Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December the last week of TTC continued with regular classes and lectures as well as 2 classes of Advanced Pranayama and learning specific techniques for kids, seniors and pregnancy classes.  Swami Vasishtananda gave the main lecture on Satchidananda during Satsang where he spoke on main points of Bhagavad Gita. A beautiful TTC graduation ceremony took place with meditation, Jaya Ganesha, TTC address, stories on lion-sheep and Narada’s Maya, presentation of the diploma and reading the final letter from Sivananda Upanishad. At the end of graduation Swami Vasishtananda explained and recited some mantras from Taitriya Upanishad. We could feel the increase of prana in Satsangs, also the openness of students to ask for more guidance in personal issues and Sadhana. We wished farewell to students departing for their homes. We were happy to have some students arrange to stay with us for some weeks and even months after their TTC. Inscriptions for Christmas and New Year programs started. We started installing the Christmas decorations to create a festive spirit.

Mid December. We immersed ourselves into different projects including preparation for the upcoming weekend guest programs. Krishna Temple was arranged and cleared out, so all looks Sattvic. We welcomed a good group of students for the “How to Boost your Energy through Pranayama” program. Two classes for intermediate and beginners levels were offered, as well as Satsangs, lectures, meals, silent walks, sauna and possibility for osteopath treatment. Guests helped with different tasks of Karma Yoga, creating positivity and Prana in the Ashram. Atmaswaroop, a student of recent TTC, assisted in several asana classes and gave almost the whole class by himself very successfully. We started to rehearse our New Year theater play, one of favourite stories of Swami Vishnudevananda about a woodcutter and a genie.

Later in December the Yoga Camp Ashram had to be closed to the public, as per government restrictions. Gyms, yoga studios and other public places were closed, especially in the region of Quebec. Meanwhile the Ashram staff continued with their Sadhana, morning and evening Satsangs, different projects and taking some more time for study and rest. Some of the staff were happy to connect to the beautiful Christmas celebration online, led by Ashrams in Reith & Orleans, which gave lots of inspiration and a feeling of togetherness. Bharata and Ananda prepared a wonderful and a special Christmas dinner which was appreciated by everyone a lot.

We wish a very peaceful and meaningful New Year to come and sending lots of greetings and Pranams. May Master`s and Swamiji’s Blessings be always there for everyone. Prem and Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp

Om Namah Sivaya to all. Greetings from Kerala, India. Visit www.sivananda.org.in/neyyardam/Covid-19-guidelines We look forward to welcoming you and practicing together. We continue with in person and online classes, courses & programs. Please visit www.sivananda.org.in/weekly-schedule

The weather at the beginning of December improved. The guest nights improved and with some additional private online classes. Online attendance increased. With 3 students from online TTCs having arrived, even the TTC numbers were back to the original figure before three left earlier on due to family situations.  Although two more staff with very mild symptoms tested positive and went into isolation, those already there gradually came out following negative testing.  Just one student was still in isolation by the time of the exam on Saturday and for her special arrangements were made to sit the exam.  Another returned from hospital having tested negative and feeling much better. Her special arrangements will be made for the second teaching assessment as well as the exam.  The Ashram was joyful with a beautiful Lalithasahasranama lamp Puja offered, an energizing advanced pranayama classes, the Gita Arati and Kirtan for the last Bhagavad Gita class and then, of course, the TTC graduation.  The students did very well in the exam and showed their appreciation at the graduation Satsang.  Five of the students were keen to stay in service at the Ashram for a month to six months. We then became extra busy with some 30 brave students and staff who sat the India Government’s Yoga Certification Board written and practical exams.  We are thankful to Srinivas (a senior teacher from Hyderabad) and Rekha (another YCB qualified examiner) in Trivandrum for giving many hours for this, albeit online.  We gave grateful thanks to Ravi ji, Monica and Rajesh for their dedication to the TTC as they departed the Ashram.  The majority of the students also left, with many wishing to return later.  May Master and Swamiji bless them in the continuance of their practice and progress in teaching.

Mid December we offered a beautiful Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa plus 1008 repetitions of the mantra from 7.30 – 10 am as a prayer for the health of the world.  The special Gita Jayanthi Ekadasi was next so a special effort was made by staff for the Gita chanting. The five TTC students signing up to stay at the Ashram for 6 months as karma yoga staff have settled in.  The morning graduates’ teaching group started with Rachana giving feedback.  The panchakarma treatments at the SIYH were popular. A special group karma yoga began to keep the karma yogis properly occupied, pulling out the weeds that have grown up in the lawns during all the rains which have finally finished… for now.  The fun work of decorating the Ashram for Christmas began.  Lights in the trees and stars around the entrance and reception appeared. The tree came out of storage, to grace the Siva Hall stage, fully bedecked with lights, tinsel and baubles.  We looked forward to the week ahead and send best wishes to all for a beautiful Christmas time.

With the sunny weather returning the week prior to Christmas, the guest numbers rose with North Indians having the opportunity for a short escape from the increasingly wintery weather.  Two classes morning and evening were offered, catering to beginners and intermediate students, plus, the popular coaching classes. Whilst many of the karma yogis were busy with the current group karma yoga of pulling out all the weeds that the continuous rain had encouraged to grow in the lawns and gardens, a dedicated group were busy decorating the Siva Hall altar, reception, boutique and health hut. Daily practice of Xmas songs and carols began, mainly with many of the staff, but also two or three guests joined in on a couple of days.  Given that most had never sung Xmas carols, the staff were enthusiastic to learn. We had a happy family-style Christmas Satsang. After meditation and Jaya Ganesha, a good number of carols and Christmas songs were sung with actions for the 12 Days of Christmas and flower offering at the Nativity plus the lighting of tealights to symbolize the coming of light into the world.  In addition to Silent Night in English, French, German, Spanish and Malayalam, this year for the first time it was also sung in Tamil!  The night ended with the fun of Santa Claus visiting with small gifts for everyone and a delicious cake.  On Christmas Day, the karma yogis received new yellow t-shirts along with a little chocolate and for lunch there was Christmassy cheesecake, having a layer of sultanas, raisins, currants, walnuts, figs cooked with the Christmas spices.

We thank Master and Swamiji for all their blessings and pray for joy and peace for all for the coming year, and refreshed resolve for Sadhana. May Master and Swamiji bless all. All of us send our Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya from Uttar Kashi. Please note we continue to offer classes, courses & programs online. Details regarding this can be found at 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. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. Namaste from Madurai. We are happy to announce that we are accepting guests to the Ashram. Pre-booking via [email protected] is necessary. Terms & conditions apply. Visit https://sivananda.org.in/madurai/Covid-19-guidelines/ We look forward to welcoming you back and practicing together. We are continuing classes, courses & programs online. Please visit www.sivananda.org.in/weekly-schedule

Early December saw the third week of TTC and the Anatomy and Physiology classes by Dr. Saravanan ji which gave a beautiful insight into how our physical body works in the practice of Asanas. A new arena of knowledge opened to the students who were enthusiastic about the same. We celebrated Sudha ji’s birthday with a delicious pasta dinner enjoyed by all. One more student from last year online TTC joined to complete the course with the Open Class teaching groups. The Talent show was a very vibrant one with lively and innovative performances by the students. We said goodbye to Yogender who left after his Karma Yoga tenure of almost an year helping the Ashram with his services in all walks mostly gardening and cooking.

By mid December the final week of TTC sailed past with mostly special classes like Prenatal Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Kids Yoga and the CYP class. The students also completed the Open Class teaching commendably with marked evolution from the previous teaching experience proving Swami Sivananda ji’s quote ” An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory. ” They were also introduced to the world of Advanced Pranayama theory and practiced on the last couple of days, making them ask for other courses that offer it. A day of group study, revision and brushing up of all the subjects followed. Their hard work and dedication was put to test on exam day which saw them emerging as mature and strong teachers. Praying for our Masters and Gurus blessings and grace to guide the new teachers in all walks of their life, gifting an all new perspective and outlook through their learnings and adaptations from the course.

Sending Prayers and Regards to all from our family of guests and staffs. May Master and Swamiji bless all the efforts to follow the teachings in 2022. Om.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya from the Ranch. In early December the ongoing Bhagavad Gita study during online morning Satsang continued here at the Ranch.  The days find staff surrounded by profound peace and quiet, nestled in the cool early winter days in the Catskill mountains. Staff personal Sadhana continued, sprinkled with goodly karma yoga and newfound space to expand abilities with new kinds of work filling in where needed. With Master and Guru blessings abounding, Grace with every breath.

Continued blessings, in the form of teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, were given by Srinivasanji weekday mornings. Staff prepared for the coming winter months with a special time of devotional practices and study, with Guru’s Grace.

May Masters’ Blessings and Gurus Grace be with us all in 2022. Pranams from the New York mountains. Om.

www.sivanandayogaranch.org/‎

Om Namah Sivaya. By the Grace of Master and Swamiji, Swami Sitaramananda departed the Yoga Farm and safely returned to Vietnam. Swamiji’s presence the past 6 months at the Farm was energizing and inspiring as much good work was done to share the teachings and to open the Ashram again to guests. Swami Narayanananda led the Thursday morning Satsangs linking Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan students with the Yoga Farm and US students. Topics included the Yoga of Listening – very insightful and helpful in working in relationship with others. We also welcomed Savitri to the Ashram to lead the 5-day SYHET Stress Management course. Students joined us in-person for this retreat dedicated to Yoga teachings on stress management and how to build stress resilience. Each student had a personal assessment and received Yoga recommendations based on the 5 Points of Yoga to address any health and lifestyle needs. All the guests were very happy with their stay in the Ashram, including helping set up the Christmas tree and decorate the Yoga Hall. Sadhaka Satyadeva returned from his visit to Arizona to learn about lavender essential oil preparation, and brought back a distiller machine and essential oil from our lavender plants.

As December progressed the Ashram was peaceful and beautiful. Swami Sitaramananda joined us for online Satsang from Vietnam on the topic “Purification”. She talked about 3 impurities and ways how to purify the 5 sheaths. The staff focused on Karma Yoga projects around the Ashram, painting the Vishnu Room and the Radha Krishna Hall in beautiful yellow tones. Energy was put into organizing the linen closets and housekeeping huts as we prepared for the Holiday program. Staff rehearsed a new play for the holiday, “The Story of Valmiki”. We welcomed Swami Sivasankariananda from the LA Centre and Mirabai from the Shojiko Centre in Japan to stay with us for the winter. Staff received booster shots and we tighten our Covid protocol as Omicron virus numbers increased rapidly. Guests joined the Ashram in person and online for a wonderful Holiday Celebration with the theme “Classical Practices for Peaceful Living”. We  were blessed to welcome our special guest teachers, Swamini Svatmavidyananda “Gita verses for Peace”; Brother Rolph Fernandes “Celebration of Christ’s Birth”; Hasu Patel “Nada Yoga for Health and Healing”; Dr. Fred Luskin “Forgiveness” and Uma Reed in person presenting a lovely Kirtan concert. Christmas Eve saw guests and staff enjoying a wonderful feast and Satsang with Christmas Carols and a surprise visit from Santa himself, presenting gifts to all.

We are grateful for this opportunity to serve. May all feel Master and Swamiji’s blessings in 2022. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. Please visit our Online Program page for the latest schedule. https://sivanandabahamas.org/visiting-the-Ashram/Online-program/ We look forward to continuing to add Online programs, courses and guest speakers to our calendar. https://www.sivanandabahamas.org/travel-update/

December 2021 in the Bahamas: Much progress was made in the preparations for reopening of the Ashram on December 14th. The Garden Platform was set up for Satsangs, Christmas decorations started to go up, and room renovations continued in earnest.

We happily reopened to Yoga Vacation guests after nearly two years of closure. On December 14th, 18 intrepid guests arrived by boat and by beach to join us for Satsangs, yoga classes, meals, and workshops. Guest numbers grew steadily to nearly 100 guests in the Ashram for the Holidays. Everyone adapted well to the safety protocols. The participation in workshops and Satsangs was strong. A dedicated group of vacationers sat with the priest every evening in the main Temple for the Gita Parayana. We had a beautiful Christmas Eve celebration, with a Nativity enactment, a Puja for Baby Jesus, and festive songs led by the Ashram choir. The Unity in Diversity Christmas Symposium went well, with presentations by Daniel Matt and Sheik Abdul Haqq. We wished everyone a bright and blessed holiday season!

May all be well and may this be an opportunity to turn inward to that which is eternal and ever-free. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we organized several projects like planning for 2022, creating a new brochure, refreshing the website, preparing the boutique for the Christmas retreat and some maintenance projects. Poornima Sreelal and Sreelal Sankar started their online course “Ayurvedic Nutraceuticals”. This course explored the health potential of daily nutrition and will consist of 18 lectures until April 2022. The Sunday morning Mantra workshop was conducted from Reith with stories from the Ramayana and Rama Kirtans. We prepared new online courses on “Health and Hatha Yoga” and “Japa Yoga” which will start in January 2022.  The Austrian government decided to end the lockdown, opening the opportunity for a Christmas and New Year retreat.

Mid December, after the lockdown ended, we prepared the Retreat House for the Christmas programme. We set up and decorated the halls and the beautiful Christmas trees. We experienced inspiring online morning Satsangs with readings from “Bhakti Yoga” by Swami Sivanananda. A new Hatha Yoga course “Asana Experience and Body Awareness” started with detailed asana practice for muscle length. Shanti Kumar Kamlesh finished his online programme “Ayurveda for Women” with lectures on “Ayurveda Advice to Overcome Low Energy and Fatigue” and “How to Improve Your Brain Power and Memory”. His next course will start in January 2022. Swami Santoshananda arrived from Madrid to spend Christmas and New Year with us.

All staff are well and send greetings to all. We pray that all remain healthy and safe in 2022. OM.

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ttp://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. By the Grace of the Masters, all went with the TTC group in early December. Everyone remained healthy and progressed well in the course. We had the last Sivananda Academy lecture of the year with Swami Sivadasananda, continuing on with the study of the Bhagavad Gita. Planning of next year’s course and programme calendar continued. Maintenance of the Ashram huts were completed to be able to accommodate guests for the Christmas programme.

Please accept this invitation to join us for the Unite for a Healthy Planet worldwide meditation – Every 1st Sunday of the month at 2PM Continental European Time, for 30 minutes. https://sivanandaorleans.org/unite-for-a-healthy-planet

The staff were full of gratitude for this opportunity to serve dynamically. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans

Om Namah Sivaya from Da Lat Ashram. In December the Ashram we were very happy to celebrate the initiation of TTC after one month’s delay. 26 students joined us for the initiation, all from Vietnam. For many it had been a challenging journey to finally arrive here and join the course. The first week of study went well. Most of the group joined a long trekking expedition to the nearby forest and mountaintop, they were all very appreciative of the opportunity to spend time in nature on one of their days off. We enjoyed our Satsangs outside with a beautiful bonfire. During the TTC the Ashram was closed to other guests to avoid any unnecessary risk. All staff and students stayed within the Ashram grounds for the month. The weather was beautiful enough to allow us to teach some classes outside on the Yoga Hall terrace. We looked forward to the return of Swami Sitaramananda to Vietnam in December. The staff were busy with preparations for her arrival. Staff were also busy with preparations for the graduation of the 2020 group of SYHET Asia, right after TTC, then the arrival and initiation of the course for the SYHET Asia 2022 group.

Staff were very busy mid month. The TTC group continued with diligence and steady practice through their second week. We were happy to welcome Swami Sitaramananda back to the Ashram, accompanied by Sivakami, returning from the Hanoi Centre. Swamiji had to stay isolated from other staff for 7 days as a precaution after her international travel. Happily she was able to emerge from quarantine on Christmas Day and lead the morning Christmas Satsang with an inspiring message on awareness and transformation. There was also a visit from Santa Claus, bearing many gifts. All were happy to have Swamiji’s presence here again after a long absence. We had also celebrated Christmas Eve with staff singing traditional Christmas carols, performing them beautifully at the evening Satsang.

We were grateful for Guru’s grace during these challenging times. Om.

www.sivanandayogavietnam.org/

Om Namah Sivaya. Namaste. Praying to Masters to bless us so that we continue on this selfless path.

We continued to offer classes, courses & programs online. Details regarding this can be found at https://sivananda.org.in/online/Ashram/. 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. May Master and Swamiji bless us with true devotion and blessings be with us all! Pranams. Om.

www.sivananda.org.in/gudur