Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center (www.healthbridgefitness.com)

“Sujatha regularly dedicates time to providing beginning meditation workshops for the local community at Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center. His sincere and calm demeanor bring a certain comfort level to the beginner, making the introduction and practice of meditation easy to follow. His presence is a bright light and his teachings add immensely towards achieving our goal for overall wellness in our community. We always look forward to and welcome his return.”

“This has been a potentially life changing/improving experience!”
“Sujatha is a blessing to us all!”
“Teacher was very open and it was easy to connect with him.”
"Excellent foundation to begin practicing meditation.”
“The whole experience was enlightening.”

— Heather Kelly | Program Manager

“Several years ago I had the pleasure to meet Bhante Sujatha through my position at Centegra Health System. Since that time, Sujatha has generously offered his knowledge and caring assistance to many Centegra Associates, as well as Health Bridge Fitness Center members. I have always enjoyed being in his company due to his genuine warmth and sincerity and knew that many others would also benefit from his teachings. I extend my thanks on behalf of myself and many, for the programs and events that Sujatha has facilitated, and know that if I ever called on him in the future he would offer himself with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm!”

— Rosemary Morris | Wellness for Life | Wellness Coordinator

MoonWillow Center for Tai Chi & Wellness Arts (www.moonwillowtaichi.com)

"Bhante Sujatha's teachings in Loving-Kindness meditation has had a profound impact on all who attend his classes here at MoonWillow. These principles are life transforming, and Sujatha truly embodies them. He is one of the kindest, most genuine and effective teachers of meditation I have met. Thank you for the many happy blessings you have brought us, Sujatha!"

— Allison Deputy

Namaste Wellness Studio (www.namastewellnessstudio.com)

"Bhante Sujatha introduced meditation in a workshop format to the students of Namaste Wellness Studio in Peoria, IL. Many students who attended the class have a yoga practice which involves a brief meditation. This workshop was an opportunity to focus on meditation only: to learn about it, why we do it, the benefits, and then a guided meditation. Bhante’s style of teaching was done through the many stories of his life. He is accessible as a teacher and human being, and the students shined through his humorous examples of life experiences. We will welcome him back as we continue to grow in our meditation practice."

— Molly Waller

"Bhante Sujatha,
I liked the retreat very much. I have only done one other meditation retreat. I liked this one better because there was more instruction, the day was varied and I liked getting to know people before the silence. There was your gentle leadership always present. A light to fallow, instead of an ego. I liked the space too. I hope that you have another one.

Thank you, Be well"

— Sally Brown

"I found the three day meditation retreat to be very helpful in learning different mindful practices and in challenging me to break through the habit of a 30 minute meditation. The dharma talk was especially helpful and set the stage for quite reflection about 'reality' during meditation rest periods. A reverence for life and for others grew from the silent retreat on Sunday. The sharing within the group was supportive and respectful."

— Barb Yousefian

"Experiencing an extended retreat with Bhante Sujatha was an opportunity for me to see a new path inside and also to make deeper connections to life and those around me. I felt the support of the community as everyone came together and shared a variety of techniques from guided or silent meditation to walking meditation, yoga or chi gong. We also shared a lot of discussion, laughs and support during meals or on breaks with the wonderful natural setting. There is a lot of love, peace and joy in this community which was an appreciated touchstone during the day of silence. I think Bhante Sujatha's wisdom brings us together and then points us inward."

— Wendy Warnimont

My Loving Kindness Practice in Blue Lotus

"I found that I experienced great deal of tenderness toward myself; a gentleness and patience that I had not known before. I was less likely to 'beat myself up' over mistakes, and became less judgmental and unforgiving. I also felt more love and comfort during my day.

Finally, when I send loving-kindness towards people that harmed me I felt my whole being 'un-hurt'. The emotional pain really seemed to dissolve so that I no longer felt the lingering bitterness or hurt associated with the memories of those people. I felt released from any anger or left over hurt. And so, I could really wish them well and feel like I really did want good for them. They became friends in a way.

Thank for the teachings Blue Lotus Temple"

— Heather Hamilton

"I love coming to Blue Lotus meditation class because it is way of relaxation.  Also it is way to get far from everyone. The lessons I learn are connecting to my life, they open new ways to think about myself. I love going with my mom on Saturdays during the guided meditation. I clarify body and when I go I always have a better week to as if I don’t go. And during special occasions like Change Your Mind day it always good to see everybody having fun. Everybody is always really nice. They know me and I almost have everybody’s names down. I have been to only a few Dharma Monday discussions and they are fun too. I am glad I have joined the Blue Lotus Temple. If I didn’t I would probably be dead bored on Saturday.  I learn how to be a better person, a Buddhist. Even though I can be odd and weird sometimes people at temple don’t care we are all here to learn Buddhism. I think and hope I have made the right decision. I love it here. I will never go away."

— Sydney Taylor Witt (13 years old)

My Practice

"When I look back on my experiences at the Sunday Yoga Seva Meditation sessions, I realize that the overall feeling that I am left with is one of balance and centeredness. I know that my whole being is calmer and more at peace than when I entered.  In addition to this, somehow there is a very ‘inner' part of me; that is able to come forth in this peaceful atmosphere.  This ‘inner me’ is who I really am, and this ‘inner me’ is able to provide me with answers and direction for my path in this lifetime. For this, I am most grateful."

— Betty M. Andrysiak

Thank You Sujatha

"It was nice speaking with you last night, thank you for your time. I love going to the meditation practice on Saturday evenings.

I told you last night how much the meditation practice has helped to calm and change me. Over a period of time, I believe that I have changed intrinsically because of meditation and the dharma teachings. Having been a marathon runner and tri athlete, I was supercharged with energy and an inability to sit still and clear my mind. My mind was deluded. It was suggested by a Buddhist that I begin to meditate. I met this advice with much resistance, though I thought it was a great concept, it took me awhile to try it. At the time, I don't think I understood the benefit I would gain. After a sports injury, I was forced to still and not run from my troubles. That is when I began to seriously consider meditation as an answer to getting rid of this negative energy I was producing. Developing mental discipline has been a conscious and worthwhile effort. The pursuit of clarity and wisdom is a priority for me now. I have found myself developing compassion and understanding in a much deeper way. My husband and I have been separated for three years now, yet because of this personal development and effort, we are getting back together, with positive energy. We have both worked hard at examining our own self nature and we think we have both changed enough to make this marriage work. We have four children and I know they too can see and feel the difference of the energy produced between us, it shows within the kids' disposition

Prior to making this decision to reunite, I spent hours one week swimming in the ocean, meditating on total awareness, trying to clear my mind and be rid of delusion. I returned from this week changed internally, and I could see with more clarity than ever that I need to return to the marriage and bring the family together as one. I learned that compassion and understanding are the key to making it work. I look forward to further development through Buddhist teaching, and like you said, every minute in meditation is helpful.

May you be well, happy, and peaceful."

— Jill Myers