Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya! Greetings from Headquarters. In late June/early July, after finishing the Pongala festival, we headed straight to the Yoga Hall to start the TTC. The Yoga Hall looked beautiful with all the plants and decorations and everything seemed ready for the inauguration. The first days of TTC were blessed with good weather so classes could be held outdoors, which was appreciated by all. Running parallel to the course was the construction of the new roof and deck on the Annapurna building, making it suitable to receive the 70 plus children joining in the 2015 Kids Camp program. The maintenance crew worked hard to conclude the project and get the area clean for when the Kids Camp staff prepare for the arrival of the children. We hosted a special music program with Sachdev and Swapan Chauduri. They performed a wonderful concert and left everyone speechless with their mastery over their instruments and ability to lift the vibration. We went up to the Subramanya Temple for the flag hoisting ceremony, starting the Subramanya festival, that will culminate on the Kaavadi Chariot Festival on the 19th July. Hundreds of devotees were there and took part on the festivities. The energy was quite high and devotion could be felt and heard. Harohara, Harohara was the common word. Under that sound Lord Muruga was carried by the crowds around the Temple. On that same evening all the Ashram guests, staff and TTCs went up to join in the procession and also partake on the special feast that had been prepared. Fireworks were the icing on the cake to finish the inspiring and energizing day. The following morning we had the Kids Camp inauguration. It was a fantastic scene to see all 74 children and teenagers in uniform, sitting in the Krishna Temple and coming one by one to have the blessings of the Swamis. OM Namo Narayanaya was chanted through the entire ceremony. One could feel the peace and joy of the little ones. We were happy to welcome Swami Sankaranandaji who came from Rome to join us for three weeks. He was a great help in our kitchen and at Satsangs, bringing a lot of joy and devotion to the chants. Also we were fortunate that Swami Sivadasanandaji and Swami Ramapriyanandaji came from Europe for a week, leading the TTC Refresher program and inspiring us with talks, Satsangs, classes and workshops. Radha from Chicago came to add to our guest program team, sharing her knowledge and experience. The staff worked hard as usual, putting their hearts in serving the guests and keeping a Sattvic energy at the Ashram.

In mid-July Yoga Camp was quite hectic with last minute preparations for Kaavadi. We were blessed to have Swami Jnaneswariananda back at the camp for a week long programme called “How To Achieve Spiritual Progress Through Yoga Practice And Philosophy”. Her insightful and jovial personality helped make the teachings understandable and inspiring. We had a beautiful Puja in honour of Master Sivananda’s birthday at Master’s Pond. Kapoorji, the director of the Delhi Centre in Kailash Colony and his wife Sudha arrived to help with the guest programme. Along with Ajanta, they cooked a delicious South-Indian meal for everyone. The staff and karma yogis enjoyed the delicious meal at Samadhi Estates. It was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the dining hall. Everyone was grateful for the tranquil moments to be together. Kids Camp continued to keep up the energy of the Ashram. They were a constant reminder of joy in its simplest form… laughter. TTC students completed their 3rd week successfully. It is wonderful to see them practicing the teaching of each other on the platforms every chance they had. Saraswati, Director of Kids Camp taught the kids’ class to the TTC. Swami Gayatriananda taught them how to teach yoga to elderly students and pregnant women. Once again this year we had the blessing to see and hear the beautiful Bharatanatyam concert with Uma Vasudevan, Vasu Govindarajan and their daughter Swathi. The construction crew ended their work right on time for Kaavadi. The bathrooms got some extra privacy, by way of a dividing partition at the entrance. We had a very beautiful Puja up at the Temple with fireworks attended by many devotees and guest alike. The day of Kaavadi started with rain then cleared up for majority of the day. The musicians added a divine touch with their instruments, keeping the energy high. Devotees were very involved. The process filled them with good vibrations