Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! Courses and classes were good. Several higher courses started, students were happy about this option of regular practice. The first highlight was a well visited further training for Yoga Teachers with a good group of inspired teachers from several cities in Northern Germany and Centre teachers. The topic was going deeper into the art of correcting Asanas by a closer understanding of underlying anatomic structures. The day was completed with a Satsang on an article on Unity in Diversity from Swami Sivananda. The second highlight was the celebration of Guru Purnima with an inspiring Puja. The Altar was shining and energy of masters were very much present. Many students and teachers had come to join the Sivananda family for this inspiring celebration.

Mid July arrived and courses and classes were running well, many of them on our garden platform. We had a successful workshop on overcoming Anger. The balanced mixture of practice and theory gave the students a better understanding and inspired them to apply what they had just heard. We held a 60 years Sivananda Yoga worldwide celebration, with many students and teachers, senior and new, arrive for the special Satsang and a presentation of the official 60 years slideshow. The evening concluded with some tea and a nice snack in the reception area and on the garden platform. Everybody left the Centre inspired and strongly connected to the Spirit of the Masters. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. July began with a celebration of Guru Purnima with yoga teachers students and a few new comers. We started a Meditation Course, a new cycle of study of Bhagavad Gita and a new Beginners’ Course.

Mid July and Swami Sivapriya went to the Centre of Neuquen to help for a week. Mrida, a teacher, came to help us for a week. We continued with the study of Bhagavad Gita. We had a meeting with 17 teachers to plan the month. Om Namah Sivaya to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. In July the Chengdu Centre offered a gentle yoga workshop and a Guru Puja to celebrate Guru Purina, together with Sivani, who just came back from Yoga Farm. Karma Yogi Ramapriya left for Hong Kong while Sivani returned. We thanked her for her service here and prayed that she can share what she learned. We looked forward to the new courses and workshops in the coming weeks. Om Namo Narayanaya to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. July began with the presence of Kalyaniji. She stayed few days and taught few Open classes. She had shared some valuable suggestions and advised with us for the overall improvement of our Centre. The weather in Chennai was pleasant with rain showers very often, especially during the night. Since the weather was good we tended to see more students arriving for classes, compared to the last many weeks. Our Gentle Yoga classes, Pre-natal, new Beginners’ batches and private classes continued well. We organized a weekend Pranayama Workshop, expecting a good response. We had a special Satsang in connection with Guru Poornima. Special delicious Prasad was offered. Even in the absence of our beloved Director Gopan-ji and his wife Sandhya, who are in Canada (HQ), all staff worked together in harmony to make the things run smoothly. We all appreciated both of them, from our hearts, for their great effort to find time to connect with us, support us, and to give proper guidance everyday even in their busy schedule in Canada. We also thank Nataraj ji (Neyyar Dam) and Vijay ji (Delhi Dwaraka Centre) for their great support to provide staff at the right time.

Mid July saw the auspicious Ganapathy (Ganesa) Homa. Our staff as well as students also participated in the Pooja, which elevated the energy in our Centre. The Pooja concluded with a special delicious Prasad. All the classes continued as usual. We have started Evening Beginners’ and Weekend Beginners’ batch with good number of students. The weather was hotter and sunnier, compared to early July. One of our staff Umesh rejoined us at the Centre, after 2 weeks. The everything else continued as usual. Thanks to God and our Masters for everything running smoothly. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of July we welcomed Mukti Devi, where she will serve the Centre for Radha’s absence. Students said farewell to Arjuna after serving for a few weeks at the Centre. We had a beautiful, inspiring Guru Purnima celebration, followed by soup and fellowship in the backyard. The fireflies and raspberries were plentiful.

By mid July Radha returned from one month at the Yoga Ranch with renewed inspiration. The new website build was underway, along with a new registration system. The migration kept the staff busy, along with a new Yoga and Meditation 1 course with an enrollment of 12 students. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, class and Satsang attendance continued to remain strong. We found out that Raghurama was hospitalized for a massive heart attack. We called together teachers and students and repeated a mala of the Tryambikams for his speedy recovery. We continued with this practice, during his open heart surgery and ICU recovery, every morning for the rest of the week, after the morning Satsang. Raghurama was a recent staff member, managing the renovation projects here at the Centre for six months over the winter. We continued to keep him in our daily prayers for a full and speedy recovery. By the grace of Master and Swamiji staff continued to be inspired and regular in their Sadhana. Sending pranams to all! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. In July we had two wonderful special programs: Satsang with Swami Sita and talking by Dr. Quang Van Hung about “Yoga and Cancer”. Students were very happy hearing more knowledge about preventing cancer and stress, and the benefits of Yoga lifestyle, receiving more determination to keep going with their practice. May the blessing of Guru always with us. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By God’s grace and Gurus’ blessings, the Dwarka Centre’s activities continued quite well, thanks to the help and team work of staff and Karma Yogis. With the arrival of July we started a weekday Beginners’ course at 6 am and 4 pm on Mondays and a Weekend course on Saturdays. A Satsang/Meditation session was conducted by Vijay ji, followed by dinner. One Sunday evening we had a teachers’ meeting. We had advance classes/kids class/trial class as usual. Apart from that all the open classes and special classes continued well. We prayed to the Almighty for peace and joy to everyone.

By mid July Delhi was under the sway of a wonderful monsoon. The rain god gave the good shower to all plants and mother earth. All the plants were shining and full green leaves with blossoming flowers. By God’s grace and Gurus’ blessings, the Centre’s activities continued quite well with the help and cooperation of all the staff/karma yogis. We started a Monday Beginners’ course at 6 am and 4:00 pm, with a good number of students.We had Satsang and a small party with our future yogis. It was nice to see many people coming for our Saturday Satsang/Meditation session, conducted by Vijay ji, followed by dinner as usual. We had advanced classes/kids class/trial classes. Apart from that, open classes and all the special classes continued well. With the grace of God and blessings of Gurus, everybody was well. We pray to the God for World peace. Om Namo Narayanaya!! Pranams!!

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. With the Blessings of the Masters we started July with two Beginners’ course, one at 6:30am and the other at 4:00pm with good number of students. We conducted an Introductory workshop on Meditation to give the students the motivation to attend the course and get full benefit out of the practice. We conducted a Shat Kriya workshop in which the student learned the theory and practice of yogic way cleansing internal organs. For Guru Purnima, we performed a Guru Pada Puja with the priest, offering milk and flowers to our Gurus, Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda. We chanted Bhajans and 108 names of Swami Sivananda. Jaypal returned from a holiday. With the grace of the Gurus, all the usual daily schedules are going well at the Centre.

During mid July we offered two Beginners’ course, one at 6:30am and the other at 4:00pm. We conducted an introduction to yoga session at Hotel Pluto for 150 Korean students who are visiting monuments in Delhi. Although it was new for them and late night (9pm), they were receptive and it was good experience for the team. We conducted Headstand workshop one Wednesday. We conducted “Yoga at The Workplace” workshop at ITC Manesar for 50 employees. The focus was on few stretches and joint movements while sitting on chair or standing position to increase their mobility and productivity. Rest of our activities went well, with the Grace of Gurus. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. The Geneva Centre is officially closed in July and August, and the staff are in Orleans. The remaining teachers still taught 4 classes a week and held a few Satsangs. Salutations to all! Om Namah Sivaya. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. July began with Ganga Chaitanya returning from the Dalat Ashram, where she was helping with the Kid’s Yoga Camp. She led a wonderful high-prana Hatha Yoga workshop with 108 sun salutations, attended by 11 people, all joyfully completing the practice, which included the 12 mantras as well. We had a good turnout for Open House with 9 people attending. The Sunday Satsang included a special film about the Sivananda Organization “Yoga Life and Self Transformation”, by Benoy Behl, with 14 people attending.

