Sikh Center Teaches Yoga to Children and Larger Community

March 7, 2002

Source: The Boston Globe

On March 7, 2002, The Boston Globe reported that "about 10 children ages 4 to 14 and some of their parents were gathered last Thursday afternoon at the Guru Ram Das Ashram in Millis [MA] for a session of kundalini yoga, which included stretching, breathing, and physical exercises; meditation; chanting; and even some instrument playing... Children use yoga to conquer everything from test-taking jitters to tummy aches, according to parents and instructors... The Millis ashram has seen from double to triple the demand for yoga in the last two years, said instructor Dharma Kaur Khalsa. The ashram's new Baba Siri Chand Yoga Center opened in September and is already scheduled for a renovation that will double its size... The center is within the largest Sikh community in New England, which was established in Millis in 1981. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that, according to Dharma Khalsa, believes foremost in human equality. Not all Sikhs practice yoga but for some it's an important part of the lifestyle. Dharma Khalsa, who is also a minister, trained with Sikh leader Yogi Bhajan... But these yoga classes are not strictly for the religious. Half of Thursday's class members were from the general public."