The Halton Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network volunteers at a previous event.

The Burlington-based Halton Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network is continuing on its mission of spreading joy via meditation this year with even more free meditation events, including a meditation-celebration of Makar Sankrati this weekend.

On Sat., Jan. 27, the group will continue its 2023 project, 100 Seeds of Joy, by presenting “Earth and Sun Guided Meditation,” at the Orchard Community Hub at St. Christopher’s Catholic Elementary School.

From 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., people are invited to join in a guided group meditation, learn about “the Sun and Earth’s subtle powers,” and, if desired, to bring along a fruit, vegetable, or plant from home to participate in a simple activity.

The group participates in a simple activity (left) and founder Ioana Popa speaks to the group (right), at previous events. Photos courtesy of Ioana Popa.

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the journey of the sun from the zodiac sign Sagittarius to that of Capricorn, roughly from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, and celebrates Surya, the sun god. The date is based on the solar cycle, but typically falls on Jan. 14 in the Gregorian calendar. In India, festivities include decorations, fairs, bonfires, and more, but it is also an important time for spiritual practices. Many people will bathe in rivers or lakes, pray to and thank the sun, or make and share sweet, sticky treats made with sesame and jagger, symbolizing coming together in peace.

At the 100 Seeds of Joy meditation this weekend, you can learn more about the role of the sun and earth in this celebration.

The 100 Seeds of Joy project began last year as a celebration of both the 100th birth anniversary of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi and of the 150th anniversary of the City of Burlington. The aim was to present 150 free meditation events to spread wellbeing and joy amongst the people of Burlington; they ended up presenting over 400 free events, and have been asked to present their work to other Sahaja Yoga groups in Europe, who wish to replicate their model.

Off the back of its 2023 success, the Halton Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network is continuing with the 100 Seeds of Joy project. The offer is still open to businesses, individuals, and private groups to contact them to host a meditation workshop, or join in one of the regularly-scheduled in-person or virtual events.

Join in on Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Orchard Community Hub; for more information, click here, or email 100seedsofjoy@gmail.com.