worldyogacenter

Independence Day- Director's Message

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:35:33 GMT

Independence Day - Director's Message

July, 2025

There’s only one way to manage our own human frailty, disappointments and conflicts, and that is to see the Conscious energy dwelling at the very root of our being. The sages of Yoga call this Supreme Consciousness. It lives within us at the core of all highs and lows. To inquire into our conscious source takes us beyond the personal dimension, bringing us into the boundless realm where stillness and peace dwell in the midst of life.

A deep appreciation and recognition of this core energy is a skill meant to dissolve the mind’s cloud-bank of obscuration. It is why we practice within ourselves and practice together.

As our country suffers the seeming increase in polarization, may we practice together for the sake of higher mind. The highest part of our mind does not perceive duality as a reality. It perceives unity and non-dual presence not only within the cosmos, but within all human beings.

Despite the great variety in our outlooks, despite the scourge of hatred and despite major differences in cultural imprinting, may we soothe the polarized mind including the one we carry within.

And

May we keep the world-wide human family out of real and dangerous conflict... it’s up to everyone.

Let's take the reduced busyness of the Summer season as an opportunity to develop this. May we see our own inner Consciousness beneath the evanescence of life's highs and lows… it is the heart of Yoga.

With love and blessings,
Rudrani

Memorial Day - Director's Message

Fri, 23 May 2025 22:31:54 GMT

Memorial Day Message - Director's Message

may, 2025

Memorial Day places us once again in that quandary. We pay homage and respect to the fallen heroes and heroines of wars. We know the scourge of war causes great suffering and hurts the heart of all people everywhere. We also know that mutual respect and collaboration amongst people everywhere brings wisdom and peace. Yet as a species we just can’t seem to achieve this. It is a quandary.

We are students of potent practices— practices that remain adapted to the times and that have flourished over thousands of years. We can slowly, gently become stabilized in those realms. We have touched those realms. We can remember to dive deep beneath the outer tumult in the world and turn inside towards the innermost heart where these realms of wisdom and peace live within us in all their fullness.

Come share practices with us over the Memorial Day holidays! May we bring transformation in the outer world by our own transformation. My teacher always affirmed that the love inside the human heart is "brighter than the light of a billion Suns".

Much love,
Rudrani

Spring Message - Director's Message

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:29:47 GMT

Spring Message - Director's Message

march, 2025

It is Spring, a glorious time of renewed hope and a time to bloom! May our beleaguered country also flourish and bring its many voices into unity collaborating for the good of all its people.

These times inspire reminiscences of how we enjoyed greatness on the world stage decades ago.

Growing up in World War II, I held a deep pride and love for my country. I loved America! I was seven years old in 1945, when we defeated Hitler’s fascism with the help of our allies. We were heroes! I was in awe of "America the beautiful".

All through those terrible war years, our capacity as a nation for self sacrifice, to unite, to show heroism, was great. We lived, as did most families, glued to the radio for news. We saw Newsreels of the war, called Movietone News, in the local movie theaters.

Although there were sacrifices to make, including the rationing of supplies such as dairy, poultry, meat, tin, leather... it didn’t bring complaints in my family. We were helping the world battle a scary evil.

There were air-raid drills at night. Loud sirens would go off. The city would come to a total halt and drop into complete darkness.

As a child, tucked in bed at night, I was worried about the light in my bedroom closet. A wild grizzly bear lived there… unless the closet light was on. In an air raid drill all the lights in the house were turned off despite the closet light being essential for my safety.

There was a nationwide sense of shared danger and at the same time amazing unity. It was a patriotism hard to describe. Families saw their sons drafted, sent “overseas" to join the "allied front”. Hundreds and thousands of our beloved sons never returned. As our troops moved north with the wartime effort, our mothers knit socks and thick sweaters: “these are for our boys on the Russian front." People feared the draft. The rise of the Reich loomed.

That momentous day of the war’s end, called VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) crowds streamed into Riverside Park We ran to join the celebrating throngs of people. I loved my country with all my child’s heart.

Thousands were pouring into the park, heading for the River, to see our powerful navel fleet— gigantic aircraft carriers— enormous grey battle ships— parade up the river with ear-splitting 21- gun- salutes making an impressive parade on that unforgettable VE Day. People were in tears, embracing strangers, in ecstatic celebration.

“So now do all the people love each other!?”
My mom just kept saying “ Our boys are coming home! Our boys are coming home!”

We were proud of our country.

In this coming season of beauty, we hope to see the America we love blossom, see the true greatness of our national soul flourish and bloom.

Much love,

Rudrani

Summer Months - Director's Message

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 22:22:39 GMT

Summer Months - Director's Message

June, 2024

Winter Holidays - Director's Message

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 22:06:00 GMT

Winter Holidays - Director's Message

December, 2023

The Winter Solstice and the holidays are a secret Yoga training for us, a way to apply the wisdom teachings as we gather with others, expressing what is the best within us. May we all flourish as we navigate through this holiday season!

We offer our gratitude to the World Yoga Center’s vibrant student body and to our talented teachers who co-create a climate of conscious presence.

Your company is a treasure!

Happy Holidays to all of you!

With all our hearts,

Rudrani

Labor Day Message - Director's Message

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 22:18:57 GMT

Labor Day Message - Director's Message

September, 2023

As Labor Day approaches, may we remember the effort that goes into our togetherness and our need for each other's skills and services. It takes great effort for our social fabric to run smoothly. These are challenging times. May we continue to include gratitude for all the ways we inter-depend and pay honor to the immense work involved for all of us to manifest a harmonious human family.

May we continue on the journey to attain true social equity, each of us playing a part in our interdependence. May we become drawn like bees to honey to harmony and the dissolution of conflict, ever drawn to the wisdom of universal brotherhood and sisterhood.

This is what lies at the heart of our Yoga practice and makes our little neighborhood school glow with light you cannot see.

We will be open throughout this holiday weekend with opportunities to practice together. Come whenever you can and enjoy!

Much love,
Rudrani

Juneteenth & Father's Day - Director's Message

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 22:24:36 GMT

Juneteenth & Father's Day - Director's Message

June, 2023

Juneteenth celebrates the tardy liberation of African Americans from chattel slavery in Texas, years after the Emancipation Proclamation of Abolition took place during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. There is much to be done in our country to fight this deeply dark shadow in our history and the still ever-present after effects of the delusion and abomination of slavery. Our shared commitment to its thorough eradication remains crucial. All the teachings of Yoga describe equality or Unity Awareness as the goal of the inner journey to higher consciousness, asking us to see the divine essence in every person and "every blade of grass".

How wonderful it is to think of men all over the country being celebrated for their power to have parented our children well, instilling in their children these values of which we can be proud. Equality of all the people, stated in our country's constitution was meant for all citizens and remains a work in progress in our young, ever-evolving country, still struggling to attain its core values. May our Dads be celebrated for the best of their power to raise sons and daughters endowed with equality vision and compassionate hearts. May Dads everywhere receive the gratitude they deserve for believing we can realize these values within, and may we all be inspired, through steady practice, to bring them into the world.

Sending love and blessings to all,
Rudrani

Mother's Day - Director's Message

Mon, 08 May 2023 22:27:51 GMT

Mother's Day - Director's Message

May, 2023

Dearest WYC Community,

Mother's Day came with a breathtaking sunny day!

The parks were full as our children sought the joys of unfettered play. The city trees were decked out in fully green new leaves, dancing boldly in a fresh wind that purified the air. This wind felt caressive and celebratory. It lasted all day, touching everyone inclusively.

May our hearts still vibrate with the beautiful reminders hidden in this Mother’s Day.

Our mothers labored us mightily into this world to learn our karmic lessons. We are mothered also within, on the inner plane with Supreme Love, a love that knows no conditions. That Supreme Mother is at the root of our being.

She is compassionately encouraging us to be all we can be in heartfelt joy and interconnection. Her potent presence can be felt as we live our highs and lows. She is the Great Tenderness, the Loving Kindness, staying solid as we learn to keep our balance in the world. She’s there in the rhythm of sleep and waking as we cry and as we laugh.

May we honor her constant pull to unity awareness inside us. May we surrender separation to that deep love… it's part of her True Desire.

Much love,
Rudrani

Summer Retreat 2022!

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:53:57 GMT

An Anusara Yoga and Meditation Retreat
July 21-24, 2022
With Rudrani and Jacalyn

With great Joy, we will be returning to Pumpkin Hollow this coming summer in person! We will retreat into the Heart, the boundless, radiant, innermost core within us. The most updated safety protocols will be in place throughout (see below). We will be in beautiful surroundings, graced with a refreshing river, a lush organic garden, the sounds of a tumbling waterfall. Pumpkin Hollow is an auspicious space where the power of Nature surrounds us in a deep embrace and supports us to take yoga to its truest and most elevated dimension.

Our retreat includes:
-Anusara Yoga (morning asana level 1 or level 2)
-Morning Meditation
-Afternoon Pranayama/Restorative yoga including deep relaxation
-Evening Satsang- a sharing of the wisdom teachings in light of our experiences

The days will be spacious and provide time for resting, hiking, reading, swimming, solitude and hanging out.

Registration fills quickly. We encourage you to register and reserve your space when you receive this notice. Be intrepid and take the leap. If you have never been on one of our retreats before, we are happy to answer all your questions. Many of you return again and
again knowing we co–create a precious refuge….. We’ll create a magical blend of activities and practices that generate transformational energy, heading inexorably into the deep peace beneath the mind. Come with us this summer!!

Do you have questions and considerations?? Call us:
Rudrani: 917 664 7503
Jacalyn: 917-822-1120
(For logistics including registration, transportation and accommodations call Jacalyn)

Protocols for Safety
All participants will need to show proof of vaccination to attend the retreat including boosters and negative COVID Test 24 hours before retreat.
You all will be required to wear masks when coming in doors with the exception of the yoga classes where masking is optional.

TUITION:
Early Bird Pricing is $690 for shared room (Limited number of private rooms available so reserve your room soon!)

$750 after June 15, 2022

Contact Jacalyn to register at yoginijp@gmail.com

Testimonials:

“The Retreat enables and empowers you to take time to breathe, reflect, connect, and deepen your practice- spiritually, physically, and emotionally- in a warm and trusting environment. Very generous and enlightening instruction from Jackie and Rudrani.”

“I feel like a veil has been lifted; it is deeply profound without being overwhelming.”

WYC 2020 Winter Retreat

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:58:04 GMT

Back by popular demand!

The World Yoga Center’s Summer Meditation and Anusara Yoga retreat of 2020, held on line, was such a big hit that we are adding a Winter offering.

Taught by senior Anusara yoga teachers Jacalyn Prete & WYC Director and Founder Rudrni Farbman, this deep dive into the practices of yoga & meditation will bring us into a more authentic relationship with our true essence: the Great Self.

Through Asana, Meditation, Chanting, Contemplation, Restorative yoga Yoga Nidra, Seva, and Satsang,
(conversation for the higher Self) we will be able to experience the peace and stillness at the core of our innermost Being.

A true retreat guides us, with it's cumulative power, to learn to let go of our identity with the small Self and connect to Universal Consciousness. That power scintillates in every particle of matter and in our own being.

Do join us and discover the oasis of shared practice. The group bonds, connects and ventures into the depths of Inner Space. We become each other's Well Wishers.

WYC 2020 Summer Retreat

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 11:59:55 GMT

Sheltering in Grace
An Anusara Yoga and Meditation Retreat

With Rudrani and Jacalyn

2020 we held our annual summer retreat via zoom. Enjoy our intention and our flow- how we created the depth and inner reprieve of a retreat right in our own homes.

This Summer's retreat will be held in each of our homes, where we will create space for sacred inner travel into the our own innermost core. We will have recipes to support us to prepare delicious meals in advance and breakout groups to enjoy meals together if we wish. There will be a suggested book list for our retreat library and a full daily schedule of guided morning meditation, dream circle, Hatha yoga, restorative yoga and evening Satsang. There will be nourishing free time in the great outdoors available in our own area and down time to nap and socialize as well. A retreat allows a group to enter into a rhythm of shared practices together and support each other to turn inward allowing us to reflect deeply, heal and grow. Come and adventure with us in this unprecedented time where we are invited to create new possibilities for our own lives and for our world.

Includes:
Morning Meditation
Anusara Yoga
Pranayama
Restorative yoga
Satsang

WYC 2018 Summer Retreat

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 12:01:55 GMT

Sheltering in Grace
An Anusara Yoga and Meditation Retreat

July 31-August 2 (Friday evening to Sunday evening)

With Rudrani and Jacalyn

SAVE THE DATES!!

Friday 6:30pm through Sunday evening 7:30pm online retreat via Zoom.

Includes:
Morning Meditation
Anusara Yoga
Pranayama
Restorative yoga
Satsang

TUITION: $300, $250 early bird pricing before July 5th

Contact Jacalyn to register at yoginijp@gmail.com, 917-822-1120

Join us from any time zone!

WYC Summertime Retreat ’16

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 12:01:54 GMT

July 14-18, 2016

Our Summertime Retreat is a unique blend of activities and practices that create a synergy bringing a retreat group into an expansive state of oneness, presence and inter-connection.

There is a gentle rigor to our WYC retreats- a smelting of the gold inside by removing the dross. This is done by increased immersion in practices without ordinary distractions. By meditating every day, enjoying deep satisfying asana classes woven with breathing and restorative practices, along with integrative evening satsangs, we accelerate spiritual growth.

We will be housed in a lovely Victorian house right on the lake, a short walk from the Zen monastery. Clarity and inner stillness will be in the air.

Come with us! We will move into the natural rhythm of the day utterly free of the outside world, lose track of time and enter the sublime and blissful realm of the pure self together.

Come enjoy the annual WYC Summer retreat with us!

Anusara Yoga retreat with Rudrani Farbman and Jackie Prete. More information click here.

Enjoy Annual Summer Retreat Report here!

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:03:52 GMT

Insights:

1. Do not try to control your mind in meditation

2. The spiritual path is self propelling

3. Swadharma – Taking the Next Right Step

4. Trust (relax, we are being taken through)

5. The seer and the seen are one

6. Give up patterns that no longer serve

7. Install the mantra in your energy centers

8. Dissolve the knot at the core of your being

9. Dissolve the cloud bank of obstacles covering the Self

10. If we are identified with our dark side, the evolutionary journey takes longer

11. Our mind does not stand a chance against our own Great Self

12. It is good to choose companions who are on the path of awakenment

13. Everything we need we already have

14. We need practice becoming effortless

15. Tune your radio to the best station in town – Om Namah Shivaya

16. You have to be authentic with yourself to be authentic with others

17. The Great Self does not need an apology (about your highs and lows, absences and returns)

18. See it as it is

19. Let go of “This shouldn’t be!”

20. Shatter the illusion of who you think you are

21. Do not be defined by your dark side

22. Divorce your inner critic

23. A shaft of light reaches to the bottom of the pond and when it is gone, it leaves no trace (on a cemetery stone at the Zendo)

24. Words are arrows

25. It is alright not to know

26. We are more connected than we are separate

27. There is fullness in the silence

28. The universe is a projection of our own Subjectivity- (Abhinavagupta)

29. All of us have a vast reservoir of inner wisdom by which to live.

30. We may create separateness but that does not change our Oneness

Testimonials:

Thank you for making me feel immediately welcome and thank you for stretching my mind and my body far beyond where I ever thought possible! The retreat was so wonderful! I thank you a million times for encouraging me to come–I am so happy I did. And thank you for all the special help you gave me–I feel so much better aligned and my whole outlook has shifted. The lake, the birds, the monks, the lack of electronic devices, the healthy food, the lovely community of people–such great people! and of course Jackie and Rudrani’s amazing energy–all combined to make a memorable and mind-shifting experience. The weekend was so healing and lovely. And fun!! What a wonderful group of people. Rudrani and Jackie just poured themselves into us.

Thank you so much for a wildly inspirational and fabulous retreat. My body is as stretched as my tight hamstrings will ever allow it to be and I even meditated this morning….will wonders ever cease?

I’m still reeling from those magical 5 days at the Zendo—am processing it all. Jackie is an amazing teacher and I loved Rudrani’s teachings. I feel so blessed to have them both in my life

Retreat was exceptionally well contained–our disciplines and focus strong and the group was empowered – able to hold silent energies well . A Zen monastery such an excellent backdrop. The Lake was divine—– Gratitude

Most special was the amazing group of people who clearly will follow you up and down any mountain you go. Who could blame them!? You are an awesome force.

Thank you so much for the wonderful retreat! Your kind and healing presence infused the entire space. I greatly appreciate your words of wisdom and your help.

There is a pull to these teachings that keeps gaining momentum. Thank you for carrying and passing along such magical growth and potential —so fortunate that we all experience these times together.

Truly still soaring with retreat energy (three days after). Taking the retreat and teaching (yoga) have been streaming with the current of grace, ease, and love (balance with the right amount of rigor). The gratefulness to the two of you is immense.

Coming down the Mountain after, there was a willingness to open to the moment, see beauty and see the others in the street through the same eyes we saw each other on retreat.

Coming “back to (my ) life” has been interesting…Like wearing new glasses, a pair I knew I had in my kitty but wasn’t putting on.

My epiphany and connection about Grace on the retreat is what I’m taking down the mountain and what is carrying me through each moment and day. It is having the awareness of Grace and (the) dissolution of the small self. Big!

My eternal gratitude to you for sharing your boundless heart with us Leading us up and down (and left and right) to see our own Grace within.