ABOUT | THE MOVEMENT CENTER

The Movement Center (formerly known as Nityananda Institute) is a center for spiritual practice in the tantric tradition. Founded by Swami Chetanananda in 1971, the Center is based in Portland, Oregon. We have meditation centers in Santa Monica, California, New York City, Boston, Seattle, and Scandinavia, and a retreat and research center in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The core of the spiritual practice at The Movement Center is Trika Yoga, a system derived from the nondualistic philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. As a tantric practice, Trika Yoga is about the power of personal transformation. The practice at Nityananda Institute focuses on the release of tension to promote the flow of creative energy in all dimensions of life. The basic technique we use is kundalini yoga.

Our spiritual lineage springs from Bhagavan Nityananda, a great mahasiddha who lived in Ganeshpuri, India, and his student, Swami Rudrananda (Rudi), one of the first Americans to bring eastern spirituality to this country. Swami Chetanananda is the current lineage holder and the spiritual director of The Movement Center.

The Movement Center community has lived and worked together for over 30 years, seeking to create an environment that is tolerant and flexible, appreciating human diversity in every single way, without losing its focus on spiritual development. There is a residential program in Portland as well as an extended community of students in America and around the world. Its first ashram was established in Bloomington, Indiana, over 30 years ago. The community includes people of all ages and from a variety of professions, cultural backgrounds and interests. It offers exposure to a diverse array of talents, interests, accomplishments and expertise—a mixture which enriches everyone.