Giving Back To The Community
– Cosmin Mahadev
Seva as a group
Be a beacon of hope, encouragement, and assistance
Often enough, we can forget the blessings in our lives. When we practice seva, we enter into a state of humility and gratitude. This recognition doesn’t surface because we see others with less than ourselves, but because our service unveils a hidden truth: that happiness cannot be obtained from what we do or what we have, but rather can only flow into what we do and what we have to give.
– Sahejpal Singh
This is why RYK periodically coordinates and schedules special events where we serve the community as a group.
While we share these opportunities to serve with every student, these organized events are completely voluntary. We coordinate with those who wish to volunteer and practice their seva.
Past Events
On our recent spiritual retreat to India, we stopped by the Manav Mandir Gurukul Orphanage in New Delhi, and the experience left a deep mark on all of us. The kids greeted us with such warmth and excitement—it felt like we were old friends reconnecting. Thanks to the generous hearts in the RYK community, we were able to bring over $3,300 in donations, along with clothes and essentials. Seeing their smiles and feeling the connection we shared was everything. We’re so grateful we could be there for them in even a small way!
The yoga community united with area musicians in a benefit to support and assist Keith Alcantara in his ongoing battle with Cancer. Keith is a locally renowned Vegas Musician who’s been an integral part of community drum circles for over 20 years. The benefit was a small gesture of appreciation from our community to help him cover a portion of his medical costs and to demonstrate our love for him. Thanks to the generous support, we not only raised $948 for Keith, but we also showed him just how much he means to us, lifting his spirits tremendously!
Miche began with us as a new student in October 2016. When he confided in Cosmin that he was homeless, the RYK staff and students immediately came to his aid. We were able to raise several hundred dollars for Miche in cash donations, grocery gift cards, clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, and studio memberships. Students were also able to provide him a place to stay, and shortly thereafter, he was able to secure employment.
He is well on his way to accomplishing his dreams!
Weeks of preparation took place to collect donations that included school supplies, clothing, perishable and non-perishable goods, and money to prepare homeless children for the upcoming school year. More than thirty yoga students at the RYK Yoga and Meditation Center participated in various ways to make this event brilliantly successful. Additionally, students prepared a wide variety of hot and cold meals served along with beverages and desserts to the children and young adults at Shannon West Homeless Youth Center.
“Honestly, all the thanks go to you and your amazing friends and family that honestly made us all speechless. Your compassion to hang out and talk with the youth and all the items you brought is truly amazing. WE are the lucky ones and I can only hope you will be back to HELP. We love you!”
– Abby Quinn, Community Outreach Director
RYK leadership organized a record-breaking event at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. The day included dinner, refreshments, and desserts, as well as the distribution of all the donated goods collected over the course of several weeks.
Two groups of volunteers dedicated several hours to make the day a complete success. One group served dinner, maintained the dining area, and cleaned up when the special event ended. Another group handed out over 5 large boxes of donations consisting of clothing, hats, socks, gloves, women’s hygiene products, men’s grooming items, as well as dental care and other miscellaneous toiletries.
We recognize and commend all those who participated in making this day so special!
Written by Sahejpal Singh.
