Ten years ago, Svaroopa Vidya Ashram (SVA) opened its doors in Downingtown. The founder, Swami Nirmalananda, had already been teaching yoga and meditation worldwide for 30 years. She settled her teacher training programs in Pennsylvania in 2007, then established the Ashram as a residential center in 2009. All the practices come from Swami Nirmalananda's decade of personal study with her guru, Swami Muktananda, in his Ashrams in the United States, Europe and India.
In honor of SVA's 10th birthday, a new CD, "Spiritual Hunger & Fulfillment," has been released. The music tracks Swami Nirmalananda's own journey, beginning with the yearning that led her to the teachings and continuing through her journey to the fulfillment made available by her own guru. Swami said, "Even though my days had been filled with family needs as well as worldly achievements, (they) felt incomplete. Only when I learned to look inward did I find what made life meaningful. The meditative quest is for a deeper sense of self, the mystical reality that makes the practicalities of life work. This why I teach in Downingtown, at the crossroads where ancient and modern meet."
Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center (DYMC) is the local studio, located at 116 E. Lancaster Ave., near the crossroad of routes 30 and 322. The center offers several free meditation programs weekly, as well as yoga classes and other special programs. No previous meditation or yoga experience is needed. Bringing yoga's authentic tradition to the modern world, the center aims to provide a focus on health, peace and spirituality.
Specializing in Svaroopa Yoga, all classes feature slow yoga practice, combining precision with compassion. Svaroopa is a Sanskrit word that means "the bliss of your own being." Discovering this bliss in yoga poses and in meditation is the hallmark of this unique yoga style. Teachers customize the poses to individuals' needs, systematically decompressing their students' spines with goals of health, transformation and illuminative experiences.
Actively participating in community events, Downingtown Yoga won the 2018 Christmas Window Decorating Contest and participates in many other community activities.
DYMC will offer a special free program on Monday, Nov. 4, called "Meditation Made Easy." Held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the program will provide how-to basics as well as guided practice. Interested participants are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early for registration and an orientation.
DYMC will also host its usual group meditation gatherings on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
For information on additional upcoming programs, readers may check the calendar at https://downingtownyoga.org.
Kelly Sharp from Rehoboth Beach, Del., comes weekly for the Sunday morning meditations. "I love to chant," she said. "Sitting with Swami is very sweet. I'm struck by the effect she has on my state. She's a mirror. She's not making it about her; she's constantly teaching us to look within. I'm not plagued by feeling lost anymore and feel so at home. It's like home was just waiting for me."
Local yogi Shelley Zeichner appreciates the "aha" moments in Swami Nirmalananda's talks. "When I go to Swami Sunday this week, I know it will happen again even though I think, 'What could she possibly say that goes beyond what she said last week?' I can't wait to find out!" she said.
Kusuma Sachs, a Svaroopa Yoga teacher/trainer, feels "grateful to be in the presence of such a remarkable teacher."
"I appreciate what she, as a guru, offers," said Sachs. "She guides me forward, respecting my individual pace. As the Ashram celebrates its 10th birthday, I am grateful for all the gifts I have received. My life has opened to an unforeseen level of growth, awareness, self-reflection and understanding."
People may feel free to drop in at DYMC for more information. A yoga shop offers gift items, books and meditation and yoga supplies. The front desk is staffed by knowledgeable yogis who can help visitors get started on the yoga path. For more information, readers may call 610-644-7555 or email info@downingtownyoga.org.
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