Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center

About Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center

The Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center was founded to teach yoga and meditation based on the principles and methodology presented by Swami Rama of the Himalayas, one of the greatest masters and yogis to come to the West. A Self Realized master, teacher, humanitarian, scientist, poet, and master of many arts, Swami Rama taught the principles and teachings of Himalayan Tradition, a lineage of sages going back to ancient times, including sages like Vyasa, Patanjali, and Shankaracharya. Swami Rama gave up the prestigious seat of a Shankaracharya to bring the message and techniques from ancient scriptures to the people of the modern world, to help them deal with challenges of living in today's time. The path of Himalayan Tradition taught by Swami Rama enables one to encounter life positively on its own terms and simultaneously, to grow spiritually within. Today, his work is carried out by a number of his disciples in a variety of places and spheres.

The Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Center was formed by followers of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, to teach yoga and meditation within the Himalayan Tradition. The Center was inaugurated by Swami Veda Bharati, the spiritual Head of Sadhana Mandir in Rishikesh, India, and a leading disciple of Swami Rama. Swami Veda Bharati is the spiritual guide of The Center. Pandit Hari Shankar Dabral serves as the spiritual director of The Center. Anil Saigal servesas the President of The Cener. Diane McDonald serves as the director of the HYMC Yoga Teachers Association which provides teacher training programs and is a part of The Center. The Center is an IRS 501(c)(3) registered Non-Profit organization and welcomes charity donations.

Our Mission

Our MISSION is to help individuals realize their full potential, lead a healthy balanced life, with mindfulness, through teaching of yoga, meditation, and philosophy as taught by Himalayan masters. Our VISION is to alleviate human suffering.

Classes and Programs

Yoga asanas are taught with emphasis on mindfulness and self-observation. Yoga performed with mindfulness allows one to refine the body and its movements, while learning to live in the present. Scientific research is now echoing what sages have maintained for millennia--- living mindfully and in the present is the finest way to live. The art and practice of meditation is taught to individuals as the central means of growing both in the interior and exterior worlds.

We offer programs that are designed to teach yoga to persons of all ages, offering classes for both individuals and families. Yoga classes are specifically designed and offered for beginners, intermediate, advanced students, and families. Yoga classes are also offered for physically challenged or mature adults with physical limitations. The Center offers classes in meditation for all levels. Personal consultation and instructions are also offered for individual needs and interests.

We have a Wellness Center which offers programs in healing and wellness therapies. The therapies include a full range of massage and aroma therapies. These programs allow individuals to achieve a balance of energies and to undo the emotional, mental, and physical wear and tear caused by daily living.

Teacher Training

Through its HYMC Yoga Teachers Association, The Center offers teacher training programs at 200 and 500 hour levels. The teacher training programs are Yoga Alliance accredited.

The Center offers special classes on spiritual, holistic and wellness subjects. The Center offers retreats within the Chicago area with traveling spiritualists and teachers.

Free and Community Classes and Events

The Center offers following programs for community development which are FREE to all attendees.

GLOBAL MEDITATION ON FULL MOON EVENINGS from 9:00-10:00 PM to join Swami Veda Bharati and fellow meditators for an hour of meditation and silence.

SATSANG - Every Thursday from 7:30-8:30 PM to help deepen and strengthen participants' spiritual practice thru an open forum. The teachings of Himalayan Masters are reviewed through readings, movies and audio archives.

SCRIPTURAL STUDY GROUP - Every first Sunday of the Month from 10:00-11:30 AM to join Anil and fellow meditators and review the major scriptures, their teachings, and engage in discussion to better understanding of Yoga Philosophy.

COMMUNITY CINEMA - Every first Friday of the Month at 6:30 PM to help discover our spiritual heritage through movies and documentaries.

HEALING CHARITIES - Every third Friday of the Month at 6:30 PM to create a dynamic space for healing, learning, and sharing with an open heart.

COMMUNITY YOGA - Every fourth Sunday of the Month at 1:00 PM where all are welcome to do hatha yoga with our new teachers.

The Center has a book store which provides publications on a variety of topics concerning yoga, meditation and living. Bookstore also carries personal/spiritual jewelry and aids for yoga and meditation