meditation and intelligence (creativity, insight and wisdom)

To join via zoom please click here.

Dr. Ken Pugh has been the Director of Research at Haskins Labs since 2009 and holds faculty appointments at both the University of Connecticut and at Yale University School of Medicine. His research program employs genetic, neuroimaging and cognitive methods to explicate the brain bases of typical and atypical language and reading development in children. At the age of sixteen, Dr. Pugh began seven years of training in the Jain monastic traditions and carries these experiences into his work on brain and cognition.

Lakshmi, seated on a Lotus bloom,
Dispeller of all the want and gloom.
We chant your names in prayer,
For wealth, to attain and to share.
Bring fortune to homes, and peace to mind,
The truest riches that a heart can find.

Goddess Lakṣmī will be invoked in all her splendor in a celebration where spirituality embraces prosperity. During Diwali, the festival of lights, Mother Lakṣmī is worshipped, as described in the Purāṇas, the ancient Sanskrit texts. Please join us in the glorious setting of the Main House meditation room, where we will be graced by abundance.

This ongoing series uses different critical Yogic teachings, with a focus on biomedical and neuroscience connections, from Vedantic, Jain and Buddhist perspectives. Each time, the stage will be set with an exploration of different meditation techniques, to create a readiness for Svādhyāya (Self-study) and Bhāvana (contemplation). Group meditation with other seekers creates a very special energy. Our meditation practices and understanding of things are enriched when connected with systematic exploration of ancient and modern ideas on consciousness, brain and learning.

Topics we may want to explore together over time will include:

1. Brain structure, function, chemistry and plasticity
2. Genetics, brain and ideas of karma
3. Embodied cognition, language and intuition
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and consciousness
5. Meditation and general mental health
6. Meditation and intelligence (creativity, insight and wisdom)

To join via zoom please click here.

Dr. Ken Pugh has been the Director of Research at Haskins Labs since 2009 and holds faculty appointments at both the University of Connecticut and at Yale University School of Medicine. His research program employs genetic, neuroimaging and cognitive methods to explicate the brain bases of typical and atypical language and reading development in children. At the age of sixteen, Dr. Pugh began seven years of training in the Jain monastic traditions and carries these experiences into his work on brain and cognition.

Satsangs with Atmaji often include a darshan talk where he shares his wisdom on a variety of topics, as well as periods of silent sitting or guided meditations. The program will close with a Q&A session, a valuable opportunity for attendees to seek clarity about life's mysteries, challenges and any spiritual inquiries that can arise along the path. Bring your questions to Atmaji and open yourself to insight and transformation!

AtmaNambi, affectionately known as Atmaji, is an Enlightened Master from Tamil Nadu who has spent over 30 years guiding individuals toward a deeper connection with their inner Self. His teachings emphasize the transformative power of silence and meditation, and many describe his presence as a rare opportunity to experience profound stillness and clarity. His ashram, Upanisha Ananda Mandir, warmly welcomes sincere seekers from all walks of life.

He is also the founder of The Live Life Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to uplifting underprivileged and tribal communities throughout India.

To learn more, visit his website or follow his teachings on YouTube: @AtmaNambi and @theLIVELIFE_org.

9:00-11:00 AM & 7:00-8:45 PM

Programs are by Open Donation

Observing and honoring the Anniversary of Guru's Mahāsamādhi, his passing from the physical body, is to help one realize his continued spiritual presence.

Programs offered by Ashram Teachers:

9:00 AM Fire Ceremony and Meditation
10:00 AM Chanting of Hymn in the Shrine

7:00 PM Fire Ceremony & Meditation
7:45 PM Chanting, Selected Readings in Honor of Guru

The nine days and nights of Navarātri are considered an important time for physical, mental and spiritual purification and transformation. Cosmic energy is personified and invoked here as Devī or Durgā, Mother of the universe, vanquishing in battle all the demons or forces of darkness and ignorance.

Thursday, October 2, is called Vijayā Dashamī, the “Day of Victory” and Conclusion of Navarātri.

Daily:

9:00 AM Fire Ceremony & Meditation
9:45 AM Devi Mantras with Translation
10:15 AM Sanskrit Chanting of the Devī Māhātmyam with Guru's Recordings

7:00 PM Fire Ceremony & Meditation
7:45 PM most days: Chanting & Readings on the Theme of Devi

A multi-instrumental sound immersion with Cosmic wisdom.
An improvisational celebration for deep listening.

Preceded by Ashram Meditation Program beginning at 7:00 PM (by donation).

Laraaji is recognized internationally as a new-age visionary sound artist. He performs new music with modified electric zither/harp, voice, kalimba and electronics. The uplifting music tends toward a celestial, trance inducing experience. He is accompanied by longtime collaborator, healing sound musician Arji OceAnanda.

Arji 'OceAnanda' Cakouros is a Sound Healer, musician, Usui Reiki Master and Dreamwork teacher based in Niskayuna, NY. Her Hellenic background and deep interest in the ancient Asclepian and Pythagorean healing traditions have a strong presence in her work and life. She joins longtime collaborator Laraaji in sharing her heart space through a variety of gentle percussion and electronic instruments.