Gurugram May 2021 | Preface

As the world continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, some areas are slowly starting to reopen in a limited way. Some however are experiencing a deepening of the crisis. Our prayers particularly go to India at this time. May relief come soon to the suffering of so many citizens of the world.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Potti Swami, a highly respected South Indian priest who left his body a few days ago in Trivandrum, Kerala. He will be dearly missed. The world has lost a great soul. He had been serving the Sivananda Organization for over 40 years through the installation of murtis, the performance of many Homas and Pujas at our Temples worldwide. He had a very close and special connection to Swami Vishnudevananda, who had entrusted him with the responsibility to help maintain the spiritual energy of the Organization through classical worship. May the Divine Mother, to whom he was totally surrendered, take him in her loving embrace.

Throughout the entire Sivananda group of Ashrams and Centres, staff have accommodated around these times with online Teacher Training Courses, asana classes, workshops and other course teachings where onsite courses cannot yet be held.

In April the celebration of Rama Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti brought much positivity and joy, reconnecting us with the power of Dharma, symbolized by Rama, plus the power of surrender, incarnated by Hanuman. Both attributes are much needed in these challenging times.

May you, your family and friends stay safe, protected and inspired.
Om and Prem,
Swami Kailasananda for the Acharyas of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Donations: With many of the International Sivananda Yoga Centres and Ashrams teaching online, finances are a concern, so if this is at all possible for you, your financial support would be very gratefully received by contacting any Ashram or Centre.

Be kind. Be compassionate. Be honest. Be sincere. Be truthful. Be bold. Be pure. Be wise.  Be virtuous. – Sri Swami Sivananda

2021 COVID-19 Update:
Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether COVID-19 has affected your selected course.

The SIVANANDA YOGA Teachers’ Training Courses are available either online (TTCOL) or in residence, depending on the location. Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether your selected Teacher Training Course is available online or in residence as some Ashrams have opened, while others remain closed. Thank you for your patience as schedules change during COVID.

To view all 2021 TTC/ATTC/SI courses on the Sivananda website: https://sivananda.org/teachers-training/programme-calendar/

See the full list of other international courses and events: https://www.sivananda.org/

Know the Self and be free. – Sri Swami Sivananda

Discourse II: “Sadhana Pada – On Spiritual Disciplines”

II.42. SAMTOSAD ANUTTAMAH SUKHA-LABHAH
‘From contentment comes supreme happiness.’

Commentary:
Man is ever searching for happiness in external objects, but it can only be attained when the mind is satisfied with what has been allotted and is no longer looking. When the mind is stilled and contented, happiness is automatic.

Be one with all. – Sri Swami Sivananda

Chapter III: The Yoga of Action

III.20. KARMANAIVA HI SAMSIDDHIM AASTHITAA JANAKAADAYAH;
LOKASANGRAHAM EVAAPI SAMPASHYAN KARTUM ARHASI.

(Krishna speaking to Arjuna)
‘Janaka and others attained perfection verily by action only; even with a view
to the protection of the masses thou should perform action.’

III.21. YADYAD AACHARATI SHRESHTHAS TATTADEVETARO JANAH;
SA YAT PRAMAANAM KURUTE LOKAS TAD ANUVARTATE.
‘Whatsoever a great man does, that other men also do; whatever he sets up as the
standard, that the world follows.’

See the One in all. – Sri Swami Sivananda