Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! We had a good month. Holiday season has started but many people are still coming very regularly, classes and courses were well visited. Two Yoga 1 courses started, both with inspired groups of students. Satsang participation was also good, many students are coming very regularly once or even twice a week. There were several new people joining the Satsangs and having their first experience in Mantra Chanting and meditation. Several weekend programs took place. Very inspiring was the one day seminar on Pranayama. The two practical classes with focus on Pranayama and the lecture were well received by all. We had a successful cooking course this month, all dishes came out delicious and due to good weather we could eat outside on the platform in the garden. We celebreated Swami Sivanandas Mahasamadhi and Gurupurnima, both by performing a Morning Puja. Close teachers and students joined for the Pujas and the energy of the masters was very present. We continued our regular correction workshops with the active Centre teachers. It was a very focused atmosphere, teachers were happy to deepen their teaching skills. We had very good support from Karma Yogis this month. They were helping with household, garden and maintenance projects. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July we began two “Beginners’ Courses”. We had two holidays in Argentina. For this reason few students showed up those days. We offered a “Concentration Workshop”.

During mid-July we celebrated the “Mahasamadhi ” of our dear Swami Sivananda. We received a lot students for the “Trial Class”. We had the help of Karma Yogis for different tasks. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July we are focused on promoting the upcoming programs and the September TTC, with Swami Pranavananda, as well as offering the same courses. Sivani took a 10-day personal break. Saraswati took care of the Centre.

Mid July was eventful with the visit of Swami Prananvananda. When he arrived he started teaching a special asana class and Satsang on stress management. We also had a classical yoga introduction weekend at the Centre, which inspired both the students and staff. Sivani returned to the Centre to resume her duties. Saraswati ended her four-month karma yoga service here at the Centre. We wished her a bright future, continuing the serving others with love. May Guru’s grace bring classical Yoga to blossom on the land of China. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre.  In early July we started a morning Beginner’s course, with good number of students. We offered a headstand workshop, again with very good number of students attended. Sunday Kalyani ji arrived from Neyyar Dam and led a Satsang. The Chennai Centre construction continued. The rest of activities in the Centre carried on, as usual. All staff members performed their karma yoga duties, making sure that the Centre operated efficiently, for the benefit of everyone.

Mid July a morning ladies Beginners’ course started, with good number of students plus, an evening meditation course, leded by Kalyani ji. A good number of students attended. On the 14th July Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi day was celebrated with chantings, arati, a feast. Many students and teachers participated. On 16th July we offered a Ganapathi Homam. The Centre construction continued alongside the rest of activities in the Centre. All staff members performed their karma yoga duties, making sure that the Centre operated efficiently and for the benefit of everyone. With the blessings of God and Masters, staff are well and wish you serenity and peace of mind.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July the Centre was closed in honour of the Independence Day holiday. The week that followed was calm with sunny, warm weather. Attendance was quiet around the holiday weekend, but the Sunday evening Satsang was particularly lively and well attended. Open classes continued, though many teachers are away. We were pleased to welcome back two teachers who just graduated from June TTC at the Ranch, one of whom has already started to teach. The Yoga 3 Course finished. It was a very nice group of students.

Mid-July saw the weather continuing its rapid fluctuations between hot and cold and sunny and rainy. The current Yoga 3 course finished and and new Yoga 2 started. We had a special Puja for Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi Swami Sivananda, which seemed to move things and the season itself forward. Teachers and students seem to be returning from their travels or breaks. Staff were grateful for the grace and guidance of the Gurus and wish an inspiring Guru Purnima to all. The Chicago Staff send best wishes for a happy, healthy summer to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July we had 4 residents stay at the DaLat Centre: Three Westerners and one recently graduated Vietnam TTC teacher. We opened a new class for beginners after the Open House. Totally we have 3 classes for beginners at this time. All classes continue to run well.

In mid-July we were grateful for the assistance of our four residents helping with the Centre and enjoying our residency program. We opened another Beginner course. Resident and student count increased. Staff are very busy at this time. One Sunday we had a special Kirtan workshop. Students attending this workshop enjoyed learning how to sing the Daily Chants and some other songs. Everything was good, by the Grace of Gurus. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By Guru’s Grace and God’s will everything went very well in the Centre at the beginning of July. We started with new 6:00 am Beginner’s course, with good numbers of students. One Saturday we had Kriya workshop and an advance class, followed by Satsang. One Sunday we had Satsang for all of our regular teacher and karma yogis. Otherwise everybody was well here. Our prayers to all.

