
Join us for all or part of the 2026 Thanksgiving Symposium: Gratitude, Peace & Joy, a transformative gathering exploring the many dimensions of gratitude through yoga, science, music, and contemplative wisdom. This multi-day program features an inspiring lineup of teachers including Gopi Kallayil, Nora Benian, Latif Bolat, Abha Rajbhandari, and Bhargavi Chaitanya, each offering unique perspectives on how gratitude can be embodied and lived in daily life.
Through satsangs, workshops, music, restorative yoga, neuroscience-informed inquiry, and yogic teachings, participants will explore gratitude as a lived experience—rooted in awareness, nervous system balance, emotional healing, and spiritual insight. From the intersection of AI and intelligence, to the healing power of music and restorative practice, to the science of awareness and the depth of yogic philosophy, this symposium offers a rich, immersive journey. Leave renewed, grounded, and uplifted with practical tools and profound insights to support a more peaceful, joyful, and meaningful life.
Gopi Kallayil – November 23-25 – Developing and Natural Intelligence in AI
Sundari Nora Benian – November 24-26 – Restorative Yoga for Peace, Gratitude and Ease
Latif Bolat – November 24-27 – Healing Turkish Mystic Music and Poetry
Dr. Abha Rajbhandari – November 26-28 – Gratitude: Where Neuroscience Meets Inner Awareness
Bhargavi Chaitanya – November 28-30 – Cultivating Gratitude according to the Yogic Teachings
Leave this unique holiday symposium empowered with practical tools and profound insights sure to enrich both your personal and spiritual journey.
Come enjoy some yoga and R&R this Thanksgiving – enroll kids ages 4-12 for our Family Holiday Yoga Program or teens aged 13-17 in our Teen Holiday Yoga Program.
Offered as 10 satsangs and 13 workshops (subject to change).
The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with a 12pm workshop on the first day of the program and conclude with an 12pm workshop on the last day of the program. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.

Gopi Kallayil is an AI strategist, author, speaker, and mindfulness advocate who explores the intersection of technology, innovation, and human well-being. As Google’s Chief Business Strategist for AI, he works with organizations around the world to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence while promoting innovation, growth, and responsible technology. He also serves as an advisor to several mission-driven companies focused on AI, automation, and positive social impact.
A bestselling author of books including The Internet to the Inner-Net and The Happy Human, Gopi is a sought-after speaker on AI, business transformation, mindfulness, and conscious living. A trained Sivananda yoga teacher and kirtan musician, he brings a unique perspective that bridges cutting-edge technology with timeless spiritual wisdom, inspiring others to cultivate greater balance, purpose, and human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Abha is a neuroscientist whose work explores the fascinating relationship between the brain, vagus nerve, and body, with a particular focus on fear, stress, anxiety, and resilience. Passionate about understanding how our biology shapes our emotional and mental well-being, she is dedicated to translating scientific insights into practical pathways for healing and transformation.
Born in Nepal and now based in the United States, Abha brings together modern neuroscience, holistic health, and a lifelong interest in spirituality. A devoted yoga practitioner and seeker, she believes that true well-being arises from honoring the inseparable connection between mind, body, and spirit. Through her work, she bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary science, offering a unique perspective on human flourishing, self-discovery, and the deeper dimensions of health.

Latif Bolat is a native of the Turkish Mediterranean town of Mersin. After receiving his degree in folklore and music at Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey, he taught traditional music throughout the country. He then went on to manage Ankara People’s Theater, a musical theater company, which performed traditional musical plays. Mr.Bolat also received further degrees in Turkish History and Middle East Religion and Politics from Ankara University and an MBA from San Francisco State University.

Nora Benian (Sundari) is an intuitive healer, yoga therapist, and teacher with decades of experience guiding others on the path of healing and self-discovery. A certified Sivananda Yoga teacher, professional counselor, life coach, sound healer, Theta Healer, and homeopath, she integrates ancient yogic wisdom with modern therapeutic approaches to support holistic well-being and personal transformation.
Nora leads yoga classes, workshops, teacher trainings, and retreats internationally, specializing in Yin, Restorative, Therapeutic, and Hatha Yoga. She also offers energy healing sessions that blend sound healing, Reiki, aura tuning, and Theta Healing to help individuals release energetic blocks and reconnect with their inner balance. Known for her warm, heart-centered approach, Nora empowers others to cultivate greater peace, resilience, and wholeness in their lives.

Bhargavi Chaitanya is an experienced yoga teacher and has been a staff member in the Sivananda organization since 2006. Bhargavi Chaitanya teaches courses on yoga, meditation, positive thinking, the power of thought, cooking workshops, advanced yoga courses, yoga for adolescents, and more. She is known for her gentle teaching style and for the inner peace and love her students are experiencing while taking her classes.
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