Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya from the Yoga Camp! March came in like a lamb at the Yoga Camp this week. The Level 2 Thai Yoga Massage students successfully finished their intensive course, and after a warm graduation ceremony, Bhaskara, Chloe, Christian, France, and Martin have left with vast experience and keenness to both take the Level 3 and 4 courses, and to begin practicing in the “outside” world! As the temperatures gradually rose, what looked like what would be a fairly quiet week-end retreat for about a dozen guests ended in quite a surprise with many extra unexpected reservations, and several walk-ins last minute. We also had a number of families, all of whom had met at Kids Camp this past summer, and had stayed in touch since then. With a reduced staff, what with two staff members at the nearby Montreal Centre, the Ashram staff was bustlingly busy all week-end! The camp felt charmingly rejuvenated with the additional number of guests, and having several young children brought great prana, joy, and light to the camp. Also wonderful were the hints of spring, with guests tobogganing and snowshoeing under cloudless blue skies, able to see even a few buds making their way out onto Ashram tree branches. Guests were happily able to take advantage of the Vedic Astrology-themed week-end program, led by Tejas, including one Saturday afternoon workshop and three related Satsang talks. The enlightening and thought-provoking program served as a general introduction to different components of Vedic astrology, namely the charts, signs, houses, planets, and how they all work together, with the very engaged group of guests inquiring with numerous and various questions. A number of guests will remain with us for the next several days, as the mercury climbs closer and closer to above the freezing mark. There has been a lot of staff movement as well! Departing from the Ashram temporarily was Neeti, who will be at the Bahamas Ashram attending the advanced Bhagavad Gita course, returning in April. Also to be missed will be Krishna who, after several months of karma yoga, has gone back home to Toronto. Arriving at the Ashram were several familiar and new staff faces. We happily welcome back Vasishta, who will be at the Ashram until the autumn; Dharma, who will be working on the online registration program over the next few weeks; temporary staff Sangeetha and Bridget, both new to the Sivananda Ashram but very enthusiastic and joyful to be here as staff; and last but not least is Charles, who was keen to come back to the Ashram as work study after attending the Thai Yoga massage course earlier this winter. All new staff are adjusting harmoniously, even to that insistent 5:30AM bell!

During mid-March just when we thought the snow drift mountains all over and around the camp couldn’t possibly get any higher here at the Yoga Camp, we thankfully welcomed spring…with two massive snowstorms! Even apart from the extra shoveling, staff remained busy, taking care of a handful of guests at the Ashram and working on various maintenance and administrative projects. We also finished the painting of the registration building, where guests and some staff stay in single rooms, and we have begun painting the conference room under our beloved Krishna temple. As the week-end approached the tempo began to pick up even more and we equipped for a massive influx of guests. Suzanne Cliche, our local juice fasting retreat leader and organizer, led a 2-Day Juice Fast and Detoxification, with more registered participants than ever before. Graciously going over the usual 40-person cap, she led 41 guests and 2 visitors participating in the fast, most of whom were completely new to both fasting and the Ashram. Each available room at the camp was booked, with more guests than even during the Christmas holidays. The week-end held a wonderfully refreshing energy brought by the fasters, “eaters”, former TTCs, and karma yogis. With a variety of cleansing and nutritious vegetable and fruit juices and broth consumed throughout the days (and several guests eating delicious, “regular” meals as well!), all took part in our program, enjoying classes taught by staff and Chandra and Ganga (karma yogis from Montreal), Thai Yoga and Ayurvedic massages, a unique and spirited talk on Hindu deities and mantras by Gauri Devi, and a wonderful Saturday evening Satsang with vibrating and prana-filled kirtan. Most fasters were surprised by their high energy levels, enforced by the high prana at the camp; even our Sunday morning silent walk was well-attended, in spite of the -20 degree temperatures and occasional blowing snow! A couple of guests will be with us as the staff begin to turn our attention to joyfully preparing for the EBM, in order to offer the most warm welcome possible. Staff are also very much looking forward to Swami Shivabhaktananda’s return from his teaching and travels in India. Peace and Pranams to all. Lord Siva’s blessings to all, and may happiness and peace surround you. Salutations to the worldwide family from the Sivananda Headquarters.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early March, the final week of ATTC was filled with high energy and focus on the exam. The guests enjoyed a dynamic Kalaripayattu performance. One Friday a small group went on a trip to Kanya Kumari. On the same day a group of staff made a day trip to Pattamadai, Swami Sivananda’s birthplace. The ATTCs took their exam, had the graduation ceremony and received their certificates. As usual featured some unusual and inspiring presentations including Bharatanatyam dance set to Celtic folk music and a short video about ATTC shot on mobile phone. With the end of the course, we bid farewell to a number of staff who assisted during the course. We thank them for their hard work and dedication. We also welcomed new staff and work study Ilcen from Turkey, Radha from Canada and Ayaka from Japan. Pranams to all Sivananda Staff.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya. With guidance and blessing from Master and Guru, Uttarkashi is functional and operating again, after the floods from 2013. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early March The TTC had the students entering into the third week of their course schedule. All of them are going through a memorable and wonderful phase of their lifes, under the guidance of their teachers to take in and imprint upon their selfs the knowledge imparted by their Gurus. They had their daily routine of lectures, practice classes and the Karma Yoga schedule bringing along an overall change in them. The TTC students were given Mantra initiation by Swami Jnaneshwariyananda and Swami Satchidananda. In the evening on the same day we had rendering of Bhajans by a group from Erode. Their Bhajans were received with huge applause from the audience who were captivated by the charisma of their chanting prowess. The students were taken for the Friday outing to Raameshwaram and Dhanushkoti. They were all in for an enjoyable experience with fun and frolic all along the way. The trip was an ecstatic one for them, elevating their moods to a higher level of happiness and contentment. The Saturday Talent Show was presented to a sizeable audience enthralled by the show, receiving the performances with awe and delight. The Yoga vacation program had the students having a grand time interacting with all and our new budding teachers sharing with them their TTC experiences. The daily schedule at the Ashram acting as a catalyst for respite from their usual tensions and worries. Their life here at the Ashram helped them to adopt a changed perception about life and its subtleties. May all of us continue to be satisfied and happy under the blessings of the Almighty and our Masters. Let us all be showered upon by the Lords grace and be protected from all harm.

