Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. An inspired group joined for a weekend course on thought power. It was mainly new students and it was their first course on this topic and they all enjoyed it very much. Despite really high temperatures we had a group of inspired students for the Open House this month and well visited classes and Satsang. We had a small seminar for preparation for TTC. Many of the morning and evening classes could take place outside, students really enjoyed the atmosphere there. We worked on the advertisement for the upcoming retreat and TTC Poland. More registrations came in for both courses. Several deep cleaning projects were done before the summer vacation. The Centre was well supported by the help of dedicated Karma Yogis for Boutique and other tasks. On Jube 14 in the morning at we had a beautiful Puja for Swami Sivanandas Mahasamadhi. A small group of close students and teachers participated. The Altar was nicely decorated, we had many flowers and delicious Prasad. Mantra chanting was very powerful. We finished with a short reading about Swami Sivananandas last days of life of the Sivananda Upanishad. Olga Mandodari Sokolova was with us this month, her program was very informative and inspiring. Especially the little meditation house (Vimana) she constructed according to Vastu was put together and all students from the lecture were able to sit in it and feel the energy. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Hello from Buenos Aires. In early July regular classes and activities coninued as usual. Swami Dayananda traveled to Canada to attend the TTC refresher. We said goodbye Paola, a temporary staff, who was 6 months with us. We started a meditation course with 7 students. We also had an Open House, with 12 participants. One Sunday we did not have our regular class because it was a voting day, but we had the regular Satsang. Om & Prem!!! Om Shanti to All!

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves. In early July our regular classes were conducted smoothly. We are getting more registrations for beginners course after International Yoga Day. One more new staff Nikita, from Mumbai, joined our Centre for karma yoga. She has completed TTC in April (Neyyardam). We started a morning beginners’ course on 6th July and a weekend beginners on the 11th July with the total number of 50 students. The number of private lessons increased, teaching around 25 lessons a week now. We ran regular maintenance works on the premises, fixing furniture and fixing our water supply system. As part of our mosquito free project, we planned to assemble mosquito screens and nets in the whole Centre building, covering all windows on all floors. The rest of activities in the Centre were carried out as usual.

In mid-July we started 2 ladies beginners’ courses, with a total number of 19 students. On 14 July we organized a celebration of Swami Sivanandaji Mahasamadhi with the following program: morning Satsang and chanting with flower offering; a special fest lunch organized for the staff members; conclusion with Satsang, chanting, flower offering to the Swamiji and the offering of special parsed to staff. On the 17th, the beginning of Tamil month (Adi Masam), we performed a Ganapathy Homa were all students and staffs participated and benefited. We conducted a one day retreat in our Centre, organized and based on the normal Ashram schedule. 15 Students participated in the retreat, taking part in Satsang, yoga classes, lectures and doing karma yoga. We received very positive feedback from our guests and intended to organize such retreats on a regular basis. One of our staff members Nikitha left the Centre due to a family medical emergency. We prayed for her mother’s speedy recovery. The rest of the activities in the Centre carried on as usual, staff members are performing their karma yoga activities efficiently and productively. With Blessings of God and Masters everything is fine here. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July Ishwara arrived from the Ranch and started to settle in right away, learning more of the administrative aspects of running a city yoga centre. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali course and the Positive Thinking Part 4 course each came to an end, and a new Yoga 2 course began. Lalita Chaitanya left for the Ranch for a longer stay, Siddhi left to return to Finland for a few months, and Ishwara will be looking after the Centre for the summer. The Centre remained open for its regular schedule over the July 4th holiday weekend. The new brochure arrived. Two new courses started: Positive Thinking and Yoga 1. They are off to a good start, and by the grace of the Gurus, students seem happy, inspired, and steady in their practice.

