Check back often to learn about upcoming special events at The Yoga Way.

We look forward to seeing you!

Summer Community Potluck

Everyone had a wonderful time at our Community gathering and potluck last week with great food, great people, and fun activities.

Congratulations to our Gift Basket raffle winners!

• Dean Weber won the Family Game Night basket.
• Sophie Sullivan won the Summer Picnic Gift basket.

Photos from our "9th Year of Service" Community Gathering Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Kids planting with Usha.

Raffle drawing "MCs": Medha and Saraswati.

Bapuji and Ma Sugar Cookies!

Checking In: Notes from Jahnvi

Malav yoga retreat 2009/2010

As many of you know, Jahnvi is spending a period of time in Malav, India with our teacher Swami Shri Ashutosh Muni, whom we lovingly call Bapuji. While she misses everyone, she is doing great. Others of us at The Yoga Way were able to spend some time in India this winter as well and would like to give you some idea of what life is like in Malav.

The setting in which we stay is an ashram, which was created through our Bapuji's love. The community is nestled within the small and beautiful farming village of Malav. Our rooms, which were built with Westerners in mind, are located on the second floor of the English-medium school for grades K-12. The school was established by Bapuji for local children. A few miles down the road construction is underway on a new much larger school that will accommodate many more children in the coming months. It is very lively and exciting to have the school children in the same building, sharing the same space with us during the day. They begin and end each day with prayers and other practices. One can observe an amazing order, cooperation and enthusiasm in a school with hundreds of students and full classrooms.

In close proximity to the school is the majestic Mahasamadhi temple that was built in honor of Bapuji's teacher, Swami Kripalvanandaji. There are devotional observances conducted there at various times throughout the day and everyone is always welcome. Several more temples are under construction on the grounds and will be completed within the next few years.

It is a blessed experience to spend even a short period of time here where one can witness a spiritual community that has successfully aligned with what Bapuji calls "The Four Dots." They are the four cornerstones of spirituality. Living and growing in the supportive, loving environment of Family is primary. The four legs are acknowledgement of one God, reverence for one's adept teacher, respect for scripture, and self-respect of seeker himself. When the four cornerstones are present and connected within and without, only then can our Truest Self be revealed. To directly experience living in the environment where this is modeled is a sacred opportunity.

There is a rhythm to daily life at the ashram. Everyone awakens early in the morning to gather in the temple for practices. Meals are prepared by loving family members and we are blessed with time in our schedules for introspective practices. Performing seva, or selfless service. is in integral part of each day. Each person has an opportunity to find their own internal rhythm and utilize this time in a way that serves the four dots. Maintaining the order of the ashram space in which we live and eat becomes an act of loving service. These actions become an outer reflection of maintaining a clean clear space within ourselves. Some people choose to maintain silence in order to conserve their energies for higher purposes. Many days we are fortunate to have darshan or teaching with Bapuji.

To spend time in Malav, in Bapuji's presence, and feel such loving support, is a sacred opportunity and deepens ones ability to love, serve, and surrender. As part of our extended family at The Yoga Way you will also experience reverberating effects of these experiences. We look forward to supporting you through your continued practice with us.

Jai Bhagwan,

Usha Cobb