Integral Yoga Centers in USA

Integral Yoga centers in the USA are usually nonprofit trusts, have a central location, and offer facilities such as a library, a meditation room, or meeting rooms as well as regular programs and activities. Centers are sometimes very active in their community and are generally open to all spiritual aspirants.

Arkansas

Ozark Sri Aurobindo Center
#104, Hwy 43, Ponca, AR 72670

Marti Olesen • 870-861-5551 • olesens@ritternet.com

The Ozark Center is an informal small center that serves as a lending library of Sri Aurobindo’s and Mother’s works and other books on their Yoga, as well as for small group study of Integral Yoga. Participants meet four to six times a year to read and discuss selections from major works on the Integral Yoga and collaborate in applying them in their lives.

California

California Institute of Integral Studies
1453 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103

General information • 415-575-6100
www.ciis.edu

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is an accredited institution of higher education that strives to embody spirit, intellect, and wisdom in service to individuals, communities and the Earth. The Institute offers interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and applied studies in psychology, philosophy, religion, cultural anthropology, transformative studies and leadership, integrative health, women’s spirituality, counseling, community mental health, and the arts.

CIIS was founded in 1968 by Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri (1913-1975), a philosopher, educator, and humanist from Bengal. The term integral draws from the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, and from the integral philosophy, psychology and yoga of its founder, Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri. The Institute has been accredited since 1981 by the Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association

Cultural Integration Fellowship
2650 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94118

Rita Chaudhuri Pease, President • 415-668-1559
culturalfellowship@sbcglobal.net
www.culturalintegrationfellowship.org

Inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, which brought the highest values of the East and West together in a creative synthesis, the Cultural Integration Fellowship (CIF) was founded in 1951 by Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri and Mrs. Bina Chaudhuri to promote a dynamic integration of the cultural and spiritual values of all people. Sri Aurobindo had personally guided Haridas Chaudhuri in the writing of his doctoral dissertation on Integral Idealism, taking the time to review and comment on his work. It was at the personal nomination of Sri Aurobindo that Dr. Chaudhuri came to the United States to teach at the American Academy of Asian Studies and to offer public lectures on integral philosophy. CIF evolved from the gatherings at these public lectures and established itself as the first “Ashram” in San Francisco. After Dr. Chaudhuri’s passing in 1975, his wife Bina led CIF until December 2006.

Today, CIF continues to offer a rich array of lectures, Sunday morning services, and cultural events. We celebrate holidays of many traditions including the birthdays of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Buddha.

Independent Sri Aurobindo Research Library
1129 Maricopa Hwy #110, Ojai CA 93023

Fiona O’Connell • 805-646-7361 • fiona@ojaimail.com

Founded by Tom Noonan, the library has over 1,000 titles and provides a place for researchers and scholars to study. Please call for more info or to visit.

Sri Aurobindo Center of Los Angeles
(East West Cultural Center)
12329 Marshall St., Culver City, CA 90230

310-390-9083 • ewcc@sriaurobindocenter-la.org
sriaurobindocenterla.wordpress.com/center/

The Sri Aurobindo Center of Los Angeles was founded in 1953 by Dr. Judith Tyberg. Dr. Tyberg was given the name “Jyotipriya” by Sri Aurobindo, which means “Lover of Light” in Sanskrit. The center has a bookshop offering sales of books by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and by disciples of the Integral Yoga. There is also an extensive reference library of metaphysical books belonging to Jyotipriya as well as books by great poets, writers, scholars, and spiritual leaders throughout history. We welcome research scholars and writers of theses to use our library. The center also houses the relics of Sri Aurobindo in a beautiful meditation room that is open to all.

The center is located on a quiet residential street in West Los Angeles near the ocean. We have a lovely meditation garden with Indian statuary, a lotus/ lily pond, and benches set amongst the peaceful fragrances of the plants and flowers that surround the area.

On Saturday evenings from 5–7 p.m. a satsang is held at the center with readings from Mother and Sri Aurobindo, followed by a group discussion, and ending with meditation in the reliquary meditation room. All four darshans are observed at the center and there are ongoing guest speakers, visitors from the Ashram and Auroville and other centers, and many new seekers who visit us on a regular basis.

The center is open by appointment to visitors for meditation and purchase of books and incense. Please call the above number to set up a time to visit.

Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham
2621 West Highway 12, Lodi, CA 95242

Dakshina • 209-339-1342 ext. 5 • sasp@auromere.com
sasp.collaboration.org

“The Ashram is a place for those who wish to serve the Divine,” said the Mother. Sri Aurobindo has said, “This Ashram was created with another object than that ordinarily common to such institutions, not for the renunciation of the world but as a centre and a field of practice for the evolution of another kind and form of life which would in the final end be moved by a higher spiritual consciousness and embody a greater life of the spirit.”

With these ideals as a basis, collective residential facilities are provided for concentrated sadhana in an ashram-like atmosphere. The Lodi Ashram, which houses the Relics of Sri Aurobindo, sits on three acres in an agricultural area surrounded by fields and vineyards. There is a main house and a few outbuildings. The community is self-supporting through sales of books, incense and Ayurvedic products through our business, Auromere Ayurvedic Imports.

Karma yoga work-exchange programs are offered and visitors are welcome, though please call in advance to arrange your visit. We host monthly collective yoga retreats, Darshan gatherings, daily meditations, and weekly study groups. We also have an extensive library, host speakers from India, and collaborate with other centers in the region.

Though our primary purpose is to maintain a residential community for intensive sadhana of the members, we have an extended family of friends and visitors, especially those who come each month to the retreats, and this aspect of our collective life has become equally important in our work here.

Activities:

  • Daily: Evening meditation / reading from 8:00–8:30 p.m.
  • Weekly: Study groups on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s works. Currently Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00–8:00 p.m.
  • Monthly: On the third Saturday of the month, we have a collective yoga retreat from 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. The day’s activities may include talks, presentation, experiential activities, collective meditation, karma yoga, potluck meals, volle ball, Om choir, and study / discussion groups. Children are welcome; we are attempting to organize appropriate, inspiring activities for children in collaboration with parents.
  • Darshans and other special days: Special meditation; call or email for details.
Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization.

Sri Mirambika Dhyana Mandir
16713 English Country Trail, Lathrop, CA 95330

Uma Devi • auropondy@yahoo.com

Started on August 15th, 2009, under the auspices of Sri Aurobindo’s birthday, Sri Mirambika Dhyana Mandir is a spiritual center dedicated to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s teachings. We are located in Lathrop, near the Highway 5 and 205 intersection. For programs and activities please contact us.

Colorado

Sri Aurobindo Learning Center / Savitri House
83 Baca Grant Way
P.O. Box 88, Crestone, CO 81131

719-256-4917 or 719-256-6010

www.sriaurobindolc.org
sriaurobindolc@gmail.com

The Sri Aurobindo Learning Center is located in Crestone, in the sacred San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. Our valley is the ancient home of the Anasazi and the emergence point of the Tewa pueblo people. Many Indian tribes have hunted and lived, over the centruies, in this holy area which Tibetan lamas say is very close in vibration to Tibet. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are famously beautiful and powerful and the Learning Center rests on the mountainside at 8,200 feet. Crestone itself is a community of retreat centers, with lectures, music, and ceremonies open to all. The Savitri House library contains an extensive collection of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s work, including many books by disciples.

The center was estabished by Seyril Schochen in 1986. Seyril’s love of Savitri continues on after her passing with readings and a communal meal every Tuesday evening. We have also begun a bimonthly Sunday study group on The Future Evolution of Man. Each summer Rod and Kirti Hemsell offer Savitri Immersion workshops in the brightly refurbished Solar Meditation Dome. Solar Bridge Guesthouse is now complete inside and accommodations are available in a fully equipped home with an unparalleled view of the mountains. Please inquire for program details.

Florida

Integral Knowledge Study Center / Sri Aurobindo Circle
221 Clematis St., Pensacola, FL 32503

Rand Hicks • 850-433-3435 • Fax: 850-433-4661 • randhicks@cox.net
www.iksc.org

The Integral Knowledge Study Center was formed in 1979, when a visit from India by M.P. Pandit and Vasanti Rao brought together a number of seekers into a collective endeavor of study, meditation, and inner growth. The overarching goal of the center, in harmony with the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, has since been to aid in the discovery of the secret soul of delight that dwells within each person, and to promote the integral perfection of life that can flow from this discovery of authentic being.

A number of activities support this spiritual search, but the core of the center’s collective life is a weekly study group that meets on Sunday evenings. Appropriate books drawn from the extensive literature of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother serve as the focus of these meetings, where probing, positive discussions among the participants enhance clarity and lead into a concluding group meditation. Other collective talks and studies encouraging and fortifying yogic practice are also open to the public. 

Among the resources available through the center is a website called the Peacock Page, iksc.org. Our newsletter The Peacock Letter, as well as articles, talks, music oriented to the Integral Yoga, and excerpts from books are downloadable there. Personalities and authors as diverse as M.P. Pandit, A.B. Purani, Robert Kleinman, Vasanti Rao, Jayanti Rao, and Rand Hicks are represented. Audio files and video clips are frequently posted. 

The center's library of 10,000 volumes covering a wide range of subjects is open to aspirants daily. Most out-of-town visitors to our center stay at our two guest houses, where they find room and facility for meditation, study, and yogic practice. The guest houses are available year round. 

The center holds two collective meditations each day, one in the morning at 6:00 a.m., the other in the afternoon at 5:30 p.m. We read from Savitri after each afternoon meditation. We mark the four Darshan dates in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram's calendar with special gatherings, meditations, and programs in which people from around the country participate. Too, we enjoy a collective midnight meditation each New Year's Eve. Among other public offerings are weekend seminars and workshops covering a wide variety of themes relating to spiritual life, the viewing of significant films dealing with the growth of consciousness, and the occasional sponsorship of guest speakers. You're welcome to join us for any of these. 

On August 15, 1983, Sri Aurobindo’s Relics were inaugurated at the center. It marked the first time that the Relics had ever left India for another country. For many seekers in America the Relics offer profound significance and continuing inspiration. The center also edits and publishes books as well as newsletters and articles. 

Hawaii

Institute for Wholistic Education/Sri Aurobindo Center of Honolulu
Mail: PO Box 240241, Honolulu, HI 96824
Physical Address: 1520 Ohialoke St., Honolulu, HI 96821

808-367-1820 (phone) • 262-497-2579 (cell phone and text messages) • santoshk@msn.com • www.wholisticinstitute.org

We offer a modest library, meditation facility, Darshan meetings, and study of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's writings. We meet with visitors by appointment, in person or by phone or video conference.

Online activities include a DAILY blog post systematically studying Sri Aurobindo's writings at https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com and a DAILY AUDIO PODCAST available on a number of platforms https://anchor.fm/santosh-krinsky

We also support the outreach and development of the authorized USA publications of Sri Aurobindo's major writings by Lotus Press www.lotuspress.com in both print and ebook formats.

Massachusetts

Sri Aurobindo Center of Boston
108 Kilmarnock St. #102, Boston, MA 02215

Mary “Angel” Finn • 617-262-6390
John Schlorholtz • john@agelessyoga.org

The Sri Aurobindo Center of Boston was founded 40 years ago by the late Eugene “Mickey” Finn as an informal group for reading Savitri and meditating. Mickey’s wife, Mary “Angel” Finn, has kept the center going at her residence with the help of faithful devotees. We offer Darshan services, weekly Wednesday night meditations, explanation of the yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and special organized functions.

Missouri

Integral Life Center
12151 Andrew Sapp Rd., Ashland, MO 65010

Kate Walker • 573-657-9277 • Integrallife1976@Yahoo.com

The Integral Life Center was founded in the 1970s by Madhav Pandit. We meet weekly and are currently studying Sri Aurobindo’s Essays on the Gita. We gather on Darshan days, have a multimedia library, and sell books and incense when requested. We provide hatha yoga classes and talks on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s works in the greater Columbia, Missouri, community. Visitors and new members are warmly encouraged to all of our activities. Cal for times and directions.

Neo Creative Integral Education Center
1135 Olive Village Ct., Olivette, St Louis, MO 63132

Padmarani Kosaraju • 314-753-8147 • padmakosa@yahoo.com
http://sriaurobindo-stlouis.blogspot.com

Founded in 2000, we meet once a month and on Darshan days for meditation and children’s activities with focus on self-realization and manifestation of Sri Aurobindo and Mother’s works. We also study via conference calls.

New Jersey

Sri Aurobindo Yoga Foundation of North America
631 Vale Dr., Morganville, NJ 07751

Vivek Sinha • 732-772-0864 viveksinha@aol.com

Founded by Dr. Jagadish Vyas, the aim of Sri Aurobindo Yoga Foundation is to be a place for individual and collective transformation through Integral Yoga, as well as to disseminate knowledge of the work and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, their ashram in Pondicherry, and Auroville. We have been active in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania since 1999.

We share books and artifacts from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, and other centers, and arrange for gatherings, lectures, and celebration of Darshan and other significant days. We also participate in activities of other Sri Aurobindo groups, and aspire to develop an Integral Yoga center with residential facilities, library, and meditation hall.

New Mexico

Auromesa
101 Coyote Loop, Arroyo-Hondo, NM 87513

Tizia or Paul • 575-776-2212 • auromesa@yahoo.com
www.auromesa.com

We are opening a library/meditation room to invite friends of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother to meet and share and practice sadhana collectively. We have two guest rooms with a shared bathroom and a collective living room, dining room, and kitchen. We also provide Ayurvedic treatments and panchakarma retreats.

We have a daily meditation at 6:30 a.m., with prayer and meditation nightly at 8:00 p.m. We have a weekly meeting on Wednesday from 6:00–8:30 p.m.

New York

Matagiri Sri Aurobindo Center
1218 Wittenberg Road , Mt. Tremper, NY 12457

Julian and Wendy Lines • 845-679-8322
info@matagiri.org 
www.matagiri.org 
https://www.facebook.com/MatagiriCenter

Matagiri was founded in 1968 as a center dedicated to the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Nestled in the Catskills near Woodstock, it consists of a cabin where Julian and Wendy live, clustered with other small buildings: a sanctuary for meditation, a library, a gallery, and a bookstore that includes many used and out-of-print editions of books by Sri Aurobindo, the Mother, and disciples.

A weekly meditation open to the public is held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are requested to call in advance to use the library and sanctuary. A number of special events and the Darshan days are observed throughout the year as well as lectures, cultural events, and karma yoga days.

Julian also serves on the Board of Auroville International USA and helps channel funds for projects in Auroville.

Wendy Lines teaches hatha yoga and has regular classes at Matagiri.

They own a shop in the village of Woodstock called “Pondicherry,” 845-679-2926, and import from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. www.pondi.biz 

South Carolina

Sri Aurobindo Center Southeast
60 Pointe Circle, Greenville, SC 29615

R.P. Rama • 864-232-9944 • rprama@jhmhotels.com

This nonprofit organization was founded in 1993 to provide an opportunity for group meditations and Darshan gatherings, to learn and exchange knowledge and experiences of Sri Aurobindo and Mother’s grace and powers, and to establish a permanent study group so as to be a part of Mother’s extended family of centers. Other purposes include promotion of religious and cultural understanding based on peace, love, justice, truth, and harmony and to promote friendship and goodwill among people of all religions.

The center offers Darshan services, regular meditation, residence facilities, book sales, and publication of a newsletter. The center plans to acquire land and construct a larger building with meditation hall, library, and accommodations with dining hall and conference room.

Texas

Center of Harmonies
3308 Norwich Dr., Richardson, TX 75082

Pavitra or Bharati Amin • 972-235-1515
pavitra@startyoga.com or bharati@startyoga.com

This center was originally started in India and later in the U.S. by Arun Amin with Sri M.P. Pandit’s blessings. It offers satsang and meditation on Darshan days and when out-of-town devotees visit. Activities include talks on Sri Aurobindo’s yoga; satsangs, yoga, and meditation seminars conducted at the center and other institutions by Pavitra and Bharati Amin; publishing related books, audios, and videos with Om Music and Yoga-Bharati.

The center contributes funds to Matrimandir, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, and Dipti Trust in Pondicherry. We also sponsor free distribution of the books of Sri Aurobindo and Mother to libraries, universities and other institutions.