In mid-July we started with the Beginner’s course for 10 am, plus a 6:30 pm batch, both with good numbers of students. We also started the weekend meditation classes on Saturdays. On July 14th we celebrated Sri Swami Sivananda ji’s Mahasamadhi – a day full joy and inspiration. We had a Puja & Havan in the morning. In the evening we conducted special classes for more then 150 underprivileged kids from “My Angels Academy”. We also served them dinner. All the kids were happy to see all the karma yogis arrive to help them. Apart from that, all our open classes and special classes are proceeding well. With Gurus blessings, everybody in the Centre were healthy and happy.  Our prayers to everybody. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. With the blessings of the Masters we started July with two Beginner’s’ course, one at 6:30am and the other at 4:00pm. We also started ‘Foundation to Meditation’ course on Wednesdays. A good number of students attended the workshop ‘Yoga for Neck and Shoulder’, by Dr. Rashmi, which was conducted on the same day. The workshop covered what precautions to take during regular practice of asanas; how to perform the asanas correctly and how to strengthen neck and shoulders. We conducted a workshop of Gentle Yoga, meditation and stress management for Multiple Sclerosis patients and their caretakers (families) for MSSI Delhi. It was attended by 60 to 70 people, with the age group of 30 to 65. We explained the importance of following the “Five Points of Yoga” in daily life, hence improving the quality of life by working on the physical, mental and spiritual levels. The program was interactive and went well. MSSI Delhi requested us to program similar workshops in future. Meanwhile the Saturday morning and Sunday evening Satsangs were motivating.

With the blessings of the Masters, we offered two Beginners’ courses mid July – one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. We celebrated Swami Sivananda’s Maha Samadhi on July 14th by chanting ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya”, reading from Master’s daily reading book and Arathi. The Delhi weather was improving after getting heavy rains. We conducted the usual Satsangs to maintain the Centre’s energy and to uplift our spirits. With the Grace of the Masters everything is going well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya, from Noida. With the Grace of Gurus, during early July we started a Beginners’ course at 10:00am. We started a Beginners’ & Y2 course at 6:30am, 4:00pm & 6:30 pm mid July. We had 4 students for the trial class. We experienced heavy rain in Delhi & Noida. Das ji took a short holiday, taking rest at home. We welcomed Kalesh V.P. as a new staff. For Master Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi on 14th July we chanted & pray for Master’s blessings. With the Blessings and Grace of our Beloved Masters, we send Pranams and our best wishes to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. Courses and classes ended and students are inspired to continue their practice. After renovation-work on the ceiling in the annex the temporary office was moved back in its original place. The Centre was prepared for the summer and the fall brochure was sent to the graphic designer. The envelopes for the mailing were prepared and the research for a place for an autumn retreat came to a positive result. Staff left for the Retreat House in Reith and the Centre in Munich. In the beginning of the month the summer schedule started with 4 classes per week which are taught by close teachers. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July the attendance was again nearly a record.  The Open House was very successful with about 39 people attending. Ten registered for courses. We started a Meditation Two course with Swami Pranavananda. Daya went to Dalat for one week to help in the Centre there. Twice a week staff and outside teachers led a group of about 13 children, some very young, in exploring the wonderful world of Yoga with many games, stories and animals!  With the Guru’s Grace, the Centre is vibrating from morning to night with bhajans, laughter and heartfelt sharing, as all of the staff, teachers, karma yogis and students are happy to be part of the Yoga Teachings.  Swami Sitaramananda guided us with Skype Satsangs from the Yoga Farm. Ganga called in regularly to make sure the running of the Centre went smoothly.

Mid-July saw the Centre full of prana from the Swami Sivananda Mahasamadhi and the Guru Purnima. The Swami Sivananada Mahasamadhi was celebrated by staff with a Guru Puja at 5 am in the morning and then continued with the chanting Swami Sivananda mantra throughout 12 hours. Staff, Karma Yogis and students were very happy to able to sit together one after another to chant and to remember the Master and the teachings. We also decorated the Centre with flowers everywhere, plus, made fresh flower garlands for all the statues and Master’s pictures to lift up the energy of the Centre on that day. The evening Satsang was very inspiring while sharing stories of Swami Sivananda’s life. For the Guru Purnima, we continued with the Guru Puja and group chanting of Guru mantra. All of these celebrations really brought people together, inspiring all of us. Meanwhile, Swami Pranava left to China. We also welcomed a new resident who will stay with us for 1 month. All others courses and open classes ran well. We started 2 new Beginners Yoga 2 course. A new project of rejuvenating the Garden was also started by our karma yogi, Khai – a professional gardener. We are all so happy and inspired by the Blessing of the Master and Guru. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July the London Centre went through new renovations and after the first two weeks of solid work, the demolition phase of the asana hall entrance made way for the new construction phase. The wooden framework for the future changing room walls started to take shape. The renewed entrance should be ready just before the start of the next TTC in September. We were very happy to welcome Jaya who has been a long term resident in the Munich Centre and will now be serving in the London Centre as a full time staff. Saturday saw a well attended program which included a workshop “How to Combat Fear and Find Inner Serenity”, followed by a themed asana class and a Satsang on “Bhakti Yoga, Bringing Sweetness to Life”. Om Namah Sivaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! During early July a Yoga One course continued with enthusiastic students eager to improve their health and inspired to live a yogic life. Regular yoga classes continued well. This week Gaia.com (formally Gaiam TV) visited the Centre for a production of a 13-episode-series on History of Yoga. They interviewed Swami Sitaramananda via Skype with important questions regarding Master and Swamiji, the practice of Mediation, Vedanta philosophy, etc. They also spoke with Hamsa Chaitanya on the topics of Karma Yoga. As an illustration of Sivananda Yoga lineage and practice, they filmed the Sunday Satsang. During Kirtan everyone chanted so beautifully, we read Master’s inspiring words on Life from Bliss Divine. Everyone felt honored and grateful to be part of the Mission, as Master and Swamiji’s teachings continue to spread in the world, lifting us up and showing the way to Eternal Peace. After Satsang we celebrated Chandra’s birthday. He has been a dedicated teacher and karma yogi at the LA Centre for more than 20 years. We celebrated his life of devotion and service with a warm party full of bake goods, sweets and warm soup made by a loving student. It was a week full of Love and Guru’s Grace.

Mid-July was joyful and blessed as we gathered to celebrate Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi and the Guru Purnima. Celebration started with a beautiful Puja during our evening Satsang with lots of chanting, then continued with days of readings from Swami Sivananda. It all came together with a Guru Purnima to honour the selfless spirit of Master and Swamiji and to be grateful for the Teachings we are receiving. The Centre was decorated in festival. Master and Swamiji were adorned with lots of flowers, garlands and our admiration. It was ever uplifting and inspiring. Class and courses continued well. We will be adding classes in August. Staff is healthy and ever thankful for the opportunity to serve and to share Guru’s Light with the world.  May Grace of the Guru continue to shelter and guide us. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The Centre supported the International Yoga Day organized by the Indian Embassy: we had a well visited yoga class and a special Satsang for Peace with many visitors from other yoga schools. Gopala was in Delhi to participate in the AYUSH conference and came back just on time for the highlight: over 1,000 students took part in the yoga class organized just outside Madrid. Dr Kamlesh joined us for one week to give a very complete “Ayurveda and Nutrition” program with two lectures and a cooking course with beautiful recipes and excellent information for all. Inscriptions for TTC Aluenda are coming in and a new interesting location for TTC 2017 was visited. Ishwari and Atma Jyothi went to Orleans for the TTC refresher and returned happy and inspired. We also welcome Emily (TTC Rudraprayag) as temporary staff for the Summer. At the end of the month Sita from London came to help us with several office renovation projects. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. July started with two new yoga beginner course at 6 & 10 am. Uni Krishnan left for home and Nalini ji came from Madurai Ashram to help us with teaching. Yashpal returned after one month vacation. The weather was pleasant.

Mid-July was eventful. A Monday evening batch of Beginners’ Course started. On 14th July, Master Mahasamadhi day, a special Puja and Satsang was done in the morning and evening. On the 15th July, the Centre held its 4th Anniversary day in its new location. The same day Yashpal’s birthday was celebrated with the evening class students. Nalini ji returned to the Madurai Ashram after helping a few days in Centre. All other classes continued to flourish, with Guru Kripa. Hari Om. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! During early July we continued with regular classes for elderly, children, pregnant and open classes. We started a July Beginners’ yoga course.  We offered a Friday and Saturday meditation course, with a very good assistance.

In mid-July we continued with regular classes for elderly, children, pregnant and open classes. The course “Devotional Singing” had their second class. We started an Intensive Beginners’ Course, with the maximum of students allowed. We offered a Yoga class, followed by a Meditation on Sundays at 10:00 am. Thanks to God and Gurus, everything resulted perfectly. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! The month of July and Summer is a joyful season in Montreal. We noticed many new students who really like the Centre and are very happy with the classes. We had a special kirtan night with Swami Sankarananda, which was organized to celebrate the retirement of Bhagirathi, an exceptional teacher and karma yogi, appreciated by all in the Centre. The Kirtan night was full of joy and devotion. Everyone was chanting with all their hearts. The teachers and karma yogis were very happy to see Swami Sankara. Later that week we shared in the beautiful Sunday prayers, led by Nikhila. We offered a special workshop about “Sound and Meditation” with Chintan Upadhyay, a Dhrupad Indian musician.  He shared his experiences in the process of sound and breathing and how this practice can drive you to experience the deep stillness within. We also had a Satsang with one of our teachers, Narayani, who gave us a nice talk about “How to Develop the Will-power”. One Sunday we had a special Satsang.  We were very happy to have Swami Sankarananda (Rome) with us and to receive Chintan Upadhyay, who gave us a beautiful Indian Classical Concert, using 2 sitars as instruments, everyone was very grateful for this meditative concert experience. We are ever grateful for Masters and Swamijis grace.

Mid-July and Yoga 1 and 2 courses were running smoothly. We had a Satsang with Narayani who gave us a beautiful and touching talk about Swami Sivananda’s life and teachings to honor Masters Mahasamadhi. We welcomed Swami Sankarananda, from the Centre in Rome Italy, who stayed with us for the weekend. The karma yogis and students were very happy to see him, since he was the Montreal Centre director for a many years. He was very happy giving us a hand with maintenance! We also welcomed Saraswati and Ganga, directors of Vietnam Centre, who both spent their last night in Canada with us. Thankfully the nice weather, we continued the wonderful yoga classes at the park, since the summer is a great time in Montreal for outdoor activities. We had our uplifting Sunday prayers, with Swami Sankarananda, and a great talk with Surya about ”The 4 Paths of Yoga”. We were ever grateful for Masters and Swamijis grace.  Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. In the last weeks we had a one day retreat “Yoga for the Back”, a cooking class “Quick and Easy Dishes for One or Two Persons” and a preparation day for the teachers training course. Yoga Acharya Swami Sivadasananda was here and gave a very inspiring Satsang about the “Power of Thoughts”. We also had a highly interesting lecture on “Yoga and Sleep” with Dr. Rubin Naiman, US. Among our special courses of the last weeks were a Raja Yoga course and a weekend meditation introduction course. The spiritual highlights were two Pujas we performed for the celebration of Guru Poornima and Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! July began with the July 4th holiday weekend, during which the Centre was closed. We re-opened the following Tuesday afternoon and welcomed Swami Paramananda and Chandrika, a former staff member, en route to the Ranch for ATTC. We wished her the best and were happy to have her back for a day. Ho Chi Minh Centre’s director, Ganga, and Dalat Centre’s director, Saraswati, the sisters who run the Centres in Vietnam, also arrived for an overnight visit; short but sweet. The Centre, as well as our hearts, were full after the visitors. Swami Satya Premananda arrived and taught the first class in a new 3-week Sanskrit course. She also led Satsang that night and discussed the finer points of maintaining a spiritual practice at home. The Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses finished and a new Yoga 1 began. Our July Open House was well attended. The staff enjoyed the help of many karma yogis who welcomed the newcomers and really made our spiritual community shine. Swami Paramananda taught a special advanced class one Sunday that was full of yogis, eager for Swamiji’s asana instruction and Satsang. At the heart of his lecture was Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra: Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah. In explaining. By removing the mind’s modifications through meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices, this leads to Self Realization, Swamiji quoted the Gurus and managed to bring both a message and smiles to the crowd.

Mid-July and New York yogis were beating the heat at the Centre as classes stay full despite the rising temperatures. We saw the start of a Yoga 2 course, taught by Bhavani and a Meditation course, led by Shakti. Swami Satya Premananda arrived at the Centre and taught the second evening Sanskrit course and led Satsang. Her talk focused on how Sadhana helps us activate our Higher Self within the human experience and shift toward compassion and acceptance, despite the trials of life. All the staff celebrated Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi with a beautiful Puja. Later that day Neeti kicked off the ongoing Bhagavad Gita Study class, with a high attendance. We welcomed Shyam and Mohini. They came down from teaching ATTC at the Ranch to lead a special Satsang entitled “Relationships and the Goal of Life.” They focused on how the spiritual path enhances the aspirant’s relationships, particularly when all situations are approached from the mindset of what can be given rather than taken. “The U.S. Bill of Rights is fine, but we should really have a Bill of Duties,” said Shyam, who also taught an advanced class at the Centre earlier that afternoon. It was a full Satsang during which we also celebrated the birthday of Chrystal, a long-time Karma Yogi at the Centre. It was a very special evening indeed. All the Staff were well and send their pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. At the end of June, there was a cheerful mood with many yogis getting ready for the TTC refresher. The Swamis could enjoy almost the whole program in Orleans. The Masters sent precious help to support the Centre during those days. Many karma yogis and close teachers took care of everything. One week after the refresher the Swamis went back to the Ashram again. Shambhu took care of the Centre  for 10 days with the support of many karma yogis. Apart from the regular activities and courses, this month there was an” intensive” yoga 1 with 21 students. There was a well attended meditation course and well attended  workshops on relaxation, Kriyas, concentration and headstand. There was also a cooking class entitled ‘Quick Vegetarian recipes for busy people’. The Centre was uplifted by two visits of the priest passing by on his way to the Ashram. The priest did two Pujas with the staff and led  the Lalita Sahasranama chanting. On the 14th of July we celebrated Swami Sivananda Mahasamadhi. In The Centre, there was meditative mood from morning to evening with The Celebration. The Main Altar seemed like a blooming garden with many flowers brought by the students. Beautiful opportunity to tune with the Master’s energy.

That day at night,  there was a terrorist attack in the South of France. The students were sad and silent. We had the Shanti Mantras and two Satsangs the followed days.  We had The Om Namo Narayanaya chanting some inspiring words of The Masters on the topic of peace and the practice of likita japa. We Celebrated Gurupurnima on the 19th with a small group of close students. Swami Kailasananda came to the Centre to give an inspiring Satsang on Wednesday the 20th. It was charged of positivity with the precious teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda. In spite of the holidays and the fact that it was during the week an late in the evening, around one hundred people were there. Swamiji went back to the Ashram the day after in the morning after giving time, prana and guided everyone. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. During early July Swami Rajeshwarananda came back very inspired from helping at the TTC refresher in Orleans. Markandeya took very good care of the Centre with the help of teachers and karma yogis. We welcome Sushila, who will be at the Centre helping for 2 months. Swami Rajeshwarananda and some teachers and students from the Centre went to Abruzzi, 70 Km from Rome, to participate in a Yoga day, organized by a Sivananda teacher in the area. About 40 people participated, the program included 2 yoga classes, for complete beginners and and more advanced, breakfast, lecture and a delicious vegan meal in a very special place in the country side. People was very inspired and we got new students for the upcoming TTC and Yoga Vacations. Pranams to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. During early July Swami Sankarananda arrived in San Francisco from India in time to join Sankari Chaitanya for an interfaith dialogue, hosted by the Brahma Kumaris, on Building Spiritual Resilience. Our Friday Gita class continue to do well. No special events because of the 4th of July holiday weekend. We did not cancel asana classes. The few students who did come, said they have been meaning to come for some time. We received sad news this week that one of our teachers, Katyayani (Cari Widmyer), left her body swiftly in a bike/car accident while visiting her parents in New York. We surrender to God’s will and God’s timing. Our prayers are with her and her family. All is well at the Centre, by Guru’s Grace. Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. During early July we worked on decreasing the rent price, because of the economic crisis, all the rents are falling. We finished a Yoga 2, with 3 students. Ivana arrived and helped with cooking, cleaning and design of some posters. We started a Yoga 1 course and a meditation course. The new brochure was printed, ready to advertize the next three month’s program.