During mid-March, with the final TTC of this season over, we bade fare-well to the students who left for their homes with their newly found identity as Yoga Teachers, to scale new heights and live up to the expectation of their Teachers making them take pride in their students. They went back taking along with them loads of experiences and lessons to last a lifetime, to aid them in their coming days as Yoga Teachers propagating the ideals and values long established by our Masters. May they be guided upon by our Gurus blessings to inculcate in them the qualities required of a Teacher to bring about peace and solace to the minds of aspiring students. We had the Yoga Vacationers going with their routine of lectures, practice classes and Karma Yoga schedule. They had their minds calmed and relaxed from the usual hustle and bustle of their daily life. They also had memorable and enjoyable time revelling in the quiet and serene atmosphere of the Ashram and its surroundings. With the onset of summer the weather has become seemingly hot , all forgotten under the cool shade and lush green canopy of trees at our Ashram. Saturday Talent Show had scintillating performances by our guests displaying their expertise and skills in singing, dancing, acting and various other entertainment fields. Their show providing the audience with tons of fun and joy was lauded and greatly appreciated by all the viewers. We had a grand happy time at the Ashram by the grace of God. Looking forward to the continued blessings and guidance from the Almighty and our Masters leading us to traverse the right path in times of uncertainty and difficulty, keeping us all away from harm.May Master and Guru be with us all. Peace and Pranams to the Sivananda family.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Greetings from the Yoga Ranch! In early March we celebrated blessed Ishwara’s birthday with a three tiered chocolate cake that signified rising of the lotus from the mud. This set the tone for the following activities, including the successful first week of Teachers’ Training. It is a great group of women and one gentleman who are all creating a strong and calm environment for training. Swami Ambikananda traveled from New York City to teach the chanting class. We all enjoyed having her and her contagious enthusiasm for kirtan very much. Staff members continue to provide excellent service and food for the guests. The weekend program was Yoga and Hiking. The weather finally warmed up a bit and we had with a good number of outdoor enthusiasts in attendance to enjoy the scenic Catskill Mountains. We are looking forward to a busy spring and summer season of programs and many guests.

During mid-March the first TTC of the season brought much additional positive energy to the Ashram. Andrew Faust was a guest speaker for one Tuesday night Satsang. He gave a thorough presentation about Permaculture its benefits and why it is so important. The weather is still a bit cold, but the sun is shining and the snow is melting. We began planting lettuces and have resumed weekly meditation walks in the morning. Padmavati arrived from the New York Centre to teach a weekend Meditation workshop and the “Diet and Nutrition” class for the teachers in training. The Ashram Staff is in good spirits and all are looking forward to getting outdoors as the spring season approaches.Staff are well and send there pranams. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us in 2014.

www.sivanandayogaranch.org/‎

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early March the Yoga Farm welcomed students for the 5-day Beginner Course taught by Priya. The students enjoyed an excellent week of practice and the beautiful Ashram environment full of spring blooms. The Beginners Weekend with Shambu das was a great success with a full house of first-time guests. The weekend included a lovely and peaceful kirtan concert with Angelika.

During mid-March the Yoga Farm welcomed a full-house of guests for the weekend. Many guests are visiting the Ashram for the first time on the Groupon promotion which is reaching out to many who would not ordinarily come to the Ashram. The guests enjoyed talks on Stress and Relaxation led by Tara Durga Devi as well as a morning Gentle Yoga class with emphasis on relaxation. We thank Joann Lutz for a wonderful Yoga Therapy for Trauma course. This course is designed for yoga teachers and therapists and focuses on therapeutic techniques for healing traumas through yoga. Shambu taught the vegetarian cooking course, offering the foundations to yogic cooking for a healthy lifestyle. Om Namo Narayanaya to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early March TTC students completed their second week of studies and are sailing along smoothly. We held a ‘Near Death Experience and Life after Death Conference’. We heard talks by Nathan Katz, professor; Rabbi Arthur Seltzer, teacher of Kabbalah from South Africa; Raymond Moody, author of Life after Life; Samani Unnata Pragya, Jain nun and professor of Jain philosophy and comparative religion; Eben Alexander, neurosurgeon and author of Proof of Heaven. All speakers delivered very interesting and informative talks and the final night there was a panel with all speakers participating and answering questions. Marc Halpern (Dr. Siva) taught Yoga Nidra Teacher Training, a 4-day course, to 26 students. Swami Atmananda, disciple of Swami Sivananda, began his Godly Gossip talks on the 14th. Everyone enjoys his wonderful, seemingly simple stories which teach of the highest truths. Our Satsangs continue to be held on the garden platform (since Christmas) as we are too many for the temple.

During mid-March our Annual Classical Indian Music and Dance Festival concluded March 19 after a truly inspiring four days of superlative musicians and dance. The Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist Certification course with Marc Halpern and Marisa Laursen began on March 17 with 13 students. We enjoyed Russill Paul’s unique blend of sounds in his ‘Yoga of Sound’ program held March 21-22. The First Annual Sivananda Ayurveda Conference “The Healing Side of Yoga” began on March 23 with an introduction by Marc Halpern who organized the event. Staff are well and send lots of Prem. Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. End of February we celebrated the Sivaratri night and all guests participated with full enthusiasm. The Pujas and mantra chanting created a strong and supportive energy which could still be felt the next few days. We had a serious group of guests. Due to their special interest in meditation we did tratak in the morning Satsangs and likitha japa at night. We had the joy of Swami Atmaramananda visiting the Retreat House for a few days. Guests and staff enjoyed Swamijis Satsangs a lot especially the stories about Swami Vishnudevanandas life and peace mission. We received a set of new pictures of the Masters for the Ganesha hall and the altar looks again very bright. The mellow weather allowed us to have some lectures outside on the platform. A major event was the fresh painting of the Ganesha hall and the reception area. The karmayogis worked tirelessly for a few days to have it ready when we ended with the Sunday prayers and a short retelling of the Ramayana. Towards middle of march we went with the yoga vacation guests on an lovely excursion to the Hahnenkamm mountain peak and took some splendid Asana pictures with the mountains as a setting. The Satsangs were full of energetic chanting and clapping. Mira returned from her stay in Berlin and started to give Ayurvedic massage again. We started a Yogic cooking certificate course with 7 participants. Swami Karunananda showed her advanced cooking skills to the delight of everybody. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. The guest programmes of the month focused on the following topics : “Yoga for Well-being in Body and Mind”, the “Power of positive thinking”, and a “Detoxification with yoga” with a one day carrot juice fast and the practice of kriyas which the guests enjoyed very much. We welcome Matthieu, a local resident who took TTC last year as a new teacher at the Ashram. We also welcome Sundari from London as a new staff member at the Ashram. Spring is in the air, some trees are in full bloom already, and the flowers in the Ashram park are starting to come out in a symphony of colours. We are happy about the arrival of of a most beautiful bronze full size statue of Swami Sivananda, carved by a sculptor from Hamburg, Nataraj, with much dedication and talent. He truly captured the presence of the Master in a form. We put the statue at the temple right now, and will install it properly when the priests come. The bathhouse construction is nearly finished now, and will inaugurated by the TTC students in the april TTC. We look forward to the start of the high season soon. Pranams to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans

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