It’s that time of year again – the fourth annual Yoga Mala event will be happening on Sunday, May 30 in Parc Jeanne Mance (at the corner of Duluth and Esplanade). Montréal yogis will come together to salute the sun 108 times in the name of service. This year, all funds raised will be contributed to Le Garde-Manger Pour Tous, a non-profit organization which distributes meals to underprivileged schoolchildren in and around Montréal, educates adults about healthy eating skills, and provides employment and integration programs. In short, a totally worthy and yogic cause!

The event, which was initiated by seva superstar Dawn Mauricio, will feature 9 Montréal-based teachers in a range of traditions (see the whole list here) who will guide participants through 108 sun salutations. Why 108? A mala, a string of beads used for meditating, praying and chanting mantra in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, has 108 beads on it and the number is highly significant in both traditions. Among the multitude of reasons this number is important: 108 is the number of Upanishads, the number of names of the Goddess, and the number of paths to God. The Yoga Mala website lists a whole bunch of other theories and beliefs. Whatever the reason, the image of a mala, with individual beads connected together for a single purpose, is inspiring and uplifting.

Yoga Mala 2010
Sunday, May 30 10am – 1pm
Parc Jeanne Mance (Duluth/Esplanade corner)
To register, contact one of the organizers
To give, click through to CanadaHelps
Yoga Mala 2010 Facebook fanpage and event