Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January a week long special program was very successful. Fully packed asana workshops, inspiring lectures on yoga philosophy and most beautiful Satsangs with musical accompaniment by indian musicians, everything was most appreciated by students, teachers and staff. 2 highlights amongst others were the two very joyful indian concerts which opened everybody’s heart. Swami Atmaramananda leaded us through the whole program, Swami Sivadasananda came to teach for two days and Students and teachers were very happy to see the acharyas in Berlin. Spirit in the Centre was very good, with the support of many dedicated Karma Yogis we went smoothly. Acharyas and musicians went to Hamburg for a one day program in our affiliated Centre there. The peak was with teachers workshops, lunch for everybody, lectures and indian music. Energy in the Centre was nicely uplifted and gives us a good start in this new year.

During mid-January the special program was successfully concluded with an asana workshop, lecture and a last well received Satsang with musical accompaniment by the indian musicians. Swami Annapurnananda left together with the musicians to London, the next station of the special program. The prana was high in the Centre and participation in courses and classes was very good. Two yoga 1 courses started with good student numbers and several higher courses started after the Christmas break. We offered a small headstand workshop one Saturday with two joyful Satsangs that weekend. Swami Atmaramananda left after giving a lot of support and guidance to the staff, teachers and close students. Everybody was happy and thankful to have him here for two weeks. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-January it was a quiet summer at the Centre. Students come to class in spite of the intense heat, and new students continue to sign up. This week, karma yogis collaborated by cooking, gardening and cleaning at the Centre. One of the professors of our regular yoga classes began to assist in the classes for seniors; right now, we only have two professors who can give that class. We held the “Conquer Fear” workshop. Gaston, our Chilean staff member, is active and enthusiastic. May Master, Guru and Mother’s blessings bring peace and love along the world. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. Early January full of excitement, because of the New Year celebrations and the festive mood, also because of the fresh energy that the new Beginners Batch with a good number of students has brought into the Centre. We saw lots of happy faces, beginning their life’s journey onto the path of Yoga. We saw the transfer of Sri Bharatha from Chennai to the Madurai Centre. He was a great help and we will miss him and his inspiring presence here. The Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu honoured us with a visit one Sunday evening along with his family. We gladly welcomed them and proudly served them the ‘Satsang Prasad’ as well. He was well appreciative of the Centre and its facilities. in the end, he promised to help us in securing the Sivananda Ayurvedic Kendra License as soon as he can. We are eagerly waiting now for a fully-licensed Ayurvedic Kendra inside the Centre. The street lights work has almost finished and soon the road facing the Centre will be bright and illuminated all through the night and the problems that the students were facing due to lack of proper lighting in the vicinity will be removed once and for all. Meanwhile, all the staff members have been working tirelessly towards further spreading the message of Swamiji to the people of Chennai and teaching Yoga with smiling faces.

During mid-January we celebrated the start of the local New Year here in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) with the Ganapati Homam and a formal ‘Pooja’ along with the auspicious pyre and sacred ‘yantras’ drawn by the priests who performed the whole ritual with purifying and uplifting chants and several scores of people from all over the town attended the function and the hot ‘prasadam’ served at the end of the ceremony to all was a favourite amongst all those who were present that very special morning. The main festival of Tamil Nadu, Pongal, saw a little drop in the attendance in the classes at first (it’s a 3 day long affair), but towards the end of the week, all is well and rosy again. In fact, all the cleaning and decorating and celebrating this special harvest-related official state-festival has infused the Centre with a fresh positive vibe and the staff is also shining with glory in its splendour and looking forward to a healthy and prosperous new year teaching yoga to the people of this beautiful city and spreading the word of Master & Swamiji. Quite a large number of eager students have signed up and began practicing yoga in the two new batches started in the previous week, the first one being the ‘Weekend Beginners’ and the second ‘Ladies Beginners’ which saw a healthy number of attendees. Both the batches are bringing fresh faces and fresh energy into the Centre along with broad-smiles after the classes. All the other classes are going on fine as well including weight-loss, weekend kids, gentle yoga and last but not the least, the open classes. We are eagerly awaiting the updated website with a complete overhaul in the design and structure along with all the content updates to be uploaded soon and also for the newly developed CMS (Content Management System) which will give us the complete control over the contents of the pages, schedule, workshops and other updates that need to be made pretty often, right here with us at the Centre. That should put an end to the delays and confusions caused once and for all. May we always happily serve Swamiji and his vision of the True World Order. All the staff send Pranams to the Sivananda family. Blessings to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya from Chicago. Early January went well despite extreme cold, the highest temperature in Chicago was 13 below zero (F) or 25 below zero (C). Though many activities in the city stopped for the day our classes continued, specially hardy students attending, We also started a full meditation course. We attended a conference at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago which was held to commemorate the 151st anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s famous address to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, which is widely considered to be the first introduction of Yoga to the West. Swami Narayanananda gave a talk on Swami Sivananda’s Yoga of Synthesis which was well received by participants.

Mid-January was fairly busy, despite inclement weather. Several new courses started with very good attendance. Lalita Chaitanya left to spend time with family in Iowa. Happy pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi from the Centre in Chicago.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. Early January began with a new Y1 batch in the morning. We witnessed the coldest days here till now which had some affect on the numbers of the students coming to the Centre. The Centre is planning to conduct few new workshops and activities to break the winter’s jinks. Beside this all other classes like kids, gentle and pre-natal yoga was being conducted. .

During mid-January another new yoga 1 course started. The Centre performed a Hawan on the accounts of the Sankranti , which was attended by many jubilant students. The weather remained fairly cold. All the classes and courses went on as per schedule. Satsangs held on Sunday evenings were participated by all the staff and few students. Pranams to all. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. Early January, with weather continuing cold and foggy, our students’ determination to come for asana practice was further tested with a large construction site on the road right in front of the Centre obstructing the entrance and making it impossible for students to park their cars. Yet, we started three new batches of Yoga 1 beginner courses, taught by Sunaina, Jyoti and Sriprabhu. We welcomed Swami Keshavanandaji who stopped over in Delhi for one night and led Satsang. We also welcomed Vishnudas from California, who stayed with us a week.

During mid-January it was rainy and cold, with temperatures down to 1°C. Students were keeping up their regular practice, and we started a new Yoga 1 beginner course taught by Saudamini. Praveen now started teaching open classes and was enjoying the experience. Many staff and long time students continued coming to the Centre to spend a few days with us. While we said goodbye to Vishnudasji, Gayatri from Belarus arrived in Delhi to stay with us for two weeks. Om Namah Sivaya from Delhi! We send our prayers to all. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all. Om Namo Narayanaya!

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the Centre reopened after the Christmas-closure and we had a good start with well visited courses and classes as well as many phone calls and bookings for upcoming courses. A Y2 started, plus a Pranayama-workshop with a good group of students. Our teachers and students who returned from the Retreat House in Reith and the Ashram in Orleans are very inspired and happy to share their experiences amongst each other. Lakshmi arrived from Vilnius to stay with us for 10 days. Staff actively started to look for a new and quieter place for the Geneva Centre after staying in the same place for almost 40 years.

During mid-January a Y1 and the pensioners’ class which is held in cooperation with the City of Geneva started with good groups of students. We had a successful open day with 4 teachers supporting us with teaching and reception. The day went smooth and we all took time to talk to the new students which left happy and contented, many of them booking for upcoming curses. Another highlight was a lively children’s class with 13 young souls and a patient teacher. We had nice support from Lakshmi from Vilnius. A lot of time was dedicated to the search of a new Centre: We visited two places and a lot of research was done via internet. Also a mailing was sent out to involve our students, karma-yogis and teachers. Satsangs were strong with good attendance and chanting which was enjoyed by all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-January the Ho Chi Minh Centre was doing well. We are still blessed with the presence of Swami Pranavananda and Ananta Chaitanya, visiting from the Yoga Farm. Swami Pranava started teaching a Meditation Course with 9 people attending. The students are inspired to learn and enjoy Swami Pranava’s experience in teaching meditation. everyone in Vietnam is getting ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year (called “Tet” in Vietnam). Classes were still popular, but many local citizens are making their way back to their home town to celebrate the New Year with their families. The reconstruction of the 4th floor addition continued. The spirits were high in Vietnam and the preparations for the upcoming TTC in Cu Chi (1 hour outside of Ho Chi Minh City) went well. All the staff were happy, with the Guru’s blessings. We send Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om Tat Sat.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org/ho-chi-minh-center/

Om Namah Sivaya. Mid-January as most auspicious with the start of the 7-day special programme “Reconnecting to the heart”. Swami Durgananda’s presence in the Centre and her insightful lectures one weekend on the topics “Sublimating mental habits with yoga” and “Vedanta: we are all one” were a source of inspiration and support for the continued sadhana of staff, teachers and students. We were happy to welcome Swami Sivadasananda at the Centre for a short visit. Swami Kailasananda gave four elevating evening lectures which were greatly appreciated and Swami Narayanananda gave daily dynamic and instructive asana workshops which were enthusiastically received. The evenings were beautifully enriched by discourses on the meaning of life accompanied by classical Indian music. A meeting with the architect took place to discuss a new project consisting of the renovation of the staircase in the middle house, the merging of two separate lofts and an enlarged reception and seating area. We thank Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda for all the energy shared through the teachings, the guidance of staff and the practical support received with the various projects in the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. Early January started with a national holiday, which marked the last day of reduced winter holiday schedule at the Centre. In the afternoon, Karuna returned to the Centre. Very recharged after a full week of yoga sadhana and rest in Reith. Lakshmi also came back to work after being away on holiday for a week. We continued on a full schedule with all classes well attended and with many phone calls and visits with inquiries and registrations for the upcoming beginner and philosophy courses at the Centre. We took down the Christmas decorations around the Centre and stored them in the basement for next year, after which we did a thorough clean up of both floors of the Centre. Karuna and Jyothi took turns offering the evening Satsangs, which were increasingly well attended by teachers and close students returning to the Centre after the winter holidays, creating a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere at reception. The atmosphere at the Centre remained very positive and dynamic with students and teachers happy to be back and new visitors looking forward to starting practicing at the Centre.

During mid-January the following new courses started: a Y1, a Y3, an Intensive Y2, and a new Intro to Meditation course. Karuna was happy to resume teaching her beginner students after a winter holiday break for them and Krishnapriya enjoyed assisting and learning a lot in the pregnancy yoga and trial classes she assisted. We had a number of new karma yogis –last year TTC graduates from Rudraprayag, who came to the Centre for karma yoga and classes. Lakshmi led staff while they re-sorted, rearranged, and decorated where needed different sections of the boutique, introducing at the same time the new boutique items brought from Reith. The carpenter finished working on the new clothes stalls and cupboards in the boutique, which, combined with the staff’s artistic efforts, now add new freshness and neatness to the Centre boutique. One Saturday, the Centre held its first Open Doors Day in the new year, which went very smoothly and in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Quite a few of Saturday’s first time visitors asked about or registered for starting beginner courses, and there was also a lot of interest in the upcoming winter retreat. A big group of visitors returned to the Centre to attend the evening Satsang. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. Early January started 2 beginners’ batches, one ladies’ and the other open class. Bharatha from Canada arrived at the Centre to help us. He stayed for a couple of months and will take care of the Centre while Yashpal was away. Some of the staff members went for the TTC initiation ceremony held at the Meenakshi Ashram.

During mid-January we saw fewer number of students due to Pongal holidays which is the biggest and the most important harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. We had a special Satsang, conducted by Bharatha, and attended by students and staff. He shared his experience with Swami Vishnu and impressed us on the benefits of Karma Yoga and talked on Karma. The classes and courses are going on well with the grace of the Satgurus. All the classes and courses continued well, by the Guru’s grace. Pranams to each and everybody in the Sivananda family. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January we slowly returned to the usual routine of classes in this warm summer. We started a beginner´s course with 11 people which is a great number by the time we are. Students returned to classes especially in the afternoon and evening.

During mid-January the students continue coming and enjoying regular classes. Because of the full summer season, occasionally we are visited by some foreign students to take classes. We had the second class of beginners in the morning. Everyone is very happy keeping a very positive attitude. We are getting calls from people interested in starting with the yoga practice in February.Om and Pranams to everyone in the Sivananda Family.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the weather in Montreal warmed, which has enabled more students to attend open classes regularly. A yoga 1 began, 10 students enrolled Radha taught the class with clarity and enthusiasm, the group appeared to be relaxed by the end of the class. The January half price membership offer at the Centre has appealed to many regular and new students, we hope this will keep them motivated in the year ahead to continue with their practice. Swami Sankarananda departed to the Rome Centre, many people came for the Satsang to wish him well and thank him for his prana, efforts and support for his time in the Centre. Swami Ji`s presence will be missed, though we wish him well in the new venture. A surprise visit from Swami Shivabhaktananda and staff from the Camp were welcomed, as usual their energy was vibrant. Gauri Devi from the Ashram made some delicious Baklava for prashad, that was enjoyed by all. It has been an auspicious occasion for the Centre as we were honoured to welcome Swami Sivadasananda. A special 2hour workshop `A flexible back, key to health’ was taught, with great humour and precision. Over 50 students participated in the workshop, including regular students, teachers, karma yogi`s from the Centre, staff from the camp and even new students!! Swami Shivabhaktanada assisted the class, the students appreciated the time and care that was offered.The knowledge shared will support daily practice for all yogi`s. After the class Swami Sivadasanada continued with the Satsang, some Sunday chants, which were sang beautifully and a talk on Yoga was given, this enabled new students to learn further about the different aspects of yoga and how to practice. It was also a time to refresh for yoga practitioners and gave a opportunity to reflect. The evening ended with a meal for everyone, and time where they could connect with each other. The vibrations were so high and the warmth of Swami Ji was very prominent, people wanted to stay for as long as possible. We were thankful for Swami Ji`s presence and cherish the time we shared.

During mid-January open classes and courses were consistently attended, the morning classes in particular are well attended.The January half price membership offer at the Centre has continued to be a good opportunity for students to re-commit to their practice for the year ahead. A `Headstand Workshop’ was offered one Sunday, the 10 students that attended gained further confidence with their practice and within. Swami Shivabhaktananda spent a few days at the Centre, his dynamic presence raised the vibrations of the Centre. This was particularly felt during the Satsangs, where attendance was high. Students and staff appreciated his elaborations on the readings by Master and Swami Ji, given with great thought and humour, this allowed for accessibility of understanding for all . We felt thankful for Swamiji’s and Master’s grace. Pranams to all the Sivananda family at this time of year.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the weather in Montreal warmed, which has enabled more students to attend open classes regularly. A yoga 1 began, 10 students enrolled Radha taught the class with clarity and enthusiasm, the group appeared to be relaxed by the end of the class. The January half price membership offer at the Centre has appealed to many regular and new students, we hope this will keep them motivated in the year ahead to continue with their practice. Swami Sankarananda departed to the Rome Centre, many people came for the Satsang to wish him well and thank him for his prana, efforts and support for his time in the Centre. Swami Ji`s presence will be missed, though we wish him well in the new venture. A surprise visit from Swami Shivabhaktananda and staff from the Camp were welcomed, as usual their energy was vibrant. Gauri Devi from the Ashram made some delicious Baklava for prashad, that was enjoyed by all. It has been an auspicious occasion for the Centre as we were honoured to welcome Swami Sivadasananda. A special 2hour workshop `A flexible back, key to health’ was taught, with great humour and precision. Over 50 students participated in the workshop, including regular students, teachers, karma yogi`s from the Centre, staff from the camp and even new students!! Swami Shivabhaktanada assisted the class, the students appreciated the time and care that was offered.The knowledge shared will support daily practice for all yogi`s. After the class Swami Sivadasanada continued with the Satsang, some Sunday chants, which were sang beautifully and a talk on Yoga was given, this enabled new students to learn further about the different aspects of yoga and how to practice. It was also a time to refresh for yoga practitioners and gave a opportunity to reflect. The evening ended with a meal for everyone, and time where they could connect with each other. The vibrations were so high and the warmth of Swami Ji was very prominent, people wanted to stay for as long as possible. We were thankful for Swami Ji`s presence and cherish the time we shared.

During mid-January open classes and courses were consistently attended, the morning classes in particular are well attended.The January half price membership offer at the Centre has continued to be a good opportunity for students to re-commit to their practice for the year ahead. A `Headstand Workshop’ was offered one Sunday, the 10 students that attended gained further confidence with their practice and within. Swami Shivabhaktananda spent a few days at the Centre, his dynamic presence raised the vibrations of the Centre. This was particularly felt during the Satsangs, where attendance was high. Students and staff appreciated his elaborations on the readings by Master and Swami Ji, given with great thought and humour, this allowed for accessibility of understanding for all . We felt thankful for Swamiji’s and Master’s grace. Pranams to all the Sivananda family at this time of year.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In early January we started the New Year with new classes, courses and workshops. We had a very successful programme with a cooking workshop, and a special advanced asana program with Mahadev Chaitanya who came down from the Ranch with a team of staff. The courses are going well and the Centre has picked up some momentum. We are actively training new teachers to fill in some of our gaps. We welcomed Swami Omkarananda from the Los Angeles Centre for a few days. Lindsey, a karma yogi, has joined us for a month as temporary staff and Swami Ambikananda is here from the Ranch.

Mid-January passed well, with focus on the new brochure and inspiring new teachers to come to the Centre. We are spending some time training up newly-graduated teachers, and taking some of the more established teachers to higher teaching levels. The City was quiet with a long weekend holiday as well as with the cold and snow settling in. New Yoga 1s and 2s have started, and we are busy posting ourselves on the web joining all sorts of listings. The staff are well. Om Namah Sivaya from all the staff here at the NYC Centre. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all for 2014.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January it was back to the normal schedule, uplifting with the presence of the priest Yagneswara Dixit. Heperformed daily Pujas in the morning and 3public Pujas in the evening. One Siva Puja, a Yantra Puja for Lord Vishnu and a powerful Puja with a beautiful Sri Yantra, many lamps and the Lalita Sahasranama. We had an Intensive day with a cooking class. Everyone appreciated the practical advise and enjoyed the meal. There was a cheerful and calm atmosphere in the kitchen with many karma yogis assisting. On the same day there was also a headstand workshop, a beginners’ course starting, a large trial class and full open classes. The Centre was very happy to welcome Gauri after one month away.

Mid-January started in an auspicious way with a a Siva Puja with the priest and the arrival of Swami Kailasananda who came back from Australia. The priest left as well as Swamiji. A meditation course started. The Centre is very happy with the good news of the visit of Swami Durgananda, special guest and some of the European Swamis for a special Satsang. We had a calm but successful Open house. The Masters send many hands to help, many students for the regular classes and some new visitors for the activities of the day. 330 students were there that day. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. Pranams, from all the staff at Porto Alegre Centre for the New Year.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves, from the Centre in Roma. In early January we focused on lots of publicity for the first Open House of the year.
We welcome Swami Sankarananda at the Centre, teachers and students were very happy to see him back in Rome. Swamiji arrived just on time for the Open House, bringing lots of energy that helped to have a very successful program. We had a good teem of teachers and karma yogis who helped nicely in the Open House. Many people registered for the beginners courses. There was a good attendance in classes and courses. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all. Om & Prem.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. Early January was quiet and peaceful. We had two new residents join us. Vishnudas departed for his month long journey of Sivananda Ashrams in India and JayaLakshmi is still away for her 10 day trip to the Mojave desert. Gajananum started up our Bhagavad Gita study for evening Satsangs. One Sunday evening Narayan gave a wonderful and inspiring talk on meditation and deepening of our meditative practice and leaving us on a peaceful and positive note.

Mid-January was quiet and peaceful. JayaLakshmi returned from her time away and VishnuDas reported from India that his stay at the Ashram in Rishikesh, India is going excellently. We were happy to have Raguram, a former staff member here, join us for 3 days. New students joined us for Gajananam’s Bhagavad Gita class. Lalita, a TTC grad from Austria, joined our residency program and will live with us for one month. Narayan gave a wonderful and inspiring talk on non-violence focussing on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life work, and played parts of a speech delivered by Dr. King. We all felt peaceful and united from the inspiration offered by those powerful words and concepts. Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

https://www.sivananda.org/saopaulo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Tel Aviv Centre. Blessings and Peace to all of the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. In early January the Centre was back in full swing after the Christmas holidays. All of the staff have been rejuvenated after their respective breaks. We started a new Y1. Open classes are in full swing with many people buying new year cards. New courses are picking up good number of registrations. Satsangs are well attended. We have been joined by Lucia, a recent graduate of the latest TTC in Val Morin. She is here temporarily for now while our new staff, Bhakti, is away in Japan. We have mounted a new TV, donated by our teacher Narayani, in the boutique, allowing us to display photos and video from the various Ashrams and Centres from around the world. Course attendance has been very strong in the new year. New students are holding true to their New Year’s resolutions and are very excited and energized to be in the Centre. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all during 2014. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-January, by the grace of God we had a very busy time in Toronto. We have started a new Y1 and Y2. Our meditation course began and was, as usual, packed! Saraswati is leading it and continuing Swamiji’s teachings to new and eager students. Our resident staff, Kanti, held a chanting workshop. She taught the basics of Kirtan and forming a melodious voice full of devotion. Morning Satsangs are getting very good response, while the evening Satsangs are packed with many new people joining in. There were many staff movements, Prahlada first went to Montreal and came back then again off to Bahamas for a day and back. Swami Shivabhaktanandaji and Gauri came for a day to have a special meeting about Camp website and inspiring us with their presence in the morning Satsang then went back to the Yoga Camp. Bhakti came back from Japan to stay for another two weeks at the Centre, and she is quite enthusiastic and wanting to learn. Sankara kept everyone busy with his little projects, keeping the Centre clean and Sattvic. Our new staff, Lucy, is baking cookies and goodies for the delight of students and staff, while Saraswati 2 is feeding every one with her cooking skills, her harmonium playing is getting better every day. The Centre is too busy and full at this point in time, and we are putting lots of energy in to poster runs to attract more students. Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. Early January began with two basic courses commencing on Mondays with morning and evening sessions at 9.30 a.m. and 6.15 p.m. respectively. All other classes went on as per schedule. A meeting was held to review the progress made by the Invitation Committee of Yoga Walk campaign. A workshop on Kriyas was conducted one Saturday at 7 a.m. in which the students were introduced to our ancient cleansing methods meant for the proper functioning and health of the internal organs. In the evening there was a follow-up class for meditation students, who had earlier attended the 6 day long course at the Centre. We had Sunday Meditation and Satsang at 6 pm, led by Nagaraj ji.

During mid-January we saw the beginning of a Monday basic course at 6.15 a.m. as scheduled. We had Ganapathi Homa to mark the commencement of Malayalam month, Makaram. ‘Laksha-deepam’ (Lighting of One Lakh Lamps),a religious ceremony at Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple once in every 6 years as part of Special Mantra Chanting was held.The entire temple architecture including the pavement would be adorned with lighted lamps numbering to lakhs, and hence the name. We gave a warm welcome to Mani Chaithanya one Saturday. There was a Yoga asana class by him on the same day at 4 p.m., which was attended by a reasonable gathering of students and teachers. This was followed by Meditation and Satsang led by him at 6 p.m. He talked about the purpose of coming for asana practice and Satsang as a means of attaining happiness of the mind. Mani Chaithanya is presently at Neyyar Dam Ashram for the January TTC. Despite his busy schedule at the Ashram he took some time out to come to Centre and give a class for which we thank him wholeheartedly. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January, as Christmas holidays ended on the 6th January (Twelfth Day) many students came to courses and Drop Ins to continue with their practice. Also the trial class was very well attended. Many Karma Yogis supported the Centre. Our new Brochure and a Yoga reminder post card for our bulk mailing arrived in the Centre just in time. Both bulk mailings were completed in two Karma Yoga Satsangs. Further the renovation works on the wooden floor of the Asana Hall were finished – with a very good result. Students and teachers alike are enthusiastic about it.

During mid-January two special courses Creating the future by right action (Bhagavad Gita) and Asanas – strength and flexibility started. A highlight was the special programme Yoga Inspirations with Kailas from the Ashram in Orleans one Saturday. It was his first visit to Vienna and many students and teachers came to participate in the two Asana classes. Many participants also joined the evening Satsang, where he presented a beautiful slide-show on the activities of the Ashram in Orleans. Everybody left the Centre highly inspired. Drop in classes were well attended, and many newcomers came to the trial class one Thursday. Both bulk mailings (brochure and New Year postcard) were successfully sent and the staff are looking forward to welcoming all students. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January we noticed that at the beginning of the Year people are interested in some positive changes in their lives, so many were calling and registering for the courses. A nice course Yoga 1 with 9 students started. Satsangs were attended mainly by new people – a very good sign that students want to expand. One Friday very nice a new reception table was placed in the reception. Which was donated by some teachers. The weather started to change into more normal winter weather. One Sunday we had a very successful Open Day. Participants were very much interested in Yoga. 14 registered for Yoga 1, and a few registered for Yoga 2 and other courses. At the end of the day people didn‘t want to leave, they had many questions and were very thankful for the knowledge received .

During mid-January, in spite of very cold temperatures reaching minus 15 celsius, the Centre was very well attended – up to capacity on some days. While Ishwara Chaitanya is helping in Berlin yoga Centre, many karma yogis and teachers are supporting the Vilnius Centre. One Saturday we had a nice cooking class with yoga teacher Bharata. Students were very inspired after the course and some of them directly wen to buy the right spices in order to start cooking at home. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius