Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: November 28, 2012

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************
Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

See also the course site (http://abhyasaonline.com) for the discussion forums
related to the topics below. Contact me if you want login info (please include
your first and last name, city/country, and email address).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

DEC 19: Ma Tripurashakti arrives back in Abhyasa Ashram until March.

DEC 21 - JAN 2: Holidays for Yogis at Abhyasa Ashram. Holiday retreat at Abhyasa
Ashram for members and active participants. Local people may stop by the ashram
for details of daily activities and to participate in whatever activities you
want, including meditations, satsang, and meals.

-------------------------------------

WED, Nov 28, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Nov 30, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30)

SAT, Dec 1, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 1, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 1, 7:30pm: Online: Samadhi by Swami Rama

SUN, Dec 2, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra meditation
SUN, Dec 2, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Boundaries, Part 2")
SUN, Dec 2, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Dec 3, 4:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram)

TUE, Dec 4, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram)
TUE, Dec 4, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Dec 5, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Dec 7, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30)

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof repairs seem to continue to hold, and not leak. We
need to start saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which will
cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the dining
room, classroom, and office. Impact resistant (hurricane) windows have been
installed; these are rated at 200mph impact and are also very good insulation
both summer and winter. We are exploring having the parking lot concrete
repaired so that it drains, without forming a pond. The lawnmower has been
repaired and everything has been mowed.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2012)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
MEDITATION RETREATS in INDIA:
**********************************
November 2012
Details are on the website:
http://www.swamij.com/calendar/rishikesh-retreat.htm
Registration:
http://sadhanamandir.org/IntensiveSwamiJ.htm

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: December 3, 2012

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************
Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

See also the course site (http://abhyasaonline.com) for the discussion forums
related to the topics below. Contact me if you want login info (please include
your first and last name, city/country, and email address).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

DEC 19: Ma Tripurashakti arrives back in Abhyasa Ashram until March.

FRI, DEC 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/

DEC 21 - JAN 2: Holidays for Yogis at Abhyasa Ashram. Holiday retreat at Abhyasa
Ashram for members and active participants. Local people may stop by the ashram
for details of daily activities and to participate in whatever activities you
want, including meditations, satsang, and meals.

-------------------------------------

MON, Dec 3, 4:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram)

TUE, Dec 4, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram)
TUE, Dec 4, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Dec 5, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Dec 7, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30)

SAT, Dec 8, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 8, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 8, 7:30pm: Online: Samadhi by Swami Rama

SUN, Dec 9, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Om Kriya meditation
SUN, Dec 9, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Observing Transitions")
SUN, Dec 9, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

FRI, Dec 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof repairs seem to continue to hold, and not leak. We
need to start saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which will
cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the dining
room, classroom, and office. Impact resistant (hurricane) windows have been
installed; these are rated at 200mph impact and are also very good insulation
both summer and winter. We are exploring having the parking lot concrete
repaired so that it drains, without forming a pond. The lawnmower has been
repaired and everything has been mowed.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2012)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
MEDITATION RETREATS in INDIA:
**********************************
November 2012
Details are on the website:
http://www.swamij.com/calendar/rishikesh-retreat.htm
Registration:
http://sadhanamandir.org/IntensiveSwamiJ.htm

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: December 7, 2012

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************
Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

See also the course site (http://abhyasaonline.com) for the discussion forums
related to the topics below. Contact me if you want login info (please include
your first and last name, city/country, and email address).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

DEC 19: Ma Tripurashakti arrives back in Abhyasa Ashram until March.

FRI, DEC 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/

DEC 21 - JAN 2: Holidays for Yogis at Abhyasa Ashram. Holiday retreat at Abhyasa
Ashram for members and active participants. Local people may stop by the ashram
for details of daily activities and to participate in whatever activities you
want, including meditations, satsang, and meals.

-------------------------------------

FRI, Dec 7, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30). Today we will discuss Yoga Sutras.

SAT, Dec 8, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 8, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 8, 7:30pm: Online: Samadhi by Swami Rama

SUN, Dec 9, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Om Kriya meditation
SUN, Dec 9, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Observing Transitions")
SUN, Dec 9, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Dec 10, 4:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram)

TUE, Dec 11, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online.
TUE, Dec 11, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Dec 12, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Dec 14, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Dec 15, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 15, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 15, 7:30pm: Online: Samadhi by Swami Rama

SUN, Dec 16, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: 30-minute guided meditation
SUN, Dec 16, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: (topic to be announced)
SUN, Dec 16, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita


FRI, Dec 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The city has told us we have a water leak causing water
consumption upwards of 17,000 gallons per month. It will cost $330 for
specialists to come and find the leak. Cost of repairs is unknown. We should
know more next week.
The roof repairs seem to continue to hold, and not leak. We need to start saving
up donation money to totally replace the roof, which will cost around $35,000.
We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the dining room, classroom, and
office. We continue exploring having the parking lot concrete repaired so that
it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2012)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
MEDITATION RETREATS in INDIA:
**********************************
November 2012
Details are on the website:
http://www.swamij.com/calendar/rishikesh-retreat.htm
Registration:
http://sadhanamandir.org/IntensiveSwamiJ.htm

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Construction has begun on the Holiday Inn Express hotel that is a 2 minute walk
from the ashram. I think the plan is for completion of the hotel during summer
2013.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4620480184452&set=a.1908586908815.108879\
.1066083585&type=1&theater¬if_t=like

NOTE ON FORMAT: It appears that the Yahoo software is not working properly and
is changing the formatting. Whenever I correct it, it changes it again so that
it loses the proper formatting.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: December 18, 2012

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************
Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as “Online”) all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

See also the course site (http://abhyasaonline.com) for the discussion forums
related to the topics below. Contact me if you want login info (please include
your first and last name, city/country, and email address).

SPECIAL EVENTS:

DEC 19: Ma Tripurashakti arrives back in Abhyasa Ashram until March.

FRI, DEC 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/
Optional pot luck with real food or snacks (Not necessary to bring anything, as
there will surely be plenty).

DEC 21 - JAN 2: Holidays for Yogis at Abhyasa Ashram. Holiday retreat at Abhyasa
Ashram for members and active participants. Local people may stop by the ashram
for details of daily activities and to participate in whatever activities you
want, including meditations, satsang, and meals.

MON, Dec 31, 6:30pm-Midnight: New Year’s Eve satsang. Details will be announced.
Conversation, companionship, and celebration, but no alcohol please.


-------------------------------------

WED, Dec 19, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, DEC 21, 6:30pm: Winter Solstice and End of the World satsang at the ashram.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/93788652/
Optional pot luck with real food or snacks.

SAT, Dec 22, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 22, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 22, 7:30pm: Online cancelled this evening (due to local activities in
Florida)

SUN, Dec 23, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: 30-minute guided meditation
SUN, Dec 23, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: (“The Spirit of Christmas”)
SUN, Dec 23, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Dec 24, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram). NOTE the time is 3:00pm
today due to Christmas Eve. We will NOT go for dinner this evening.

TUE, Dec 25, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online. NOTE: We WILL
have satsang today, on Christmas day.
TUE, Dec 25, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara NOTE: We will NOT have satsang tonight (next will be Jan 8)

WED, Dec 26, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Dec 28, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Dec 29, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Dec 29, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Dec 29, 7:30pm: Online cancelled this evening (due to local activities in
Florida)

SUN, Dec 30, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, Dec 30, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: (to be announced)
SUN, Dec 30, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Dec 31, 4:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram). NOTE: We WILL have
Bhagavad Gita today, which is New Year’s Eve.
MON, Dec 31, 6:30pm-Midnight: New Year’s Eve satsang. Details will be announced.
Conversation, companionship, and celebration, but no alcohol please.

  TUE, Jan 1, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online. NOTE: We WILL
have satsang today, on New Year’s Day (unless participants want to change this
in the next week, before the 1st).
TUE, Jan 1, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara NOTE: We will NOT have satsang tonight (next will be Jan 8)

WED, Jan 2, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Jan 4, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30, after which we may do something else if nobody
comes).


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The city has told us we have a water leak causing water
consumption upwards of 17,000 gallons per month. It will cost $330 for
specialists to come and find the leak. Cost of repairs is unknown. We should
know more next week.
The roof repairs seem to continue to hold, and not leak. We need to start saving
up donation money to totally replace the roof, which will cost around $35,000.
We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the dining room, classroom, and
office. We continue exploring having the parking lot concrete repaired so that
it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2012)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you’d like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
MEDITATION RETREATS in INDIA:
**********************************
November 2012
Details are on the website:
http://www.swamij.com/calendar/rishikesh-retreat.htm
Registration:
http://sadhanamandir.org/IntensiveSwamiJ.htm

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don’t end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: January 4, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org


**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

FRI, Jan 4, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (Yoga
Sutras this week).

SAT, Jan 5, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Jan 5, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Jan 5, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Jan 6, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, Jan 6, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Next Week"; literally the topic is
"Next Week")
SUN, Jan 6, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Jan 7, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Jan 8, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online.
TUE, Jan 8, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Jan 9, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Jan 11, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The water leak has been repaired; the leak was underground
in the front yard, so the repair did not effect the building itself; costs were
reasonable. The roof repairs seem to continue to hold, and not leak. We need to
continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which will cost
around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the dining room,
classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot concrete
repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham - Dr. Kurkoti
Notes by Swami Jnaneshvara
http://swamij.com/kurtkoti.htm

What I am writing here is not intended to be controversial, though I acknowledge
it probably will be to some people.

Much of the biographical information of Swami Rama describes that Swami Rama was
initiated as Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham around 1950 and that he was
successor to the current Shankaracharya at the time, who was also known as Dr.
Kurtkoti. This was said to be in Nashik, India, and was supposedly a fifth
Shankaracharya mutt (monastery) not listed with the four most known mutts.

During the late 1990s I traveled to the area of Nashik and was looking for the
mutt of Karvirpitham. What I found was the home of Dr. Kurtkoti and about 5-6
families who had been his students. Most significant of these was a man in his
80s who was Dr. Kurtkoti's lawyer of many years, a Mr. Dixit.

It was explained to me by these various families that during the early 1930s
Shankaracharya Kurtkoti was traveling away from the mutt, and that when he
returned he had been replaced by a new man. The raj (the Indian man in charge of
the region) and the British government officials had not approved of Kurtkoti's
most progressive actions, which included bringing an end to the practice of
young women being brought to the monks for sex, women being permitted in
temples, and arranging marriages between Indians and foreigners. I cannot, and
do not wish to prove or disprove these points, but am only sharing what I was
told by the followers of Dr. Kurtkoti.

Swami Rama was not known to any of the people I met, other than the lawyer, who
remembered him as Bhole Baba and Yogeshvar. Dixit explained to me that Bhole
Baba was "the most beautiful human being I have ever met", that he was initiated
by Kurtkoti as a dandi swami around 1950, and was given the name Dandi Swami
Sadashiva Bharati. He explained Bhole Baba's incredible mind, and said that at
the time of the dandi swami diksha, he recalled from memory the names and
addresses of some 2,000 people to be invited guests, while a clerk transcribed
in writing. Mr. Dixit, while aged when we spoke, seemed very clear of mind and
explained that there was no history of Sadashiva Bharati having been initiated
as shankaracharya. Kurtoti was actively fighting in court for the reversal of
his being replaced as shankaracharya, spending most of his personal family
fortune on legal expenses up to the time of his leaving the body in 1967, but at
the time, he was officially not shankaracharya and therefore not authorized to
pass on this position I have found it fascinating, however, to be told years
later that the prerequisite to be installed as a shankaracharya is to first
receive diksha (initiation) as dandi swami. He said he had not seen or heard
from Sadashiva Bharati since he left Nashik without notice in the early 1950s.
The lawyer, Dixit explained that much of Sadashiva's time was spent in Bombay
where Kurtkoti and he wanted to set up teaching centers, which never fully came
into being.

I was told that Shankaracharya Dr. Kurtkoti left the body in 1967, and that
after many years of negotiations surrounding his estate, that was finally
settled shortly before my visit. I visited and stood at the samadhi shrine where
his physical remains are entombed. There is a childrens' school within about a
hundred meters, which continues in his name, and I spoke with the teacher, who
was aware of the stories about the shankaracharya and his life. There is also a
two-story building there, which was not being used at the time. Supposedly,
trustees were exploring uses of the building.

I was only in Nashik for a few days, and did not have time to explore further,
and did not formally meet with the trustees, which would be a next logical step
for one trying to follow through on this. The samadhi shrine of Dr. Kurtkoti is
several kilometers outside of Nashik and should be easy to find by anybody
wanting to search this further. From there, one could likely find people with
more information. It is also important to note that there is a Kurtkoti library
open to the public, and this is in Nashik.

I have no explanation for the inconsistencies about Swami Rama and the position
of Shankarachara of Karvirpitham. However, over many years when I read the bios
of Swami Rama sitting in this regal position for several years, and then leaving
because he got tired of the streams of people coming daily to touch his feet, it
never made sense to me that it would have taken Swami Rama so long to figure
this out. Afterall, I am a virtual nobody, and it is obvious to me that this is
no way for a sincere aspirant, let alone an adept, to live. What seemed very
likely, however, was his connection with Kurtkoti. As I heard from people about
him, I became more and more impressed; this was a man of tremendous values, who
was far beyond his times. That the Swami Rama I know would want to spend time
with him, to work with him on serving humanity, made perfect sense, regardless
of any official title. Clearly, in the spirit of service, Swami Rama acted as
successor to Shankaracharya Dr. Kurtkoti, regardless of official status of
either of these two great men.

I showed Mr. Dixit a copy of a newsletter from the Himalayan Institute Hospital
Trust in Dehradun, which was created by Swami Rama. I told him about the
hospital campus, and what I knew of the plans for it to be a full status
university. I told him about the many countries where Swami Rama had personally
taught may thousands of people, and had influenced millions. As we both sat
there together, each with a tear or two in our eyes, I told Mr. Dixit that I
think Swami Rama carried on with the work that Kurtkoti was wanting to do; he
agreed.

I personally took the above photograph of Shankarachara Dr. Kurtkoti from a
picture that was hanging in the school near the samadhi shrine.

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: January 20, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

SUN, Jan 20, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: 30-Minute Guided Meditation
SUN, Jan 20, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Ahimsa/Non-harming")
SUN, Jan 20, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Jan 21, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Jan 22, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online.
TUE, Jan 22, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Jan 23, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Jan 25, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Jan 26, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Jan 26, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Jan 26, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Jan 27, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Sohum Kriya
SUN, Jan 27, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("to be announced")
SUN, Jan 27, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Jan 28, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The water leak has been repaired; the leak was underground
in the front yard, so the repair did not effect the building itself; costs were
reasonable. The roof is leaking again, and we will contact a roofer, probably a
new roofer. We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the
roof, which will cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling
fans in the dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the
parking lot concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: January 21, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
NEW
**********************************

MON, Jan 21, 10:00am: Online open satsang. NEW. TODAY IS FIRST DAY. This timing
set up mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Russia, and
India.

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

MON, Jan 21, 10:00am: Online open satsang. NEW. TODAY IS FIRST DAY. This timing
set up mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Russia, and
India.
MON, Jan 21, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Jan 22, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online.
TUE, Jan 22, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Jan 23, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Jan 25, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Jan 26, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Jan 26, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Jan 26, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Jan 27, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Sohum Kriya
SUN, Jan 27, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("to be announced")
SUN, Jan 27, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Jan 28, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The water leak has been repaired; the leak was underground
in the front yard, so the repair did not effect the building itself; costs were
reasonable. The broken fan in the meditation room has been fixed by Greg Yancer.
The roof is leaking again, and we will contact a roofer, probably a new roofer.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
will cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: February 1, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------


FRI, Feb 1, 8:30am: Dutch online satsang with Ma Tripurashakti
FRI, Feb 1, 9:30am: Viewing of Gersen video on juicing
FRI, Feb 1, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Feb 2, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Feb 2, 9:30am: Open coaching on any methods (see Summary of Practices)
SAT, Feb 2, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Feb 3, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, Feb 3, 10:00am: Center for Nondualism: ("Universal Laws")
SUN, Feb 3, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Feb 4, 10:00am: Online open satsang. This timing is mostly for the benefit
of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and India, but is open to all.
MON, Feb 4, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Feb 5, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram); also online.
TUE, Feb 5, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Feb 6, 11:00am: Hatha yoga as preparation for meditation, guided by Ma
Tripurashakti.
WED, Feb 6, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Feb 8, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30).


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Tentative meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The broken fan in the meditation room has been fixed by Greg
Yancer. Greg has also repaired the roof, and we now know how to continue with
minor patches as they may be needed. We'll watch it closely over coming months
to make sure there are no more leaks. We need to continue saving up donation
money to totally replace the roof, which may cost around $35,000. We continue to
explore putting ceiling fans in the dining room, classroom, and office. We
continue exploring having the parking lot concrete repaired so that it drains
without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: February 14, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************

SUN, Feb 17, 1;00-4:00: Enneagram
Three hour open discussion about the nine points of the Enneagram, a personality
typing system. At Abhyasa Ashram we use this as an adjunct to meditation and
contemplation. Personality is not "who we are", but it is there, and it is
useful to explore. Through meditation and contemplation we transcend
personality, but it is very helpful to understand.
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/104176862/


**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

FRI, Feb 15, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Feb 16, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Feb 16, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Feb 17, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: 30-Minute guided meditation
SUN, Feb 17, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Personality")
SUN, Feb 17, 1;00-4:00: Enneagram
SUN, Feb 17, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Feb 18, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, Feb 18, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Feb 19, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram).
TUE, Feb 19, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara (not today as Zulema is traveling on this day)

WED, Feb 20, 11:00am: Hatha yoga as preparation for meditation, guided by Ma
Tripurashakti.
WED, Feb 20, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Feb 22, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if
people show up no later than 6:30).


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar - main calendar is through meetup.com:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Center for Nondualism calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar
Website:
http://centerfornondualism.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/swamij

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The broken fan in the meditation room has been fixed by Greg
Yancer. Greg has also repaired the roof, and we now know how to continue with
minor patches as they may be needed. We'll watch it closely over coming months
to make sure there are no more leaks. We need to continue saving up donation
money to totally replace the roof, which may cost around $35,000. We continue to
explore putting ceiling fans in the dining room, classroom, and office. We
continue exploring having the parking lot concrete repaired so that it drains
without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
CENTER FOR NONDUALISM
**********************************
A Community for Nondual Religion, Yoga, and Philosophy
Providing a "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.
NEWSLETTER:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Center-For-Non-Dualism/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Center for Nondualism):
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/events/calendar/
WEBSITE:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: March 2, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on an upcoming Sunday; details to be
announced soon.

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

SUN, Mar 3, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, Mar 3, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Addiction")
SUN, Mar 3, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Mar 4, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, Mar 4, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Mar 5, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram).
TUE, Mar 5, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Mar 6, 11:00am: Hatha yoga as preparation for meditation, guided by Ma
Tripurashakti.
WED, Mar 6, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Mar 8, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Mar 9, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Mar 9, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: March 7, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************
Online satsang of Saturday, March 9, 8:30am is CANCELLED due to local activities
in Florida.

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on Sunday, March 17, 10:00am. This will be
a discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic self
awareness; details to be announced soon.

Before the gathering, please explore your own "type". Here is a pretty good
"quiz" that will help you start the self-identification process:
http://www.enneagramquiz.com/
After you take the quiz, please explore the descriptions of the points to decide
for yourself whether or not the point feels accurate to you. Ultimately, it is
your own self-assessment that is most important.

Here are a couple other sites that will be extremely useful:
http://www.enneagram.com/
http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

Self-Awareness outline (download
this):
http://swamij.com/pdf/assessment-120804.pdf


**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

FRI, Mar 8, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram (if people
show up no later than 6:30).

SAT, Mar 9, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices CANCELLED this week due to
local activities in Florida.
SAT, Mar 9, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Mar 10, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Om Sushumna Kriya
SUN, Mar 10, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Selfless Service")
SUN, Mar 10, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Mar 11, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, Mar 11, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Mar 12, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram).
TUE, Mar 12, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Mar 13, 11:00am: Hatha yoga as preparation for meditation, guided by Ma
Tripurashakti.
WED, Mar 13, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Mar 15, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram.


NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Meditation retreat in or near Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: March 23, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on Sunday, May 5, 10:00am. This will be a
discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic self
awareness. Please go to this page for more information about the meeting, which
includes links both about Enneagram and Yogic self-awareness:

http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/events/109685822/


**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

SUN, Mar 24, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Sohum Sushumna Kriya
SUN, Mar 24, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("The Spirit of Play")
SUN, Mar 24, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Mar 25, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, Mar 25, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Mar 26, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram).
TUE, Mar 26, 7:30pm; Online open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Mar 27, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, Mar 29, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram.

SAT, Mar 30, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Mar 30, 7:30pm: Online: Open discussion (bring questions, topics)

SUN, Mar 31, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, Mar 31, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: (to be announced)
SUN, Mar 31, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Satsang in Santiago, Chile. Meditation retreat in or near Buenos
Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: April 12, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on Sunday, May 5, 10:00am. This will be a
discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic self
awareness. Please go to this page for more information about the meeting, which
includes links both about Enneagram and Yogic self-awareness:

http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/events/109685822/

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

FRI, Apr 12, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram.

SAT, Apr 13, 8:30am: Online: Summary of Practices
SAT, Apr 13, 7:30pm: Online: A Call to Humanity by Swami Rama

SUN, Apr 14, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Om Kriya
SUN, Apr 14, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Kleshas/Colorings")
SUN, Apr 14, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, Apr 15, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, Apr 15, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, Apr 16 - WED, May 1: Swami Jnaneshvara will be in Santiago, Chile and
Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ma Tri will be in Europe, Argentina, and Chile during
this time. Therefore, neither of us will be in the ashram during this time. The
Sunday morning meditation and satsang will continue during this time.

WED, May 1: 12:30pm: We will start again with our regular schedule, beginning
with today's discussion at 12:30pm.

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

APRIL 2013: Satsang in Santiago, Chile. Meditation retreat in or near Buenos
Aires, Argentina

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond. The exterior of the
ashram will be painted during the summer.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study courses. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Swami Kriyananda, the beloved founder of Ananda, passed away April 21, 2013
around 8:00 am in Assisi, Italy.

http://www.swamikriyananda.org/

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: May 2, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on Sunday, May 5, 10:00am. This will be a
discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic self
awareness. Please go to this page for more information about the meeting, which
includes links both about Enneagram and Yogic self-awareness:

http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/events/109685822/

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

FRI, May 3, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram.

SAT, May 4, 8:30am: Online: Inspired Thoughts of Swami Rama
SAT, May 4, 7:30pm: Online: A Call to Humanity by Swami Rama

SUN, May 5, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Yoga Nidra
SUN, May 5, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Enneagram")
This will be a
discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic self
awareness. Please go to this page for more information about the meeting, which
includes links both about Enneagram and Yogic self-awareness:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/events/109685822/
SUN, May 5, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, May 6, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, May 6, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, May 7, 9:30am: Panchadasi discussion (ashram).
TUE, May 7, 7:30pm; Online: Open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Mar 8, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, May 10, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram. (Today
is Vegetarian Potluck day; bring something you would enjoy to share)

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City

FALL 2013: Satsang in Holland and Germany


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
MAINTENANCE: Thank you to Candace, Fern, and Joyce for helping to clean the
ashram in April. Thank you to Hubert for weed whacking.

RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond. The exterior of the
ashram will be painted during the summer.

HOTEL: Construction on the Holiday Inn Express is coming along; they have poured
the slab and have started constructing the walls.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study outlines. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

Abhyasa Ashram Newsletter:
Local activities, online meetings and other programs
Update: May 11, 2013

Abhyasa Ashram
School of Self-Awareness in the
tradition of the Himalayan masters
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-6035

ABHYASA ASHRAM NEWSLETTER

Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas,
especially as transmitted through Swami Rama. The tradition has no name, and is
not affiliated with any of the institutions or religions of the plains of India
or other countries surrounding the Himalayas, although individual meditators may
personally align themselves with a wide variety of religions or institutions. We
may refer to the tradition as "the tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the
Himalayan tradition", but that is for the sake of convenience, and is not a
style or brand name as is popular these days. Our methods of meditation and
contemplation involve systematic awareness of all levels of our being, including
actions/senses, body, breath, mind, finally resting in the awareness of the Self
(atman) which is one with the universal Self (brahman). At Abhyasa Ashram we
have aspirant training, not teacher training. Our approach to training is mostly
individual or group coaching, as Yoga meditation and contemplation has been
traditionally taught for thousands of years. Aspirants with various degrees of
experience naturally teach others within the context of their own lives and
modes of service.

http://abhyasaashram.org

**********************************
SPECIAL CURRENT EVENTS
**********************************
On Tuesday, May 14, 9:30am we will begin a new satsang on the text
Vivekachudamani, The Crestjewel of Discrimination

FRI, June 14, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram. (Today
is Vegetarian Potluck day; bring something you would enjoy to share)

Enneagram and Self-awareness satsang on Sunday, June 30, 10:00am. This will be a
discussion based on our talking about our own enneagram point and yogic
self-awareness. Please go to this page for more information about the meeting,
which includes links both about Enneagram and Yogic self-awareness:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/events/118437082/

**********************************
CURRENT EVENTS CALENDARS
**********************************

Details are at Meetup-dot-com calendar (our main calendar):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

Times below are central time in US (same as Chicago). Unless otherwise specified
(such as "Online") all activities are at Abhyasa Ashram in Florida USA.

-------------------------------------

SAT, May 11, 8:30am: Online: Inspired Thoughts of Swami Rama
SAT, May 11, 7:30pm: Online: A Call to Humanity by Swami Rama

SUN, May 12, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: Om Kriya
SUN, May 12, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Nondualism in a Dualistic Culture")
SUN, May 12, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

MON, May 13, 10:00am: Online satsang: Emotions to Enlightenment. This timing is
mostly for the benefit of people in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, and
India, but is open to all.
MON, May 13, 3:00pm: Bhagavad Gita discussion (ashram).

TUE, May 14, 9:30am: Vivekachudamani (Crestjewel of Discrimination) discussion
(ashram).
TUE, May 14, 7:30pm; Online: Open satsang in Spanish with Zulema translating for
Swami Jnaneshvara

WED, Mar 15, 12:30pm: Tripura Rahasya discussion (ashram)

FRI, May 17, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram.

SAT, May 18, 8:30am: Online: Inspired Thoughts of Swami Rama
SAT, May 18, 7:30pm: Online: A Call to Humanity by Swami Rama

SUN, May 19, 9:00am: Deep Relaxation: 30-Minute Guided Meditation
SUN, May 19, 10:00am: Nondualism Satsang: ("Nondualism in a Dualistic Culture")
SUN, May 19, 4:00pm: Online: Bhagavad Gita

FRI, June 14, 6:30pm: Open community, fellowship, satsang at the ashram. (Today
is Vegetarian Potluck day; bring something you would enjoy to share)

NOTE: If you are in the local area, you are welcome to sit in on the online
discussions from here in the office of the ashram. Also, we sometimes transmit
the local gatherings out through the online meeting service.

Online login info is here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/activities/online

**********************************
UPCOMING:
**********************************

SUMMER 2013: Satsang in New York City

FALL 2013: Satsang in Holland and Germany


**********************************
ONGOING:
**********************************
Weekend or week-long self-transformation meditation retreats at the ashram for
Members and Regular Participants of the ashram (by registration; contact for
registration)

**********************************
CALENDARS and CONNECTIONS:
**********************************
Abhyasa Ashram calendar (main calendar is through meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/#calendar
Website:
http://www.abhyasaashram.org

Nondualism Satsang calendar:
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AbhyasaAshram
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AbhyasaAshramSatsang/

**********************************
DAILY SCHEDULE (typical day; see calendar for complete schedules):
**********************************
5:00am: Walking (optional, weather permitting)
6:00-6:30am: Quiet time, internal dialogue, contemplation

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35am: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00am: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..7:00-7:30am: Silent Meditation

8:00am: Breakfast; all are welcome
9:30am: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.
10:30-11:30am: some days: Yoga Nidra and other practices.

11:30am-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:00am-12:00pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..11:30am-12:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..12:00pm-12:30pm: Silent Meditation

12:30pm: Lunch; all are welcome
1:00pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, or personal coaching.

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:00-5:30pm: Time slot for guided prep for meditation when it is coached
..5:30-6:00pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama)
..6:00-6:30pm: Silent Meditation

6:30pm: Dinner on days with evening program; all are welcome
7:30pm: Time slot for videos, discussions, personal coaching, or online
programs.

9:00-9:30pm: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05pm: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:10pm: Self-guided Prep for Meditation (Brief Hatha, Relaxation,
Pranayama)
..9:10-9:30pm: Silent Meditation

9:30pm: Walking (optional, weather permitting)

The three time periods between the four meditations (mid-morning, afternoon, and
evening) are for service work (karma yoga), individual coaching, group
discussions at the ashram or online, videos, or personal time.

Video, study, class, coaching, service, or personal
Members and regular visitors to the ashram are welcome to stop by at other
reasonable times to use the meditation hall. There is a CD player and copies of
the Yoga Nidra and Basic Meditation CDs by Swami Jnaneshvara, as well as guided
Om and Sohum Sushumna Kriya practices; you are welcome to use these.

**********************************
ASHRAM NEWS
**********************************
MAINTENANCE: Thank you to Candace, Fern, and Joyce for helping to clean the
ashram in April. Thank you to Hubert for weed whacking.

RENOVATION/REPAIRS: The roof continues to not leak after the repairs by Greg.
We'll watch it closely over coming months to make sure there are no more leaks.
We need to continue saving up donation money to totally replace the roof, which
may cost around $35,000. We continue to explore putting ceiling fans in the
dining room, classroom, and office. We continue exploring having the parking lot
concrete repaired so that it drains without forming a pond. The exterior of the
ashram will be painted during the summer.

HOTEL: Construction on the Holiday Inn Express is coming along; they have poured
the slab and have started constructing the walls.

MEMBERSHIP: We have three levels of involvement in the ashram, which are
described here:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/membership
http://swamij.com/abhyasa-ashram.htm#membership
(membership through December 2013)

LEARNING SITE: The learning site is now online at http://abhyasaonline.com .
Outlines have been created for 25+ self-study outlines. A little more info is
here http://bit.ly/iktGmt. Let me know if you would like to participate, sending
me your email, first and last name, city and country. If I will not recognize
your name, please introduce yourself and let me know about your life and
interests, and why you'd like to do this. You may keep in touch with me for
clarification and coaching as you go through the self-study material.

FEES and DONATIONS: A special thanks is extended to the people who financially
support the ashram. We charge no dues or fees, and the ashram operates on the
loving donations of its members and participants.

**********************************
ONLINE Satsang
**********************************
We currently have several online discussions per week. Look here for details:
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/calendar/
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/online

**********************************
PERSONAL COACHING
**********************************
Our approach to training is mostly individual, one-to-one as the way Yoga
meditation and contemplation has been traditionally taught for thousands of
years. Personal coaching is available by appointment most days at 9:30am or
2:30pm. Please call or write to schedule a time. We also have regular satsang
gatherings, which are listed on the calendar.

**********************************
SPECIAL EVENTS
**********************************
Members and regular participants may visit the ashram for meditation retreats,
which most often are of great benefit in the regularity and depth of your
practices at home. Contact me to discuss times and your specific activities.

**********************************
NONDUALISM SATSANG
**********************************
A "Sunday Alternative" for the Emerald Coast
SUNDAY, 10:00-11:30am (The conversations are so lively and rich that we usually
don't end on time.)
Meetings are held at the ashram with no rental charge or fees.
At 9:00-10:00am each week we have a Deep Relaxation session of one form or
another. Details are announced each week.

MEETUP HOMEPAGE
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/
MEETUP CALENDAR (this is the main calendar for the Nondualism meetings):
http://www.meetup.com/nondualism-satsang/#calendar

For your convenience this announcement is scheduled to be automatically
published every 2 weeks. The most important part is the link to the calendar,
which is updated regularly so as to most always be accurate.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/
(This is our main calendar and the best place to check regularly.)

Please visit the website for descriptions of daily, weekly, monthly, and special
programs. Revisions and cancellations are also listed there.
http://abhyasaashram.org

LOCATION:
Abhyasa Ashram
505 Hooper Drive NW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
PHONE: 850-226-6035
DIRECTIONS:
https://sites.google.com/site/abhyasaashram/connections/maps-directions

FOUR SYSTEMATIC MEDITATION TIMES PER DAY:
In the tradition of the Himalayan masters, Yoga is seen as a systematic process
wherein we systematically deal with all levels of our being, such that body and
breath practices are an integral part of, and are intended to lead to
meditation. Therefore our schedule of daily practice times is designed so that
you have time for Asanas/Postures and Pranayama/Breath before and leading into
meditation.

6:30-7:30am: MEDITATION #1
..6:30-6:35: Daily Mantras
..6:35-7:00: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..7:00-7:30: Meditation

11:30-12:30pm: MEDITATION #2
..11:30-12:00am: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..12:00am-12:30pm: Meditation

5:30-6:30pm: MEDITATION #3
..5:30-6:00pm: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..6:00-6:30pm: Meditation

9:00-9:30PM: MEDITATION #4
..9:00-9:05: Daily Mantras
..9:05-9:15: Hatha, Relaxation, Pranayama
..9:15-9:30: Meditation

PRIVATE TIME:
Please contact me to arrange private time to talk about life, meditation
practices, or to receive individualized training, such as with meditation or
breathing techniques.

FEES:
There are no fees for classes, other gatherings, or personal meetings. Donations
from the heart are gratefully appreciated, but are never solicited. The ashram
is able to exist because of the donations of its participants

SPEAKING AND FACILITATING:
If you'd like me to facilitate gatherings at your location (near the Fort Walton
Beach, Florida area), please let me know. I'm flexible and informal about this.
There are also no fees for this.

CALENDAR (through Meetup.com):
http://www.meetup.com/abhyasa-ashram/events/calendar/

BIO:
http://www.swamij.com/swamijnaneshvara.htm

MY YouTube VIDEOS:
http://www.youtube.com/yogabindu

ABHYASA ASHRAM:
Abhyasa Ashram is a meditation center which practices universal meditation as
taught by the ancient lineage of yogis of the cave monasteries of the Himalayas.
The tradition has no name, and is not affiliated with any of the institutions or
religions of the plains of India or other countries surrounding the Himalayas,
although individual meditators may personally align themselves with a wide
variety of religions or institutions. We may refer to the tradition as "the
tradition of the Himalayan masters" or "the Himalayan tradition", but that is
for the sake of convenience, and is not a style or brand name as is popular
these days.

The word "Abhyasa" means "practices." Abhyasa is purposefully choosing to do
that which leads to "sthitau," which is a stable, steady, undisturbed inner
calmness or tranquility. Abhyasa is one of the twin foundations of Yoga, along
with Vairagya, the mental stance of non-attachment (Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.16). The
root of the word Ashram is "shrama," which means "effort" or "striving." The
hermitage or home of a swami or other person serving people in their efforts
towards inner peace and spiritual awakening is called an Ashram. Thus, our
community of meditation, contemplation and learning is known as Abhyasa Ashram.
More than any physical location (especially given its tiny size), it is really a
place of the heart, an inner sanctuary of silence.

CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM
Our Center for Non-Dualism has gatherings each Sunday morning. Details about the
Center, the gatherings, location, and times are on the website:
http://www.centerfornondualism.org/
CALENDAR FOR CENTER FOR NON-DUALISM:
http://www.meetup.com/center-for-nondualism/#calendar

PURPOSE OF OUR ABHYASA ASHRAM COMMUNITY:

Our community of meditation and contemplation is devoted to training and
nurturing those who deeply long for the direct experience of union with the
eternal, pure center of consciousness, the bliss of being that is one with the
absolute reality, as the wave who seeks to remember it is one with the ocean.
One word for that union is "Yoga."

Yoga is traditionally taught, practiced and learned through a close relationship
between the individual mentor and mentee, teacher and student, in a community of
noble friends, known as kalyana-mitra. Guru is a force-field driven by grace, a
stream of knowledge of direct experience which, though it may operate through a
person, is itself not a person.

GOAL OF PRACTICES:

The goal of our sadhana or practices is the highest Joy that comes from the
Realization in direct experience of the center of consciousness, the Self, the
Atman or Purusha, which is one and the same with the Absolute Reality.

This Self-Realization comes through Yoga meditation of the Yoga Sutras, the
contemplative insight of Advaita Vedanta, and the intense devotion of Samaya Sri
Vidya Tantra, the three of which complement one another like fingers on a hand.

We employ the classical approaches of Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga, as
well as Hatha, Kriya, Kundalini, Laya, Mantra, Nada, Siddha, and Tantra Yoga.
Meditation, contemplation, mantra and prayer finally converge into a unified
force directed towards the final stage, piercing the pearl of wisdom called
bindu, leading to the Absolute.

The activities are mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida or nearby communities.
Most are at Abhyasa Ashram or are graciously sponsored by other people at
different locations. While I seldom travel, there are a handful of other
activities in other cities. Please contact me if you have any questions or
requests.