Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. Many helping hands gave support for the final preparation of the special program: The Celebration of 25 years of Sivananda Yoga Centre in Berlin.  The main part of the renovation project at the Centre was completed with everybody looking forward to the big new asana hall as the main location for the event. We gave a warm welcome to Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, guest of honour Sri Venugopal Goswami and the accompanying musicians. Inspiring lectures with Swami Durgananda, teachers workshops and asana classes with Swami Sivadasananda and the Bhagavatam discourses and Nada Yoga concert, with Sri Venugopal Goswami, were the highlights of the event. Students came specially from Hamburg as well as Poland and Lithuania. The atmosphere was very joyful and positive. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January Swami Premananda and Swami Dayananda travelled to Brazil for the TTC, staying at the Jagadamba Chaitanya Centre with a great group of professors and karma yoguis helping out. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. For New Year’s we offered a Puja on the New Year’s Eve to wish the Centre and all the people associated a wonderful year of 2016!

In early January the Centre continued to be calm as the winter season continued. We were still learning how to promote our services. We had one new student came to try the hatha yoga class. The Staff focused on reconnecting with karma yogis and members and also promoting upcoming courses with Swami Sitaramananda in Vietnam.

During mid-January, Jyoti from Hong Kong, stayed for another week to support the Centre as a karma yogi and went through basic training on Centre normal operation, which will prepare her for running the Centre in March when Sivani is in Vietnam. We also had a few new male students to try out the Hatha Yoga class. We also welcomed Baldwin one weekend to lead a workshop on how to make tofu from soybean and lime juice, and we closed the week with a community dinner with the freshly made tofu. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. On 31st December we celebrated Swamiji’s birthday and New Year’s eve in the presence of Swami Ayyapaanandaji. We held a Satsang and many of our trustees karma yogis and teachers participated. We cut the prasad cake and offered a dinner for all. Everybody enjoyed the evening. While Chennai was recovering from the floods, our Centre was getting back to normal. Even though the number our students was low during December month, it is now slowly picking up. We started a pregnancy yoga course for two students. Supriya from Neyyar Dam arrived to the Centre.

In early January we started a morning beginners course, with a total number of 7 students. We also started a weekend beginner’s course, with a total number of 8 students. The student number in the Centre still remained low following the recent flood situation. The city has been recovering from the disaster. Slowly we see a significant increase in student numbers from week to week. Many households have families busy cleaning and refurbishing work so we expect higher interest from local people hopefully in February. At the Centre we completed all the necessary cleaning and disinfecting work to keep the area for our students and staff safe and maintain the healthy environment. We also invited carpenters, painters, plumbing workers and electricians to evaluate the amount and cost of work which has to be done following the floods. As we have mentioned before one of the Centre’s buildings were badly affected by flood situation, we have to replace electrical wiring completely, do painting and carpentry work inside the building. We welcomed a new staff member – Unnikrishnan from Neyyar Dam. We have explained our daily Centre operations and hope he will stay with us for a long time. Also one of our karma yogis, Rajesh, left the Centre due to family reasons. We wish him all the best and hope to see him return to the Centre soon. The rest of the activities in the Centre were carried on as usual, with all the staff members performing their karma yoga duties and making sure that, with the blessing of Swamijis, the Centre operates efficiently and for the benefit for the local community.

During mid-January we started an evening beginners’ course, with a good number of students. We also welcomed a new staff member Satyamji from Neyyar Dam. We introduced him to our Centre operations and internal procedures and hope Satyamji will stay in the Centre as long as possible. With the blessing of Swamijis we received a new PC for the office. Now all administration operations could be organized in an efficient manner. We resumed outside classes with our long time partners – American School and IT Company Extreme Network. The rest of the activities in the Centre were carried as usual, with all the staff members are performing their karma yoga duties. We continued all the necessary refurbishment and cleaning work to clear up the consequences of recent floods. Some repair work was delayed because carpenters are quite busy as many locals were affected by floods and were eager to use their services. Otherwise, with the blessing of Swamijis, the Centre operated efficiently, for the benefit of the local community. With the blessings of God and Masters, we send Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January we enjoyed a cold snap and a little bit of snow. The Centre was closed until the Centre’s staff returned from the Ranch, where we had been visiting for the New Year’s retreat. On Tuesday, the 5th, the Centre reopened with its regular schedule, and that evening a Yoga 2 course started. Bhagavad Gita study class resumed on Fridays. One Saturday, staff and some teachers and students went to the suburbs to participate in the Vivekananda International East West Conference at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. There, area yogis and monks gave presentations on the different paths and practices of Yoga, including Lalita Chaitanya and Chicago Centre teacher and tabla player, Eric Jensen, with a session on Bhakti & Kirtan. We added three new open classes to our schedule, set to start in February, including an 8am class on Mondays.

