By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
This year marks a special milestone in Burlington as Sahaja Yoga celebrates its 20th anniversary in the city. At the heart of the celebration is Ioana Popa, the founder of Burlington’s Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network and their meditation classes, and the passionate force behind International Yoga Days in Halton. Her journey began in Romania, just after the fall of communism — a time she describes as dark but transformative. “There were no materials about yoga or spirituality during communism, but my grandfather had books hidden away. When I started reading them, it felt like finding light in the dark,” she recalls.
That inner spark of curiosity eventually led her to Sahaja Yoga, guided by the teachings of Shri Mataji, a spiritual teacher she refers to with deep reverence. Popa says, “Yoga means union — connection. The goal is self-realization. Everything that is essential should be simple, born within us. That’s what ‘Sahaja’ means.”
After arriving in Burlington two decades ago, she searched for free yoga classes but found none. So, she rented a space at Brant Hills Community Centre and began offering classes from the heart. “For more than a month, no one came. But I kept showing up. I wasn’t doing it for business or ego — I was doing it because yoga is meant to be shared.”
From these humble beginnings, Sahaja Yoga in Burlington has grown into a vibrant network of community partnerships, volunteer support, and multicultural celebration. This year’s International Yoga Days has expanded into a three-day experience, featuring meditative concerts, public yoga sessions, and community gatherings designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. “This is not just a celebration, it’s a reflection of what can happen when you plant the seeds of joy,” Popa says. “We called our campaign 100 Seeds of Joy, and in one year, we ended up doing over 450 events.”
The events kick off with a flag-raising ceremony on June 20, newly proclaimed by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward as Sahaja Meditation Day in Burlington. “It’s so meaningful to have the city acknowledge what we’ve been doing for years. It’s about bringing people together to recognize the light that shines in every person.”
Among the weekend’s highlights is a gentle yoga flow accompanied by live Indian bamboo flute at Spencer Smith Park, a guided meditation at the Burlington Public Library, and the Festival of New Beginnings at the Burlington Lions Club, which features live music, chakra workshops, and community tea moments. Artists like Mari Joël and Kenny Clarys — international musicians who blend Celtic, Dutch, and meditative influences — will perform throughout the weekend, creating a rich cultural tapestry.
The Burlington-Apeldoorn twinning agreement with the Netherlands added another meaningful layer to this year’s celebration. “When I learned that Burlington had a treaty with the Netherlands, and our guest musicians happened to be available for a week, it felt like alignment,” says Popa. “We invited the mayor and wanted to highlight that this is about global connection — about being a global personality.”
But what sets Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network apart isn’t just its free offerings or cultural scope. It’s the deep-rooted intention behind every class and event. “This isn’t physical yoga. It’s about meditation and connection, about experiencing peace from within. It’s closer to the original state of yoga — ending thought and feeling the oneness with the universe,” explains Popa. “Our motto this year is ‘One Earth, One Health.’ The best way we can contribute to the world is through self-realization — respecting our own freedom and that of others.”
Accessibility remains a cornerstone of Sahaja Yoga’s mission. Every event and class is free and open to all, driven by a spirit of inclusivity and service. “We’ve never charged for a class. We’re volunteers, many of whom started as participants. Our events are for everyone: newcomers, seasoned yogis, people of every background. That’s how we create real community.”
From school visits and senior wellness sessions to collaborative events with local venues and musicians, Popa and her team of volunteers continue to spread their message across Halton. “We don’t need fancy things, just space, music, and intention. Let’s make Burlington proud by showing that wellness is for everyone and that joy is something we cultivate together.”
Whether you’re joining a lakeside yoga session or sipping tea in shared silence, the goal is always the same: connection, joy, and the gentle reminder that everything you need is already within.