It was very cold here in San Pablo for mid July. This week we finished a Yoga 1 Course. Jessica prepared a room to start massage treatments. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July Summer 2016 set in very noticeably as temperatures rose to almost 40 degrees C, with 70% humidity. At the Tel Aviv Centre we continued with our renovation projects and the promotion of 11 new course that are about to open in the next couple of weeks. We had a very successful weekend program with many new guests and devoted students who joined our asana morning class (almost 50 students), vegetarian feasts and Kirtan concert on the Saturday evening.

The main event of mid July was the celebration of Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi. We performed the special Puja during the morning Satsang and to our joy and surprise we were joined by almost 40 teachers and devotees. Narayan Jyoti came to lead the Kirtan all through the event, elevating us all. We held an introduction class on meditation with 20 participants, 10 of whom already registered to the course. We started the registration for our week long Sadhana Retreat that is scheduled for the beginning of August and will take place in the new Ashram in Mata. The renovation project continued successfully with the aid of many devoted karma yogis. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July, a “Trial class” held on a Sunday attracted 16 participants. Among them, 4 students purchased membership right after the class. On the same day, we also offered a “headstand workshop”, taught by Tara. The headstand workshop showed to be very popular with a full house of 19 students. Seven karma yogis assisted the workshop. Both Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses started.

In mid-July the rainy season still continued in Japan with occasional heavy rains. We invited Swami Cetanananda from Kyoto and held a 3 day workshopon the topic “Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 15th”. 31 students participated the workshop. Ho Chi Minh Centre’s director, Ganga, and Dalat Centre’s director, Saraswati, arrived in Japan after visiting U.S. and Canada. They taught several workshops during their stay: Vietnamese cooking, Yantra drawing and Advance Asana. They left for Vietnam on July 24th. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. Early July was hot and summery. The number of students slightly dropped down due to Canada’s birthday long weekend. However many people came for Satsang on the long weekend Friday and Sunday.  We had a headstand workshop, led by Ananthya with 14 people participating, including a quite few new faces which was really nice. Radha and Bhavani also assisted the workshop as we had many students.  Three of yoga courses ended with two new Y1s and one Y2 starting.  Saraswati and Harsha travelled to the Yoga Camp for the Summer. Open classes continued with full strength.  Morning and Evening Satsgangs were well attended. Bhavani left for Yoga Camp to be staff in the annual Kids Camp.

A new Y1 started mid July, while open classes continued to be strong.  Satsangs were well attended, including in the evenings.  One of our teachers, Charu, did a well received Chanting workshop. Our Masters Mahasamadhi Puja was attended by all teachers and students where everyone was uplifted. Following the Puja we had a nice dinner together.  Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July a new batch for ladies started on Mondays. The current early morning batch completed their last week. All other classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted on Fridays. Satsang was led by Rajesh. Every Sunday during Satsang Sri. Suresh ji talked about Upanishads.

For mid-July a new batch started on Mondays. All other classes went well. Swami Sivananda’s Mahasamadhi Pooja was conducted. We served breakfast to all who had attended the Pooja. The Director, Rajesh, and his family went for a holiday for a couple of days. We conducted Ganapathy Homa, as it was the first day of the new Malayalam month. Satsang was led by Sri. Rajesh. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. Classes and courses as well as the meditation evenings on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday had good attendance in July. On the other hand we put some courses on hold due to vacation time and created a special 8 week summer course instead for students with flexible attendance. Master’s Mahasamadhi and also Guru Purnima day were celebrated with a Puja. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. During month of July the Centre was working on reduced schedule.
The TTC in Lithuania started with thirty five students, twenty of them from the Lithuania and eleven Russian speaking. We had a harmonious inauguration ceremony where students got their introduction into the schedule and contents of the course. Although many students were new to Yoga many of them opened up very well to the five principles of Yoga and lectures of philosophy. At the beginning of the month we received  priest Yagneshwara Dixit who introduced the students to Pujas and some basic principles of the Bhakti Yoga rituals and Indian mythology. Prof. A. Beinorius, guest speaker from Vilnius stayed with us for one evening and gave a lecture on the main statements of the Upanishads. We were happy to welcome Swami Sivadasananda who stayed with us for 4 days. He gave a series of Satsangs and workshops for the teachers, TTC’s and guests. We received Yoga Vacationers, as well as Sivananda teachers from Russia, Latvia, Estonia and different corners of Lithuania. Over one hundred students were present. One of the specials of this weekend gathering was an enthusiastically enacted theatre play on the Kena Upanishad intertwined with kirtans taken from the book, “Upanishad Drama”, by Swami Sivananda. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius