Valley Spirit Cooperative in Washington Depot is pleased to host leading Ayurvedic doctor and sacred musician Sonam Targee as part of its first anniversary celebration November 10 -12. Sonam will lead a group kirtan sing on Friday evening, November 10 at 7:30pm with drum master John Marshall and drummer Dynnette Myers. On Saturday, November 11, Sonam will present An Introduction to Ayurveda (Yoga Medicine), Part 1 from 2-5pm, open to everyone. On Sunday, November 12, Sonam will be offering Ayurvedic consultations based on Ayurvedic tongue and pulse diagnosis and Ayurvedic herbal medicine.

Sonam was introduced to Hatha Yoga and meditation as a teenager. At age 19, he began to study Indian music and culture. To further his spiritual training, he was accepted as a staff member at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in 1980, and it was there that he met His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. With His Holiness’ instructions to become a doctor, Sonam left the monastery and enrolled at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received a Master’s Degree in acupuncture.

In 1985 Sonam met Dr. Vasant Lad and began his intensive training in Ayurveda. To widen the scope of his herbal practice, Sonam studied with Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Mahadevan, Susun Weed, Dr. David Winston and Dr. Yeshe Donden.

As a musician, Sonam has a B.A. in ethnomusicology, and plays harmonium, tablas, djembe, mridangam, krummhorn, recorder, trumpet, harpsichord and more. He has accompanied Krishna Das during kirtans.

Valley Spirit Cooperative features an art gallery and gathering place, Chinese herbal apothecary shop, local artisan wares and products to support health practices and treatments offered at Valley Spirit Wellness Center.

To schedule a consultation with Sonam, call Valley Spirit at 860-619-2788. For more information about the anniversary celebration events schedule, visit ValleySpiritCoop.com. Location: 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot. See ad, page 49.