and positive energy. Those who participated in the festivities for the first time were at a loss for words in trying to describe what they were witnessing but enjoyed the truly unique experience of Kaavadi. By the time the deities were brought back to the Temple only a small group remained for the concluding Puja. This year we had a great ECO team from Montreal overseeing the recycling. They arrived early and they set up the entire grounds with giant recycling and garbage containers. The maintenance crew were especially pleased to say that this years’ Kaavadi was so much cleaner than previous years. Staff, TTC students and guests alike enjoyed a late dinner of pizza, watermelon and ice cream, our traditional post Kaavadi surprise! Swami Vishnu always had a vision of uniting people from different walks of life; Kaavadi was a great example of unity in diversity. Pranams to all! Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp/

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early July a new Yoga Vacation started with a modest number of sincere seekers. The weather was very fine, allowing pleasant morning silent walks. We started offering yoga classes at the nearby Kerala Institute of Cooperative Management for their students and staff with 4 Sivananda teachers. About forty five people attended. We bid adieu to Srinivas ji and his wife Kumuda. Srinivas ji has been here for a month giving classes to guests and staff on Bhagavad Gita and Sanskrit. We will miss his valuable input. Despite the low season, staff and guests have kept busy with various activities. Staff and guests worked together as a group karma yoga to move fire wood from the valley to the kitchen. A group of Japanese students have been very grateful for Chika’s translation during Satsangs and lectures. Staff continued with daily Om Namo Narayanaya chanting and new teachers classes. Construction work continued with renovation of the office passage and SIH kitchen. Anup and Sivadeep transferred to Trivandrum Centre.

In mid-July we offered Master’s Mahasamadhi celebration. The day started in the early hours as many patients arrived early to receive tokens to attend the medical camp. In the Ashram we celebrated with special Pooja and Abhishekam of Master’s idol statue, performed by Aji Shanti and assistant. Staff and guests were touched by the ritual. A Kerala feast was served at 10am. As usual Medical Camp was well attended, with over 1000 patients with Gurus’ blessings. We were happy to welcome Abhinav, a Dwarka teacher, for a weekend. He devoted his time to creating an exhibition on a Google platform called Cultural Institutes. We now have a contract to display our activities in India. Rama returned home after finishing his 6 month service here. We wish him well for his future. Staff are conveying their pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya – Greetings from Uttar Kashi. For the month of August we will be offering a TTC at the Ashram. Om Namo Narayanaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early July breezy days began with a free compliment of rains! Interestingly, among our guest this time we have a family of three generations! Grandmother, Daughter and Grand daughter all are experiencing Meenakshi Ashram for the first time as participants of Yoga Vacation course. The guest strength has increased slightly. Weekend kids sessions are on the go. Also as per the request of the guest we have scheduled the evening session to start half an hour earlier for longer practice while in the mornings the 90 min basic class is presented both of which gives our guests a recommended time interval of half an hour before food. On the landscape side, pathway lamp shades are completed and lit up. A new powered lawn mower is in proposal to be purchased for garden maintenance. Staff continued their efforts in various areas of the garden for over an hour every evening after which they all enthusiastically teamed up on the court for a good badminton game. The weekly meeting on garden and landscaping was attended by Engineer Bharathiraja and Sandeep with Ravi sir, who participated through Skype. Tulasi ji from Dual Constructions made an informal visit during which she took the opportunity to inspect the garden, accompanied our Engineer in some garden related shopping then left the next morning to Neyyar Dam. One fine Sunday morning the guests were taken for a long walk to a dried river bed for meditation and chanting. We offered enriching Sunday prayers.

In mid-July a good hike was seen in the guest program. It was quite a special gathering as many of them are recent TTC graduates from different parts of the world coincidentally meeting up at Meenakshi Ashram. Though arrived for yoga vacation they have thoughtfully packed the yellows and whites reliving the tradition at Satsangs through the dress code making it resemble a mini TTC. To add to it, our July Japanese guest Yuko arrived, who always pays a visit at this time of the year to serve for few weeks at the Ashram. July 14th was a very special event in the Sivananda tradition that marked the 52nd anniversary of Swami Sivanandaji’s Mahasamadhi. Special Satsang and Guru Pada Pooja was organized in the Temple on that beautiful morning after which staff took turns in the chanting marathon of Master’s name in glory and honour. At brunch all staff joined together to serve to the guests a delicious elaborate feast spread over on banana leaf. Early in the evening special prasads were offered to over 50 villagers and towards dusk guests and staff assembled once again in the Temple to conclude the chanting with Arati and prasad. A surprise rain, at conclusion, graced the occasion adding to the auspiciousness. On the garden side, the lawn mower has been purchased and our gardener seem to be highly excited by this new assistant that has encouraged him to mow the bushy lawns in a short span leaving behind a well trimmed landscape now. Also it was very gratifying to taste our own tapioca that was harvested, as “kappa fry” a popular combination for kerala rice kanji in supper that evening. Two more Sivananda teachers, Sajeev and Valentina, arrived for Yoga Vßacation reaffirming a teachers’ vacation week! At one of our talent shows, guests and staff equally rocked the stage. Special applause to Valentina’s Bharatha Natyam session reflecting her ‘Kalakshetra’ training and Sollel, the French musician guest’s beautiful vocal improvisations using our Harmonium instead of her Accordion. Staff took a short break into the city to watch the newsmaker film ‘Bahubali’ and are still spell bound.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namo Narayanaya. Greetings from the Yoga Ranch. In early July the Staff really pitched in and worked very hard keeping the Ashram maintained and running well. We transitioned into the new month with far fewer staff then we had in June and going into a far busier time of year. Lalita Chaitanya arrived from Chicago to spend the next several months at the Ashram, while our staff Iswara, runs the Chicago Centre in her absence. Raghu Rama, former Ashram manager and long time disciple of Swamiji, joined us for a month of karma yoga. The holiday weekend seemed more like a Sivananda Teachers reunion with so many former staff, karma yogis and students arriving! The 4th of July was a busy holiday as always with this year even busier then usual. Gospel and folk singer, Ken Whitely, who’s music communicates themes of freedom, love and spiritual aspiration, gave a performance. The sound of his music filled the entire Ashram and created a sense of joy. With much excitement, we welcomed to the Ashram, Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Prema Swaroopananda with three of their assistants, Rukmini, Jnaneswari and Kumari, arriving from the Bahamas. It has been several years since they’ve made a visit to the Ranch and we were very happy to greet them. Srinivasan gave a workshop on Yoga and Permaculture and how the two parallel disciplines embody dharma and healthy living. At a Satsang, Swami Swaroopananda gave an inspiring question and answer program to a full house of spiritual seekers. We held the inauguration of the ATTC and the Permaculture design course. Srininvasan and Swami Swaroopananda both initiated the students. Having two direct disciples of Swami Vishnu at the inauguration was a wonderful honour for all in attendance. Swami Vishnudevananda’s presence was very much felt by all.

