Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. Early November started smoothly with a flow of Karma Yogis who decided to join the Camp to have a soft transition into the TTC. The gentle flow was balanced with an intensive weekend. Devotees gathered at the Subramanya Temple for the Temple closing and together moved the statues down to the Krishna Temple. With the closing of the Temple, we saw the Temple staff spread in different directions. As always at the Camp, as a wave goes, another arrives: Swami Rajeshwarananda, Padmavati arrived along with 34 TTC participants who filled the Camp by end of the week bringing with them a rush of excitement and anticipation for the new challenge they’re about to undertake. We had the opening ceremony where they changed into the yellow uniform, transforming the Krishna Temple to a yellow field of smiling faces. They introduced themselves and shared their inspiring stories and the reasons that brought them to do the TTC as always to some, it’s been a lifelong dream, and to others, it was more of a last minute decision backed by a strong calling and unexplainable certainty.

During mid-November we started with the Ganesha Puja for the TTC, asking for the Grace of God and the Gurus to accompany our journey, Students, Guests, Teachers, Assistants, and support staff. It is a gift to us all to go through the TTC as it reminds us of the blessings of the path we have been on ourselves, deepens our understanding of the teachings as we share them with the new comers, and increase our appreciation with Masters who brought this knowledge to all. Students already moved through a range of states: from excitement to bewilderment, curiosity, amusement, appreciation, and engagement. We had the meals in silence, which kept the energy calm and serene. Students appreciated it, and often sat together in silence: in library, on the deck, and in the sauna, a new phenomena for TTC – perhaps it’s only the first week. Swami Rajeshwaranandaji and Padmavati introduced meditation during the morning Satsangs, Swami Shivabhaktananda the Hatha Yoga for the English group, and Swami Rajeshwaranandaji for the French group. Swamiji teaches the main lecture, Padmavati the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Shivabhaktananda the Anatomy and Chandrika the chanting, while a large group of assistants and translators floated around, helping out as needed. Students enjoyed the course. Satsangs were quickly getting livelier as more and more students feel at ease with the chants. Kamala and Jeeva Chandra cooked Indian meals in the evenings, a great treat to all for a day well spent. One weekend we had a drumming workshop with Alain which attracted a good number of people. A few TTC participants joined in while others chose to study, or take a break and enjoy a cup of tea in the neighbouring village. We had a visit from Saraswati (Toronto) who was teaching a course at the Montreal Centre. She did the Satsang sharing stories about Swami Vishnu.
One Sunday, a white fluffy drape of snow covered the Camp. Lights decorated the lodge. Christmas was around the corner! We felt it! Staff was busy with the TTC and maintaining the Camp. May the Blessings of Masters continue illumining our path. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp

Namah Sivaya to all. Early November and the first TTC of the high season started in a big way, with 179 students. Most of the students were from India. It was encouraging to see young Indians interested in Yoga in its wider sense. At the same time we were implementing some new TTC procedures to qualify for yoga school certification with the Quality Council of India. Bhagavatam Sapthaha came to an end with the auspicious bath in the dam and final Puja. At the same time we paid tribute to Swami Vishnudevananda by singing his 108 names, offering flowers and prostrations. Apart from the result of the USA election we experienced our own surprise when the Indian government suddenly announced the devaluation of the five hundred and one thousand currency notes with immediate effect. People had a limited period to exchange them in the banks. This was a bold attempt to flush out hidden black market money. Consequently we had to cancel our Kanya Kumari trip due to lack of cash. Fortunately the Ashram was not otherwise affected.

During mid-November a highlight was Ailyam and Guru Puja on Sunday, the 20th. This marked Swamiji’s actual star birthday eighty nine years ago. As usual staff performed Guru Puja in the morning led by Swami Janardhananda whilst guests went for the morning silent walk. Later there was Ailyam Puja and Pongal at the Subramanya Temple with 108 pots of rice. Local ladies as well as female staff and guests participated in the Pongal cooking and offering. It was a unique experience for many. On the same day we had initiation of twelve Ayurveda Wellness Course students. The Ashram was full. Temporary beds were set up on the Dwarka roof and Rama Hall for men. Guests were fascinated and impressed by a talk and demonstration on Vedic maths by S. Haridas ji. TTC was progressing smoothly. Om. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya – Greetings from Uttar Kashi. Early November started with continuing dry weather, enabling work on renovating the Bhagirathi dorm roof to continue. The sheet roof was removed and the walls built up to take a more permanent flat roof. At the same time, some plumbing work for the Kailash rooms began.  The hi-light was the celebration of Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi which is always the occasion of the biggest bandara at Netala Ashram each year.  This year the gift kits contained 28 items.  Over 130 kits were distributed, mostly to sadhus.  Many more, mostly children, were fed. The sadhus were particularly happy to receive an increased dakshina of Rs 501, although of course the same day the Rs 500 note became illegal tender!

During mid-November the work on the Bhagirathi roof progressed well, almost ready for the cement for the roof slab to be ‘poured’ at the end of November. The plumbing repair work for the Kailash rooms was completed.  The staff were occupied with general maintenance as well as their Sadhana. With Swamiji and Master’s blessings all goes smoothly. Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. Early November started with the TTC students entering onto the final week of their schedule with more focus on their exams. They were given a briefing session on Advanced Pranayama with an intense practice of the same on following day.

We celebrated the Mahasamadhi Day of our master Swami Vishnudevananda with a Guru Puja at the Temple. All the staff took turns to repeat the mantra Om Namo Bhagavathe Vishnudevanandaya non stop throughout the day. We had a beautiful feast of pulav and pudding to add to the grandeur of the celebrations. Sandeep returned from Thailand after the TTC at Chiang Rai. The TTC students immersing themselves totally with their exam preparations so much that we had to keep a watch on whether they are having their food and sleep on time. Their exam day went off smoothly with many complaining about time shortage at attempting the answers. The evening was a very grand affair with a South Indian feast being served to all along with some delicacies contributed by one of our TTC student running a chain of hotels in Madurai. This was followed by Satsang and a colourful graduation function. After this the stage was all set for scintillating performances by the students. The vacationers also seemed inspired to come up with wild card entry performances to entertain all. The next day was time for farewell and exchanging of contacts with promises of staying in touch. We wholeheartedly thanked the Almighty and our Masters for the successful completion of the course. We also pray for their continued guidance and blessings to all.

During mid-November we bid farewell to the old TTC students and ended with welcoming new ones. Some of the previous TTC students stayed back to savour the Ashram life without their hectic schedule of TTC and some joined as Karma Yogis. Preparations began for the next TTC course with staff undertaking cleaning of dormitories, setting up of Health Hut and so on. Swami Narayanananda left with the promise of coming back next year. Teachers for the next batch started arriving, Janaki ji, Kapoor ji and Nagaraj ji. Students for the new batch started arriving. A couple of them few days earlier to tune themselves to the Ashram routine. With the current currency problem all over India, both the guests and ourselves were finding it difficult to cope  with the money situation. Invariably on all days we had been to the bank to get the money exchanged for new ones. Sunday Satsang had the students getting initiated into the TTC by Swami Hariomananda, Kapoorji, Nagarajji and Janakiji. The majority of students were from Delhi as compared to Mumbaikkars in the last batch. All of them introduced themselves as true lovers of Yoga joining the program to get an in depth knowledge about the same. We pray to our Masters for their blessings and guidance all throughout. With prayers and regards from all Ashramites. Om Shanti and Pranams.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! Early November started with clear sunny weather, providing a good opportunity to spread manure in the vegetable garden and insulate the staff trailer with hay bales in preparation for winter. Srinivasan and Sitaram Chaitanya performed a beautiful Puja for Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi. Throughout the week, Gopi gave informative lectures for the Beginners’ Immersion program (attended by 2 guests and 2 karma yogis). For a weekend we welcomed 18 guests for the popular Yoga & Hiking weekend. one karma yogi left. Pranava and Ambika both returned from personal leave. The staff are well and full of energy!

Mid-November began with the arrival of a special guest to give Monday evening Satsang – Molly Birkholm – Madhavi. Following meditation and chanting, Madhavi gave an inspiring talk centered around ‘Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate & Realize’. The Satsang was filmed by a crew from Yoga International, who will be broadcasting the talk on their website. In terms of guests it was relatively quiet, but Srinivasan nevertheless gave a weekend talk for all on the Bhagavad Gita. Srinivasan then drove to the New York Centre to give a special Thanksgiving Satsang. Some of the Ashram staff also went to help with the preparation of the feast. Having served 5 energetic months at the Ranch, Dharmini also departed for the NY Centre, where she will serve for one week before returning to Israel. Meanwhile, the Solar Project was manifesting with the first solar panels installed on the car port! We woke to the first deep snowfall of the season – a beautiful sight! By the grace of Master and Swamiji, staff continued to maintain strong in their Sadhana. Sending pranams to all. Om.

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a joyful TTC graduation, as the students, deeply inspired by the one month of teaching and practice, celebrated with a feast and words from all teachers and students. TTC students eloquently expressed,, in a touching and tearful way, their appreciation for the love, the community and the wisdom received. After the Guru Puja, by Swami Vasishtananda, and the sharing of mantras from Upanishads, Swami Sitaramananda, other Swamis and special guest Komilla Sutton, shared words of encouragement to carry on practice and to be positive and selfless examples to others. The students ended the ceremony with all singing the song Imagine! by John Lennon – “Imagine there’s no countries… Imagine all the people living life in peace…”! which is very poignant considering many felt lost and worried after the results of the US elections. Leading up to the graduation, the TTC students’ final week was high energy and inspiring for all, with many special guests, Pujas and concerts. The week coincided with Swami Vishnudevananda-ji’s Mahasamadhi and Jala-samadhi celebrations as well as Sw Sitaramananda-ji’s birthday. Sw. Vasishtananda led a beautiful Puja for Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi celebration in the Brahma Vidya Hall with offerings of flowers, mantras and Guru chants. The Ashram celebrated Swami Sitaramananda-ji’s birthday with a lovely Durga Puja at the Durga Temple, Swami Vishnudevananda’s favoured place for contemplation in the Ashram. Swamiji shared many stories about the Ashram’s history and her time here. The Ashram was blessed to welcome Dr. John Beaulieu and Silvia Nakkach for the Yoga of Sound. Dr. John presented on the healing power of sound (from tuning forks) and vibration from scientific and yogic perspectives, showing the relationship between sound and form. Silvia Nakkach, accompanied by Josse Jaffe led a beautiful voice concert, engaging all to sing, chant, breathe and express the soul through voice. Hasu Patel ji enchanted all with her ragas on sitar. As TTC finished, and 3 temporary staff remained, 19 new students arrived for the Vedanta and Silence course including many staff and Sw Satyapremananda, from the East coast, arrived for the Vedanta and Silence course.

During mid-November the Ashram is calm and silent as 19 students participated in the Vedanta and Silence course which is mostly conducted in the sun room at Swamiji’s house. Swami Sitaramananda spent 5 hours daily with the students, reading Viveka Chudamani with commentaries, stories, followed by group sessions of practice of Self-enquiry. It was enlightening and inspiring, helping many to recognize causes of suffering and anxieties and learn how to improve one’s thinking and discrimination. We celebrated the lives of two of our dedicated students who passed away this year with special tree planting ceremony at the Dhanvantari Temple, led by Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Vasishtananda. Katyayani, was long-time student and teacher. Krishna Prem was a part-time staff and teacher who visited the Yoga Farm every year. Friends of Katyayani and mother of Krishna Prem attended to honour their courage and dedication as auspicious rains appeared with mantra chants. Swami Jnaneswariananda taught the weekend Meditation Intensive course, with students new to Yoga, learning and practicing the 12 points of meditation practice. Karuna Devi taught a weekend Cooking Workshop, with hands-on cooking sessions and sharing Ayurveda principles for balanced health. The Ashram was very happy to welcome Turkish troubadour and poet, Latif Bolat, who shared his beautiful vision of Turkey past and present with traditional music, poetry and images. He was joined by two of our Turkish staff to sing a lovely traditional folk song. The Ashram was beautiful with autumn leaves falling, cool weather and rain. Many guests taking in the healing environment and high energy of the teachings. We all felt the grace of Master and Swamiji this month. Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Yoga Farm.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. We were very happy to welcome back Swami Hridyananda early in the month. We welcomed students for the first TTC of the season. The priest performed a Ganapati Vidya Homa to remove obstacles and bestow divine knowledge on the students and teachers. Everyone was able to participate, offering ghee into the fire and flowers to a yantra. Also this month, in honor of Swami Vishnu’s Mahasamadhi, Akhanda Kirtan of Swami Vishnu’s mantra was held in the Temple from 8 am until 8 pm. The day was concluded with a beautiful Puja in the evening Satsang. Everyone offered flowers and Swami Brahmananda gave some short, very inspiring teachings of Swami Vishnu from the Vishnudevananda Upadesa. The Puja for Swami Vishnu’s Jalasamadhi was held in the morning Satsang on the beach platform, close to the water. After everyone offered petals to a murthi of Swami Vishnu, Swami Brahmananda and the priest carried the statue down the ocean and submerged it in the ocean. Delicious prasad was served and Akhanda Kirtan was held form 8am until 8pm in the Temple. This month, we also we celebrated Swami Prema Swaroopananda’s birthday with a Puja performed by the priest. We wish her a long life, health, prosperity and spiritual liberation. The Ashram is getting busier as we move into the high season and many guest presenters taught and spoke this month in addition to our own swamis and senior teachers. Among those who presented programs and Satsang talks were physician, musician and TTC graduate Dr. Dennis Chernin, who presented a 4 day program on “Meditation, Mantra and Music”; author Jeffrey Davis, who gave fascinating talks on “Wonder of the Creative Quest”, describing the different stages on a spiritual quest; as well as Tessa Bielecki and Father Dave Denny, the kirtanist Ragani, Sri Devi (Marisa Laursen), a TTC graduate and senior teacher at the California College of Ayurveda, and medical doctor and yogi Jeff Migdow. We held this season’s first symposia this month, “Sound, Spirit & Science: Altered States of Consciousness” presented by professors Nathan Katz and Andrea Seidel, musician Guy Beck, scholar Graham Schweig and neuroscientist David Vago. Satsang talks on comparative mysticism, the Bhagavad Gita, states of consciousness and motion, and the cutting-edge of brain and consciousness studies were enjoyed by everyone. The symposium concluded with a panel discussion that included all the speakers and gave the audience a chance to ask questions and address the speakers directly.

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. In a splendour of autumn colours, we enjoyed the calm season with sunshine, crisp air and the first snow of the season. Ideal for some magnificent walks. We had good interest for the TTC Prep weekend. The group, some of whom already were inscribed for TTC, were keen to learn all the details of the course and experience the Retreat House first hand. In the special Yoga and Detox week, we learned about the physical as well as mental necessity for detoxifying and practiced different kriya techniques and longer pranayama in the yoga classes. We celebrated Diwali with a Puja, filling the Ganesha hall with outer and inner light. Swami Satyananda came from Berlin to give the Asana Special: Asanas for a Healthy Back for the AllSaints’ Retreat. Everyone had their plumb line picture taken at the beginning and the end of the Retreat. When the plumbline fotos were discussed, some guests were astonished about the visible improvement of their body alignment within a period of 3 days of intensive Yoga. With the departure of the last guests the Retreat House and the Hotel closed for a period of four weeks. Some staff left to support different Centres while others moved to Hotel Sonnberghof in Mittersill near Salzburg, where one month of yoga vacations will be held for the third time. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. We had an additional training for Yoga teachers of “how to teach Yoga to seniors” at the beginning of the month. The Ashram was booked to capacity, Jayabharati, who has many years of experience teaching older people gave useful hints of how to modify the asanas a bit for the elderly. After this programme the Ashram was closed for 10 days for renovations. When we reopened again we had an asana Intensive workshop and a weekend programme “Asanas – key to concentration and mental balance”. At the same time we are getting ready for the upcoming TTC which will start at the end of the month. The Ashram looks beautiful with all the leaves down like a carpet of yellow leaves on the lawn. Om Shanti. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans