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Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum, Berlin, Germany

Om Namah Sivaya. The Berlin Centre is open again. There is a daily yoga class in the interior of the Berlin Centre and, if the weather is fine, an additional hour in the garden on the platform. Courses and meditation evenings are currently paused. The yoga shop is also open again. Please register for all classes. The online program continues, unabated. We wish you inspiring yoga classes and look forward to your visit!

During July the online teaching continued while drop-In classes in the Centre were well visited, although still not fully booked. We adapted our Centre’s class schedule with more regular timings of the classes, hopefully making the booking easier. Classes on the garden platform were less with temperatures slightly cool. The Centre participated in the TTCOL graduation, together with the other Centres and Ashrams who were teaching the course. Swami Karunananda came back from Reith for a short visit. In the garden we put a little path with some nice paving stones leading from our asana room in the basement to the garden platform. This will make the students’ access to the platform more comfortable.
We celebrated Masters Mahasamadhi with a very uplifting online Puja, performed by the South Indian priest, Yagneshwara. Many students, teachers and staff from the European Centres participated. By mid month, more students attended classes at the Centre. The weather was good and many classes were outside on the garden platform. Students and teachers enjoyed to be outside, surrounded by big shady trees and the beautifully blooming Centre garden. We also continued teaching online with students grateful for both. Best wishes for health and peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America

Om Namah Sivaya. While waiting for the go ahead to reopen the South American Sivananda Centres and resume classes as normal, we are continuing yoga classes online. These classes are free, but we need to make a solidarity call to collaborate in the form of a donation or voluntary contribution that allows us to pay the rent, until the activity resumes. Any sum you can contribute will be grateful from the heart. You can contact us for any questions about practicing yoga at home through e-mail: [email protected]
or by calling 11 4804 7813. Continue your practice from your homes. For any queries do not hesitate to contact us. If changes or news arise, we will inform you. We salute you with a fervent desire for peace and health for all. We hope you are all well. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Chengdu, China

Om Namah Sivaya from Chengdu. The Chengdu Centre is open. In July we mailed out all the 150 pre-ordered copies of CIBY translated to Mandarin, which is an exciting and inspiring milestone for both staff and students. We also joined the Tongzilin International Community Centre Street Market, enjoying an in person gathering after such a long time. Student numbers for open classes were small and consistent for both online and offline. We led a Satsang, reading Yoga Sutra from Meditation and Mantra. A student joined us with his Tabla. TTC graduate Padmini traveled to Chengdu to join us for Satsang and guidance. We continued to share CIBY – Mandarin.

We prayed for more students, by Guru’s Grace. We also prayed the whole world will go through this crisis with blessings from Lord Siva and Gurus. May Guru’s Grace bless everyone. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. We thank each and everyone involved in serving the public during these difficult times. We pray for good health for each soul in the Universe to live physically & mentally well. All our staffs are Happy & Healthy doing their Sadhanas. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
Our Chennai Centre will remain closed due to order from the Government for “Corona social distancing” to stop the spread. Due to the lockdowns announced by the Indian government, we will not be accepting any new visitors or guests to the Chennai Centre. During this phase, we’ll be offering various classes, courses & programs Online. Details regarding this can be found at www.sivananda.org.in/Online-sessions. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. May all live under the grace of Master and Guru. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Chicago, USA

Om Namah Sivaya from the Chicago Centre. We are grateful to the Gurus for continuing to protect and inspire our Sadhana. We wish you awareness of Guru’s Grace. Join us online for courses, studies, Satsangs and yoga classes. Take good care! Om and prem!

