Table of Contents

Foreword

Dear Divine Brothers and Sisters of the Universe,

We recently attended the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, a significant event where we made important connections and conducted daily meditation sessions for Sunyoga beginners. This Kumbh is particularly special because the alignment of all planets occurs only every 144 years, making it a rare and auspicious occasion for spiritual growth.

At the end of the month, we came together as a community to celebrate our annual Kalpatru festival. The celebration was not just about puja, cloth distribution, group meditation, food, music, and Satsang. It was about the joy of shared experiences and the warmth of our collective journey towards spiritual growth. It was heart-warming to see so many happy faces joining us for this special day.

February will kick off with two courses in Mumbai, focusing on Sunyoga Level 1-3 and Level 4, and conclude with a course in Nepal, which will cover Level 1-3 in Sunyoga. We also have more courses planned, so please check the schedule. We are currently in the process of applying for visas. Once we have confirmation, we will share information about workshops in Europe (Netherlands, Germany, and Croatia) starting in early May.

Warm regards,  

Axel and the Sunyoga Editorial Board

A Divine Convergence: Spiritual Awakening and Sunyoga at Kumbh Mela 2025

by Sashanka Mouli

The sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam bore witness to another grand Kumbh Mela in 2025 for spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Over 10 days, we were guided by the wisdom of Sunyogi Umasankar ji, who conducted a Sunyoga Meditation Camp at the ‘Shambhy Panch Dasham Aawahan Aakhada’ in Sector 14, Harshwardhan Marg.

The Kumbh Mela hailed as the world’s largest spiritual gathering, was a breathtaking spectacle of devotion, asceticism, and age-old traditions. Surrounded by millions of pilgrims, sages, and seekers, we were awe-struck by the vibrations of sacred chants, mesmerising aartis, and the collective energy of those seeking higher consciousness.

One of the most transformative aspects of our experience was our time spent with Sunyogi Umasankar, a revered spiritual teacher known for his unique practice of Sunyoga. His teachings emphasised the power of solar energy in nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Through his guidance, we explored techniques to harness the sun’s energy, meditate with greater focus, and attain inner harmony. His philosophy of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and universal love resonated deeply, reminding us of the profound connection between nature and spirituality.

Each morning, from January 16 to January 26, 2025, we practised Sunyoga between 8 AM and 10 AM as the first rays of the sun illuminated the banks of the Triveni Sangam. The sessions were significant and conducted during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs once every 144 years. The positive vibrations surrounding us during this time facilitated more profound purification and introspection in our sadhana. In the evenings, we participated in Satsangs, where Sunoygi shared his experiences living without food and relying solely on solar energy. He also met other great sadhus and shared divine experiences.

Whenever we had the chance, we took holy dips in the Triveni Sangam with Sunyogi, followed by Sun Meditation, which allowed other pilgrims to meet him and learn more about Sun Meditation and our organisation’s mission of spreading universal peace.

The team’s relentless efforts to raise awareness about Sun Yoga and motivate pilgrims to attend the free camp were truly remarkable. Axel, in particular, was deeply engaged in spreading this message throughout the Kumbh Mela, significantly contributing to our collective experience.

Beyond the spiritual practices, the Kumbh Mela was a treasure trove of sensory and cultural marvels. The vibrant akharas (spiritual camps), the wisdom imparted by saints, and the immense faith of the devotees painted a beautiful picture of India’s rich spiritual heritage. The sacred dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati felt like a cleansing of both body and soul—a timeless tradition carried forward for millennia.

Our experience with Sun yogi Umasankar at Kumbh Mela 2025 was truly extraordinary, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that inspired and enlightened us. We wish everyone a wishful, blissful, healthy, and enlightening life.

Sunyoga in Vadodara Dates 3-5 Jan 2025

By Jaswandi

Sun worship has been a part of various cultures since ancient times, fascinating humanity with its warmth, brilliance and life-giving energy. But does watching the sunrise truly hold the secret to the universe?

The sun—a distant ball of fire, a celestial body, our primary source of life, the light of the day and the shadow of the night—is a far greater gift than we often realise. Beyond everything, It holds the power to energise the soul, nurture inner peace and lead us to spiritual evolution.

“You will treasure this experience for the rest of your life. Don’t miss it,” my younger brother had said after attending the camp himself. I thought I shouldn’t dismiss the idea of seeing a Himalayan Yogi, our Swamiji. With encouragement echoing in my heart, I joined Sunyoga camp to explore the ancient practice of drawing energy from the sun. Spoiler alert: my brother’s words did not fail. I was almost losing the silent, emotional battles when I thought I needed some change. Attending this camp was my last attempt to find a way forward, a chance to reconnect with myself and the world. The sunlight became my saviour and Swamiji’s guidance was the compass that helped me navigate my path to healing and self-discovery.

In just three days, I found a way to embrace hope and an opportunity to connect with the divine light that had always been there, patiently waiting for me to notice.

Swamiji, our great Himalayan guru, is an ocean of infinite knowledge whose wisdom extends far beyond what we think we know about life, nature and the universe. Learning from him is not just educational; it is profoundly transformative. Hearing his incredible journey and experiences is a humbling reminder of how much there is to life. His presence radiates positivity and it feels as though your problems dissolve before they can reach you. Every moment with Swamiji feels like a gentle reassurance, like a lost child finally finding their way back home. His teachings and guidance are imbued with care and subtle corrections that take you towards clarity and self-reflection.

When I arrived at the camp, I had a list of questions, doubts, and uncertainties. As Swamiji had promised, they were addressed—if not directly—through insights, surprising revelations, indescribable connections, and experiences. Each day offered a new glimpse into the universe’s infinite potential and the boundless power within ourselves.

For three days, I felt like an unburdened, carefree child. It was an existence untouched by fear or doubt. In the haze of our daily lives, we often forget our simplest blessings that cost nothing yet mean everything. The sun, offering its light and warmth freely to all, is one such treasure.

Sun-gazing means saying goodbye to the snooze button and greeting the day before the sun itself. Our mornings began with light exercise, followed by basking in the golden sunlight—a practice that felt as nourishing to the soul as it was to the body. As the day progressed, we dove deeper into more theoretical aspects of this ancient practice, guided by Swamiji’s profound insights and teachings.

What I loved most about the experience was the realisation that while we all have different life purposes, our ultimate goal is the same: self-realisation. When the universe gives us everything so selflessly, it is our responsibility to be grateful and take care of it. Swamiji’s wisdom on this subject is something everyone should experience at least once.

Some of my key takeaways were simple. Respect can take you farther than you realise. Being open to new experiences can change your life. And the bonds you form with fellow sun-gazers, sharing laughs, stories and a common journey, are truly priceless.  Oh, and here’s a bonus perk: no more stressing over SPF numbers or messy sunblock lotions. When we befriend the sun, no sunscreen is required.

Gita Ma leaving Ashram and Body

by Jonathan Stanislaw Charpentier

Om Anand Om, We celebrate the life of Gita Ma, whose soul recently transitioned from her physical body. Born on January 2, Gita Ma was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gita Ma’s family and friends.

She was one of our divine mothers and protectors at the Universal Peace Centre • Sunyoga Ashram HQ and beyond. As highlighted in our August 2022 newsletter (https://sunyoga.org/sunyoga-newsletter-no2/), Gita Ma was an integral part of the Ashram’s daily operations. She led the Aarti (prayer ceremony) and was responsible for the kitchen, ensuring that everyone was well-fed and nourished. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental in maintaining the Ashram’s spiritual and communal atmosphere.

Above all, her dedication and unconditional love had no bounds. She considered every single visitor as her son or daughter.

Our souls are eternal. So, if we wish to communicate with her at any place or any moment, we can.

Locally, Gita Ma was renowned as a singer and vocal teacher. She even wrote her own original song , which she was very proud of. When she felt the time was right, she shared her song with us at our Ashram’s mandir (universal temple/prayer room). She had a favorite song called “Shivoham” (it means “Who am I?” in Sanskrit), sung by Chitra Roy. She loved that song and asked me to play it almost every day at the Ashram, especially in the morning for breakfast, and even requested that I download it to her phone so she could walk around the village with the song, or play it at home too.

Gita Ma also had a deep appreciation for art and photography. She often asked me to share beautiful pictures with her. In her memory, I have made a special photo selection, including beautiful pictures that she loved.

These are the first posts I found of Gita Ma: a selfie with me, and two videos where she sang for Joystna’s birthday last year. I will look for more professional photos in my archives to share with her family and friends.

One of the last memories I have with Gita Ma is from July 2024. I was on the phone with my mother at the Ashram’s entrance when Gita Ma returned from her break. She stopped to say hi to my mother. Suddenly, my blood mother and my Ashram mother were talking and saying “kushi kushi” in Bengali (happy happy in English). Gita Ma then started teaching my mother many things in Bengali! The funny thing was that she was so excited that it was impossible to follow everything, but her passion always won us over anyway. It was a very cute and precious moment. My mother still remembers to this day the phrase “kushi kushi” and the feelings beyond the words. She told me that she took notes and still has them today! That is the last memory my mother has of Gita Ma.

Today, we lit a candle for Gita Harh, aka Gita Ma.

At the Universal Peace Centre Ashram and the local village of Lachhipur, we have known Gita Ma forever, and we will continue to honour her name, her memory, and the service she did for society (Seva in Sanskrit language). Her legacy will continue through our present and future endeavours. Thanks to many amazing souls like hers, we have been able to create, build, and sustain our non-profit organization since 1997. We will overcome, and we will thrive. Gratitude to Gita Ma and gratitude to all of the people’s unconditional love, friendship, and sacrifice for the benefit of societal well-being and Peace.

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

— Gautama Buddha

Om Anand Om

Peaceful, blissful, healthy, creative, and enlightened life to all.

P.S. Here is the link to the song “Shivoham” by Chitra Roy that Gita Ma loved: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18MWcrSHY1m2PllSEd88_dHN1b46FKpbf/view?usp=sharing

Yours truly, 

Jonathan Stanislaw Charpentier

PPS: Thank you to my mother, Monique Catherine Charpentier Wilk, for her help, inspiration, and support today. She reminded me of our good times when we called each other, and she could see and talk to everyone at the Ashram.

Who Am I? – Main Kaun Hoon?
A Sunyoga Shibir in Vadodara | 10-12 January

by Shiva

I had the privilege of meeting Sunyogi, Shri Umasankar, during a Sunyoga Shibir that took place from January 10th to 12th, 2025. I am thirty-seven years old and hail from Pune, a city in Maharashtra. At the urging of my Gurus, Shri Rajendra Kulkarni and Smt. Sneha Kulkarni (now disciples of Sunyogi), I, and 13 others travelled to Bhayali, a suburb in the Vadodara district of Gujarat, for this Shibir.

Having been well-trained in Sunyoga by my Gurus, I felt confident about what to expect at the Shibir. Yet, I was also anxious, intrigued, and eager to experience everything firsthand from the Sunyogi himself. The ability to gaze at the Sun without blinking does not come easily. However, once you make the Sun your “friend,” you can forge a deep bond with this new companion who helps alleviate all your physical and mental troubles.

A whole new world opened up in the presence of Sunyogi, Shri Umasankar. He is an encyclopedia of immense knowledge that encompasses this Earth and beyond. Honestly, I’m still trying to process everything I heard and learned during my stay in Vadodara. My experiences here are uniquely mine, and fellow Sadhaks may have had very different experiences.

I certainly won’t be the first or the last to say Sunyogi Umasankar is a true yogi. Many people will experience his energies simply by being in his presence and through the countless stories he shares. There is a light within him that occasionally shines through his eyes. Like all enlightened beings, Swamiji appears calm and composed outside—like a duck gliding on the water—while energetically paddling toward spiritual peaks below the surface. Dressed in a simple dhoti and ang-vastra, Sunyogi’s ideologies, thoughts, and approaches are anything but simple. He is a man with a vast mission that is nearly impossible to achieve alone. Therefore, he encourages people from around the globe to join him in his mission to elevate humanity, which he believes can be accomplished through Sunyoga. The benefits of this sadhana have been medically and scientifically endorsed by numerous medical associations, doctors, researchers, and scientists.

In this Basic course on Sunyoga (level 1+3), Swamiji explains the rules that need to be followed for practice, delves into our intrinsic thought processes, and discusses our internal and external demeanour, alongside some prerequisites before we immerse ourselves in the world of Sunyoga. He places significant emphasis on the mind and body, starting with simple exercises. This keeps one aware, helps release toxins from the body, and develops inner physical strength, as he explains. He walks among the attendees to ensure everyone practises correctly, offering guidance as needed.

The theory classes, however, are challenging for someone like me. It’s been a while since I attended formal schooling, and it requires a great deal of focus to remain attentive during Swamiji’s lectures. Even a single stray thought can distract you and make you miss some deeply profound insights. Hours of knowledge flow from this man, each story more incredible than the last. His narratives are genuinely captivating, filled with ideologies and thought-provoking ideas that can shake your foundations! Everything you’ve learned in the past feels challenged and incomplete. You begin to question your actions and past thoughts: What have I been doing all along? Why didn’t I consider these ideas earlier? The experiences he shares humble you and compel you to reevaluate your identity, ideas, and beliefs.

During the comprehensive Sunyoga Shibir, Shri Umasankar discusses the roles of chakras, yam, niyam, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyaan, samadhi, and the journey from samadhi to enlightenment. It serves as a crash course in enlightenment, but none of this resonates with you until you grasp the fundamentals of yoga and read between the lines of what Sunyogi articulates. And there will be much to interpret.

In his book, “Essence of Sunyoga – Let The Sun Transform Your Life Into Eternal Bliss,” Sunyogi Umasankar elaborates on all the abovementioned concepts. Additionally, he discusses success and failure, their dependence on the self, the laws of karma, the cosmic energy that connects us to the universe, religion, the connection between science and Sunyoga, and how Sunyoga fosters universal peace.

I felt compelled to set aside what I had learned over the past thirty-seven years and submit to Swamiji, just as he expects us to surrender to the Sun. During the three days I spent there, a wealth of information was exchanged, and I honestly still have not fully grasped it all. As a teacher, Swamiji’s ability to build rapport with all of us was astounding.

The Power of Sun Meditation: A Unique Blood Donation Experience

In a fascinating discussion with Swamiji Umasankar, we explored the impact of Sun Meditation on the human body, particularly its effect on blood quality and energy levels. His experiences with blood donation provided compelling evidence that the energy harnessed from the sun can significantly enhance blood strength and vitality.A Surprising Blood Donation in South IndiaOn February 2nd, 2001, during a visit to South India, Swamiji went to Nagapatnam Hospital to donate blood. The medical staff, following standard procedures, asked him when he had last eaten breakfast. When he responded that he hadn’t eaten, they were reluctant to proceed, insisting that blood donation without food intake could be harmful. The local people accompanying him also confirmed that he had not eaten, which further raised concerns among the hospital staff.A junior doctor hesitated to take his blood, fearing complications. However, when a senior doctor—who was familiar with Swamiji—intervened, he reassured the junior doctor that it was safe. With that assurance, the hospital proceeded with the donation.What happened next surprised everyone. After donating one unit of blood, Swamiji suggested they check his blood pressure again. Typically, after a blood donation, blood pressure drops, but in his case, it actually increased. The doctors were astonished—such an outcome was medically unexpected.Swamiji explained that his body rapidly replenished the lost blood, creating a strong internal pressure. The immediate regeneration of blood was likely due to his practice of Sun Meditation, which he believes enhances the body’s ability to maintain energy and balance.A Second Proof: Saving His Cousin’s LifeA couple of months later, in April 2001, Swamiji’s cousin’s sister was in the hospital for childbirth and urgently needed a blood transfusion. Her blood type matched his, but at that moment, no donor was available. Without hesitation, he volunteered.The doctors examined him and found his blood pressure to be stable. He didn’t mention that he had donated blood just six weeks earlier. When they tested his blood, they discovered something extraordinary—it was much stronger than typical blood, almost double in strength. In fact, her body couldn’t handle it in its original concentration. The doctors had to dilute his blood to ensure it was safe for transfusion.Amazingly, instead of needing two units of blood as initially expected, just one diluted unit was enough for her recovery. She felt an immediate boost in strength, and the doctors were again taken aback by the unusual potency of his blood.Scientific Implications and Sun MeditationThese experiences raise an intriguing question: Can Sun Meditation enhance the quality of blood?According to Swamiji, there is a noticeable difference in blood composition before and after Sun Meditation. While scientific studies may still be needed to validate this claim fully, his real-life experiences provide compelling anecdotal evidence.Doctors who witnessed his donations confirmed that his blood had exceptional strength, and the recipients of his blood, including his cousin’s sister, reported feeling energized almost immediately after transfusion.A New Perspective on Health and EnergySwamiji’s journey offers an alternative perspective on how solar energy, absorbed through meditation, may contribute to physiological well-being. If further research confirms that Sun Meditation enhances blood regeneration and quality, it could have significant implications for healthcare, particularly in improving recovery rates and boosting vitality in patients.His experiences challenge conventional medical expectations and open the door to exploring how natural energy sources, like the sun, can influence human health in ways we are only beginning to understand.

Kalpataru Mahotsav – A Divine Celebration (January 28, 2025)

by Tiyasa Sardar

Dear Sunyoga Family,

Today, January 28, 2025, the Universal Peace Centre rejoices in the Kalpataru Mahotsav, a sacred occasion commemorating the Tirodhan Divas of Shri Bimala Maa, the revered mother of Swamiji Shri Shri Umashankar Maharaj. This day is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and spiritual elevation.

The festivities commenced at 5:00 AM with the Mangal Arati in reverence to Mahavatar Babaji Maharaj, followed by Sunyoga practice and a flag-hoisting ceremony. We were blessed with the presence of Swamiji Shri Shri Umashankar Maharaj, along with esteemed trustees and devoted members of our community.

A special highlight of this year’s celebration was the visit of Mahatma Shri Shri Anaghananda Maharaj, who graced us with his divine presence from the Himalayas. His wisdom and energy uplifted the gathering, making the occasion truly memorable.

The day unfolded with sacred rituals, including puja, havan, and selfless service—distributing blankets and winter clothing to the underprivileged and conducting Nara-Narayan Seva (feeding those in need). These acts of kindness embodied the essence of Kalpataru—a tree that grants wishes and symbolizes boundless giving.

As evening approached, the Sandhya Arati, Satsang, and cultural performances filled the atmosphere with devotion and joy. The Satsang, led by Swamiji Shri Shri Umashankar Maharaj, Mahatma Shri Shri Anaghananda Maharaj, and other enlightened masters, infused wisdom and inspiration into every soul present.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this divine celebration. Your presence, dedication, and selfless service make these gatherings a beacon of peace, love, and light.

May the blessings of Kalpataru enrich your lives with health, harmony, and spiritual awakening.