Gurugram December 2022 | Preface

The year is already coming to an end, and it is a good time to reflect on the lessons it brought, to learn and grow from them and move forward on our path with renewed determination. Swami Sivananda said that at the end of the year, one should take the inventory of one’s actions, reflect what qualities have been developed, and check whether our mind has become more balanced. He invites us to study the balance sheet of our karma.
As the world continues to move through great challenges, staying firmly established in our practice, positive and free from fear feels essential. Remaining calm and steady will help keep others around us do the same.
The Ashrams and Centres continue to be places of light and warmth In the midst of the storm.
The power and depth of the teachings of the great Rishis and sages are shining like lighthouses and we can only be eternally grateful to them that they felt responsible to keep the tradition alive. Their teachings sound more modern and relevant to today’s world than ever.
As the happy time of Christmas and New Year is coming close, we send our best wishes for a warm and peaceful celebration with family and friends.
May we share the joy of being together and giving each other support and love.

OM and prem
Swami Kailasananda for the Acharyas of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.

To view all 2022-2023 TTC/ATTC/SI courses on the Sivananda website: https://sivananda.org/teachers-training/programme-calendar/

Join us for the monthly Sivananda “Meditation for a Peaceful Planet” on Sunday December 4th 2022 at 2pm CET. Check our website for information. https://sivanandaorleans.org/unite-for-a-healthy-planet

Donations: Your donations and financial support would be very gratefully received by any of the International Sivananda Yoga Centres and Ashrams. Please contact any Sivananda Ashram or Centre on how to proceed.

This marvellous world is a great university of wisdom. Learn your lessons and become wise. – Sri Swami Sivananda

2022 — 2023 Update

SIVANANDA YOGA Teachers’ Training Courses are available both Online (TTCOL) and in-person in residence. Please check with each TTC/ATTC location for any TTCOLs.
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 2022-2023 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/

A luxury of today becomes a necessity of tomorrow. – Sri Swami Sivananda

From Discourse IV: “Kaivalya Pada – On Realisation”

IV.3 nimittam aprayojakaṃ prakr̥tīnāṃ varaṇa-bhedas tu tataḥ kṣetrikavat
An apparent cause is not necessarily instrumental in bringing about natural tendencies; it only removes obstacles, as a farmer (clears some stones to create an irrigation passageway).

IV.4 nirmāṇa-cittāny asmitā-mātrāt
Minds are created only from egotism.

Commentary:
The mind is not the Self. It proceeds out of ego, or separation from the Self, and must be transcended to return to the Self.

The longing to attain an ideal dies if no effort is made. – Sri Swami Sivananda

Chapter VI: The Yoga of Meditation

VI.18 yadā viniyataṁ cittam ātmany evāvatiṣṭhate
niḥspṛihaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ity ucyate tadā

When the perfectly controlled mind rests in the Self only, free from longing for the objects of desire, then it is said: ‘He is united’.

Commentary:
Perfectly controlled mind: the mind that has been rendered one-pointed.

When all desires for the objects of pleasure (seen or unseen) die, the mind becomes very peaceful and rests steadily in the Self. As the yogi is perfectly harmonised, as he has attained oneness with the Self, and as he has become identical with It, sense phenomena and bodily afflictions do not disturb him. He is conscious of his immortal, imperishable and invincible nature.
Yukta: united (with the Self); harmonised or balanced.

Without union with the Self neither harmony nor balance nor Samadhi is possible (Cf. V.23; VI.8).

Self-effort is necessary for the attainment of God-realisation. – Sri Swami Sivananda