Events!

Ongoing

Amma Satsang

MONTHLY SATSANG: The 1st Sunday of EVERY MONTH at 5:30pm*
FREE and Priceless.

Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning a close association or companionship with a Self-Realized Soul. It can also refer to discussion or hearing of spiritual truths expressed by Self-Realized Masters. In the scorching heat of worldliness, being in the presence of a Master or a Master’s teachings is like a cool breeze in the shade of a huge tree. Although Amma is the inspiration for this particular gathering, devotees of all traditions are welcome. And we are thrilled to announce that Amma WILL BE IN ATLANTA this summer…so stayed tuned for that opportunity to be in her actual presence!

Please join us as we gather with some of Amma’s longtime devotees for an inspiring evening of prayer, puja (sacred ceremony) and song. We often begin the evening with a short video of Amma or her teachings, followed by a little song (bhajans/kirtan), meditation, and Aarati. In Sanskrit, the word arti – written as aarati – is composed of the prefix aa, meaning complete, and rati, meaning love. Aarti is thus an expression of one’s complete and unflinching love towards the Divine. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of reverence, adoration, and meditative awareness.

Amma (Mother) has physically hugged more than 34 million people from all parts of the world. Her tireless spirit of dedication to uplifting others over the past 38 years has inspired a vast network of charitable activities through which people are discovering the beauty and sense of peace that comes from selflessly serving others. We hope that you will join us in immersing ourSelves in the nectar of devotion and bringing boundless love to life here in Athens!

(It is customary to bring an offering to the symbolic feet of the Master…whether that be Amma or to whomever you bow, and offerings often include incense, flowers, fruit…whatever you would offer the Divine. Please know that this is not a requirement, just a tradition.)

For more information, please see the organization’s website at www.amma.org or call Meghan Madhavi Burke at (706) 613.1143

Insight Meditation

Every MONDAY 7-8:30pm
(meets on the ground level/first office on right)

This Vipasana Mediation group has been meeting at the Healing Arts Centre for 14 years and welcomes all levels of meditation experience. If you are new to meditation and would like an introduction, please contact David Kurtz (706)340-7288. This is a Dana (donation based) gathering.

Past Events

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Saturday, July 13th / 2-5pm/ $30

Embodying the Sacred: The Mystical Spirituality of Eckhart and Hildergard

A 3 hour workshop with Tom Camp, MDIV on Saturday, July 13th/ 2-5pm ($30 suggested donation and no one will be turned away due to finances).

“Mysticism” is our breakthrough experiences of union, of ecstasy. Mysticism invites us beyond our limiting, tribal, anthropocentric and patriarchal agendas into a world of wonder, intensity, immensity, intimacy, and gratitude and excites compassion for all.

Mysticism acknowledges the real limitations of human experience and is aware of the humbling growth that takes place as we go through rather than try to avoid the trials and struggles of life.

Mystical experiences give birth to ethics, creativity and continuous new birth. They mandate in us desire and efforts for justice and the flow of compassion.

In mystical spirituality we dissolve the separating ego and experience the ecstasy of union with all that is. We overcome dualities of body and soul, male and female, sacred and profane – all differences, and we find Oneness.

Eckhart says, “God is delighted to watch our souls enlarge.”

Hildergard says. “Divinity is like a wheel, a circle, a whole, that can neither be understood,

nor divided, nor begun, nor ended.”

This workshop will include didactic presentation introducing the mystical spirituality of 10th Century Hildergard of Bingen and 11th Century Meister Eckhart, two giants of deep spiritual experience and teaching. It will include music, creative movement, and breath practices to embody the spiritual experiences presented. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER: (706) 613-1143

Tom Camp is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) and Certified Yoga Therapist (IAYT), an ordained clergy, and a licensed mental health professional with a 40 year practice in the Athens area. He will have just returned from a week pilgrimage with Father Matthew Fox, Ph.D., encountering Meister Eckhart in Eckhart’s home church in Erfurt, Germany.

Community Drumming Circle & Fundraiser

FRIDAY, JUNE 7th / 5:30-7pm / $ Donations

You are invited to this festive Community Drum Circle in support of Drumming For Success, a motivational youth program created by Dr. Arvin Scott more than 2 decades ago! Drumming for Success makes learning how to drum accessible to under funded children. Benefits in the program include increased ability to focus & concentrate, improved self-esteem, stronger skills in math & science, improved self confidence, expanded creativity, improved problem solving skills in academic & social settings, reduced stress, and other qualities that attribute to well-being & success in life. It is a huge victory for our community.

A selection of Dr. Scott’s signed percussion instruments will raffled off to add to the fun, excitement, and generosity of the event. (Oh, and this gathering will be on Arvin’s birthday…lets celebrate!)

There is no drum circle admission charge. 100% of all donations will directly go towards sponsoring children in the Drumming for Success program. Lets put our hands and hearts together for the children of Athens!

Dr. Arvin Scott is a multi-award winning percussion artist, youth program developer/coordinator, and educator with over three decades of national and international experience. Dr. Scott was on the faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and was guest faculty at The New England Conservatory before relocating to his present home in Athens, GA. where he has taught at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1991.

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AMRITA YOGA WORKSHOP: Tuesday, May 14th / 5:30-8:30pm

AMRITA YOGA COMES TO ATHENS, GA FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. THERE ARE NO AMRITA YOGA TEACHERS IN GEORGIA AND THIS INSTRUCTOR COMES FROM INDIA…

Accessible to all (even beginners), this mini Yoga retreat/workshop 5:30-8:30pm ($30) will take the place of Sangha’s Tuesday evening classes.

PLEASE pre-register asap to reserve, limited space: Meghan (706)613-1143, or SANGHA@HEALINGARTSCENTRE.NET

This auspicious experience will include asana, breathing techniques, and more…giving us tools to navigate stress more gracefully. PLEASE pre-register asap to reserve, limited space: Meghan (706)613-1143.

Amrita Yoga® was born from the divine resolve and unconditional compassion of renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian, Maha Yogini, Satguru Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma). A traditional school of Hatha Yoga upholding Vedic principles, Amrita Yoga incorporates Amma’s teachings and integrates the four different paths of yoga, cultivating physical, mental and spiritual upliftment. Focusing on awareness with heart-centered intention, the goal is to transcend the

physical asana practice to deepen your own self-awareness and the inter-connectedness of all life.

Brahmacharini Shobana, PHD, is an award-winning yoga practitioner and teacher who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of authentic yoga as a monastic in Amma’s ashram. Under Amma’s direct guidance, as director of Amrita Yoga® since 2004 she has taught more than 2000 workshops, classes and retreats to people from all over the world. Specializing in bridging the gap between ancient traditional Eastern practice and the practical needs of yoga in the West, Bri. Shobana is one of only 12 members on the Indian government’s Committee for Yoga Education, which forms the curriculum courses in Indian universities.

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The BLISSFUL PRACTICE of MANTRA MEDITATION

The Blissful Practice of Mantra Meditation is a 9 week course:

Saturdays 12-1pm / Feb. 9th-April 6th with Brother Shankara ($99 suggested donation)

Call Sangha to Pre-Register: (706) 613-1143

The purpose of this class is to enable you to manifest your inborn Divinity — your birthright. You do this by practicing the Presence of the Divine in the form of sound (shabda Brahman). Every authentic mantra is this Presence. Slowly and slowly you learn to feel that Living Presence, and you come to understand that Presence is you yourself, no different. Over years of steady practice, your sense of yourself and your life here in the world are radically transformed. You find that to be fully human is to be fully Divine.

Nine class sessions-

Sessions 1-4: Your Qualifications and Practices as A Spiritual Aspirant

“For every one step forward spiritually, you must take two steps forward morally and ethically.” — Swami Yatiswarananda, Vice President, Ramakrishna Order of India

Session 5: Selection and Affirmation of Your Mantra

“Various are Thy Names O Lord, in each and every Name Thy power resides.”

— From the Prayer of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (each class will begin with this prayer)

Sessions 6-9: How to Use Your Mantra, and What to Expect from Mantra Meditation

“The chosen ideal is you yourself, no different. Learn to feel that Living Presence!”

— Swami Prabhavananda’s first instruction for meditation

Text: How to Know God (a selection of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) by Swami Prabhavananda, Ramakrishna Order of India .

Instructor: Br. Shankara is a disciple of Swami Prabhavananda. He has studied spiritual practice under Prabhavanandaji and other swamis of the Ramakrishna Order since 1973, and was ordained a monk by Swami Swahananda in 2010. Brother currently serves as head of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Ashrama of Georgia (rkvkashramaga.org). He recently retired as Resident Minister of the Vedanta Center of Atlanta, after eight years of service.

Spiritual Growth Course

Fridays with Uma Rose: Feb. 1st-22nd / 5:30-6:45pm

4 weeks/$48, & no one will be turned away.

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For 50 years, Uma Laura Rose has joyfully assisted people in opening their hearts, minds and bodies to the healing power of pure consciousness. Her experience will guide us in inquiry and discussions to help deepen our understanding of Self & Self-Realization.

Please call Sangha to pre-register by 1/30: (706) 613-1143

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Insight Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

“BRINGING MINDFULNESS INTO YOUR LIFE”

Friday, November 2nd -Sunday, November 4th

with John Orr

* Learn Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation

* Receive Instruction and Practice in Sitting, Standing & Walking Meditation

* Become Aware and Comfortable with your Body, Thoughts and Emotions

* Learn How to Develop a Daily Meditation Practice

* Suitable for Beginners and Those with Previous Experience

Friday, 7-8:30pm

Introductory Talk: Bringing Mindfulness Into Your Life (suggested donation $10-$15)

All are encouraged to attend.

Saturday & Sunday Retreat: Instruction & Practice of Mindfulness Meditation.

9:30am-4:30 pm ($75/daily)

(Beginners are encouraged to attend Saturday if scheduling requires them to choose btwn Saturday or Sunday.)

Sponsored by and held at Sangha Yoga Studio, located within the Healing Arts Centre

834 Prince Avenue/ Athens, GA 30606

For more information about the weekend program email or call Sangha Yoga Studio in Athens at (706) 613-1143 or sangha@healingartscentre.net.

John Orr received Theravada Buddhist ordination while living in Thailand and India as a monk for 8 years in the 1970’s. He has been teaching dharma and meditation since then. John is an Interfaith Minister and the guiding teacher for the New Hope Sangha in Durham, North Carolina. He recently retired from teaching 31 years at Duke University.

More about John: newhopesangha.org

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WHOLE BODY UPGRADE

A 6 WEEK COURSE EXPLORING MINDFULNESS, COACHING, INTUITIVE/SHAMANIC WORK, AND NUTRITION with Rebecca Shisler Marshall, PhD

WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-6:30pm / Sept 12th- Oct 17th. ($75/6 weeks)

You feel stuck and just want to feel better.

You don’t have the support you need and you are just so tired.

You can’t do it alone anymore.

You’ve tried everything and don’t know what to do, but you know you need something. Some way to make a change.

You just want to feel better.

It is possible to feel better in your body.

To feel like you can breathe again and like you can deal with all of life’s daily challenges.

To want to take care of yourself.

To know you will be ok.

Rebecca Shisler Marshall, PhD (CCC-SLP), is a yoga and meditation instructor, researcher, teacher, wellness enthusiast, Reiki Master, Martha Beck Life Coach, and shamanic practitioner.

CenteredYou.com

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The SPIRIT and SOUND of PEACE

Saturday, September 29th 6-8pm

Join us for a celebration of World Peace with a Master of Yoga and a Master of Sound. Together we will inquire with our hearts and hands into the nature of Peace.

Q & A with Swami Asokananda, a lifelong monastic in the Yoga Tradition. Swami Asokananda was initiated into monkhood in 1973 by Sri Swami Satchidananda and is the President of Integral Yoga Institute of New York as well as and one of Integral Yoga’s foremost international teachers.

DRUMMING with Dr. Arvin Scott, a multi-award winning percussion artist, youth program developer/coordinator, and educator with over three decades of national and international experience Dr. Scott was on the faculty at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and was guest faculty at The New England Conservatory before relocating to his present home in Athens, GA. where he has taught at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music since 1991. He is the founder of Drumming for Success.

Bring your questions, bring your percussion instruments, bring your friends!

Cost: Donations gratefully welcome.