Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya. In early July we continued the “Yoga and Hiking” program. The TTC students did very well with their first week of the course. There is a good spirit and real appreciation of the knowledge being transmitted. We had an inspiring Satsang given by Shamboo, long time disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda. He spoke with lots of devotion about his time with Swamiji. The special celebration in honour of Subramanya at the Subramanya Ayappa Temple, proceeded with morning and evening Pujas performed by Swami Vasishtananda and Krishna Namboodiri. Twice a day, a wave of devotion swept over the Temple as Lord Subramanya was taken in procession around the Temple compound on a chariot pulled by a group of sincere devotees including priests, Tamil devotees, guests and staff members. We were happy to welcome Swami Jnaneshwarananda from California who arrived to support the Ashram during the TTC.

By mid July our TTC students enjoyed the third week of their course. They eagerly participated in the kriya workshop. The talent show was a real event where many students shared some of their talents, from stand-up comedians, poetry, paintings, singing, rap to acro yoga and even a Sattvic Michael Jackson dance. Many TTC students took mantra initiation. The energy in the Krishna Temple and the Yoga Hall was uplifted as the students very happily took this further step on their spiritual journey. The guest program, “Yoga and Relaxation” took place with a big group of students. Bhagirati came from Montreal to lead a well appreciated practical workshop for diving more deeply into the practice of relaxation. Swami Dayananda left the Ashram to continue in TTC Spain. We were very grateful for her stay, wholehearted teachings and service. Students are well. Guests are inspired.

Staff send love and peace to all and everyone. May Blessing of our Teachers be always upon us all. OM and Prem.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp

Om Namah Sivaya to all. Greetings from Kerala, India. In July the monsoon weather continued while the guest numbers continued to be steady. A good number of guests participated in all the programmes plus Satsang and asana classes. There was an annual festival going on at a nearby Temple with songs played a whole day and night which unfortunately disturbed some guests a little. Anjali left staff position to pursue some other interests for a while. We were happy to welcome ex-staff Dayakar Rajesh for some weeks as staff again. Puja and Amrutha also joined as karma yogis.  A new doctor, Vidya, joined the SIH team. A day trip to Kollam and Varkala was conducted for the guests. 13 took the opportunity to see the beauty of the backwaters and experience the turbulence of the sea at Varkula during monsoon weather. Staff carried out special cleaning karma yoga in Rama hall and Narayana Hall making both shine. Swami Gayatriananda ji, Sivadas ji and Mangala Chaitanya went to Trivandrum Centre to lead a Sunday evening Satsang.

By mid July the Ashram guests were particularly enjoying the silent meditation walks. The weather was cloudy with light breezes and just a bit of rain – really very comfortable unlike in other parts of the world. Strange to consider it was hotter in Europe than in Kerala this month. The guest numbers reached a new high of 64 with 30 undergoing Panchakarma treatments. Jayaram from North Kerala arrived to continue helping with the preparation of the new complete Malayalam TTC manual. He will also make a Malayalam version of our simple chant book which we use in Satsangs. Suresh and family went for a break to North India. Aman transferred to Chennai Centre and will no doubt be very helpful there.  Meenakshi left to deal with some health issues. We wished her well and hope she will be able to come back later. May Master and Swamiji bless all Yogis, wherever they are, with a steady Sadhana.

We thank Master and Swamiji for these opportunities to learn, serve and grow. We pray for peace for all. May all be blessed. All of us send our Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya from Uttar Kashi. Namaste. In early July the TTC students finished their third week of the course and successfully moved to the final week with more focus on the teaching groups. They also had Anatomy and Physiology sessions with Nataraj ji to bring clarity onto the asana practice especially with the benefits and its desired effects on our physical body. We also organized a Sudarsana Homam, a very positive atmosphere was created with the Mantras and Chants and all those gathered imbibing the positivity. Nataraj ji and Kalyani ji left the Ashram after the completion of the teaching schedule. Everything else is going fine at the Ashram.

During mid July we prepared for the TTC with 44 students registered for the course. All the 44 aspirants were initiated into the course to become the torchbearers of Yoga Philosophy and culture. The students were all enthusiastic for the commencement of their spiritual journey. The course teachers and assistants were also initiated with the blessings of our Masters and Gurus with Philosophy being covered by Swami Parameswariananda ji, Bhagavad Gita by Swami Hariomananda ji, Hatha Yoga and Anatomy & Physiology by Mahalakshmi ji and Chanting by Vinod ji. Vinod ji is teaching Chanting for the first time and we wish him all the best for his first experience.

Please note we continue to offer classes, courses & programs online. Details regarding this can be found at sivananda.org.in/Online-sessions. Please like our Facebook page to stay notified about live open classes, Satsangs & other programs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. Namaste from Madurai. Early July had been well spent with a modest number of vacationers indulging themselves in the yogic and sattvic routine of Ashram. They thoroughly enjoyed the practices and were very pleased with the positive effects it is having on them. The climate became quite pleasant with warm days and cold nights. It is Jamun season here with the trees starting to bear the fruits, the fruits which are considered very healthy for the body. The entire Ashram was invited to join the pre – birthday celebrations of our trustee Dr Narayanasami ji. We all went to his nearby farm and wished him well and also had a chance to meet his family. All of us enjoyed a scrumptious feast, South Indian style, complete with sweet dessert.

By mid July a new Yoga Vacation program commenced with a nice group energy. All utilized their time very efficiently in studying and understanding the Yogic tradition. Most of them also extended their stay to imbibe yogic principles and discipline in their lives. We had a group of nearly 300 school students from Mahatma School coming for their field trip with their staffs. They were given a short talk on our Master & Teacher, a brief overview about our Ashram followed by an asana class which was thoroughly enjoyed by the group. It was purely enriching to spent quality time with the budding citizens of tomorrow.

May all of us be guided well by the blessings and grace of our Masters and Gurus. We send Prayers and Regards to all from our family of guests, students and staffs. Om.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya from the Ranch. After a very successful July 4 reopening weekend, programs continued with many guests attending. The Ayurveda Detox Rejuvenation Retreat was led by the Ayurveda team, offering gentle Yoga classes taught by MahaLakshmi, Ayurveda talks with Durga Leela, a kitcheree diet, Ayurveda massages provided by Maheshwari and Radha Chaitanya, and time in the sauna. Durga Leela led the weekend Yoga of Recovery Retreat with daily asana classes, Yoga of Recovery workshops, and 12-step meetings. Swami Dharmananda taught the 5-day Meditation course with an eager group of students. Students learned the meditation technique and Raja Yoga psychology. Satsangs focused on topics of health, prana, relaxation and the mind, led by Srinivasan, Swami Sitaramananda, and the swamis. We were grateful for the visit of Atmarama Das, who presented two lovely, uplifting kirtan concerts with songs of Sri Krishna, including some dancing, bringing great joy to all. Weekly Pujas continued at the Durga Temple, Siva Temple, Krishna Temple and Kailas Hall. Meanwhile karma yogis cooked beautiful meals utilizing the garden fresh greens. The Ashram was beautiful with very high spirits among the guests as they are very grateful to visit the Ashram.

By mid July we welcomed students to the Yoga Ranch for the first TTC in 2 1/2 years. Students arrived mainly from the east coast with a few from mid-west and western states. The group was very sincere. Most of the students were new to Sivananda Yoga, seeking Classical Yoga teachings. The TTC was initiated by Srinivasan and Swami Sitaramananda with words of welcome, explanation of Gurukulu system and introduction to Master and Swamiji’s mission. The TTC teachers were Swami Sitaramananda: Main Lecture, Meditation, Satsangs; Srinivasan-ji: Bhagavad Gita, Satsangs; Swami Jnaneswariananda: Anatomy & Physiology, Satsangs; Swami Dharmananda: Positive Thinking, Chanting, Satsangs; Swami Adiparashaktiananda: Hatha Yoga, Satsangs. The Hatha Yoga assistants are Radha chaitanya and Mahalakshmi. Chanting assistants are Radha chaitanya and Sita Ram chaitanya. We thank our Vedic priest, pandit Samavedula, for leading a beautiful high energy Ganesha Puja and Homa at the Siva Temple along with Abishekam of the Temple Lingam and Guru lineage, chanting, and offerings. Meanwhile programs continued with the Positive Thinking course, taught by Swami Adiparashaktiananda, teaching on the nature of thought, techniques for cultivating positive thoughts from the 4 Paths of Yoga, and the 5 Points of Yoga to support prana and positive thinking.

We thank Master and Swamiji for the blessing of opportunities to share the teachings and to help wider circles find good health and peace of mind. May Masters’ Blessings and Gurus Grace be with us all. Pranams from the rolling mountains of New York State. Om.

www.sivanandayogaranch.org/‎

Om Namah Sivaya. Staff focused on their Sadhana in early July and prepared for the arrival of Swami Sivasankariananda for Guru Purnima visiting from the LA Centre. The group tended to the garden and erected the greenhouses. The first lavender harvest began with the lavender in full bloom. Daily Arati and Pujas took place in the Temples. Staff enjoyed a day trip to Donner Lake near Lake Tahoe, having a picnic and Sadhana by the lake. Swami Sitaramananda led the International Online Satsang from Vietnam on the topic of 3 Types of Faith.

Mid July saw the Yoga Farm staff focusing on Sadhana, including lavender harvest, enjoying the cool mornings to collect the lavender blooms to be made into essential oil. Garden work and watering of the land was top priority at this time of year. The Yoga Farm staff regularly tuned in to online Satsang from the Yoga Ranch while Swami Sitaramananda led the International Online Satsang on the topic of Yogic Way to Alleviate Personal Suffering. We thanked Ramachandra for his many months service to the Ashram. We also thanked Ganapati who returned to Japan after taking ATTC and staying on as karma yogi this past month.

We are grateful for this opportunity to serve. May all feel Master and Swamiji’s blessings. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. July 2022 in the Bahamas: We were joined by guest presenter Dr. David Moises Perez-Martinez, who gave a three-day program on cymatics and sound healing. The workshops and Satsangs included images of sound structures in nature and on city walks, as well as encouragement to see the world through the lens of vibration. The students of the July Teacher Training Course completed their first week of study. The group was dedicated to their studies and Hatha Yoga practice, showing anticipated enthusiasm for the weeks to come.

May all be well and may this be an opportunity to turn inward to that which is eternal and ever-free. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. Early July the Ashram had a very enthusiastic TTC group. They tuned themselves quickly into the kirtan chanting and practiced headstand intensely. They experienced the first teaching groups and Sunday evening study nights. The vacation guests had lectures on muscle length and muscle strength, relaxation and yoga philosophy. They enjoyed a hike to the lake “Schwarzsee”. We offered a Siva Puja. A wonderful concert, with the Tyrolean sitar player Klaus Falschlunger, was a relaxing for the TTC students, guests and staff. Nitya from Berlin came for one week to support us and join the Sadhana.

By mid July the TTCs completed their fourth week with amazing discipline and inspiration. They were introduced into advanced pranayama and almost the whole group took mantra initiation. The exam had excellent results. After the graduation we had a joyful get together on the Ganesha platform. The vacation guests enjoyed the warm summer weather, went for walks and swam in the nearby lakes. They received inspiration on mental relaxation and meditation in the lectures. An alignment workshop was offered. We also had an intense photoshoot at the Retreat House and at the surrounding beautiful spots in nature. Dattatreya and all participants did great work. Dr. Kamlesh departed the Ashram, returning India. We were grateful for his presence and his valuable advices on cooking and lifestyle. Swami Mangalananda arrived from Berlin and stayed with us for one week. Gayatri came from Munich to support the Yoga Vacation program.

All staff are healthy and happy to welcome both long-time students and new guests. May Master and Swamiji bless all the efforts to follow the teachings. We send greetings to all and pray that all remain healthy and safe. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya.

Monthly Mediation for World Peace and Health. Please accept this invitation to join us for the Unite for a Healthy Planet worldwide meditation – Every 1st Sunday of the month at 2PM Continental European Time, for 30 minutes. https://sivanandaorleans.org/unite-for-a-healthy-planet

The staff were full of gratitude for this opportunity to serve dynamically. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans

Om Namah Sivaya from Da Lat Ashram. In early July the Ashram saw a considerable change in energy with both Kids Camp and Teen camp completed. A large batch of guests arrived to take part in a 5 day “Introduction to Meditation” course. All participants were fully engaged in the course, practice, workshops and Satsangs, gaining a full and complete experience of integral Yoga Life. We then welcomed a new group of guests for a weekend retreat. Renovation of the guest accommodation at the Ashram continued. We were happy to welcome weekend guests for the first time to one of the newly redecorated houses. We had the opportunity to take both groups of guests on forest walks. They very much appreciated the practical experience of absorption of prana through all the senses, the forest was specially green and alive in this rainy season. All are thankful for Guru’s grace.

By mid July all 56 TTC participants arrived and settled into the Ashram life. Initiation of the course was led by Swami Sitaramananda via video link from the Yoga Ranch. Students had already gone through considerable effort and overcome difficulties in order to be here, since the course had been delayed by one week. Once here, all were focussed, keen and ready to enter the intensive training. Participants cooperated well within the health protocols. Teachers were Swami Sitaramananda, teaching Satsangs via Zoom from the US; Swami Narayanananda, teaching the main lecture; Ganga Chaitanya, leading the Hatha Yoga team along with Priya Chaitanya; Sivashakti Chaitanya, teaching Bhagavad Gita and Daya Chaitanya teaching chanting. Many other staff were involved as assistant teachers, counsellors and mentors. The first week of practice went smoothly. We were blessed with some drier weather in this rainy season so the students were able to enjoy outdoor activities, including an early morning walks to see the sunrise. In order to protect the TTC group from any possible infection we have stopped accepting Yoga Vacation guests for the duration of the course, therefore be fully focused on TTC activities.

The staff are well and inspired to serve. We were grateful for Guru’s grace during these challenging times. Om.

www.sivanandayogavietnam.org/

Om Namah Sivaya. Namaste. In early July, by Master’s blessings, all was pleasant here with mostly cloudy days and light rainfall. The guests enjoyed their stay and made the most of the Ashram quietness. We had a guest from Germany, along with two more guests from West Bengal and Bihar. Staff focused on Karma Yoga. Julie who was here for last 2 months left for her hometown in Madurai. She will be back with us for September TTC. We hope to see new arrivals in the coming days.

By mid July there was another addition to our cow family as we were blessed with a boy calf. The Ashram was quiet with few guests mid month. Promotions for the next TTC continued as we followed up with interested candidates. We have been focusing on cleaning the garden. With the mango season over, chikoo and guava are now growing. We enjoyed what the peace had to offer while soaking in the serene vibe.

Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. May Master and Swamiji bless us with true devotion and blessings be with us all! Pranams. Om.

www.sivananda.org.in/gudur