Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! After the autumn holidays students started to bring more regularity into their practice. Swami Vishnudevanandas Mahasamadhi day was celebrated with a Puja together with staff and students . It was a lovely atmosphere, Swamijis energy was very present. The altar was nicely decorated, many students brought flowers. This month weekends were full of activities: A peace festival was organized in the Centre with several activities like lecture, asana class and OM Namo Narayana chanting, everything was well received. The highlight was the concert in the evening with two musicians from India: They came to the Centre for the first time. The music was very beautiful, joyful and inspiring for all participants. The whole day many karma yogis were around to help with the set up, cooking and reception, an inspiring collective effort could be felt. The weekend after we had open house, for the first time on a Saturday which turned out to be a good day. Many newcomers joined for the cooking workshop, asana demonstration and trial class. We also had a group of new students in the evening Satsang. Sunday we welcomed a good group of teachers for the further training day. The topic was advanced asanas and how to teach them properly. Half of the group was active teachers of the Centre, the others were outside teachers, some of them came from Hamburg and other cities in Northern Germany. They all appreciated the day in the Centre with Asana class, lecture and correction workshop. At lunchtime we did a small walk as there was beautiful sunshine that day. More people registered for the upcoming retreat end of November. Bulk mailing of the brochure was done this month. We did several small maintenance projects, one of them was the painting of the Kutir, which is one small part of the Centre with 2 rooms and the small kitchen. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. In early November we continued with the rehearsals of theater and choir. They began two ” Beginners’ Courses” and two ” Meditation Courses”. Swami Premananda came back from the tour in Chile. After helping for 8 months in Buenos Aires, Jyoti from Colombia, traveled to the Montevideo Centre as Staff. We had the help of karma yogis in many different activities.

During mid-November a “Beginners’ Course” started. We continued with the study of the “Bhagavad Gita”. On Friday evenings we chanted the “Lalita Sahasranama” with the assistance of several teachers. We gave a workshop “Yoga and Spine”. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November became cold and damp in Chengdu, so we went ahead with the heating system initalization. We focused on promoting the programs with Swami Narayanananda, at the same time we offered open classes when we can with temporary classroom set up with screens. Our resident, Nalini, had to leave us because of family responsibilities. We said our goodbyes with hope Guru’s teachings be with her while she is at home.

During mid-November, besides open classes, we started a Meditation course and also a Positive Thinking weekend intensive at the Centre. With the help of heating system and staff being more focused under the guidance of Swami Sitaramananda, the students numbers improved. We welcomed Swami Narayanananda to join us after his service in India for TTC, and also Shakti to join us as a staff member. We said goodbye to Omkari and thanked her for her wonderful service in China. We were scheduled to have a weekend retreat course in the mountains at the location where we had our TTC. Unfortunately Swami Narayanananda sprained his ankle before leaving. We changed the plan to stay at the Centre, some students joined us at the Centre, some cancelled the course, but everything went peacefully. The staff at the Centre shared in the teachings of this weekend intensive. The students who came from Shanghai really appreciated the holistic approach of classical yoga. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. Early November started with morning beginner’s class on Mondays. On Wednesday we celebrated Swamiji’s Majasamadhi day and conducted special Pooja at 11:00 AM. Unnikrishnan (Karma yogi) left the Centre because of personal reasons. Construction work continued.

During mid-November we completed a Beginners’’ evening batch successfully. We performed monthly Ganapathy Homa with reasonable strength of students. Building construction continued as normal, almost reaching the final stage. Naveen left to Madurai for assisting in the TTC. By the blessings of our Guru and God’s grace all of us are doing well and wish you serenity and peace of mind. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with Swami Vishnudevananda’s Mahasamadshi Puja, which we performed at a Wednesday evening Satsang. There were 18 people in attendance and, on the day after the US elections, it was the perfect time to come together in community and support, and to remember Swamiji, connect to his mission of peace, and start the healing process of a shocked and torn country. In addition to the Puja, we chanted Om Nama Narayanaya 108 times for world peace. There were some new programs added to the November and December calendar, so marketing efforts was our focus.  Attendance was a little low after the elections, but by the following weekend we had good class sizes and a large group for the Sunday evening Satsang.  The contract to start the construction work on the downstairs meditation and Satsang room was signed with work scheduled to begin soon.

During mid-November demolition began on the first floor meditation hall at the main Centre building. The building was built in 1914 and being over 100 years old is in need of several renovations.  The plaster walls were torn down in preparation for new insulation and sheet rock.  This created heavy black dust throughout the entire building and staff needed to stay on top of cleaning each day after the workers left.  Staff were encouraged to wear protective masks as to not breath in the debris. We had several karma yogis helping with the clean-up, which will be a month long process. The construction project is scheduled to be completed by years end. Meanwhile a new Yoga and Meditation 2 started. Staff needed to cover classes more that usual as several teachers were out of town for various reasons. Our sweet cat Jaya helped keep our spirits up.  By the grace of Master and Swamiji, Satsang attendance was growing with several regulars joining us for morning meditation. Radha (Gloria McCartney) lead an evening Satsang on the topic of Gratitude. We had a good turn out and as always, appreciated Radha’a support of the Centre. Staff are well, grateful for the protection of the Gurus, and send pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with two new courses for Beginners’ with full capacity. Rainy season in Da Lat finished. The weather was very beautiful and students came to very crowded classes. The fresh energy pervaded everywhere. Staffs came to Ashram to take photos for promotion and prepared the kitchen there. The Ashram will be opened in Dec 2016.

During mid-November it was beautiful in the DaLat Centre. Yoga Beginner courses and another classes were running very well. A Sunday cooking workshop was very successful with many students attending. They learned what proper diet is and how to cook Indian foods with natural flavour. Saraswati was very busy with the planning for the new Ashram. May Guru’s Grace always be with us for the development of the Centre. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By Guru’s Grace and God’s Will everything went very well at the Centre in November. We started with the Beginners’ batch at 6am with good numbers of enthusiastic of students. We conducted the positive thinking workshop and a kriya workshop. Our early morning open classes were having lesser students due to winter. The highlight was the celebration of Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi with the occasion of the Homam, Bandara and a energetic yoga class at the Centre. More then 75 kids arrived from “My Angels Academy” plus few of our students. We had Satsang with staff and few of our regular students. Apart from that everything happened peacefully well. We pray to the Almighty for peace and joy to everyone.

During mid-November we started the Beginners’’ batch at 10 am and 6:30 pm, with good numbers of students. We conducted a headstand workshop and preparatory asanas workshop. A special workshop on natural health and nutrition was also conducted in the Centre, by Dr. Sakshi Agarwal, the sister of our student who arranged for the workshop. Students attended it enthusiastically and appreciated the effort. We also conducted a special advance class. We conducted the general Satsang on Saturday and Sunday evenings. All our classes were doing very well. Apart from that painting work and other maintenance work continued at the Centre. With Gurus blessings and Gods grace we pray for all of you. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. With the blessings of the Masters, November started with two Beginners’’ courses, one at 6:30am and the other at 4:00pm. In celebration of our Master Swami Vishnudevananda’s Mahasamadhi we chanted Om Namo Bhagavate Vishnudevananda and offered milk at Guru’s feet while the priest performed the Guru Pada Pooja. Due the Indian Government banning of Rs 500 & 1000 notes our income was affected but we expected the situation to improve in few days. Delhi weather was changing to cold as the winter months approached. We conducted a few private classes. Jaypal came back from Thailand after two days and then went to home for the holiday.

During mid-November we started two Beginners’’ courses, one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. Kapoorji left for Madurai TTC. We conducted a Hip Opening workshop one Saturday, plus a few private classes. The ongoing weekend ‘Foundation to Meditation’ course successfully completed. With the grace of the Masters everything else went well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. Highlight of the month was a very nice one day-retreat on the Mont Salève. Twelve participants, three of them active teachers, enjoyed a day in nature in a Buddhist monastery on top of the mountain near Geneva which has a beautiful view over the city and the lake. Students left inspired to go a step further and to make yoga-holidays in an Ashram. Other weekends were lively with a cooking class about How to correctly combine different foods and an Open Day. The renovation of the building continued with work in our main hall which was a construction place for one week. Pipes were replaced underneath the ceiling and to our relief everything was closed and painted by the end of the week and looked like before. The search for a temporary additional office- and teaching space continued and a new teacher who did TTC in Orleans recently started to assist with teaching. Diwali and Swamijis’ Mahasamadhi were celebrated with beautiful Pujas. Students came with Prasad’s and flowers and the altar is full of light and prana. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya, from Noida. Early November started without a Beginners’ course, being the week after the great Diwali festival. However the number of students in the open classes increased. The weather became colder and with lots of pollution because of bursting of crackers on Diwali. With the Grace of Gurus the weather will improve and the number of students will improve soon. The rest of the activities went well, with the Grace of Gurus. With the Blessings and Grace of our Beloved Masters, we send Pranams and our best wishes to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org.in/noida

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a Yoga One course with seven students and a Meditation One course, with six students. The meditation course had a new format of eight 90-minute sessions, meeting twice a week. An outside teacher, Krishna’s, taught an asana workshop on balancing postures, with four attendants. We were inspired to have more regular people coming for Satsang in the evenings on Sundays and Wednesdays.  We continued to train teachers to teach beginner courses.  We celebrated Swami Vishnu-devanandaji’s Jala Samadhi with a very nice Puja.  Afterwards, all staff shared a few words about something they learned from Swamiji’s life and teachings, we did two hours chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vishnu-devanandaya”. The Centre was very uplifted.

During mid-November we finished two Yoga Two courses in the morning and started three Yoga One courses. All of them had a good number of attendants.  We had an Indian Cooking workshop, taught by Swami Pranavananda and Durga, which was quite successful.  We continued training the teachers for the Beginners’ courses.  Ananda, from France, had his test class is now ready for teaching.  We also welcomed a new resident from the Netherlands.  She was very inspired by the classical Yoga teachings. With the Gurus’ blessings all are working well together, happy and inspired. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early November the certificate course “Mantras – Sacred Sounds of Power” came to a very positive conclusion. The residential students left refreshed and invigorated after 5 days of intense practice and study. We started with the planning of the certificate courses for 2017, looking forward to hosting four residential courses in 2017. Interest in the upcoming Teachers Training Courses was strong. We welcomed 9 sincere students for a TTC preparation day one Saturday. We also started a 4-week study group on the Bhagavad Gita. Om Namah Sivaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! Early November started with Open classes continuing and regular practitioners inquiring more about the Four Paths. We welcomed visitors from other Sivananda Centres (Germany, Montreal, New York and Uruguay) all bringing spiritual energy. The Beginners’ course entered into week Four. The students expressed their readiness for Yoga 2. The Centre’s Open House event brought keen students showing eagerness to dive deeper into the teachings of Master and Swamiji. During Satsang we celebrated Swami Vishnudevananda’ss Mahasamadhi with a Puja and Guru Chants. The Guru Puja was full of familiar, as well as, new devotees offering prasadam and gratitude for Master and Swamiji. Karma Yogis distributed flyers for upcoming events while staff continued with website development.

During mid-November the current Yoga 1 course concluded, with students feeling inspired and enthusiastic to begin the upcoming Yoga 2 course. Open classes withstood the approaching holiday. Frequent Pujas bestowed inspiration and blessings. During Satsang readings, Swami Sivananda-ji’s words continued to uplift, offering precisely the teaching needed at that time. After each Sunday Satsang the students shared warming soup as they expressed gratitude for Guru’s refuge. The boutique renewal created a fresh feeling at the Centre. Karma Yogis continued with flyer distribution. The garden reflects our unpredictable weather with sprouts bursting with much Prana and zeal. May Grace of the Guru continue to shelter and guide us. We send pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The celebration of the festival “Yoga and Health” over the third weekend of November brought positive energy and lots of dynamic yogis from all over Spain. The Centre became a mini-Ashram with 27 teachers staying overnight. Over 100 souls spent the weekend with us with a full program of asana classes, lectures and teacher workshops. The lecture of neuro-researcher Gustavo Diex was both challenging and enriching. Saturday evening Satsang with Swami Sivadasananda was the highlight with 135 students and joyful chanting. The first urban weekend retreat in Barcelona was a success, with 36 students and the support of Gopala, Rajeshwari and inspired Sivananda teachers from the area. We had several well visited workshops: “How to improve concentration”, “Surya Namaskar”, “Yoga and life energy” and a cooking course “Healthy protein sources in vegetarian diet”. The First Aid qualification course for yoga teachers in Spain took place over three weekends. We also welcome in Madrid Annapurna and SatyaPrem as new temporary staff for the next months. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. Everything was fine at the Centre, with Gurus’ and Gods’ Grace. Early November started with Swami ji Mahasamadhi day. The Puja was done by priest and attending by a few students. An asana correction class was offered to longtime morning class students. All staffs joined the graduation ceremony of the TTC in the Meenakshi Ashram. Sunday Satsang was attending with few family students.

During mid-November we started an evening Beginners’ course at 6.30 pm. One Saturday a hip opening workshop was conducted, with a few students. Regular open classes continued well. Staff visited the Meenakshi Ashram for the 2nd TTC inauguration ceremony. Otherwise everything went well. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! Early November started with with the excellent climate. The days were very nice. It’s already Spring. Some students were practicing advanced asanas and others began singing in the choir for the Year End party in December. The Beginners’ courses started with lots of energy. Pranayama Courses also started with a lot keen enthusiasm. We offered a Pooja to celebrate Swami Vishnudevananda’s Mahasamadhi.

During mid-November we saw changing weather with some cold days returning. We continued with students practicing advanced asanas and others singing in the choir in preparation for the Year End Christmas Satsang on 10th of December. The three temporary staff participated in a course, given by Kanti Devi, preparing to be staff in courses, Pujas and other practical things. The rest of the activities developed normally. Thanks to God and Gurus, everything resulted perfectly. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! In early November we started to feel the chill of the coming winter in Montreal albeit we still had a beautiful week! The classes and courses ran smoothly. We were very happy to welcome Swami Rajeshwarananda. arriving from Italy for November TTC. She spent the night with us. Swami Shivabhaktananda also spent the weekend at the Centre. We had our teachers’ meeting – a good moment to get together. After the meeting we all joined in a movie night, we watched Kung Fu Panda and had a great time. We offered a hip opening workshop with Swami Shivabhanktananda. He also offered the Sunday open class and Satsang, where he gave us a great talk reflecting about reality. It was a beautiful visit where teachers and students were happy to spend time with Swamiji.

During mid-November Winter was well upon us here in Montreal. Classes continued to be well attended, despite the slippery, wet or cloudy weather! A few karma yogis helped with deep cleaning as we prepared for the year end festivities. Saraswati conducted a 3-day teacher’s course on ‘How to Teach Meditation’. The course was attended by 8 teachers, all of whom were delighted with all the knowledge shared with them. Swami Amanda, from the Chinmaya mission, gave a talk on ‘How to Maintain Fluidity in Life’. The students were all very happy with how Swami Umananda explained, with ease and humour, about many difficult concepts. Students, teachers and karma yogis all continued to support the Centre, giving us inspiration to keep marching forward. We are ever thankful for the grace of Master and Swamiji. Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a successful Open House with many interested newcomers. Amba gave a cooking class with the title “Light Winter Dishes”. We had Kirtan workshop and an advanced asana workshop. Swami Vasudevananda taught a “Thought Power” weekend course to a very motivated group of participants. Our special asana course with Swami Sivadasananda attracted many students. Other courses started were the second part of the Raja Yoga Course and also of the Yoga for the Heart Course. We performed a Puja on the occasion of Swami Vishnudevananda’s Mahasamadhi. Sarasvati came from the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith / Tyrol / Austria to stay with us for some weeks. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! Early November started with Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses on Monday and Wednesday evenings. The students were curious and enthusiastic. Four classes of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) students came to the Centre for an asana class and a meal. We expect to see more FIT groups again in the spring. Usually a few FIT students who visited the Centre in the past have returned to became Karma Yogis or students, so we look forward to seeing their faces again. A new staff member, Shraddha, came all the way from Mumbai. She is planing to stay for some time at the Centre before returning to India. We officiated two Pujas for Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi and Jalasamadhi. We continued with the preparations for the Thanksgiving Satsang and feast that will be taking place later in November.

During mid-November the long awaited return of Shakti was fulfilled on 11/14. The Centre now had a staff of 5, as Dharmini, a karma yogi from the Yoga Ranch, joined us and will stay with us until the 30th, when she returns to her home in Israel.  We were very blessed to have her with us and we are hopeful in keeping the linen closets organized when she leaves. Swami Rajeshwarananda took a few days off from teaching the TTC students in Val Morin and visited the Centre for a weekend. She gave a workshop on the Saturday called “Mind, Its Mysteries and Control”. There were 15 people who attended her inspiring discussion on how the mind functions and took in her suggestions on how one can make friends with their mind. The staff benefited from her additional company during Karma Yoga, staff meetings, Satsangs and activities done inside and outside the Centre.  We hoped she comes back soon to give a workshop next year. We had our annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Satsang on 11/20. The New York community, as well as some Ashram staff, came in from the cold and into the hearth of the Centre. About 75 people attended the Satsang led by Srinivasan. A 100 total came to the Centre for spiritual community and FOOD!  There was a considerable number of cooks and assistant cooks in the kitchen to count or recall. Neeti, as usual had the invisible hand in asking so many teachers and Karma Yogis to help out for this important day. Meanwhile a new Karma Yoga cleaning project was taking place in the basement. Since the warm weather turned cold and the basement is the warmest place in the building, its is a good time to make it a nice place to work! All the Staff were well and send their pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. The month of November was very inspiring; classes, courses and regular Satsangs continued as usual and we had an additional Satsang on All Saints’ Day at the beginning of the month. Our Sanskrit study group continued with enthusiasm to go deeper into the knowledge of the Devanagari script under the guidance of Dr. Kintaert from the Vienna University. The theatre group had already several rehearsals for our Christmas play. We also had a successful Open Day, with many newcomers inscribing for Beginners’’ courses and a few students taking advantage of the traditional discount for 10 class passes on that day. The Puja on Nov09th, to commemorate Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi was very inspiring. It was a good opportunity to connect to Swamiji’s pure and compassionate energy. This month, we had several interesting workshops; a Kirtan workshop, a workshop called “Proper Alignment through Yoga”, a meditation workshop gave the students hints of what they can do to control the mind to prepare for meditation; in the headstand-workshop we could correct the technique of the students to come up into the posture properly and hold it in a relaxed way. Also, we had a TTC preparation day. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. We are forever grateful for the guidance and protection of the Gurus. Good wishes and Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. During mid-November we had a Cooking Class given by Swami Sankarananda. All participants were very happy to learn how to use different spices. We are focused in preparing our new website. Pranams to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. Early November started with a flood of new students! We celebrated an evening Puja in honour of Swami Vishnudevananda’s undaunted spirit and his Mahasamadhi. There was a very nice turnout for an Indian Vegetarian Cooking class with Radhika, a friend of the Centre, one Saturday afternoon. Rudrani led a Yoga Nidra session the following Sunday afternoon. Swami Jnaneswariananda spent the day with us and spoke on Gratitude  during Satsang. She reminded us that negative thoughts are just opportunities. A Meditation 1 course and Yoga 7 course began. Currently, we have at least one course in session every day of the week! Sivani went to the Yoga Farm to take the Vedanta and Silence course. Shanti Devi came from the Yoga Farm to serve in her absence. We planted an olive tree beside of the Centre in memory of Katyayani, one of our teachers who died. The neighbors are very pleased with the new tree on the block.

During mid-November friends of Katyayani, the teacher who died, attended Wednesday evening Satsang as we dedicated the new olive tree. Sankari Chaitanya drove to the Yoga Farm with several of the friends to plant and dedicate a cherry tree there.  It was a very beautiful and uplifting ceremony. Komilla Sutton gave a workshop on “Moon and the Mind” one Saturday, giving insight to each participant based on their birth chart. Gajananam led Sunday Satsang and spoke on Chapter 8 of the Gita. He reasoned, “If you drop all your limited ideas, you’re not limited!” A Yoga 1 course finished and the group will move on to Yoga 2. We chanted at a residence for seniors in the Tenderloin. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. Early November we finished a Beginners’ course on Thursdays, with 2 students. The Satsang we celebrated Swami Vishnudevananda’s Maha and Jala Samadhi with a Puja with 5 devotes. Jessica got a problem with her eyes. She is recovering well.

During mid-November we had a holiday. With an extended weekend the students numbers was less at the Centre. The Friday evening Satsangs had a beautiful chanting. Everything else continued well. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November we celebrated the Maha Samadhi and Jala Samadhi of Swami Vishnudevananda. On both occasions a beautiful Puja was performed to which many devotees joined us. Swami Prema Swaroopananda inspired us all with beautiful stories and memories about Swami Vishnudevananda while being in his presence, especially in his last years. It was very busy in the Centre in terms of promotion and activities, as many new courses opened. A Yoga 3 started, with 10 students; a new Positive Thinking opened with 17 participants; a Yoga 2 with 10; a Yoga 1 opened with 14 people. Registration for upcoming courses in the next two weeks went very well. We expected to open all those courses as scheduled with large groups attending. Minakshi Chaitanya came to the Centre for a short visit and was warmly welcomed. One weekend was spent peacefully in the Centre allowing the staff to rest from the intensity of the passing weeks. We held a Classical Indian Music concert with Hansa Vina, Bansuri flute, and Tabla. The performance was soul stirring and everyone, both audience and musicians, left most inspired.

During mid-November we had a most inspiring Q&A evening with Swami Swaroopananda, held at our Centre in Jerusalem. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all as Swamiji inspired and elevated us with his precise and meaningful answers. We bid farewell to Minakshi Chaitanya, who made a short visit to Israel from the Yoga Retreat. We were able to open many new courses: a Meditation Course with 16 students; two Advanced Meditation Courses, both with 10 students; a Yoga 3 Course with 12 students and an Indian Cooking Workshop, attended by 10 participants. The following weekend was spent peacefully in nature on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a Yoga Nidra workshop with 26 attendants, taught by Yashashvin, a teacher at the Centre over the years. The attendants were relaxed in savasana and experienced a journey to the subconsciousness, guided by the voice of Yashashvin. We started another Yoga 2 course with a small group of students, taught by Sivakami Masako on the same day, following the Yoga 1 course. One Sunday, the acupuncturist who had presented a workshop “Moxa Treatment for Women” in October was kind enough to offer the same workshop again targeted for staff members and karma yogis who could not participate in the workshop. 3 staff including Machiko, the director of Tokyo Centre, attended the workshop and practiced the treatment.

During mid-November the weather was getting colder and the number of enrolled students decreased during weekdays. We had a trial class guided by Jyoti with 9 participants. In the afternoon, Meenakshi Miwako gave a workshop “Inversion Poses and Their Variations”, attended by 21 keen students. Two outside karma yogis, Siddhayogini, 2015 Neyyar Dam TTC graduate; Sharada, 2016 Thai TTC graduate started to help the Centre on a regular basis. In addition, two other TTC graduates interested in karma yoga visited us. We sincerely hope that many graduates as possible could have a karma yoga experience at the Centre for their spiritual learning. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a new Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 course. We had new Prenatal course. Saraswati taught “Yoga for Managing Anxiety” workshop in which she guided students through yoga practices that can help reduce and deal with anxious thoughts and feelings. This whole month Saraswati taught yoga in schools, assisted by Padma. They taught to a group of hundred teen girls who learned over the past month all the basic asanas and how to use yoga principles in their daily lives. Prahlad went to the Ashram for closing of the Temple for the winter.

During mid-November Toronto saw its first snowflakes as everyone felt the cold weather moving in slowly. Prenatal and meditation courses continued. The kids courses ended for the season. Prahlad taught Asana Correction course for teachers for a week. All teachers were very happy to learn in more detail from him how to correct as well as how to help students do the postures regardless of their individual limitations. Saraswati finished teaching Yoga in Schools. Jeeva offered South Vegetarian Indian cooking workshop that all students enjoyed. Saraswati went to the Montreal Centre and Ashram for a weekend where she taught a Meditation course for teachers plus gave Satsang at the Yoga Camp. Radha came back from Germany to spend some time as staff in Toronto Centre. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. Early November started with a Beginners’ batch in the evenings. A special Pooja was conducted on Swami Vishnudevananda’s Samadhi day. Many students and teachers attended the Pooja. We provided breakfast to the guests. All other classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted on Fridays. Satsangs were led by Sri. Nataraj ji.

During mid-November, with the blessings of God and revered Gurus, we started 2 new batches. A new batch for ladies was started on Mondays. Along with that we had also started a 6 day long Meditation course, which definitely helped those students to attain tranquility of the mind. A Ganapathy Homa marked the first day of the new Malayalam month. All other classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was regularly conducted on Fridays. Satsang was led by Sw. Janardhanananda ji and Sri Rajesh. All other classes went well. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. The month of November was very inspiring. Classes, courses and regular Satsangs continued as usual and we had an additional Satsang on All Saints’ Day at the beginning of the month. Our Sanskrit study group continued with enthusiasm to go deeper into the knowledge of the Devanagari script under the guidance of Dr.Kintaert from the Vienna University. The theatre group had already several rehearsals for our Christmas play. We also had a successful Open Day, with many newcomers inscribing for Beginners’’ courses and a few students taking advantage of the traditional discount for 10 class passes on that day. The Puja on Nov09th, to commemorate Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi was very inspiring. It was a good opportunity to connect to Swamiji’s pure and compassionate energy. This month, we had several interesting workshops; a Kirtan workshop, a workshop called “Proper Alignment through Yoga”, a meditation workshop gave the students hints of what they can do to control the mind to prepare for meditation; in the headstand-workshop we could correct the technique of the students to come up into the posture properly and hold it in a relaxed way. Also, we had a TTC preparation day. Om Shanti. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. In early November two Beginners’ courses started. Students noted they liked to be in a smaller group where the learning is different both in practice and theory. Our Open classes as well grew in number. We celebrated Swami Vishnudevananda’s Mahasamadhi and Jalasamadhi with Pujas, many Kirtans all sharing uplifting energy and remembering few stories. We received a small group for the Open Day, where everyone stayed for the whole day and some of students subscribed for the Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses. Different newsletters were sent out.

During mid-November we started with several courses as well as with Meditation course with six motivated students. We held a workshop “The Four Paths of Yoga” for the first time where students could enjoy some practices as well as theory. Our main focus  however was to prepare everything for the upcoming special program with Swami Sivadasananda. We dedicated time to the good cleaning & organizing of the whole Centre. We were happy to share our time with many karma yogis. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius