Gurugram August 2021 | Preface

As the pandemic seems to drag on and the climate becomes more and more disturbed, the level of stress and unrest continues to rise in the world. The Srimad Bhagavatam, one of the main scriptures on Bhakti Yoga, had predicted that many such events would take place in the Kali Yuga, the current age we are in : Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, as well as starvation and a decline in righteousness are the hallmark of the Kali Yuga.

As it seems we are all in the midst of this, keeping our balance and calm is essential in these trouble times. Putting into practice the four classical means to liberation according to Vedanta – discrimination, detachment, purity of mind and yearning for liberation from limitations, has become a must to stay sane and positive. Yoga and Vedanta are more than ever the needs of our time. More and more people are realizing it and turning to their teachings for solace and meaning in this otherwise seemingly meaningless life. This nudge to the teachings, in a way, is a blessing in disguise. While challenge and stress shake our busy scattered lives and our inertia, it too pushes us towards practicing a sincere Sadhana in order to create balance. We develop our interest for God and turn us into real seekers rather than preachers of “lip vedanta”. In the Mahabharata, Kunti asked Krishna to send her one challenge after another, so that she would remember him always, remain humble and surrender to Him.

The teachings of Swami Sivananda – simple living and high thinking, can be taken as a guideline for our daily live. It is time to invest into our inner world, purify our thoughts and motivations, connect to the Divine and remember that all happenings are the result of collective karma.

As the vision of Swami Vishnudevananda of a world on fire is becoming more true by the day, may we resolutely take shelter in Yoga and inspire others to do the same through our humble example.

Let us go through this time courageously and build a bright future through our present efforts and positive thoughts. The Ashrams and Centres continue to be haven of peace for those seeking for a refuge, whether through online teaching or residential courses and trainings.

We look forward to continue to share the practice with you and send our very best wishes for your health and peace of mind.

Om and prem
Swami Kailasananda for the Acharyas of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres.

We look forward to your participation to our monthly peace meditation “Unite For a Healthy Planet” on Sunday August 1st at 2pm CET.

Donations: With many of the International Sivananda Yoga Centres and Ashrams teaching online, finances are a concern, so if this is at all possible for you, your financial support would be very gratefully received by contacting any Ashram or Centre.

Enquire “Who am I”? Search, understand and realize. There is only one Atman. Feel oneness with all. – Sri Swami Sivananda

2021 COVID-19 Update:
Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether COVID-19 has affected your selected course.

The SIVANANDA YOGA Teachers’ Training Courses are available either online (TTCOL) or in residence, depending on the location. Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether your selected Teacher Training Course is available online or in residence as some Ashrams have opened, while others remain closed. Thank you for your patience as schedules change during COVID.

To view all 2021 TTC/ATTC/SI courses on the Sivananda website: https://sivananda.org/teachers-training/programme-calendar/

See the full list of other international courses and events: https://www.sivananda.org/

There is no death – this is the fundamental message which Vedanta proclaims. – Sri Swami Sivananda

From Discourse II: “Sadhana Pada – On Spiritual Disciplines”

II.9. SVARASAVAHI VIDUSO ‘PI TATHA RUDHO ‘BHINIVESAH.
“ The fear of death is the continuous desire to live, which is rooted even in the minds of the wise”.

Commentary:
The fear of death is the fear of loss of identity, of letting go of the ego. Even when all else is given up, there is still the clinging to life. It is only when a sage reaches the very last stage of ‘asamprajnata samadhi’ that he cares for nothing but merging with the Lord. When this level is reached he remains in the body for only a few days.

There are pitfalls in every step in Yoga. Therefore, have a Guru or guide to lead you on. – Sri Swami Sivananda

Chapter IV: The Yoga of the Division of Wisdom

IV.42. TASMAAD AJNAANASAMBHOOTAM HRITSTHAM JNAANAASINAATMANAH;
CCHITTWAINAM SAMSHAYAM YOGAM AATISHTHOTTISHTHA BHAARATA.

(Krishna speaking to Arjuna)
‘Therefore, with the sword of knowledge (of the Self) cut asunder the doubt of the self born of ignorance, residing in thy heart, and take refuge in Yoga; arise, O Arjuna!’

HARI OM TAT SAT
ITI SRIMAD BHAGAVADGEETAASOOPANISHATSU
BRAHMAVIDYAAYAAM YOGASHAASTRE SRI KRISHNAARJUNASAMVAADE
JNAANAVIBHAAGAYOGO NAAMA CHATURTHO’DHYAAYAH

Concentrate all your attention on the work at hand. Live this day well. Yesterday has joined the hoary past, a finished product, on which you need bestow no more attention. Tomorrow is yet a long way off; and it will bring with it time enough for its work. Forget the past; ignore the future. Live in the present. The future will take care of itself. – Sri Swami Sivananda