Intl. Yoga Day Panel "The Neuroscience of Meditation" with Dr. Abha
About this Event
In celebration of International Yoga Day, Bhakti Marga NYC invites you to a FREE, full-day Open House.
We are pleased to welcome for an engaging coversation + Q&A about "The Nueroscience of Meditation" with 850 E-RYT Yoga & Meditation Guide
This conversation will examine current scientific perspectives on meditation and its effects on the brain, nervous system, cognition, and emotional well-being. Drawing from both clinical research and contemplative practice, the panel will explore how meditation contributes to resilience, focus, stress reduction, and overall health. Attendees will gain evidence-based insights into the intersection of neuroscience and the enduring traditions of yoga and meditation, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
After the conversation, the audience is invited to stay and connect with each other over light bites, provided by plant-based NY-Based restaurant, Le Botaniste, and non-alcohol drinks provided by Curious Elixirs, a Brooklyn-based company.
Date: Sunday June 21st 2026
Time: 3.30-4.30PM
Mix & Mingle 4.30-5PM. Light bites by Le Botaniste & non-alcohol elixirs by Curious Elixirs
Location: Bhakti Marga NYC. 243 W 30th St. 10th fl. NY NY 10001
FREE
*Special Art Exhibition by Nepali Spiritual Artist, Chirag Bangdel. All artwork will be on display and for sale.
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Throughout the day, our space will be filled with opportunities to deepen your practice. Browse our shop for malas, books, and spiritual tools, or visit our information stalls to learn more about the Bhakti Marga path and our upcoming offerings here in NYC.
FULL DAY SCHEDULE (all activities are FREE)
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Morning Prayers: Start the day with the purifying energy of traditional morning prayers with puja and chanting.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Satsang & Q&A with Swami Revatikaanta: Join senior monk Swami Revatikaanta for a discussion on "The True Meaning of Yoga." Come with your questions!
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Snacks, Open House & Community Time: Enjoy light bites, browse the space and and meet the community.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | OM Chanting with Graziella Pruiti: Experience the powerful, transformative vibration of OM Chanting to raise your awareness.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | The Neuroscience of Meditation: Join and for a fascinating panel exploring the intersection of meditation and modern science.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Open House & Connection: Take a break, browse our space, and connect with fellow seekers. Light bites and non-A drinks by Le Botaniste + Curious Elixirs.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Vinyasa Yoga & Meditation with Paola Cruz: A nourishing yoga flow to align your energies, followed by a mantra meditation practice (Japa Yoga).
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Community Dinner: Share a delicious vegetarian meal with the community!
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Kirtan: We conclude the day by lifting our voices together in joyful, heart-opening kirtan.
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About Dr. Abha Rajbhandari
Dr. Rajbhandari is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she studies the mechanisms underlying brain–body interactions in stress. She received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Outside the lab, Dr. Rajbhandari is a holistic health practitioner and teacher, deeply rooted in Yoga and Advaita Vedanta. For her, yoga is not simply a practice confined to the mat, but a way of living that can be woven into every aspect of daily life.
Born in Nepal and later moving to the United States to pursue higher education, Dr. Rajbhandari’s spiritual journey began early and continues to evolve. She explores profound questions about human existence through the lenses of science, logic, reasoning, knowledge, and mysticism. Her work and teaching are united by a passion for bridging scientific and philosophical understandings of life.
connect on IG: @neurobreathe
About Paola Cruz
Paola is an 850HR E-RYT Yoga and Meditation Guide, Certified in India, with over 16 years of personal experience in the field. Paola has taught over 2500 hours of classes all around the world including at The NBA, Avon, Nestle, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton Hotels, and many private events. She is also Certified in Mindfulness Therapy, Mudra Yoga, Pre & Post Natal, and Yoga Therapy. Paola is considered a "Pioneer in Yoga" in her home country, Honduras, where she has helped to grow the Yoga community. Paola's classes are a beautiful alignment of traditional teachings, movement guided by breath, and the understanding that all practices and actions are sacred. Her classes are graceful and challenging. Beginners and experienced practitioners are equally welcomed.
connect on IG: @practicewithpaola
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Please email us at: [email protected] or contact via IG @practicewithpaola if you have any questions!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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