COVID-19 Update:

The Sivananda Centres in New York City and Chicago, as well as the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch are closed to the public as a proactive measure to help stem the spread of the COVID 19 virus. Join us from home for an Online yoga class! Though we no longer have any income stream since the closings, we know that you too are being challenged economically and we are making all of our sharing free of charge. However, if you have the means, and would like to help, we will accept any donations to help support our full-time staff during these challenging times. Suggested donation: $8/class.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta DÀ LAT Centre, Dà Lat, Vietnam

Om Namah Sivaya from the beautiful DaLat Centre. Thanks to Guru’s blessing, our Centre kept the strong energy to serve and love the community. Our Beginners’ Yoga course Y2 continued with 7 students and new Beginner course Y1 has 5 students. Each week we had a Vegetarian cooking workshop. Our students enjoyed it and wanted more cooking workshops for special dishes. Our Satsangs had 9 students. We offered several ongoing Beginners’ Yoga Y1 courses. Nirmala returned to the Da Lat Ashram to support the TTC there. We are doing our best to keep our Sadhana strong and maintain energy. We pray for Guru’s grace and blessings. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta DWARKA Centre, Delhi, India

Om Namah Sivaya to all.

COVID-19 Update:
Due to the lockdowns announced by the Indian government, we will not be accepting any new visitors or guests to the Centre. During this phase, we’ll be offering various classes, courses & programs Online. Details regarding this can be found at https://sivananda.org.in/Online-sessions. Please visit our Facebook page to stay notified about live open classes, Satsangs & other programs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. The staff are well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta NATARAJA Centre, Delhi, India

Om Namah Sivaya to all.

COVID-19 Update:
Due to the lockdowns announced by the Indian government, we will not be accepting any new visitors or guests to the Centre. During this phase, we’ll be offering various classes, courses & programs Online. Details regarding this can be found at https://sivananda.org.in/Online-sessions. Please visit our Facebook page to stay notified about live open classes, Satsangs & other programs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Please stay connected – https://sivananda.org.in/delhi/ The staff are well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Geneva, Switzerland

Om Namah Sivaya. The Geneva Centre reopened with a special schedule of 1-3 open classes per day and adherence to necessary hygiene measures with a maximum of 10 participants per class or course. With best wishes for health and peace. Om Namah Sivaya. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Om Namah Sivaya. The Ho Chi Minh Centre is open. In July we had a wonderful Yantra Painting Workshop, taught by our staff member Devika. The workshop was Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 am to 12 noon, with everyone very focused on the yantras and hardly moving! Sunday Satsangs were very well attended with 35 people. The courses and Pujas went on as usual with everyone in good spirits. We offered students a workshop on Trataka – Concentration with Lamp, taught by Bonita – a karma yogi with 15 students. A Beginners’ Yoga course started, taught by Daya Chaitanya, with 16 students. Mahashakti also taught a Beginners’ Yoga course. Swami Pranavananda offered a meditation course. Mangala went to Dalat Ashram for a month to serve the TTC July. We pray for everyone’s health and inspiration to keep practicing and teaching! May the Sivananda family worldwide be safe and continue the wonderful teachings, in all ways possible. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org/ho-chi-minh-center/

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, London, England

Om Namah Sivaya. In July the London Centre’s Online classes continued from the Orleans Ashram. This new learning experience for all had us very grateful that we can continue to serve our students this way. Prayers from the London Centre. OM.


COVID-19 Update:
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre London is closed until further notice. We are offering classes and Satsangs Online: https://sivanandalondon.org/class-schedule/ You can reserve your online yoga class via the MindBody app. For more information, please call us at +44 (0)208 780 0160 or +33 (0) 2 38 91 88 82. With best wishes for health and inner peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Om Namo Narayanaya. In July we continued the Art of Processing Emotions online classes every other week. The creative works produced are quite revealing and the number of participants increased, finding the process cathartic. We offered a Hip Opening workshop and a Positive Thinking Course. Our private student signed up for more classes. Two people reached out to the Centre for spiritual counseling and received solace. Karma Yogi Shree, a senior, came to help with an outdoor painting project at the Centre, masked and hungry for company. We were able to harvest—and eat—collard greens from our garden. Sivadas sampled ripe cherry tomatoes right off the vine. We are grateful to be safe and busy in this beautiful new Centre, with so much opportunity to serve.

As July continued, we offered a sweet Puja for Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi and Akhanda Kirtan, shared on Instagram Live to grateful devotees. Swami Adi Parashaktiananda and Radha arrived from the Yoga Farm to cover for Swami Sivasankariananda, so she could retreat to the Yoga Farm. We taught a Hip Opening Workshop. Ram Vakkalanka began a three-session Magic of Sanskrit course, beginning with a fascinating history of the language. We started our fifth 30-Day Pranayama Challenge on Instagram, currently sharing about Yoga of Relationship and doing 15 rounds of Anuloma Viloma each session. We convened an LA Teachers Meeting online to clarify and unify how we are teaching Gentle Yoga online. Tara Durga Devi gave some pointers and demonstrated modified poses. Sivadas had eye surgery and spent most of his time recovering face down. Thankfully, he seems to be healing well. Number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County has risen to 161,673. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
The Sivananda Yoga Centre in Los Angeles is closed until California businesses are cleared to reopen. This challenging time is our opportunity to turn inward, deepen our practice and keep our community strong and healthy. Through Satsang and our collective positive thoughts, we support each other and the world. Visit https://sivanandala.org/ to view our Online offerings: daily yoga classes, workshops and courses, plus Satsangs with Acharya Swami Sitaramananda. Boost your immune system by practicing all paths of Yoga; feel healthier and stronger in both body and mind. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Madrid, Spain

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The Madrid Centre is open. We would like to thank all the support and solidarity received. It has been an unforgettable few months and soon we will be able to welcome you to what is more than ever, your home. The capacity of the room is limited to 15 people and you must book in advance. Check here our sanitary measures and protocols for responsible practice. Online classes will continue to be open and free throughout the summer.

As July continued, the daily free Online classes saw an enthusiastic response from the students. The Madrid program also expanded with new courses and workshops. Students were grateful and inspired. With our best wishes for health and peace. We were grateful to Master and Swamiji for inspiring so many souls on their path. Pranams to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Madurai, India

Om Namah Sivaya to all. Free online Yoga classes, courses and programs are available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boost your immune system by practicing all paths of Yoga to feel healthier and stronger in both body and mind. We thank our Masters for all blessings and support bestowed. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
Adhering to the directives of Government of India & Government of Tamil Nadu, the Madurai Centre will stay closed until the Government says. We will keep you notified of any further developments, as they happen. During this phase, we’ll be offering various classes, courses & programs online. Details regarding this can be found at https://sivananda.org.in/Online-sessions
Please visit our Facebook page to stay notified about live open classes, Satsangs & other programs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Montevideo, Uruguay

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montevideo Centre. Te Montevideo Centre is open. In July we continued with Friday Satsangs in Portuguese. The students who came to the Centre understood the language and we transmitted to the rest of Brazil via Zoom. A very beautiful energy was created. The chanting came from Rio de Janeiro to Franca, Sao Paulo. Kanti Devi talked about Raja. We continued our Latin American Satsang with students from all South America and this time also from USA and Canada!!! Kanti Devi talked about “Compassion”. Then she shared “Be good do good” from the Sivananda Lectures, written by Swami Venkatesanandaji. In that book Swami Ventakatesanandaji presented all the activities and talks given by Swami Sivananda during his Tour around India in 1950. The teachings were very inspiring. Kanti Devi also, with simple an loving words, remember Karuna, her mother. Karuna was a very active teacher and dedicated karma yogi at Montevideo and Buenos Aires Centre. She was one of the founders of Montevideo Sivananda Centre. 12th of July was the day of her birthday. She passed away three years ago. Swami Premanandaji led the prayers in her honour. Classes at the Centre and on line continued as usual. We started two Beginners’ Yoga courses at the Centre, with good attendance. We celebrated Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi in the middle of a huge storm with only Chandrashekar and Kanti Devi present. The altar was prepared with love and devotion. We offered flowers and kirtans to Gurudev. Even though the wind was roaring outside, the meditation room was very peaceful and silent. We really enjoyed those moments of communion. We had Satsang with students at the Centre and via Zoom. Kanti Devi continued talking in Portuguese and Spanish. Vani Devi from Rio and Narayan from Sao Paulo joined for Kirtan. Kanti Devi shared the teaching of Karma Yoga from Essence of Yoga. It was very uplifting. Kanti Devi, Chandrashekar, from Montevideo; Swami Premananda and Swami Dayananda, from Buenos Aires, were leading the Sivananda South American Satsang. Rukmini and Esteban from Tarija, Bolivia performed daily chanting. They sung very beautifully. Kanti Devi talked about control of the mind and its importance in this precise moment that human beings are going through. Nine Om Tryambhakans were offered for sick people and every one who is suffering in the world. Kanti Devi then talked to each and everyone, one by one. It was a very inspiring gathering. Regular programs continued at the Centre and online supported by the grace of the Masters. We prayed intensely for peace and harmony in this world. May the Grace of Gurudev and Swamiji be upon us all. Om Shanti. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
The Montevideo Centre is closed during South America’s COVID-19 lockdown. Please visit the Buenos Aires website to participate in any Online class, Satsang or course. This way you will have Yoga at home. You just need a good internet connection and download a free Zoom application. The normal Yoga classes and Satsangs (meditation meetings) will have no cost. We would like to thank those who can contribute a donation that allows us to pay the costs of renting and maintaining the Centres.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya and Greetings from the Montreal Centre! In July the Montreal Centre reopened. Please RESERVE YOUR PLACE for each class.
· Pre-register for all classes, email us at [email protected] to reserve your spot.
· Only 15 spaces available per class.
· Drop-ins might be refused due to limited space.

Visit https://sivanandacanada.org/montreal/covid-19-regulations/ for more information. Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Munich, Germany

Om Namah Sivaya. The Munich Centre is open again. We look forward to welcoming you personally during this very nice summer weather.

We started with two yoga classes daily in the large yoga hall and two evening meditations on Wednesdays and Sundays. Students were very happy that they can now again come to the Centre. The yoga shop is also open again. According to the official COVID regulations students have to enter the Centre with a mask but can take it off for the yoga class. We do not teach Kapalabhati and headstand because we do no physical corrections. Teachers wear a mask or a face-shield. Little markings on the floor show students where to put their mats in order to keep officially stipulated distance of 1.5 meters. Classes were still quite small but students were very happy that we are back. We had the last exam and the graduation of the Online TTC. It was very touching to see and to hear what a positive transforming experience the course was for all TTC participants. We were also happy to welcome Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda who came for one night to the Centre taking time during their stay to talk to staff and students giving inspiration and guidance. Swami Vidyananda travelled for a weekend to the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith/Tyrol/Austria to give a further TTC teachers training program for Yoga with Children. Swami Vasudevananda stayed at the Munich Centre, supported by our resident Daya Devi. Morning staff performed the first Puja after the re-opening of the Centre which created a wonderful peaceful atmosphere. All are very grateful to stay connected to the teachings of the Masters. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, New York, USA

Om Namah Sivaya from Manhattan. We send our blessings for all to stay healthy, positive and strong in Sadhana! Join us online for courses, studies, Satsangs and yoga classes. May Gurudev’s blessings continue to light our path. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
The Sivananda Centres in New York City and Chicago, as well as the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch are closed to the public as a proactive measure to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. From the day we closed we gathered our Centre staff at the Yoga Ranch to continue our practice, to support each other and to do what we can to continue with our mission of disseminating the Yoga teachings and support the Sivananda Yoga community in a growing isolated environment. Respecting social distancing, we started live Satsangs, study groups and hopefully soon – asana classes using the growing social media software of Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/yogaranchcommunity/ Yoga classes, Satsangs and Courses are available on Live Facebook and Zoom.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Centre de Yoga Sivananda Vedanta, Paris, France

Om Namah Sivaya. With the Blessings of the Masters, on the 11th July, the Paris’ Centre opened its doors after four months of confinement. It was a cheerful week for everyone with an army of karma yogis chanting kirtans, taking care of the house and putting sattwa here and there. The staff came back from Orleans after an uplifting stay at the Ashram. Madalassa came to support the Centre for the Summer. Saraswati and Ganapati remained in the Ashram for the moment. We continued to give the online classes, to do chant Om Namo Narayanaya for peace and to attend the Satsangs with Reith, together with the karma yogis. We put some prana into the planning of the karma yogis and teachers duties and schedule for the period of the school holidays. A humble group of students visited the Centre. Most of them came by chance and were happy to find their Centre open. For Satsang we had the inspiring words of Swami Sivananda from Bliss Divine on the topic of Satsang. We were so happy to greet the students, teachers and the karma yogis again. We all appreciated being together, chanting the Sunday prayers and hearing some inspiring and practical spiritual instructions from Master Sivananda from his book ‘The Essence of Yoga’. Everyone expressed their gratitude to the Sivananda family for accompanying and guiding them spiritually during the last months. Life keeps giving long and sunny days.