During mid-January Mahadev Chaitanya visited and gave programs called “Prana: the Way to Vitality, Inspiration, and Success in Life.” His visit was very well received and uplifting for all. A new Sunday Yoga 1 course started. We had many new students coming for classes recently and a particularly good number of membership and class-pass sales. Staff are well, feeling grateful for all the blessings of this life, and send pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. Grateful for Guru’s grace is with us. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. On the 31^st December we celebrated Swami Vishnu’s birthday in the Centre with a special Satsang. We had a very good gathering for the Satsang and everybody had the dinner in the Centre that night.  We also conducted a special class on Saturday for the teacher to improve there postures.

In early January everybody was well, with God’s grace and Gurus’ blessings. We started our beginner’s course for 6.30 A.M and 4 P.M batch on Mondays. We also started the kids’ yoga camp for two weeks in the Centre on Mondays. The kids were coming regularly and enjoying the classes. The number of students attending the open classes was slowly increasing. The gentle classes in the morning were still quiet.  Apart from that, Prenatal was well attended. We were taking in private classes whenever it is possible and also giving trial classes every Sunday for the new students who enquire about the classes.

During mid-January, the open classes especially the early morning and the late evening classes are lesser this time as the climate got to 8 degrees Celsius. Our supporting staff, Saroj got sick so the other staff worked harder. We were hoping that the coming days will be better and we can serve more people, for that, we were putting our efforts. Apart from that Prenatal, Gentle Yoga and Kids classes were fine. Tryambakams for everyone. Sending all our love and wishes. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. On Thursday Dec 31st we celebrated Swami Vishnu’s birthday along with a New Year’s cultural program – a good way of sending 2015 and welcoming 2016. The 10 minute “In the Name of Peace” video of Swami Vishnu shown, a talented group of children performed a dance and chanting, a professional musician played the Sarod, Harmonium, accompanied by Tabla player. A flute was played by Siddartha, Sivananda Yoga Teacher, enjoyed by all. The program was concluded with Arati & cake cutting.

In early January, with the blessings of the Gurus, we started with two Beginners’ course one at 6:30am and the other 4:00pm with good number of students. We conducted a Vegetarian cooking workshop one Saturday. The students participated in the cooking and they enjoyed the sattvic food cooked by them. Rahul, the new staff, shifted to Noida Centre as the Centre needs staff. We conducted the Sunday Satsang and it was, as usual, motivating. With the Grace of the Masters, the regular schedules at the Centre are doing well. An article regarding Gentle Yoga at the Centre was published in a leading English daily news paper, Hindustan Times.

During mid-January we started the coldest week of the season with a beginners’ course at 4:00pm and with our daily Monday schedule. We started a Foundation to Meditation course. We conducted a Shat Kirya workshop one Saturday.  We conducted the Sunday Satsangs, attended by good number of students. The practice of meditation, chanting and reading from the Gurus’ book lifts us up and motivates us at the Centre to stay in tune with the Masters & with the Divine. With the Grace of the Masters everything is going well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. By the beginning of the month staff returned inspired and recharged from the Retreat House in Reith to prepare the reopening of the Centre after the Christmas closure.  Courses and classes started with good attendance and the students were happy to continue their practice. Mahadev arrived from the Retreat House in Reith to support the Geneva Centre and the new brochure was sent out. The outside classes at the United Nations started as well as two beginners’ courses and the Pensioners’ class which is held in cooperation with the city of Geneva and on Saturday we had a good open day where half of the students signed up for upcoming beginners courses. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya, from Noida. In early January, with the Blessings and Grace Of our Beloved Masters, we had a cheerful first week of the year 2016 with our Gentle Yoga Batch, Beginners Batch at 7am and 4pm. Open Batch ongoing classes were well attended, as well as the continuing  Kids Camp with cheerful tiny guests at 10am. Sunday evening Satsangs were led by Kapoorji.

Krishna’s guest, Isabella from France, visited the Centre for a day and conducted a Kids Meditation class during Kids Camp on 7th January. Krishna took a winter break for a month from 8th January, with Isabella and Alakananda, leaving Sivananda and travelling home on 8th January. Rahul joined the Noida Centre on 8th evening. We aimed to have a positive week!

During mid-January, with the Blessings and Grace of our Beloved Masters, we had a quite a good group in our Gentle Yoga Batch, Beginners Batch at 7am and 6:30pm. Open Batches were ongoing. We send Pranams and our best wishes to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the Centre welcomed back our students after the holidays. All the open classes were in full attendance. The Yoga One started with 7 students, as well as the Yoga 2 with all the students from the previous course Yoga 1 continuing. One weekend, two workshops were taught, one by Mary on “How to Control Blood Pressure Through Yoga Practice” and the other by Saraswati “Making Handmade Natural Soap”. Both were happily received by the students. We were also busy preparing for the TTC Vietnam coming soon. We also said goodbye to our staff Mahalakshmi who has sincerely served more than 3 months at the Centre. All the staff were healthy and grateful to able to live and share the yogic practice with others.

During mid-January a new resident student joined us, very happy to find the classical Yoga teachings and even taking three asana classes in one day!  We now have two residents, both very serious Yoga students, participating in all events and helping with cleaning, gardening and cooking.  We started a Yoga One Course with four students.  Some new staff were teaching courses and very inspired.  We prepared for the Vietnamese New Year, organizing the garden and doing a deep cleaning of the Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. New Year’s Eve was a warm and joyful celebration attended by a nice group of 50 people, mainly close students and teachers of the Centre. The evening programme started with a Puja for the Divine Mother, accompanied by chanting and followed by a delicious feast. There was an elevating New Year’s message from Master’s book on World Peace, the chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya was vibrant and we meditated into the New Year. Swamiji’s birthday was celebrated at midnight with a cake which was festively illuminated by many sparklers.

The first weekend of the year traditionally brings many students to the Centre and it was good to see the asana halls well filled again after the quieter holidays. We were very happy to welcome Swami Keshavananda to the Centre to prepare the newly renovated house and reception for the special programmes coming up in January.

During mid-January, after 6 months of extensive renovations and refurbishments, the newly renovated middle house and reception were auspiciously taken in use during the special 7-day programme The Divine Play of Life. The beauty and practicality of the new space indicate a milestone in the history of the London Centre which shone like a beacon of Swamiji’s work throughout this special week. The programme was beautifully filled  with lectures on yoga philosophy, asana and pranayama workshops and discourses on the meaning of life, accompanied by live music. The energy of the Centre got further uplifted by daily early morning Puja’s performed by the priest. Swami Durgananda’s presence in the Centre and her inspiring weekend lectures on the topics “Know Yourself and Be Free” and “Guidance from the Vedantic Scriptures” were of much support for staff, teachers and students. Swami Kailasananda gave four elevating evening lectures on yoga philosophy, which were warmly appreciated. Swami Sivadasananda gave dynamic and instructive asana workshops which were enthusiastically received and very well attended. Swami Keshavananda was supporting the Centre over the last 3 weeks with a series of strong asana classes and transformed the new area from an empty space to a colorfully furnished new home. We thank Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda for all the energy shared through the teachings and the guidance of staff. We look back on a memorable week and are looking forward to the official inauguration of the newly renovated Centre in the beginning of April. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! The highlight was New Year’s Eve’s celebration of Swamiji’s birthday with a beautiful Guru Puja. The celebration continued with a silent meditation that lasted into 2016 as the world welcomed the New Year with joyful cheers. We then began the year chanting a mala of Peace Mantra, Om Namo Narayanaya together. Basking in the high vibration from Puja, meditation and mantra chanting, we concluded with an inspiring message from Master Sivananda, prasad and ginger tea. We came back for 6am Satsang with little sleep but super-charged with prana. January 5th there was a lovely Puja at the staff house, honoring mother Durga and Lord Siva. We started to make new clothing for the Deities for the new year and continued to clean and organize the Centre and House.

In early January we had a very successful Yoga and Vedanta immersion course one weekend, with Gajananam. Students, Karma yogis and teachers were at the Centre from 9am to 5pm for the entire weekend. We took Yoga class, enjoyed sattvic lunch, did Karma yoga and learned about Vedanta philosophy together as a community. Everyone was incredibly attentive, focused and very grateful to hear the teachings. All expressed the request to have more similar retreats and community experiences in the future. Gajananam also led an inspiring Satsang Sunday evening, speaking about the qualifications of aspirants, elaborating on Tenacity, especially. We chanted loudly and blissfully, the energy was so high that no one wanted to go home. Much effort from Gajananam, karma yogis and students to make this unforgettable weekend happen. A Yoga One course began on Mondays, with 6 aspiring students signed-up. One Friday morning Satsang we did a beautiful Devi Puja. Staff are well and are sending Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The Centre had a strong beginning of season with many inquiries and new visitors. Several courses started, including yoga 4, 5, 6. The first open day of the year, with a group of 74 students, brought a lot of prana to the Centre. Promotion of the International Easter Retreat in South Spain started. We also welcome Sundari as new resident of the Madrid Centre. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. On 31^st of December 2015, Swami ji’s birthday was celebrated with special Satsang and Puja. Then after the New Year 2016 was welcomed by all. Early January started with new yoga beginner course at 6 am. Other classes such Kids, Advanced and Regular open classes were progressing well. Leena left home after serving some time in the Centre after finishing her TTC in Madurai Ashram in Oct 2015. We received Thiru from the Ashram to replace Yashpal while he went Ashram to take chanting classes. We were happy to see our old students back in this new year. Staffs are well and keeping up their Sadhana.

During mid-January, with the pleasant weather, all classes and courses continued just fine here. We started the new yoga beginner course in the mornings, with good number of students. One Saturday a trial yoga class was given for all parents whose kids were currently taking our weekend Kids’ classes. The class was given at the same time they came to drop off their children for Saturday class. They appreciated the class and hoped they will join our beginner course in near future. We welcome two new staff both from Neyyar Dam Ashram, Hiran and Pariah. We thank to Neyyar Dam Ashram for supporting us time to time. The rest of everything went well at the Centre. All the staffs send their pranams to all who is contributing for the Gurus mission. Pranams to all from Temple city Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya.  Om Namo Narayanaya to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/milano

Om Namah Sivaya! In early January the Centre started the year relatively quiet as most people were enjoying the first weeks of summer vacation. We only gave the class of 18:00 as it was the Kings Day, traditionally held in Uruguay. Some teachers were on vacation, yet others appeared wanting to start the year as karma yogis. Regular and pregnant classes were developing normally. Kanti Devi and Chandra were in Garopaba, Brazil, beginning the TTC, ATTC plus, other activities scheduled for the month. See TTC and ATTC report, above, after Ashram reports.

During mid-January, after a lot of heat, we began regular classes. People registered for the beginners’ courses with a good number of students. The beginners’ course continued normally. The rest of the activities developed normally. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! During mid-January the Centre was very busy with classes, courses and many celebrations. Since the New Year, we started 3 beginners courses, attended by groups of 6-10 students, all of whom were enthusiastic and eager to learn. Roy and Bhagirathi offered free workshops on meditation and Vedanta, for those looking to deepen their practice beyond asanas. One Saturday morning Krishna conducted a workshop focussing on variations of forward/backward bends, to a small group. We had two special Pujas – Ayappa Swami Padi Puja which Prahlad attended specially and Thaipusam Puja. Families close to the Temple sponsored the Puja, cooked a delicious feast and helped increase the vibrations of the Centre through their devotion. Teachers and students were grateful for the opportunity to be part of their tradition. Staff from the Yoga Camp attended the Puja, along with Swami Shivabhaktananda, and helped with setting/cleaning up after. Their presence and support was always appreciated. The New Year also brought us new teachers and karma yogis looking to be a part of the Sivananda community, which is ever expanding! The teachers were assisting classes. We trained the karma yogis in various duties that they will commit to every week. We also tested our new software for the reception, in hopes of having a much more efficient system and concrete database. Attendance for classes continue to be strong, only seeing a drop in the numbers when the weather is bad! We were grateful for the support from teachers and students alike, especially the grace our Master and Guru. Sending Pranams to all!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. We started into the new year with lots of prana and many new courses and events:  a one-day retreat with the title “Asanas for Improving your Posture, a meditation course, a course “Thought Power and Positive Thinking” and a special asana course in which the focus is on practicing the different planes of movement of the spine. We also had a successful cooking class “Soups and Healthy Snacks” and an Open House. We are looking forward to a special program “Yoga and Psychosomatic” with two asana workshops and Satsangs with Swami Sivadasananda on 6 and 7 February. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In early January we prepared for a busy month full of courses and special Satsangs and workshops. We welcomed back Vinith, a veteran karma yogi to the Centre. She is planning on being with us for at least 3 months. Pranava also returned  after spending a few months in India and will stay with us for some time as well. Mahadev Chaitanya came down from the Yoga Ranch to lead the Wednesday and Sunday evening Satsangs in addition to teaching the advanced asana class on Sundays. Neeti went to the ranch for a weekend to conduct a cooking workshop, then returned with other Ranch staff. It was a really good beginning to 2016 with a lot of people registering for memberships and courses!

During mid-January New York City experienced a large blizzard that resulted in accumulation of over 2 feet of snow. The amount of people coming to the Centre declined due to the storm, but we expect those numbers to rise once the snow clears. We started a Yoga 1 on Monday mornings after a long time of not offering morning courses on weekdays. Mahadev Chaitanya arrived from the Yoga Ranch for his Bhagavad Gita course and also led the evening Satsang. Jayanta taught the second class of his cooking course. The attendees have all really enjoyed the course and the food coming out of the kitchen! Shakti and Pranava went to Ranch for a weekend program on Bhakti Yoga. Because of the blizzard, Deaf Yoga, a new Yoga 1 course and some regularly scheduled classes were cancelled. Neeti led the Sunday evening Satsang to a small group of brave souls that battled the storm to come to the Centre. Kamala Chaitanya, Shakti and Pranava returned from the Ashram. Later we witnessed another busy week as the attendance numbers climb back to normal.  All the Staff are well and send their pranams. With Guru’s grace, we will be blessed and inspired to carry on his peace mission. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. We had many students for the New Eve Celebration with Puja, resolutions, meditation, music, table concert, talent show and delicious food. Karuna, newly graduated from TTC Rudraprayag, started to teach on her own beginning of the month. The entrance for the Centre looks very inviting now with the new and colorful flowers, planted by Kamala Devi. Satsang with the participation of 130 students, a record so far. Swami Nityananda left on Monday to Colombia for three weeks, Madalasa came from Orleans to give some support during her absence. Positive thinking course and Bhagavat Gita course were appreciated by the students. Middle of the month we had a successful Open House, with many seekers coming to discover the Centre and learn yoga; they enjoyed the lecture with the asana demonstration followed with the introduction to meditation and the evening Satsang. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. See TTC and ATTC report above after Ashram reports. Staff are well and sending pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om Om Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. During mid-January we were happy to receive more regular students back to the Centre after the holidays. We had more courses starting plus two workshops. Swami Sankarananda gave a delicious cooking workshop, which was very much appreciated by students, plus a 3 hour asana class. We send Pranams to all Staff, Teachers, and Students around the World and pray that Master and Swamiji continue to guide and protect us. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early January Swami Jnaneswariananda came from the Yoga Farm for a weekend to offer two afternoon talks on Yoga and Stress Relief, reminding us that relaxation is a conscious process, never automatic, plus, the source of stress is in the mind. We had a surge in yoga class attendance one weekend. Gangadhara left on vacation. The Gurus are sending teachers and karma yogis to fill the gaps.

During mid-January eight eager students attended a Yantra Painting workshop one Saturday afternoon, with Sankari Chaitanya. They drew and painted a Ganesha Yantra. Their sustained concentration was remarkable. Gajananam began a monthly series on the Bhagavad Gita at Sunday evening Satsangs. He pointed out the identity confusion that occurs when making decisions based on “I” and “mine.” On top of very good general attendance, we started a Sunday afternoon Yoga 1 with 7 students, mostly brand new to yoga. They settled into relaxation gratefully. We were happy to welcome Gangadhara back to the Centre from his vacation. Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah sivaya. In early January, at the conclusion of wonderful two months which included the meeting of the EBM in Tel Aviv, special Pujas, Christmas and New Year celebrations and extensive renovations at the Centre, the Centre started returning to routine. An advanced Meditation course, as well as a Yoga 1, started with 12 students registered to each. A focused effort was done to promote the new program schedule for 2016 plus the courses scheduled for the next couple of weeks. After 2 months of dedicated karma yoga Iswari (Kyle) left the Centre, on her way for a short visit with her family and then back to the Yoga Retreat to continue with karma yoga for a few months. With Shankara Chaitanya at the Yoga Retreat, teaching the Hatha Yoga portion of the ATTC, Bhargavi, Pranava and Durga operated the Centre.

During mid-January we started a new Karma Yogi Recruiting Project as Durga was about to leave back to Canada. We distributed leaflets to our students explaining our mission and the spirit of karma yoga and asking them if they would like to step forward and help us in anyway. Many responded the initiative with a positive spirit and were willing to help in many different ways. A Yoga 1 and Yoga 3 started, both with 12 students. One weekend the staff travell ed to Mata to the new Ashram to have some time to rejuvenate and revitalize in Nature. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. On New Years Eve, about 10 karmayogis came over to the Centre and helped clean the place. After that, we performed a Puja in celebration of Swami Vishnu Devananda’s birthday. The New Year’s program was started with 108 times of Surya Namaskar. The class was booked full with 28 students. It was amazing that all students performed well and nobody dropped out during the session.

In early January the New Year’s holiday was over, and those people who visited hometown to stay with their family returned to Tokyo. In spite of the cold weather, we had substantial numbers of students during the first week. One Saturday a Yoga 1 course started, with 10 students. Our regular classes also attracted more students than usual, so with Satsang. Another good news was we found out that two of our regular students decided to take TTC in Vietnam in February. One of them was attending morning Satsang almost everyday for the past several months.

During mid-January we had a heavy snowfall. It had been very cold. The number of attendants dropped drastically as snow piled up on the street, which is rare in Tokyo. Fortunately, the weather recovered and we were glad to see sunshine again. A headstand workshop was held one Saturday, fully booked with 21 students. Regular classes attracted substantial number of students as well. We hoped even more students come back to their classes. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti,

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the Centre reopened to receive returning students plus, many new students signed up for upcoming beginner’s courses and free trail class. Our teachers were very happy to find the new Swamiji’s calendar waiting for them at the Centre. A new Yoga 1 started on Saturdays and a Meditation course on Fridays. Saraswati taught a Spiritual Diary workshop that presented Swami Sivananda’s techniques for tracking and reflecting on Sadhana. Our new karma yogi, Bhavani  arrived from the Yoga Ranch to help at the Centre for several weeks.

During mid-January we started two new  Yoga 1 courses. The meditation course was on it’s 3rd week. Teens yoga started on Saturdays. We also had the teens from the Hinks Delcrest for a class with Upasana and Saraswati teaching them. Bhavani cooked them a meal. We had a “Discover Indian Spices” workshop, taught by Bhavani, with Jaya assisting. The free trial class attracting close to 20 people. Satsangs continued to attract many new students, some signing up for the beginner courses. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. A special Pooja was conducted on the 31^st December 2015 to celebrate Swami Vishnudevananda’s birthday. As well as giving Prasad, we served breakfast to approximately 60 students and teachers who attended the Pooja. A new karma yogi, Vignette, joined the Centre. A Headstand workshop conducted helped the students to improve their posture. Shiju, who was teaching in the Centre for a few years, got married. Staff members, outside teachers and many students attended the wedding and wished the couple a happy married life.

In early January, with the blessings of God and revered Gurus, we started three new batches of classes. A mixed beginners’ batch started on Monday mornings, with good number of students. A fresh batch of Gentle Class started on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. Along with these classes we had also started a 6 day long Meditation course, which will definitely help those students to attain tranquility of the mind. The current evening Beginners’ batch completed their last week. All other classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted on Fridays by our regular priest. One Saturday students were introduced to the practices of Jala Neti and Sutra Neti in a Kriya Workshop. Satsang was led by Sri. Ravi Easwaran.

During mid-January, by the grace of God and Gurus, a Beginners’ batch started for ladies, with a good number of students attending. The current early morning Beginners’ batch completed their last week. All other classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest on Fridays. Satsang was led by Sw. Janardhanananda ji which gave a boost to the positive energy of the Centre. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. In early January the Christmas Holidays were over and the courses were taken up in their usual rhythm. Students eagerly returned for open classes and courses. The Staff returned to the Centre from their stays in Orleans and Reith. The two new Swamis received a warm welcome from teachers, Karma Yogis and students. During their absence Karma Yogis had taken care of the Centre in a collective effort and with great enthusiasm and success. With strong support from the Acharyas, staff finished the work on the new brochure so it could be sent to the printer.

During mid-January we held a cooking course with the topic Soups & Co. Many students came to get recipes and inspiration for a better nutrition. Many students from the open classes parallel to the course felt inspired to participate in the student lunch after the class, so we had a big bandhara for all in the Yoga Hall. Everybody enjoyed the healthy and tasty dishes. We also offered a Yoga 1 weekend course, with many newcomers eager to learn the first steps in Yoga. The headstand workshop at the same time also attracted many participants. They all left with fresh knowledge and motivation for their personal practice. Satsangs were very well attended. The bulk mailing of the Centre brochure was sent out. Students were giving a positive feedback on the new program. Staff are well and are sending Pranams. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. On the 31^st of December 2015, the evening Satsang was full of energy, inspiring 108 Om Namo Narayanaya chanting and the reading of a message from Swamiji’s Upadesha about the Resolves. Nobody wanted to leave home. The unity was felt very nicely. Right after the New Year event, students came for a weekend of asana classes and Satsangs. A New Year’s letter from Swami Sivananda inspired everybody. Many prepared a form with their spiritual resolutions for the upcoming year, eager to deepen their Sadhana.

In early January Yoga 2 and Yoga 5 courses started well. One Sunday we had a successful Open Day, with twenty two newcomers. We explained, in detail, the five points and also benefits, different aspects of asanas during demonstration of the twelve basic poses. Students had questions during the lecture and everyone seemed to be quite interested in the topics. After the trial asana class an introduction into meditation followed. Everyone was focused to know about upcoming courses with ten students subscribing for the Yoga 1 course. Some subscribed as well for the Yoga 2, meditation course and cooking class. Durga Devi left the Centre for some inspiration and small break during a special celebration in Berlin. Swami Vairagyananda came back from Reith inspired and recharged.

During mid-January we started with Yoga 1 course and a Meditation course. We did a Yoga 1 Intensive with students who were very attentive and focused. Some bought the CIBY books afterwards with one student interested in doing TTC. We welcomed more students and many teachers for different Satsangs. Prana was building up well with the different chants, Kirtans and readings from Master’s book, Bliss Divine. Our yearly brochure planning went well. We were grateful a team of karma yogis supported the Centre within many different departments. Pranams to all the Sivananda family. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius