By Gurudevi Nirmalananda

Your caring makes the Ashram what it is. There are two kinds of Ashrams. One shelters and nurtures committed seekers within the tradition. The other spreads the teachings far and wide.

It is because of your interest that we do what we do at Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram. Seventeen years old today, with thousands of articles written and free programs offered. Along with retreats to support your inner deepening, we’ve offered hundreds of professional trainings to empower yogis to share the power and beauty of this tradition.

Donors provide our primary financial support, proving they care enough to make sure we will be here next year. Yet they empower me and our swamis to serve everyone who comes. I am grateful for the opportunity to share what I received from my oh-so-generous Guru.

Some Ashrams are a place to retreat from the world. Some are right in the middle of the world. I placed us on Main Street USA for two reasons. One is to make it easy for our residents and guests to access supplies and services. The other is to put yoga and meditation in public view. Yes, I do want to change the world! And I know that yoga and meditation will bring out the best in you.

Our Ashram is fully grown. I say this because I was 17 when I graduated from high school and stepped into the world. In the same way, I see the teachers I have trained serving others, thousands of students. And our swamis offering classes and courses, not only On-Site and Online, but traveling to teach in distant locations almost every month of the year.

Our Ashram is a vibrant center of Consciousness, vibrating with both internal and external energies. Based in the river of Grace, we draw from the timeless teachings of yoga while juggling the myriad opportunities to support others. It’s a little bit like a circus. There’s always something happening!

Yes, Shiva is dancing the world into existence, right here in Downingtown.

Happy birthday to us!