In mid-July, by the Grace of the Gurus, all went well. The weather continued to be unusual for summer seems, with many rainy, chilly days followed by an occasional hot and stuffy day. Class attendance was a little higher. Yoga 1, Yoga 2, and Positive Thinking courses continued to go well. The students seem pleased and inspired in their practice. Staff are well and send pranams to all. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

OM Namah Sivaya. In early July many residents came to the Centre to learn about spiritual life. They come from many different countries around the world: Netherlands, America, Australia, Ireland, UK, and Vietnam. We, staffs and residents felt full of Prana flowing up within us. We did a Puja ceremony to commemorate our master – Swami Sivananda (July14). All the residents were very happy enjoying Puja. We, the staff spent an hour chanting OM NAMO BHAGAVATE SIVANANDA. We felt Gurus’s grace always with us.

During mid-July we were inspired to see many residents serious about spiritual growth and a yoga life style in the Centre. They all come from many different parts of the world: Netherlands, Japan, Australia, England. The garden project has resulted in the beautiful green vegetarian food in the garden. Our resident who is from Japan, showed everyone how to make sushi, miso soup, and Taboki. It was very successful with the participation of many residents, everyone was very happy learning making Japanese food. The Centre is now well known as a healthy Spiritual place in town. We all feel the blessing of Guru around. Pranams.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya!! In early July we started with two beginners’ course one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. Kapoorji and Abeba came back from Jammu after conducting Healthy living through Yoga and Pranayama workshop for power grid employees at their employee development Centre. The Sunday Satsang was attended by good no. of people(staffs, teachers, students and others) and it was motivating and energizing as usual.
We started a Foundation to Meditation course on Wednesdays. Good number of students were registered for the 3 week course. We started an intensive weekend beginners’ course on Saturdays. Kapoorji left to Canada. We are expecting him back at the beginning of August. It was raining almost the whole day on weekends and the weather improved a little.
In mid-July we started with two beginners’ course one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm with good no. of students. On the morning of the 14th, until 12:00pm, we (staffs in turn) chanted ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya’ in remembrance of Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadi. The energy was very beneficial for all of us and for the Centre. We conducted our regular Sunday Satsangs, well attended by good number of people who devoted their time to recharge themselves and to get the blessing from the Gurus. The Satsang also helps to maintain the Centre energy. We are getting rains and the weather is improving. The regular schedules in the Centre is going well with the blessings of the Masters. All the usual activities in Centre is going smoothly with the Grace of the Masters. Om and pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July, by the grace of the Lord and the blessings of Gurudev all’s well at the Centre. 2 beginner courses morning and evening started as usual along with a weekend beginner course that started on the 4th of July, and the meditation course ended on the 5th. The weather is the same, but we expect rains. Besides that we did some changes near the reception, we got a granite altar made for Lord Krishna’s murti. we ended with a Satsang.

In mid-July, by the Grace of the Lord and the blessings of Gurudev all’s well at the Centre. We started two new beginner courses. On the 14th of July, was a special day, we celebrated Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi. We had special Surya Namaskar class at 6 a.m. , followed by Havan at 8 a.m. We held a free advance class at 10:00am, and enjoyed refreshments soon after. And began preparations for our class with the kids from “My Angels Academy”. The class ended at 6 p.m. after which we had the pleasure of serving the kids and our members during the bhandara at 6:30 p.m. It was a day well spent, the kids came with lot of positive energy and good vibes. The entire program ended at around 9:00 pm, before we all retired to bed. Regular activities continued to run smoothly, along with Satsangs. Hope all are happy and doing well. Om Namah Sivaya. Love and Light. Staff are well. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. The Centre was prepared for the summer closure during which we have a reduced schedule of 4 classes per week. They are taught by close teachers and are much appreciated by the students. Staff left for the Retreat House in Reith and for the Centre in Munich to recharge and to support the summer programs. The Centre is closed for the summer. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

In early July Hochiminh Centre was full of Prana. We welcomed back the senior staff Swami Pranavananda (yoga farm) and Mirabai ( Japan). The courses were running well, as we started new courses of Yoga 1, Yoga 2, Kid Yoga with good number of students. The Open Class became so popular that we did’t have enough room to fit all the students. With that urgent need for more space for class we renovated the Meditation room to make it bigger , removing the 2 bathrooms to make a big room for asana class and Satsang. We held a very successful Open House with more than 20 people showing up and they signed up for the upcoming courses. The energy is very high and we feel peace at the Centre by the blessing of our master and Guru. We we had the highest student count ever in this Centre, after a very successful Open House, with many new students coming for new Yoga 1 and Meditation courses. We have almost completed a major remodelling of the meditation room on the second floor. We removed two bathrooms, which leaves a very large room for asana class and Satsang. This room is ideal, as it is only one flight of stairs up from the entrance, and very quiet and beautiful with large windows and a nice balcony with plants and a space for sitting outside. As usual here, the students were very cooperative and agreeable to attending classes packed into the other three levels of the Centre, even with the prenatal class held outside on the third floor terrace! Parking was another challenge, as one evening we had 50 motorcycles here at once, and we are planning to rent additional parking at a nearby house. We had well-attended “Yoga for Back Pain”, and “Yoga for Heathy Skin” workshops.

During mid-July we had nearly record attendance in the open classes and courses, and we finished two Yoga 2 courses, which will now become one Yoga 3. We said goodbye and thank you to Mirabai, who was here for one year as staff and will now be staff in the Tokyo Centre. We had a wonderful Mahasamadhi celebration, with many graduates of the Dalat TTC coming for Puja and high-energy chanting. We completed the renovation of the second floor meditation room, with all staff helping to clean up and restore the room for Satsangs and asana classes. We held two weekend workshops: “How to Add Protein to a Vegetarian Diet” taught by Sita and “How to Control of Blood Sugar” taught by Mary.

Om Namah Sivaya. The TTC went very well, everyone passed the exam and the graduation day was blessed with beautiful sunny weather. The ceremony ended with an Indian feast and students lent a helping hand to organise the Centre for the return to the normal teaching schedule after their departure. We had inspiring Satsangs, classes and lectures, and also silent walks along the Thames. Angela Hope-Murray gave a lecture on Ayurveda and an Ayurvedic cooking workshop, her programme was well received by TTCs and Centre students. We are actively promoting the public yoga class in the nearby park as well as the summer retreat in Snowdonia. We were happy to welcome Swami Keshavananda who came to coordinate and prepare the Centre for the start of the renovations. With the help of many helping hands and much dedication, the middle house was fully emptied for construction. Drs Kulkarni arrived to deliver a 5 day Ayurveda programme which included lectures and two cooking workshops. All the events were well received by the student. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! In early July everything ran smoothly at the Centre as we are attracting more younger students since the arrival of new TTC graduate, Jayanti, as staff! We held a Devi Puja during a Sunday night Satsang, plus an Open House. Swami Omkarananda has started a summer school series on Interspirituality and Yoga which she is teaching at the local Episcopal church as well as at the Yoga Centre.

In mid-July the Centre had a very successful weekend of teachings about Vedic astrology with Komilla Sutton, who visited the Centre for the Vedic weekend. The focus was on Saturn and many people were reassured about how to work with the influence of Saturn’s energy in the lives. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! It has been a quieter month. We had several beginners’ courses, one intensive weekend. We had the visit of Marilyn Rossner. She accompanied us during the evening Satsang. Some people had the opportunity to hear messages from deceased relatives. During the conference she spoke about her experiences with Swami Vishnudevananda, also about the effect of drugs and the power of Yoga. Gopala completed a course on concentration and meditation.
Since July 15 the Centre is running on the reduced summer schedule. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July we started two new yoga beginner course at 4 pm and 6.30pm with sufficient no of students. After conducting a free workshop for Aravind Eye Hospital Doctors nurses and staff we started a course for their Doctors where 15 Doctors join in first batch. We hoping to cover full target group in the Hospital. We put a boutique in a nearby park for two hours one Sunday morning where we sold Yoga mats, T shirts and books. At the same time the Centre’s activity schedule was distributed to all.

In mid-July we started with two new Yoga beginner course at 4 Pm for ladies and mix batch at 6.30 Pm. On Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi day, we had Homas, Puja and special Satsang which was attended by students and public. We had often rain which was quite relief from Madurai city heat. Classes in the Centre and out side going well with grace of Gurus. All are fine in Centre with grace of God and blessings of Gurus. Staffs are conveying their Pranams to one and all.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July we had a lot of work in the Centre since the girl in charge of cleaning is not coming, so this is a good opportunity to work and get warm cleaning the Montevideo Centre on this cold winter. Although there were fewer activities the Centre had a beautiful time, with good turnout of students. Pregnant, elderly, children and regular classes developed normally. The trial class was an excellent opportunity for some people interested in coming to beginner courses. Devotional chanting course started with much enthusiasm and good predisposition of the students. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Beginners Courses started with many students registered. The energy was very positive.
Many people came to the Free Yoga Class. Some students signed up to the next beginner’s course. The rest of the regular classes, elderly, pregnant and children developed normally.

In mid-July Winter installed in Montevideo, with low temperatures (15 to 5 C) and blue sky. We began a Devotional singing course. We delighted with the harmonious voices and the enthusiastic teacher, who prepared with love the program. Three beginners courses started with full capacity. Kanti Devi and Chandra offered a beautiful Pooja to commemorate Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi. During mid July’s holiday in Uruguay, Kanti Devi, Chandra and Nirmala were doing intense karma Yoga at the Centre, cleaning the kitchen and meditation room. Rest of the activities run normally. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Montreal. In early July classes continued well. Courses and workshops slowed down for the summer. The free community class in the park is growing, on Saturdays. In total 40 people attended. Many new and younger faces participated, it was a peaceful class and the students were pleased to practice in the outdoors. A new teacher has been trained, and will be giving the class for the duration of the summer. The Centre was closed for Canada day. We saw some the regular children from children’s class head to the Ashram for kids camp. Also, regular teachers heading to the Ashram for the TTC refresher. We’re sure that they will benefit from their time at the camp and gain further inspiration, and bring some of that energy back to the Centre. The TTC refresher concluded at the camp 9 teachers from the Centre attended, they found much inspiration in their time away. A few of the teachers will plan and hold a workshop for all teachers at the Centre in September, to draw out the teachings so everyone can learn parts of what they experienced. We were pleased to welcome Swami Sankarananda ji for Satsang and to teach the open class, accompanied by Nagaraj ji, Lalita Chaitanya ji and Ganga from the Vietnam Centre, who were at the camp. Many students, teachers and karma yogis attended. The Sunday prayers were beautiful with a high vibration, most people stayed for the meal after spending time connecting with one another.