During mid July we had a new Beginners’ course, taught by ex-staff Devika, with good number of people in attendance. Swami Pranavananda came to Dalat Ashram for TTC teaching. Ganga Chaitanya returned from Dalat Ashram and she led a high-prana Outdoor Yoga Class the next day, attended by 13 people. We also welcomed Stephen Fiske and his wife, Nicky. During the stay, he shared his wonderful music and stories about Swami Vishnudevananda. Stephen also had a very inspiring special program. attended by 30 people. We felt the Guru’s presence in the people who were coming here everyday and showing a great appreciation of the teachings. We are thankful for the chance to serve and share the teaching of Yoga to others. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. July brought the third day of our certificate course ‘Yoga Psychology – The Way to Radiant Mental Health’. A good group of externals, as well as our residential students, immersed themselves in the study of Raja Yoga. Workshop topics included the subconscious, conscious and superconscious mind, plus the kleshas. We had a wide range of themed classes and Satsangs, a silent walk and an impromptu Satsang when the rains came! At the end of the course, the students expressed deep gratitude for receiving the teachings. Many students stayed for one last asana class before departing for home. One student even stayed until the evening for the cooking workshop, which was entitled ‘Cooking Light: Quick and Easy Vegetarian Dishes’. The kitchen was a hive of activity preparing the ingredients and setting up. The workshop was a success, students were inspired to cook the recipes for themselves at home as they were very simple. Favourites included pudla (gram flour pancakes) and vegetable bulgur dish. We held a teachers’ meeting, which was preceded with an hour of pranayama practice. During the meeting we looked at the sun salutation and its corrections in quite some detail, along with the forward bend. Teachers were inspired and contributing actively.

On the day of Master’s Mahasamadhi, during the morning Satsang we heard stories of his last days in the physical plane, and chanted in praise of the Guru. During the day a special Prasad was made, along with a garland. The altar was prepared. Many students came to celebrate during the evening, we chanted the 108 names, did Abhishekam on the murti of Swami Sivananda and heard of the days leading up to the Mahasamadhi. The Puja was greatly enjoyed by the students, who felt especially privileged to be personally bathing Master with milk and water. On the day of the Summer festival, the first session offered was the mantra workshop, which students were very receptive to, and stayed that way throughout the day, joining the two trial classes and a big group coming to the meditation introduction. The kitchen was a busy place with the snack being produced plus, the cooking workshop. We had a lot of genuine interest in the TTC during the Yoga Vacation and TTC talk. A few students were considering it before and now others as well, being very inspired by the Rudraparayag video. The evening Satsang was entitled ‘Creative Visualization: Using The Power of Imagination’. We again had many staying on from the festival which is very encouraging. It was a very positive day, we hope to see the new students back again soon. The Peace Garden has a collection of bright new flowers, orange, pink and yellow, giving little bursts of joy to the eye. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! With July upon us we had a special Bhagavad Gita class with Swami Sankarananda on Chapter Six: The Yoga of Meditation.  We discussed the meaning of being a sannyasi; and only through renunciation of thoughts can one truly meditate. Swamiji also elaborate on the concept of “action” vs “inaction,” sharing from his own experience. Headstand workshop was well-liked, we taught the benefits and different variations of Headstand. Students requested to have more hatha yoga workshops to deepen their learning. A highlight was Guru Purnima Puja. We gave gratitude to Master and Swamiji, honoring the Gurus with 108 names each for Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda while offering of flowers. About 20 people participated the Puja, energy was very high and pure. We all felt Guru’s presence in our hearts, knowing that His Grace is always with us and within us. We are truly fortunate to have guidance of Guru, each other’s Satsanga and opportunities to serve and give. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! Preparations for the upcoming international TTC in Aluenda went well in July with a few more enrolments to add to the list. We also started active social media promotion of the parallel Summer programs of Yoga Vacation and further teacher training courses. The Centre’s reduced schedule continued. A Yoga 1 started with new staff member, Janaki, teaching for the first time. The Mahasamadhi Puja for Master Sivananda was inspiring for all and the energy of the Centre was uplifted. Atma Jyothi returned from Orleans/Paris happy and recharged. Preparations for the upcoming international TTC in Aluenda continued and the newly translated TTC manual in Spanish arrived, shining. A Yoga 1 started with good participation and the evening Satsangs saw many newcomers. The Centre was present in the Barcelona Yoga Conference with a booth where many brochures were distributed. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In July the Madurai Centre was praying for everyone’s health and peace in our large Sivananda family. There were several new guests enrolling for the ongoing Yoga Vacation program augmenting the guest number to a good one at this time of the year. All of them are having a wonderful time savouring in their peaceful respite at the Ashram. With the fruition of Jamun trees, a healthy local berry, monkeys have become regular visitors in and around the Ashram,making it literally near impossible for humans to taste this fruit. Though the monkeys outnumber our guests, they often come up with ideas to get hold of the fruit. Month of Aadi, considered to be the month of scarcity and sparsity commenced, the preparatory phase to welcome the season of harvest which denotes month of abundance. It is the tradition to ward off any evil that might befall one by the reading of holy epic book Ramayana during this month. We have daily readings of the same at our Maha Kali Temple for which guests were also invited, allowing an opportunity to revel in the company of divinity. The Talent Show had its fair share of talents to woo the audience. The work of the Staff and their Karma Yoga progressed well with outdoor cleaning and arranging. Our organic kitchen gardening asa growing well, this time mostly with leafy vegetables so much so that we have variety of leafy curries in our daily brunch menu. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! Hari Om! In early July we started 3 Beginners’ courses with full capacity. Although we had many teachers sick we maintained all classes. Yamuna and Chandra taught a lot. Cold and rain showed up suddenly with its effects on people, even Yogis. The devotional chant course began, with a good number of students. Lalita was the teacher. Kanti Devi had a special meeting with other schools of Yoga in Montevideo for a feedback of the past celebration and to start organizing next DIY 2018. The highlight of the month was the celebration of Guru Poornima. Kanti Devi and Staff cleaned the meditation room and beautifully set the altar for the ceremony. She also prepared delicious Prasads. Chandra and Kanti Devi conducted the Puja. Staff and students participated with great devotion. The rest of the programs went well.

Around mid July we went to the prison. A small group of inmates came to the first multilevel yoga class, taught by Vasudeva. The Centre was closed for a day holiday. We had many children in the Centre for the Kids Class, full of their tender and mischievous looks. Of course, closed eyes at the end! The reading on Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life charmed to everyone during the Satsang, led by Chandra. Kanti Devi contributed with the magic atmosphere making a wonderful Prasad. The other programs were going well. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! July began welcoming by Maryorie who will be staying at the Centre for one month. She is a very good and committed karma yogi. The Centre attracted many new students with the summer special. Apart from the regular schedule we ran three Yoga 1 and two Yoga 2 courses, and a Yoga 1 One Week Immersion at 6.45am, which was a very good option for people before work. We had a good group for the Om chanting meditation, with Omkara. We welcomed Gopan, conducting an open class. The students were very grateful to attend his class. We also welcomed Dr. Vishnu who gave a talk during Satsang on an introduction to Ayurveda. It was a very interactive talk and it was greatly appreciated by the students.

Around mid July we had a rainy week in Montreal, however our students were not discouraged and kept on cycling to attend classes. Our classes ran very well at the Centre. Apart from our regular schedule we ran three Yoga 1 and one Yoga 2 courses. We had an uplifting Om chanting meditation, with Omkara. We ran two yoga classes at the park, one at Park Laurier and the other one at Park Outremont. Meanwhile at the Centre, we offered a nice Satsang with Atmaram who gave us talk on Asanas: The Direct Way to Meditation. By the grace of the Guru’s we are well, busy and serving. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. In July a spiritual highlight was the celebration of Guru Purnima. Many close students and teachers came to the Puja and showed their devotion by bringing beautiful flowers. Special courses were a “Thought Power and Positive Thinking” with a very interested and open-minded group of participants and a weekend Beginners’ course, part 2. We were invited by a vocational training school to teach two yoga classes to the students. For most of them it was their first yoga experience. They enjoyed  the special feeling and thoroughly recharged after the final relaxation. During the another hot summer, the help of the air conditioner in the Yoga Hall, sun blinds and ventilators in the other rooms we managed to provide comfortable temperatures for our yoga classes. We taught a successful cooking class with “summer recipes”. We also had another one of our kirtan workshops – the topic was guru-kirtans. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya from Manhattan. In early July the Centre was closed for Independence Day. All of the staff, besides Neeti, went to the Ranch to join in on a weekend program, feeling very grateful to have had the opportunity to recharge at the Ashram! A big gratitude for Neeti and Bhavani for keeping up with the Centre over the time we were all gone! Classes ran as usual and the Satsang for the night was held by the one and only, Neeti ji! Shakti stayed at the Ashram until the end of July, helping out with some of the Ashram programs. As students returned from their vacations they were ready for Yoga! We had our monthly Open House. All the staff worked hard to keep the place clean and ready. We had many people buying class packages and memberships. For Guru Purina, we were blessed with a visit from the new resident Ashram priest – Shankara Nambdoodiri as well as Swami Paramananda and a few other staff from the Ranch. Swami ji held an amazing advanced class as always. Afterwards during the Satsang we had a Puja, led by the priest. All of the staff were feeling refreshed and ready to fully continue on with their Sadhana!

During mid July we continued the open classes with many regulars. As a lot of outside teachers were on vacations it gave staff the chance to teach more and gain more experience. Mokshapriya and Praśanta assisted Yoga 1 classes. They will start to teach on their own soon. Swami Satyapremananda came from the Ranch for Part 2 of her Satsang about Sage Narada. She talked about how we can learn from Sage Narada to eradicate pride by the practice of humility. As always it’s lovely to have Swami ji here and we are very appreciative! We had quite a busy weekend workshop with Dr. Kamlesh holding cooking workshops. Both days were successful and delicious! We were blessed to have Swami Paramananda and Swami Brahmananda come for Satsang. Swami Brahmananda led the Satsang and gave us an enlightening summary on the Bhagavad Gita. He specified on Karma Yoga and gave us all advice how we can use action to obtain freedom. The turnout was good and we are very thankful for their visit! We bid farewell to the great Narayana, our karma yogi that has been here for nearly 4 months. He left to finish up university and we wished him all the best. We were very grateful for his service and await his generous spirit once again! All the staff are well and the Centre is full of high prana and strong Karma Yoga spirit! We send you our pranams! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. Little by little, we were getting in tune with the new rhythm of the Centre, which is by now a complete construction site. In July we started to give classes in the tent. Everything was harmonious, peaceful and simple. There was a pleasant breeze in the tent, sunshine in the boutique and we could see the moon from the office.  Everyone appreciated the new setting. There was an inspiring mood with a respectful silence from everyone and a grateful attitude. The weather was perfect. The Masters pictures give a powerful energy to the tent. The workers cut some wires and pipes by mistake, so we had some power cuts. The internet was down a couple of times and also the telephone. Some pipes of the central heating were also cut.  There was a strong storm one Sunday evening. There were some minors leaks in the tent and an important leak was found in one of the bathrooms of the first floor. We were happy to see Ananta who came to sleep at the Centre on his way to the Yoga Festival in England. There was a relaxation workshop and a headstand workshop with little groups of motivated students. We had the first Satsang in the tent and a joyful celebration of Guru Purnima. The neighbors waved with their hands to say hello during the talk and had a little dancing with the kirtans. They were all very respectful and friendly. It is like being in a little Ashram. The Masters’ energy was present in the courtyard. Everyone felt happy and at peace. Atma Jyoti from Spain arrived to stay one week at the Centre to visit Paris.

Mid month and the Centre was happy to see Swami Kailasananda, Swami Jyotirmayananda, Swami Gopalananda, the priest Yagneshvara Dixit, Madalassa, Sarasvati and Rukmini. They all visited us just for a day except for Rukmini who came for a couple of weeks. Swami Gopalananda came for the monthly meeting with the accountant. Swami Kailasananda left to India. The sky was painted in orange when she took the taxi to go to the airport. That day, there was a Puja in the morning led by the priest. We chanted the Lalita Sahasranama. The renovations done by the owner advanced at big steps. In spite of the works, the mornings were almost silent. The workers did just a little noise and we did not even see them much because they were working in the cellar. The weekly meeting with the architect and the workers reported the work with the pipes was almost finished and on time. They also said that in August, we should have just a couple of days with noise. The staff enjoyed a rehearsal of the 60th Anniversary play. There are two actors missing who cannot be there for the presentation. We have for the moment 2 actors here and 3 who are far from Paris. We hope to have everyone for the last days before the play. The Masters keep sending armies of karma yogis. There was a festive mood with all the karma yogis putting a dose of sattva here and there. Radhika enjoyed teaching a Yoga 1 for the first time. Sivakami worked on learning how to do posters under Rukmini’s guidance. Rukmini took some pictures of the courtyard and the whole house. Shambhu went home for six days and Arjuna went home for two weeks. Happily that they were not away at the same time, as both of them are of great support for the Centre. A positive thinking course; a Sun Salutation workshop; a Kriya workshop and Fasting workshop all started, with little groups of motivated people. Many students went on holidays and some others came back from holidays. The new comers were amazed with the new setting of the Centre. The sweet little neighbor of two years old liked to do a kind of sun salutation on the mats used as a pathway. She kept saying ‘I like Yoga’. We had the Sunday prayers and some inspiring words of Swami Durgananda on the topic of “Freedom and the Mind” from The Inner Path. The bells of the nearby church rang during the Sunday prayers. The music of the rain was there for the silent meditation. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. Winter arrived in Porto Alegre. As we faced colder days our Hatha Yoga classes weren’t full as usual. We started spreading the word for TTC Brazil 2018, and also started receiving some sign ups. We also created some new graphical arts for merchandising the Centre to suit better our needs. We prepared the material for lectures with Swami Shivabhaktananda, which will be with us in September. Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. Pranams and prayers for Peace to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. July began with Jayanta traveling to the Yoga Farm to help with Kids Camp and website planning. Swami Sivasankari came back to SF with two new staff, Minakshi and Sivadas, who just graduated from ATTC. The Bhagavad Gita class reconvened. We hosted Sanjay Rath, Sarbani, Komilla Sutton and Andrew Foss for a hugely successful weekend long Vedic Astrology program at the Centre. Consequently, some of our asana classes were taught in a nearby park. Students were enthusiastic about the experience of yoga under the trees. The grand finale of the weekend was a beautiful Guru Purnima Puja, led by Gajananam, followed by an Indian feast cooked by one of our students. We are indeed blessed. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. Month of July was a month of school holidays. Regardless we held regular classes. We were with teacher, Luize from Rio de Janeiro, running the Centre with staff members Lakshmi and a Karma Yogi Tuany Correa. We held regular classes with the same number of students. Om Shanti to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early July we witnessed the materialization of the results of an recent intense promotional effort. Upcoming courses filled up very nicely and daily income was high. During the week a new Yoga 1 started with 15 students and a Raja Yoga course opened with 12. A Sacred Music workshop started with 20 attendees.

During mid July we focused a lot of prana on promoting our upcoming October TTC in Israel. 8 students registered and we expect another 8 to register around the end of the month. A new Yoga 1 started with 14 students, plus, several successful introduction lectures. The staff traveled to the Ashram in Mata where a week long Karma Yoga celebration was held. Everyone was exited to give a hand and help with the preparations of the place and facilities for the upcoming TTC.  Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. July began with a lot of comings and goings of staff members. Machiko came back to Japan after one-month service of translating ATTC at the Yoga Farm. Chinmayi completed her one-month service as a temporary staff and left for her home. Meanwhile, Mirabai who had been a staff at Tokyo Centre for 3 months left for the U.S. She went back to L.A. Centre to continue her service there. Kiran, a long-term resident, left Japan to take the TTC in Vietnam. As for the training of new teachers, Mukti Devi and Gopika started to teach class after finishing test classes successfully. New 3 courses started. 7 students enrolled in Yoga 1 and 8 students total in 2 batches of Yoga 2.

During mid July the Tokyo Centre had a very vibrant atmosphere with workshops and events. A Yoga Nidra workshop, guided by Yashashvin, was a full house with 25 people attending, all enjoying the deep relaxation that Yoga Nidra brings. Kumari Noriko gave a Laughter Yoga workshop, attended by 10 people. Everyone enjoyed the workshop, realizing that a laughter transcends borders. A new Yoga 1 course started with 13 enrollments. Narayani Noriko visited us from Shizuoka prefecture and gave an asana trial class for free of charge as well as a briefing session on upcoming TTCs. In addition to 11 participants, 4 TTC graduates joined for the session sharing their experiences, which turned the briefing session into a friendly networking event. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. July began with lots of our teachers on vacation for summer holidays. We continued a meditation course with nice group of students. We had Kriya workshop on Saturday and on Sunday lecture on Vedic Astrology by dr Rami Bleckt that was attended by around fifty students. It was a very clear and informative introduction. All students and teachers enjoyed it very much. Our resident, Hadi travelled to the Ashram to join as counsellor for Kids Camp.

During mid July we started a new Yoga 1 course, plus, a Headstand workshop. Attendance for some classes and Satsang has been lower during this whole month. Lots of people are using rare opportunity of good, warm weather to go for holidays. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July a Beginners’ batch for ladies started on Mondays. Karma Yogis Babeesh & Abhilash stayed for some days. Lalithasahasranama Poojas were conducted on Fridays. We conducted a special Pooja on Guru Poornima Day. 35 persons attended the Pooja where breakfast was served to everyone. Satsang was led by Sri. Nataraj ji.

In mid July we offered a Ganapathy Homa since it was the 1st day of the Malayalam month. A new batch commenced on the same day evening with 17 students. All other classes went well. Lalithasahasranama Pooja was conducted on Fridays. Satsang was led by Sri. Abhilash. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July the drop-in classes went very well. The students enjoyed the practice of Yoga although it was very hot, giving them a lot of prana for their daily routine. Other courses continued and a Yoga 12 course started. The headstand workshop helped the participants to develop concentration in the posture and to come up step by step. The Open House attracted a nice group of interested people. We gave an introduction into vegetarian cooking with a lot of practical hints. We also explained the warming up in the Sun Salutate and then we explained the 12 basic posters in a nice PowerPoint show. Everybody was inspired to take the trial class afterwards. We offered an inspiring Gurupurnima Puja where the students attended with an open heart and left blessed and uplifted.

Mid July was very hot in Vienna. The drop-in classes and courses ran well with a fewer number of students because of the high temperature. A good group of students enjoyed the open Meditation course. We used the classical mantras in different ways: singing, hearing, whispering, writing and repeating mentally. The kirtan-chanting was the first experience for developing devotion in their hearts for all the participants and it created a wonderful energy. All the students left the Centre in high spirit. The Centre was in Peace. Swami Durgananda gave a lot of energy to the current Centre projects. We held a nice Satsang and chanting of the Sunday prayers since most of the people where TTC’s. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. The TTC Lithuania continued smoothly through the month of July. Please read the report above, under TTC ATTC Reports from other locations worldwide. We are ever grateful for our Guru’s grace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius