About us
The Universal Peace Foundation of North America (UPFNA) has been serving the Omaha community since 1999 and was formally registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2005.
Vision: Inner Peace for 1% of the World’s Population
We envision a world where everyone can access transformative practices that foster peace, health, and personal growth. Our goal is to inspire 1% of the global population to experience the profound benefits of inner peace. When an individual is at peace within, a ripple effect is created: their family becomes happier; as families grow happier, society, the nation, and ultimately the world becomes peaceful and blissful.
Mission: Universal Peace through Individual (Inner) Peace
We aim/strive to spread "universal peace through individual (inner) peace" by guiding individuals toward self-realization and inner happiness through simplified Kundalini meditation and yoga practices that transcend religious boundaries, promoting global peace and human connection
Our Guiding Philosophy
UPFNA carries forth the lineage and teachings of our revered Kundalini Yoga Guru, Gurumahan, under the divine guidance of our parent organization in India. Our holistic approach to well-being integrates three key elements:
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Physical Health: Achieved through simple Hatha Yoga postures
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Mental Focus: Cultivated using breathing techniques to calm the mind
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Connecting with the Self: Accomplished through meditation practices
Our Services
UPFNA operates solely on donations and offers a wide range of services to the community, including:
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Weekly Kids' Yoga Classes: Classes at three levels based on age groups, focusing on physical well-being, inner strength, personality development, and shaping well-rounded citizens.
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Volunteering Opportunities for Teens: Providing leadership development and training future yoga instructors.
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Kundalini Yoga Classes: Available for adults in-person and online at the UPFNA Center and community centers.
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Specialized Yoga Classes: Private sessions for individuals with special needs, therapy yoga, and prenatal yoga.
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Community Outreach: Introduction to Yoga and Meditation classes at community centers and public libraries.
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Health Services: Yoga and meditation programs at adult correctional facilities and youth centers in partnership with Douglas County.
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Advanced Workshops: Annual yoga workshops led by our esteemed yoga Guru Gurumahan from India, benefiting over 150 attendees.
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training: Certification programs for those looking to deepen their practice or pursue a career as a yoga instructor.
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Corporate Wellness:Workshops and stress management sessions are conducted at offices and special events.
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Celebration Events: Special programs such as International Day of Yoga and Global Peace Day.
Join Us
Whether you want to attend a class, volunteer, or learn more, we invite you to join us. Together, we can continue to build a community rooted in peace, health, and connection. Explore ways to get involved by learning, volunteering, donating, or contacting us.
Locations
Omaha
Communications@upfna.org
402-218-2054
http://upfna.org
San Fransisco
Communications@upfna.org
402-218-2054
http://upfna.org
Dallas
Communications@upfna.org
402-218-2054
http://upfna.org
Austin Tx
Communications@upfna.org
402-218-2054
http://upfna.org
Louisville, Kentucky
Communications@upfna.org
402-218-2054
http://upfna.org
Our Yoga Instructors/Volunteers
Our Team, Our dedicated team of instructors, volunteers, and leaders brings together a wealth of knowledge and passion for the organization’s mission. Each team member is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all.
Sasirekha Rathinam: Sasi embarked on her Kundalini Yoga journey in 1992 under the guidance of Guru Gurumahan, a journey that has profoundly shaped her understanding of life’s purpose. Her dedication to this path is evident in her pursuit of advanced Kundalini meditation and completion of yoga teacher training with Gurumahan. She has furthered her knowledge through seminars in Yoga and Naturopathy and courses in acupuncture, Dorn Therapy, and Pada Guasa Therapy
Yoga and meditation have been transformative forces in Sasi's life, inspiring her to share their benefits with others. Over the past 25 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching yoga and Kundalini meditation to children and adults in Omaha, including Prenatal and Therapy Yoga. Her passion and extensive knowledge are a testament to the power of these practices and her commitment to Guru’s vision and community enrichment.
Balakrishnan Palanisamy: One of the founders of UPFNA and our senior Yoga Instructor since 1999, he is the go-to person for knowledge on Kundalini Yoga and has been leading Kundalini meditation since 1999.
Jayaram Nagarajan: has been a dedicated Yoga Instructor and volunteer since 2014, with over 20 years of personal practice. He currently teaches at the Correction Center and Youth Center in Omaha, NE, and leads community classes and stress management sessions for corporate clients. His extensive experience and commitment to yoga and wellness reflect his dedication to making a positive impact in diverse settings.
Jitendra Chintamadaka, with over 15 years of YOGA practice and teaching experience, is a testament to the power of dedication. His classes, which primarily focus on Hatha and Raja Yoga, reflect his unwavering commitment to the practice.
Ravi Pillai: Yoga Instructor/volunteer since 2018 and practitioner for over 14 years, currently teaching at Correction Center, Omaha, NE, in addition to community classes.
Namasivayam: Yoga Instructor/volunteer since 2018 and practitioner for over 10 years, currently teaching at Youth Center, Omaha, NE, in addition to community classes.
Kaitlin Heaven: Kaitlin Heavin is a seasoned yoga practitioner and instructor based in Omaha, Nebraska, with two decades of personal practice and 16 years of teaching experience. She holds a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification with Yoga Alliance and is a certified yoga therapist. Her extensive training includes 1,000 hours in Ayurveda, 300 hours in meditation, and specialization as an integrative breathwork specialist. Kaitlin is also trauma-informed and focuses on pain management.
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In addition to her primary certifications, Kaitlin has pursued secondary training in various areas, including kids yoga, chair yoga, women’s health, senior yoga, pranayama, and yoga nidra.​​