Schedule & Abstracts

9am Symposium Keynote: Crossroads of Ancient Teachings and Emerging Science

By Nayaswamis Jyotish & Devi, Co-Spiritual Directors, Ananda Worldwide

10am Section 1: The Inner and The Outer World

True Yoga and its Timeless Wisdom by Asha Nayaswami, Author, Public Speaker, Co-spiritual Director, Ananda Palo Alto

The ancient teachings of Yoga are enduring, sharing truths that co-exist as both ageless and pioneering in their capacity to foster Self-mastery. Against the backdrop of new innovations in meditation science, discover the well of wisdom from which these breakthroughs are born. It is at this point of convergence that transformation occurs.

Magnetism: The Key to Manifestation with Shurjo Jha, Co-spiritual Director, Ananda Mumbai

Energy is the secret weapon contained within each one of us, coaxing us toward our own highest potential. Self-mastery is accomplished by magnetizing that flow of energy in every aspect of our lives.

Awakening Superconscious Creativity with Dana Andersen, Multimedia Artist, Writer, Playwright

In a high vibration creative flow, it’s easy to quiet the mind and enter the profound and inspiring territory of the soul. This creative high is a sparkling, vibrant, thrilling state of awareness and one can learn how to get there.

The Psychology of Flow with Aryavan McSweeney, Educator, Teacher Trainer

Playfulness opens us to a flow of receptivity, awakening a natural state of enthusiasm and joy. When we are in this flow, awareness is deepened, inspiration is intensified and true clarity is fostered. Tapping into this state is the secret to unlocking our true potential and discovering lasting happiness.

12 -1Pm BREAK

1pm SEction 2: Body, Mind and Spirit

The Age of Transformational Medicine with Dr. Shanti Rubenstone, MD, Physician, Co-spiritual Director, Ananda Palo Alto

Transformational medicine means knowing beyond a doubt that we are beings of energy and that energy can always be transformed. Transformational medicine holds hope and promise for states of true wellness. What it takes to transform ourselves from beings who are focused on and centered in the physical realm, to beings who exist in an energetic, spiritual realm is what this new age is about; science, medicine and spirituality coming together to change consciousness and all previously held beliefs about health and wellness.

Holistic Wellness: A Practitioner's Perspective with Dr. Aditya Gait, Physician, Spiritual Director, Ananda Pune

Our current approach to wellness is disease centric rather than health centric. Good health is directly proportional to the amount of life force flowing within us at all times. Yogic principles for healthy living promote not only physical wellness, but all-around well-being, mental clarity, ease and inspiration.

DNA: Our Karmic Thumbprint with Dr. Amit Aggarwal, Physician, Researcher, Lifestyle Educator

The predispositions we are born with are hardcoded in our genes. This is in fact our “karma” and we possess within us the power to transform it. Cutting edge research in the field of epigenetics has shown us that positive attitude, meditation and lifestyle changes can exert a permanent effect on our genes and help us overcome patterns that hold us back.

Interactive Q&A with Dr. Shanti Rubenstone, MD, Physician, Co-spiritual Director, Ananda Palo Alto

Questions can be submitted ahead of time via might networks, or can be asked live through livestream chat feature

2:30 - 5pm break

5PM Section 3: The EMERGINg SCIENCE of Meditation

5:00pm Breaking Through the Limits of the Brain with Puru Selbie, Author, Modern Science Enthusiast

If we are, as the saints, mystics, and masters tell us, one with God, capable of infinite, superconscious awareness, why isn’t it our everyday experience? The answer is that our brains aren’t wired for it. Instead of superconscious awareness, our brains are wired to allow only a limited, conscious awareness focused on the information sent to the brain by the senses. But the brain can be rewired for superconscious awareness—and meditation is the key.

5:20pm The Art of Rewiring the Mind with Lakshmi Lapine, Educator, Meditation teacher

The brain is malleable. We are not tethered to the habits and reactions that keep us rooted in states of stress and overwhelm. By inviting the brain into a meditative state, we promote positive change to the pathways involved in stress, focus and attention, rewiring the mind to be more adaptable, pliable, and resilient. 

5:40pm Practical Tools for the Persistent Meditator with Hriman McGilloway, Co-spiritual Director, Ananda Washington

“Taming the monkey mind” as the yogis call it, is the perpetual challenge all meditators are up against. The body and the breath are the tools that we have the easiest access to and can work with to achieve that goal. With the right tips and techniques, we can learn to “hack” the system and move beyond the barriers of the mind.

6:00pm The Healing Power of Proper Breathing with Saiganesh Sairaman, Former hi-tech manager, Breathwork teacher

Breathing is the most natural activity that is a constant in our lives from the moment we are born. It is also a subtle mirror reflecting various physical and mental imbalances. By correcting and consciously working with our breath we can calm our minds at will and achieve overall wellness.

6:20pm An experience in deep relaxation (Guided practice) with Keshava Betts, Yoga teacher, Former personal trainer & pain specialist

6:40pm Closing