As July continued we offered a beautiful silent walk in a park nearby. We chanted the mantras facing the sun. Slowly, slowly, the students returned to the Centre. There were more students for the zoom classes (that we continue to give) than for the classes and courses in the Centre. Many students called to ask if the Centre was open and were very happy to know that they can come again. Some of the karma yogis have the flu or are in quarantine because of the COVID. A couple of students were wearing mask during the classes and in the satsang. Some people went out of Paris for the summer holidays. We chanted everyday Om Namo Narayanaya with both students, the zoom students and some students at the Centre. The dishwasher, the credit card machine and the photocopy machine were repaired. The plumber took care of a leak in the reception area. Life gave us an uplifting Celebration of Master’s Mahasamadhi with a morning Puja led by the priest from Bangalore and evening Puja led by the staff. That same day was the National Day in France. The students read inspiring words of Swami Sivananda on the topics: serve, love, give, purify, meditate and realize and we all accompany chanting Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya in between the texts. We all enjoyed preparing and doing the Puja. There was a cheerful and peaceful energy. The Main altar was our sunshine. In the morning Satsangs we read the Srimat Bhagavatam every day plus a little reading from the Masters. Three Yoga 1 and a Yoga 2 course started with little groups of motivated students. We were happy to see Saraswati who came to Paris to see her parents. We were also happy to see Nadapriya and Ganapati who passed by on their way to Orleans. The flowers in the entrance bloomed. The students enjoyed their Sivananda’s cookies, now packed in little bags. The Centre will close again for 10 days at the beginning of August to repair the roof of the building. May Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda continue to guide and to inspire all of us. With all our wishes for health and peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Porto Alegre, Brasil, South America

Greetings from Porto Alegre. In July we continued teaching online classes as the Centre was still closed. Wishing to all of you health and peace. May all live under Master’s and Guru’s grace. Om Shanti. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
The Porto Alegre Centre is closed during South America’s COVID-19 lockdown. Please visit the Buenos Aires website to participate in any Online class, Satsang or courses. This way you will have Yoga at home. You just need a good internet connection and download a free Zoom application. The normal Yoga classes and Satsangs (meditation meetings) will have no cost. We would like to thank those who can contribute a donation that allows us to pay the costs of renting and maintaining the Centres.

We recommend that you keep your personal practice, the practice of Yoga is an excellent ally to go through this period, where we need even more to keep the mind calm and the heart calm. Eat well, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep to keep your immunity strong. Any questions you have regarding the practices please contact us via email. Any changes will be communicated immediately via e-mail. We remain united! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Centro Yoga Vedanta Sivananda, Rome, Italy

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. The Roma Centre is now open, offering a space of peace for your yoga practice. We are happy to give you the opportunity to participate in the lessons, both live at the Roma Centre and online. There is a maximum of 9 people per class at the Centre. Make a reservation first. We ask you to send an email to [email protected] Important: book each lesson separately for each activity. You will receive the link corresponding to that activity. To book, write to: [email protected] with your name, telephone number and e-mail address. Share the new rules of behavior, be well and safe together. Sending Love and prana to all of you. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, San Francisco, California, USA

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. The San Francisco Sivananda Centre is permanently closing. Please visit the Yoga Farm Ashram and Los Angeles Centre for a list of online classes and courses.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, San Paulo, Brasil

Om Namah Sivaya. Om Shanti Shanti to all the Sivananda family. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
Centro Internacional Sivananda de Yoga e Vedanta Sao Paulo is temporarily closed.

https://www.sivananda.org/saopaulo

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel

Om Namah Sivaya. The Tel Aviv Centre was open briefly, but now closed. In July we continued with a full schedule of courses and classes, in the Centre and on zoom. A new Yoga 2 opened with 11 students and Pranayama level 2 opened with 14 students. As the government makes an effort to gain control over the Corona Virus pandemic as it fiercely started its second wave, we closed down the Centre for two days and went back to only online activities until we were assured that yoga studios are allowed to operate. We were really blessed to be trained in mental flexibility, which allows us to quickly adapt, adjust, and accommodate while the situation changes around us. We were doing our level best to serve and support and we pray for the alleviation of the mental suffering that many are experiencing in those times of uncertainty, instability and insecurity. We believed that the coming weeks would be much better and that we will be able to start the upcoming courses on time with good numbers.

As July continued, we opened a new Yoga 1 course with 9 students, and a new meditation course with 10 students. We continued to improve the online platform where we offer all the recordings of courses and classes. Due to an increase in cases of coronavirus, the government decided to close many businesses, including gyms and yoga studios. Therefore, as of Sunday, the Centre is closed and we are back to online activities. May the Master’s grace be with all. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
Tel: +972 3 6916793
[email protected]

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Tokyo, Japan

Om Namah Sivaya. The Tokyo Centre is open, as well as Online. In July we offered online workshops. A new Yoga 2 course started with students practicing at the Centre as well as online, which is highly challenging for teachers to teach them at the same time. Yet, we did our best remembering that gurus are with us at all times. We offered a 108-round Sun Salutation workshop, by which the students were refreshed, removing tiredness due to the rainy season in Japan. Shantidevi gave an Ayurveda workshop. We prepared and offered many new workshops. A 4-day program “Step II: Forgiveness that brings Healing” taught by Swami Narayananda, the director of the Dalat Ashram in Vietnam, started on Sundays, providing a Japanese translation service by Chandrika. This was a follow-up for the course given in April, by which the students can gain a better and deeper understanding of these profound teachings. We were happy and delighted to have this opportunity in which Japanese students can join. We held an online Jyotish workshop navigated by Komilla Sutton. The program was lovingly organized by her disciple Keiko Ito and run successfully with her extraordinary translation. In the program, we focused on “Saturn” and learned about specific ideas such as how to face our own Karmas. We were deeply thankful for Komilla and Keiko. We offered an Online TTC briefing session via Zoom, joined by more than 20 people, exhibiting that a good number of people were interested in taking a TTC. Shantidevi gave a workshop for lumbago and stiff shoulder, providing a support to relieve worries caused by a remote work and lack in exercise. Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 are going well too. May Master and Swamiji’s grace be with all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
We continue to offer Online asana classes via Zoom through the Tokyo Centre.
Due to COVID-19, the Shojiko Retreat Centre is currently closed.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya. Toronto was still in the phase that doesn’t allow for opening of yoga Centres so in July we did some more painting of the asana halls and organizing online programs. Lots of students joined for gentle classes. After a week of hot weather and tropical rains our garden was producing nice vegetables and colorful plants and flowers.

By mid July we started our “Yoga in the Park” classes. Regulations say only ten students per class so the classes filled very quickly. We planned to offer more outdoor classes in the parks as the weather in Toronto was very nice. A few students joined the online North Indian cooking workshop. We started a new online Beginners’ Yoga course as well as course on Yoga Asanas and Chakras. We also had a workshop for teachers on Yoga and Ayurveda and we celebrated Master’s Mahasamadhi together. Mookambika and Nalini started online English classes with one of our students so they will be  able to teach more classes at the Centre. The Staff continued with their regular Sadhana and karma yoga and were very disciplined with their schedule. We send Om Namo Narayanaya to everyone. Pranams. Love to all. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
In this challenging time, it is important that we don’t stop our spiritual practice, as that’s where we get our strength! Keeping that in mind, we will provide you with Yoga, Satsang and Courses support Online. https://sivanandacanada.org/toronto/online-yoga-from-sivananda-yoga-toronto/

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

Om Namah Sivaya. Keep up your Sadhana and prayer for one and around in the planet. Praying for world health and peace – OM NAMO NARAYANAYA. Om.

COVID-19 Update:
Due to the lockdowns announced by the Indian government, we will not be accepting any new visitors or guests to the Centre. During this phase, we’ll be offering various classes, courses & programs Online. Details regarding this can be found at https://sivananda.org.in/online-sessions. Please like our Facebook page to stay notified about live open classes, Satsangs & other programs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Please stay connected. [email protected]  Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Vienna, Austria

Om Namah Sivaya. The Centre reopened 6th July after being closed for almost four months Students and teachers slowly returned to the Centre. A transparent protection shield was put up at the reception and face shields bought for teachers as well as a delivery of disinfectants for different surfaces. Everyone was getting used to the new COVID adapted settings and procedures. At the same time we enjoyed meeting again and continue our practice together. Two future TTC-students were here to buy the books and take classes, looking forward to the TTC in Reith. We offered a peaceful Puja and a nice Satsang with senior teachers and students. They expressed their gratitude about the support from the online programs during the last months. The atmosphere at the Centre was harmonious and familiar and we hope to welcome more students soon.

By mid-July we saw slightly more students and teachers coming to the Centre. We felt well equipped for the near future and able to provide a safe environment for everyone visiting. 
One of our teachers stayed with us and was a wonderful support for the Centre. We celebrated Guru Purnima with a beautiful online Puja with Yagneswara. Sunday Satsangs were inspiring with familiar teachers and students attending. It was touching to hear how the online activities helped many of our students during the last months and how they are happy to continue their practice at the Centre. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Vilnuis, Lithuania

Om Namah Sivaya. The Vilnius Centre is open. July was very special because we had a 7 days retreat not far from Vilnius. Many of our Centre’s teachers participated, some of them with their kids. The camp retreat took place in a new location, surrounded by the forest, a lake nearby, the river Neris, a regional park with the remains of ancient burying places, and a big pond in front of the house. The main advantage of the new location was a huge hall with many windows and wooden floors. We had interesting lectures, beautiful Satsangs and all our teachers had an opportunity to teach asanas, give talks or lectures. We shared friendly teachings and this created a very good unified atmosphere. The highlight of the retreat was with the participation of Swami Sivadasananda online: Swami Ji gave a lecture, teacher’s workshop, and one Satsang – as always very inspiring to dive deeper into the spiritual practice. The cooks from Hari Krishna tradition and Mother Parvati made the students even happier with the special prasads every day. We had a special program for the kids, so their parents could attend the asana classes, the lectures and the Satsangs. Radhika and Gauri were very creative and full of love, so kids felt very good with them. We offered asana class, different creative workshops, and meditation. The Vilnius Yoga Centre opened only four days. We offered open classes and the Yoga 1 course.

By mid-July the number of students was the highest after the reopening of the Centre. We offered almost the same schedule as before the coronavirus, including the Satsangs and trial classes. Teachers were allowed to apply corrections, but they had to disinfect their hands after each. We added a Yoga 2 course with a good amount of the students, half of them from the course that started before the quarantine. For the big joy of our students and teachers, we served the first lunch since the quarantine, enjoying food on the terrace in the courtyard, prepared by Mother Parvati and helpers. Health and Peace to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius

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Spiritual Calendar

AUGUST 2020

03 Full Moon
15 Ekadasi
19 New Moon
22 Ganesha Chathurthi
29 Ekadasi
31 Onam

SEPTEMBER 2020

02 Full Moon
08 Swami Sivananda’s Birthday
10 Sri Krishna Jayanti
13 Ekadasi
17 New Moon
27 Ekadasi

Do not hate the evil-hearted, the jealous and the selfish. It is they who promote your salvation. – Sri Swami Sivananda

Glossary

SVASA. PRASVASA.

Pranayama terms, ‘Svasa’ is the inspiratory breath. Inhale. ‘Prasvasa’ is the expiratory breath. Exhale.

Tasmin sati svasa prasvasayor-gativicchedah pranayamah
“Regulation of breath, or the control of Prana, is the stoppage of inhalation and exhalation, which follows after securing that steadiness of posture or seat.”
This is the definition of Pranayama in the Yoga-sutras of Patanjali.

Take up the practice of Pranayama after you have gained steadiness in your Asana (seat). If you are able to sit from half to one hour even, you can take up the practice of Pranayama. Make any spiritual progress with the practice of Pranayama.

Atman is the fountain of all bliss. – Sri Swami Sivananda

2020-07-29T22:44:02+00:00