In mid-July our classes are continuing well. Ganga, from the Vietnam, stayed at the Centre for a few days, she arrived with a cheerful and relaxed energy. A small morning Puja was conducted for Masters Mahasamadhi. Swami Sankarananda ji came for Satsang and to teach the open class one Sunday. There was a warm welcome from all. A team of 18 karma yogis were organised by Chandrika a long term teacher at the Centre. Their role was to separate the garbage from recycling for Kaavadi, their efforts were greatly appreciated and it was a good contribution to the event. Om Namah Sivaya!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. End of June we had an Ayurveda and Nutrition special program with Ayurveda Acharya S.K. Kamlesh from Lucknow, North India. It started with an introductory lecture on Ayurveda and a big cooking class on the following day. Participants enjoyed it very much and were impressed to see that delicious dishes can also be cooked in quite a short time. We also started a Raja Yoga course, had an Open House and a further teachers training day with the topic “Teaching and Practicing Advanced Asanas”. The weather was very warm but thanks to the good location of the Centre (with most windows going to the North side) and the air-condition in our yoga hall we could offer “well tempered” rooms to our students. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In early July after having enjoyed an inspiring weekend at the Yoga Ranch we were happy to come back and reopen the Centre for evening classes. Regarding courses and classes there was nothing much unusual apart from the new Yoga 2 course on Tuesdays and the Deaf Yoga class on Saturdays. The Uruguayan staff Sofia left us after having spent two weeks at the Centre. We appreciate her great support and dedication. The Ashram staff Radha and Ricky came down to help us get the Centre ready for the special Satsang with Swami Swaroopananda ji from Bahamas. Next day arrangements started very early and around late afternoon time we welcomed the special crew that also included Swami Premaswaroopananda ji, Swami Hridyananda ji, Rukmini, Jnaneshwari and Kumari. They all came down from the Yoga Ranch in the van driven by Mahadev Chaitanya. Later on Kamala Chaitanya and Gopi also arrived from the Ashram and we ended up having a full house for the evening meet-up. Swami ji’s Satsang was as usual full of energy and great humor and inspiration. All staff, students and visitors had to squeeze in the Sivananda room to be able to partake in this special occasion. The Centre was vibrating with lot of energy and after 2 hours of Satsang we all concluded the event with the traditional vegetarian soup that was served downstairs by the kitchen area.
It was definitely a special event and still we have many more special Satsangs to come as the Centre will be pretty visited in July by different senior staff of the organization. How blessed we are!

In mid-July the temperature in New York city has been picking up considerably these days making the AC a necessity for our yoga classes. Drop-in sessions and courses are going on very well and the staff and karma yogis have been working hard to keep the Centre nice and clean. Our Bahamian guests went back to the Yoga Ranch after having spent a night in the Centre. It was very inspiring to be around them and we really hope they come back to visit us soon. We welcomed Swami Narayanananda who came down from the Ranch to continue with the Meditation program. In the evening Swami ji led a Satsang imbibed with his particular charisma and wisdom. Ishwar, from Colombia, arrived to stay with us for a few days before heading up to the Ashram to join the Yoga for Children Training Course. She was a staff at the Centre last year and we really enjoyed having her around again. Swami Hridyananda came down from the Ranch to give a Satsang on the topic of emotions. She pointed out the beautiful way New Yorkers chant our Kirtans and it ended up being a beautiful night full of laughters and inspiration. It was again a very special time and we keep gearing up for the arrival of more Swamis and guests who are coming to visit us soon. Just one more thing… Our beloved furry friend Rama was taken to the vet for his annual check up and guess what? He is a super healthy cat! In Om and Prem.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of the month Swami Gopalananda went to the Ashram to support an ATTC and TTC there. We received many special visitors who gave lectures, talks, Satsangs, Pujas’, courses and who uplifted the Centre. The Masters sent enough help to support the running of the Centre and the Swami Kailasananda came for an uplifting two day programme. She gave two beautiful asana classes and an inspiring Satsang. Swamiji came also once a week to give beautiful and inspiring Satsangs. Everyone appreciated Swamiji’s presence, her weekly visits gave us the prana for many days. The south Indian priest Yagneshwara Dixit performed some Pujas’ for the staff and gave a talk on the The Ayurvedic Acharyas Sanjai and Anjani Kulkarni gave an ayurvedic four day course. The participants of the course appreciated the exquisite food and the deep knowledge that they generously shared. The psychologist specialist on sleep Rubin Naiman gave an interesting lecture on: The Yoga of sleep. Olga Sokolova gave an inspiring introduction of Vastu Shastra in an evening Satsang. She gave also a workshop on the topic of sacred spaces. We all enjoyed the lecture and the experience of Vimana, a
On The 14ths of July bank holiday in France, we had a Beautiful Celebration of Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi. Many close students, teachers and karma yogis came to the Puja. There was a meditative mood with the mantras and cheerfulness with the Guru Kirtans. Colorful flowers. This month a Meditation course started with a motivated group of 11 students. We had workshops on the topics of yoga at work, concentration, headstand and meditation. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. In early July we had a very strong cold here in Porto Alegre, the winter arrived. We finished a Yoga 1 and Yoga 2. We worked a lot in the diffusion with the brochures. We also had a lot of rain here at Porto Alegre Centre, it looks like the Indian monsoons. We started a Yoga 1 on Mondays with 7 students. Prakasha from Rio arrived and helped with shopping and cleaning. Pranams to the Sivananda Family.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, from the Rome Centre! During mid-July Rome’s temperatures increased and we cancelled the classes during lunch time. Some teachers went for holidays and Markandeya, a teacher from Milan, came to the Centre to help for a few days. Karma yogis stepped in and helped with the needed preparations for TTC and Yoga Vacations. Students from the Centre appreciated a Saturday morning class at the park. Om and prem. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early July four new TTC grads have graduated from assisting to teaching a full class. We welcome them to the teaching schedule. Another Yoga 1 course started with 11 students. Sankari Chaitanya spent the July holiday weekend at the Yoga Farm. The long weekend attendance was quiet at the Centre until Mahadeva was pleasantly surprised by seven students that Sunday morning. Our private student has signed up for three classes a week for another month. We are being featured on ClassPass—a monthly membership to a large network of fitness studios—and have received our first reservation. We are also running a Groupon promotion for yoga classes. A group of 15 underserved middle school students in a summer fitness camp visited the Centre for a short yoga class, Q&A session and cookies. In lieu of an Open House this month, we offered a community class with a simultaneous kids class on a Saturday afternoon and served a simple meal afterwards. It was a sweet event. We are pulling specific details together on our upcoming renovation.

In mid-July our Puja for Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi was sweet. We had our first six reservations from ClassPass fitness card holders. They were very receptive. We had a good turnout for our Hip Opening Workshop. Demolition has begun on our bathrooms. Gajananam spoke at one of our Sunday Satsangs, speaking on the path of connecting to the Divine. The lesson culminated in chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya, from the Tel Aviv Centre! In early July the intense work of several weeks of renovations reached its culmination. The Centre looks very satvic and welcoming and we are ready for the visit of Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema Swaroopananda and their helpers. Many courses opened with nice numbers. We started a Yoga 2 on Sundays with 18 participants, and a Monday Yoga 1 with 18 students plus a meditation course with 22 students. For the Yoga 3 on Tuesdays, 12 students enrolled plus, 14 students enrolled for Meditation 2. Narayan, from the Yoga Retreat, landed in Israel and came to join us in the Centre for the next 6 months. Her integration in the Centre was perfect and immediate and her assistance is of a great help. One weekend we held a beautiful Kirtan Night with Narayan Jyoti and friends with 50 participants. Everyone were really uplifted and inspired. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

In early July cloudy days with occasional rain continued due to the wet season called “Tsuyu” . The number of students for morning and afternoon classes, easily affected by the weather, were sluggish. However, we had a substantial number of students for the weekend classes and evening classes. One Sunday trial class had 13 participants. On the same day, YOGA 1 course started with 10 new students. Machiko who had been helping ATTC as a translator in Yoga Farm came back to Japan on July 2 and returned to her duty in Tokyo Centre. We saw cloudy skies with occasional rain, then suddenly midsummer started. As the weather restored, the number of participants to the class increased weekends. We invited Narayani Noriko from Sizuoka for a briefing session of upcoming TTC in Thailand. Eleven participants gathered to join the session, some of them had to travel all the way from the distant part of Japan. They were asking various questions about TTC and the session went on successfully.

Mid- July Mariko, who came back to Japan after completing her 3 months karma yoga duty in Yoga Retreat joined us as a full time staff. However, after stayed for 4 days, she had to return home due to her health condition. She was willing to come back to Tokyo Centre when her health condition restored. We held a program called “Sitar Yoga” which combined asana class with live performance of Sitar. The program was fully booked and all participants seemed to enjoy this unique opportunity under the candle lights.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July the weather was quite warm, but we could see the student attendance was normal. We had good registrations for the beginners classes. Origin & Evolution of Yoga workshop was conducted by Ram Vakkalanka with 2 participants. Cancelled Raw food as we had only 2 registrations. Vyasa & Gowri were here from the Ashram with their grand daughter Camila visiting Toronto. Tejas is here from India and the Ashram staying a few days to get himself oriented with Toronto before he settles down here.

In mid-July a Yoga 2 was started. The weather continued to be warm, All were enjoying the weather, A few teachers went to the Camp for the TTC refresher course and came back with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, they are looking forward to teaching the classes and courses with all they have learnt newly. The Indian sweets and Prasad workshop was cancelled as no one signed up. Durairaj went the Ashram to attend the Kavaadi festival. Sushila, director of the Montreal Centre was in Toronto and was there to lead Satsang. We do have the regular and a few new students coming for Satsang every week. A few regular students attending the morning Satsang too. Blessings and Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya! Pranams to all. In early July the increased number of students is still going strong. The current ladies and evening beginners’ batches successfully completed their courses. Open and Kids classes went well. We have purchased provisions for the month. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest. Two new Karma Yogi’s, Sita and Anoop from the NeyyarDam Ashram joined the Centre. Satsang was led by Kalyani ji. A new beginners’ batch started for ladies on Monday mornings and a mixed beginners’ batch in the evening. The numbers of students for both the batches are good. The current early morning beginners’ batch completed. As usual Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest. Students were introduced to the practices of Jala Neti and Sutra Neti in a Kriya Workshop. A Sunday Satsang was led by Sri. Nataraj ji.

In mid-July a new Monday beginners’ batch started with good registration numbers. All other classes also went well. Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi Pooja was conducted. Around 120 people attended the Pooja and breakfast was served to all. One Friday, along with Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja, we had also conducted Ganapathy Homa as it was the first day of the new Malayalam month. A Meditation Workshop was conducted one Sunday evening. Satsang was led by Ravi ji. The staff and teachers are well. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi!

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. The month started with a the continuation of the special program with Ayurveda Acharya Shanti Kumar Kamlesh. He gave a second, interesting talk on Ayurveda which was well attended and which inspired the listeners to take further steps towards a more healthy diet. Highlight was the big Ayurvedic cooking course. Staffs had set up a cooking platform and heating plates etc. in the yoga hall for the cooking demonstrations. Although the room temperature was over 30°C and it was the first summer holiday weekend many students came and received comprehensive knowledge and tips for their personal cooking practice. The dishes were delicious and everybody left the Centre satisfied. This month our yoga in the park started again as we have it every year during the summer vacation period. It is an outdoor drop in class in the nearby park belonging to the Schwarzenberg Palace. The classes were peaceful and calm in the shade of the mighty sycamore trees. We also had a school class of 17 year old youngsters coming for an introduction into Yoga. They made their first asana-experience in a gentle Yoga class, had an Introduction into meditation and we also served a yogic vegetarian snack – some nicely spiced dhal-vegetable soup. They were deeply impressed by their yoga experience and by the peaceful and loving atmosphere in the Centre. After their vacation is over, they want to come again. The Centre is still blessed to host the Indian priest who is doing morning Puja every day in the Temple room. Many Karma Yogis are supporting the Centre, the energy in the Centre feels dynamic and full of love. A nice group of students came for the Mahasamadhi Puja in honour of Swami Sivananda. We all enjoyed the peace and stillness of dawn and everyone was uplifted and recharged by the vigorously recited mantras. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius