Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum, Berlin, Germany Om Namah Sivaya! By mid May the city of Berlin was visibly coming back to life. Most of the shops and also cafes opened but Yoga Centres were still closed. We continued with the online program with students giving good response to the classes. Some teachers and close students brought flowers and vegetables to the Centre, all want to support and are waiting to be able to return to the Centre. The painting of the Centre's walls continued and [...]

Sivananda Yoga FAQ Q 1: Why do different prophets give contradictory teachings? A: Prophets are born from time to time to remove a catastrophe and establish Dharma. They preach according to the time, place, conditions and requirements. Lord Buddha preached, "Don't kill". Guru Govind Singh preached, "Kill". When Buddha was born, people were sacrificing many animals. He had to preach Ahimsa to stop killing. Guru Govind Singh had to infuse chivalry in man. One prophet preached, "Renounce and go to the forest". Sri Ramanuja preached, "Enjoy at home. Have no attachment. Worship Vishnu". The [...]

Gurugram June 2020 | Preface Om Namah Sivaya Blessed Self Greetings from the Sivananda Headquarters. The COVID-19 lockdown continues around the world. This brings a lot of challenges both physically and mentally for many of us. We, from Sivananda Organization, are doing our level best, innovating and offering online classes for many in need of the paths of yoga than ever before. We are elated to report most Centres and Ashrams switched to online classes, workshops and seminars with additional Satsangs offered through Ashrams, thanks to staff members setting up Zoom conferencing. Attendees report [...]

Vegetarian Cuisine TOMATO, RED LENTIL and BARLEY SOUP A thick hearty fragrant soup that is tasty and filling. Balanced combination of pulses and vegetables. Ingredients: 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander  seeds 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 tsp ground turmeric 2 tsp fresh grated finger root 1 diced celery stick 150 grams rutabaga, finely diced 150 grams celery root finely diced 1 large diced carrot 3 large tomatoes, skinned and chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 sprigs rosemary 2 bay leaves 1 litre hot vegetable stock or water 60 grams pot [...]

Hatha Yoga Tip HALASANA - PLOUGH - A series of variations of the Halasana. Feet apart  -  Beginners In plough position, take legs apart, keeping arms and hands straight behind you and palms down flat on floor. Push heels to floor. Hold up to 1 minute. Come out of pose by raising legs and come out as usual. Arm wrap -  Intermediate Start from feet apart (above) in plough position. Lower knees to ears and fold arms over knees. Take hands to ears. Hold up to 1 minute. Keep toes flat not curled. Relax [...]

Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Sivananda Headquarters, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. In May we were busy with the online classes, introducing a few new courses. The weekend Raja Yoga course by Swami Shivabhaktananda was popular with 36 participants. Other new courses: a 21 day Yoga Challenge, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation and Positive Thinking, Deep Relaxation. Swami Vairagyananda led a beautiful meditation and Satsang for the online community. Our kirtan recording project continued and was scheduled as a weekly thrice [...]