House of Ahimsa

05/24/2026

If you listen closely, your breath is already repeating a mantra.

In yoga, mantra is traditionally understood as a “tool for the mind”—a way of placing and steadying attention. Or, as Rolf Sovik described it: “a thought that protects, guides, and leads.”

So’ham (pronounced “so-hum”) is a mantra that moves with the breath. Rather than creating the sound, you listen for it.

Inhale: a subtle so
Exhale: a quiet hum

In traditional yoga teachings, these syllables are associated with a deeper meaning.

So (“That”) refers to pure, undivided consciousness.
Aham (“I”) refers to the whole of who you take yourself to be.

Together, so’ham: “I am That.”

As your attention settles into the mantra within the breath, its meaning becomes less conceptual and more direct—
less identification with each passing thought,
more familiarity with the awareness in which those thoughts arise.

Because the breath is continuous, this yoga technique can be threaded through ordinary moments—walking to your next meeting, looking out the window, even waiting for the toast to pop.

A quiet thread of recognition, always available.

📖 To explore the roots and method of this practice, read “A Mantra Meditation for Everyone” by Rolf Sovik: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/a-mantra-meditation-for-everyone/

05/24/2026

04/30/2026

www.mbgkungfu.com

04/30/2026

It’s easy to picture meditation as a completely calm, still mind. Sometimes it is.

And often, when we allow ourselves to become quiet, our inner world grows louder.

We begin to notice what’s actually here—
the patterns, habits, and stories moving through the mind.

Meditation doesn’t require getting rid of any of it.

It’s a space to notice what’s here,
to listen, and to stay present.

This is svādhyāya, the practice of self-study.

Seeing how the mind moves, without needing to judge or fix it.

And in that space, something begins to soften.

Less grasping, less pushing away.
Just awareness, and the willingness to be with whatever arises.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting your thoughts in meditation, you’re not alone.

Mindfulness of Mental Content with Sean Feit Oakes offers a way to work with what’s arising—observing, noticing, and gently returning to the present.

https://yogainternational.com/meditation/mindfulness-of-mental-content/

04/30/2026

Please support the school by voting.

Link: https://harrisburgmagazine.com/2026-simply-the-best-ballot/ #/gallery/517844062/

01/30/2026

He was a great teacher.

Dear Friends,

Our beloved friend and teacher, Rolf Sovik, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29th.

A student and teacher in the Himalayan Tradition for more than 50 years, Rolf touched the lives of thousands with his warmth, clarity, and compassion. To be in Rolf’s presence was to feel an immediate sense of calm.

Rolf met his teacher, Swami Rama, in 1973. In the ensuing years, Swamiji taught him to meditate and opened the way for trips to India, Nepal, and Tibet, which provided opportunities to learn more about meditative traditions. Rolf soon began teaching at the Himalayan Institute, and later, with Swamiji’s encouragement, returned to graduate school for doctoral studies in psychology. Rolf held degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern studies, and clinical psychology.

Rolf’s life was one of service. In 1991, Rolf and his wife, Mary Gail, became co-directors of the Himalayan Institute of Buffalo. For the next 20 years, Rolf taught regular hatha yoga, meditation, and philosophy classes around the world. During this time, he also served as the Spiritual Director for the Himalayan Institute, and continued exploring the teachings of the Himalayan Tradition under the guidance of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. In 2012, Rolf and Mary Gail relocated to the Institute’s headquarters in Honesdale, where Rolf served as President for 10 years.

Rolf was a gifted lecturer and writer. When expounding on the Yoga Sutra or exploring lessons from his favorite text, the Bhagavad Gita, he inspired students and teachers to refine and expand their personal practice. He is the author of Moving Inward and co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics as well as a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine and to the Himalayan Institute's educational platform, HI Online.

The Himalayan Institute is grateful for Rolf’s life of selfless service. He performed his actions skillfully, selflessly, and with love. Rolf’s legacy will live on in his body of work and in the minds and hearts of his students, friends, and loved ones.

The Institute anticipates holding a memorial gathering at its Honesdale Retreat Center later this spring. When details are available, we will share them with our community.

With love and gratitude,
The Faculty, Staff, and Community of the Himalayan Institute

09/10/2025

High praise.

🌿

Thank you for sharing your art with us (Harry Bliss)

02/26/2025

is opening its doors for spring enrollment. They only enroll new students twice a year so now is the time to join a great school that has been training students for over forty years. Have fun learning how to defend yourself and a great workout.

10/13/2024

Congratulations to all who were promoted to black belts today.

09/04/2024

Want to try something new. Want to learn to defend yourself. Want a great workout. Want a teacher who is dedicated to the art and a teacher who is dedicated to your self improvement.
Harrisburg Kung Fu Center has been training Kung Fu students for over forty years. Join us for a great time and some fun experiences.