the Joy of Satsang
Sanyam Saptah, September 2024, Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Woodbourne, NY
The above picture was taken at the 5-day retreat (mini-Sanyam Saptah—uninterrupted practice and Satsang gathering) Josh and I attended in September. We spent 5 days immersed in the practice and teachings of the great Sri Sri Anandamayi Mā, the guiding light of my yoga practice. (You may have noticed her picture in the yoga studio.)
It was such a joyous experience to be in Satsang that weeks later, I still feel a deep sense of purpose and joy.
Satsang means being in the company of truth. One of the most important aspects of your practice is being in a community with like-minded people.
Here are four benefits of Satsang:
Spiritual Enlightenment: Satsang can provide a space for individuals to connect with their inner selves and gain a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.
Community and Support: Being part of a community offers a sense of belonging and support on the spiritual journey.
Devotional Practices: Satsangs often involve chanting, meditation, and other devotional practices that can help to deepen one's connection to the divine.
Learning and Guidance: Through teaching, readings, and discussions, participants can gain insights from teachers and other attendees.
As we practice together, we can share our success and joy, our challenges and struggles, and encourage each other along the path. Simply being around other like-minded people can be inspiring. There is something completely transformative about studying yoga, being in deep contemplation and meditation, and the joy of singing, laughing, dancing, and eating delicious, nourishing food together.
We have many Satsang opportunities for you each month.
Weekly Yoga Classes–Weekly yoga classes wake up tired tissues, help you breathe more deeply, and settle the mind. See the schedule and register for classes HERE.
Kirtan–We are back to offering monthly Kirtans! Join us this month on Friday, October 25, at 7 PM at Body and Soles Healing, 58 North Main St., in WRJ, VT. Learn more about Kirtan HERE.
Yoga Immersion Day–Saturday, November 9, 9 AM-3 PM, lunch included. Spend a day with Angie and Josh, and immerse yourself in yoga, mantra, music, bhakti, and meditation. Both online and in-person. Learn more and Register HERE. ***monthly yoga members get a discount!
Yoga Teacher Training is the deepest and most impactful way to experience Satsang. We dive deep into the teachings of yoga and apply them to our daily lives. YTT applications for 2025 are now open and at 15% off for a limited time. Learn more here, and schedule your free connection call with me HERE. Join the FREE Yoga Teacher Training Info Call on Zoom Thursday, October 24 at 7:15 pm HERE.
I would also like to invite you to participate in the new Andandamayi Ma Ashram Satsang, which has weekly and monthly events. My dear friend and mentor, Prajna Hallstrom, started this Ashram in Amherst, Massachusetts, just this year to spread awareness of Anandamayi Mā's teachings of Yoga. You can learn more and see all the Ashram offerings here, including courses, Satsang events, and a weekly Saturday morning chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa!
Ananandamayi Ma Quotes
By doing service, heart and mind are purified–be convinced of this.”― Anandamayi Mā
“There is One unchanging indivisible Reality which, though unmanifest, reveals Itself in infinite multiplicity and diversity.”— Anandamayi Mā
“As you love your own body, so regard everyone as equal to your own body... Call it a bird, an insect, an animal, or a man; call it by any name you please; one serves one’s own Self in every one of them.”— Anandamayi Mā