In mid-July the second week of ATTC and Permaculture Design course also celebrated the auspicious occasion of Master’s Mahasamadhi. We started the day off with a Puja in the Krishna Temple. It was quite special this year with so many Swamis and staff from Nassau in attendance. Srinivasan, Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema Swaroopananda, Swami Hridayananda, Swami Narayanananda, Mahadev Chaitanya, Lalita Chaitanya, and Shyam all participated in the Puja rituals. Fresh flowers from our gardens adorned the Temple and were made into garlands for the murtis of Master and Swamiji, as well as several delicious prasads. After the beautiful Puja, we made a procession to the Siva Temple as we all chanted “Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya”. At the Siva Temple, more flowers and prasad were offered. We continued with Akanda Kirtan at the Siva Temple until the evening Satsang. Swami Hridayananda taught the week-long program and evening Satsangs on “Yoga and Happiness: Developing Inner Strength Through Yogic Methods”. It was a well-attended program. Participants left with methods on cultivating higher states of mind. Swami Brahmananda arrived from Nassau to teach in ATTC the Vedanta philosophy portion of the course and also lead the evening Satsangs. The topic of one of our weekend programs and Satsangs was on the Four Paths of Yoga. On the ATTC day off, Srinivasan took all the Swamis and senior staff on a hike at Lake Minnawaska. It was a peaceful hike with many breathtaking views of the Shawangunk mountain region. We were inspired and filled with much gratitude and love for Master and Swamiji. Staff are well and maintaining steady practice. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/ranch/

Om Namah Sivaya! In early July the ATTC finished with a graduation feast followed by the graduation ceremony. We thanked all the visiting staff, translators and students. Machiko left to go back to direct the Tokyo Centre. Ganga left for a trip to the Yoga Camp before heading back to direct the Ho Chi Minh Centre. We had a Jyotish beginners course, led by William Surface, which was well attended. We also had the Vedic Mantras and Rituals course taught by Pandit Samavedula. He taught the vedic mantras for Ganesha and Durga. We had a Ganesha Homa with Pandit’ji and Swami Vasishta assisting. Swami Dharmananda returned after 2 weeks in Tokyo Centre. Swami Pranava left to go back as full time staff in Ho Chi Minh Centre. We started the 16th annual Vedic Astrology conference with Komilla Sutton, William Levacy, Sadasiva, and Bill Sinclair. We also had the pleasure of having the visit of CV Anant, a young astrologer from India, whose father is a great Indian astrology Prof. Subramanyan. The conference focused on Conscious Self development and was a great success with Jupiter exalted still at this time. The staff received a well-needed break with a Passing on the Flame retreat, with Swami Sitaramananda, as they refine their teaching skills, receiving direct feedback from Swami Sitaramananda. We also started the Kids Camp preparation on July 10th. We felt the Guru’s blessings.

In mid-July Kids Camp continued, with much excitement. The children got into the Ashram groove with Satsangs, yoga classes, karma yoga, arts and crafts, swimming in the pond, etc… A highlight of the camp was the Yuba River trip which all the children enjoyed immensely. Special guest Angelika came for a visit and performed a musical concert involving the children in the songs and dance. We celebrated Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi with 4 hours of Akhanda Kirtan followed by a Puja in the evening by Swami Vasishtananda. All the children participated by doing Abhishekam to Master Sivananda. Bharata taught a Marma Points course. He taught us how to remove blockages and restore health through these energy centres. After graduating the children from Kids Camp we welcomed many families to the Ashram for Family Week, led by Tara. We are all feeling the blessings of Master and Swamiji. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namah Sivaya from Paradise Island! In early July we bid farewell to Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema Swaroopananda and their assistants Rukmini, Jnaneshwari and Kumari. We had a wonderful and eventful high season. Swami Swaroopananda gave very inspiring teachings. Together Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Prema Swaroopananda supported the Ashram staff. They then travelled to the Yoga Ranch and from there to Israel where they will spend the summer. It was a great week of uplifting vibrations and positive energy. Our TTC students completed their courses and exams. We joyfully celebrated their graduation in the main Temple. We quickly felt the change of pace as the summer season brought warmer temperatures and amazing electric storms. Dr John Beaulieu graced us with five fascinating Satsangs on The Yoga of Sound – discussing the anatomy of sound, cymatics, and using feeling tones for the highest good. In perfect coordination with the TTC mantra initiation, Dr Beaulieu’s group meditations used tuning forks & bija mantras. They were profoundly healing, leaving us all buzzing with inner sound.

In mid-July everyone in the Ashram felt the powerful presence of Swami Sivananda as we celebrated the day of his Mahasamadhi with 12 hours of Akhanda Kirtan in the main Temple. We then enjoyed many delicious varieties of special prasad. Swami Brahmanada gave two inspiring talks on the life and teachings of Swami Sivananda-ji focusing on realizing the immortal soul and finding the truth beyond the dream of the ego, reminding us that even Samadhi is mere a state of the mind and must also be transcended. Our priest Krishan Namboodri & Swami Brahmananda were sent off with loving prayers for their safe and productive travels as they left the Ashram. Swami Brahmananda will join Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Premaswaroopananda and Swami Hridyananda at the Ranch in New York to teach, while Krishna-ji will travel to Canada. We were joined by Meenakshi Angel Honig for a series of lectures and practical workshops on “Yoga for a Healthy Back and Strong Core”. She discussed stress management, the importance of non-violence in the yogic diet and physical practices to strengthen our core muscles as well as our core values & beliefs. Her serene yet passionate voice encouraged and uplifted us and her teachings supported the themes of ahimsa, overcoming anger with forgiveness & cultivating inner peace. Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. After the successful completion of the certificate course Yoga and Trauma Madhavi Birkholm continued a yoga and relaxation week for the guests. Madhavi explained about the latest research on meditation and restorative yoga techniques. The next highlight was the certificate course on Yoga and healing Herbs with Brigitte Addington, a wild herb specialist from Germany. For four days she led the participants on long walks to the surrounding woods and fields. Examination of plants and herbs was combined with informative talks on the history of medicinal and wild plants, the basics of phytotherapy, vitamin-rich dishes and delicious drinks. We had hot summer weather this month with some cooler days in between. Most of the classes could be held on the platform, much to the joy of our guests. In the workshop series every class focused on a different aspect of the yoga class or set of asanas. Several well received workshops on the sun salutation and asanas offered the guests additional personal guidance. Lectures on the topic of ‘In Peace lies strength’ were held. 16 participants arrived for the Certificate Course Accessible Yoga with Jivana Heyman, which we are hosting for the 5th year running. The course got off to a good start with a beautiful inauguration. Jivana also gave two lectures for the vacation guests. He shed a new and inspiring light on the subjects of suffering and death. Chandrika came from Munich and taught a programme on Yoga, Mind and Brain. Some fascinating brain studies were presented that showed that we can directly change the structure of our brain through yoga practices of asanas, pranayama and meditation. Chandrika has a unique gift to translate complex medical matter in simple words. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. Both TTC and ATTC started at the beginning of the month, many of them came with the « Yogi Bus » from Paris ; with them also came Swami Gopalananda, who is teaching the early Pranayama class for the ATTC. Charles came from Geneva to teach the Sanskrit for the ATTC and the Gita to the TTC. The initiation ceremony for both courses began with the usual procession in the Ashram with Mantra chanting to visit the various shrines in the Ashram. Swami Kailasananda gave a nice welcoming address and then the students were presented with their uniforms and manual. After that it was inspiring to hear them tell their motivation to come for the course. The next day the priests performed a Ganapati Homa to invoke the blessing of Lord Ganesha. Soon the students were settling into their rhythm. Yoga classes are being taught according to the different language groups on the Asana platform, the Yoga Hall and the Temple platform, the guests have their classes on the lawn; the weather has been kind to us, there was no rain so far. Angela Hope-Murray gave lectures on Ayurveda. Another guest speaker, Philippe Bobola, physicist and biologist, gave well received and thought provoking lectures on Quantum Physics and Spirituality. Kamala from Australia delivered a series of lectures to the guests on ‘Raja Yoga, the path of self-mastery’. Also this month, we had the certificate course on ‘The Yoga of Sleep’ with guest speaker Dr. Rubin Naiman from Arizona, USA; he gave 2 introductory lectures about the importance of both sound sleep and about becoming aware of the subliminal messages we are getting from our dream-world. Then 20 participants signed up for an interesting 3 days course, called ‘The Yoga of Sleep’. The celebration of Master’s Mahasamadhi on July 14 in the Temple with the 2 priests was a great event! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans