Gurugram February 2022 | Preface
Om Namah Sivaya
Blessed Self
Greetings from all staff in the Sivananda Centres and Ashrams.
As the Omicron wave continues to sweep across all lands, there seems to be finally some light at the end of the tunnel. The hope is that the pandemic will become endemic and that there will be soon an end to the very difficult situation the world has been going through the last two years. The aftermath of the pandemic will not be easy however, with deep traumas experienced by so many. Mental health has become a major issue. The invaluable techniques of yoga will be more precious than ever to help us look at our situation from a different perspective, remembering the law of karma and refocusing on the positive. The task is vast. It is clear that the world will not be the same, that mindsets have changed forever after these 2 years. It may be that many physical adjustments will also be required, with economy having been hit to the core. It will force us to focus on the essentials: our relationship to the Divine, our relationship to the Self within and our relationships with each other. The world is rediscovering the value of solidarity, humility, service and respect for oneself, other beings and the planet at large. It could be the start of a positive change for humanity, in which yoga may have an important and vital role to play.
Thankfully, in the midst of this massive pandemic wave, the Sivananda Ashrams and Centres continue to function on a humble scale and bring relief, meaning and support to many. Students are eager to listen to the wisdom of the scriptures and the Vedantic teachings. “I am not the body, I am the Self” is resounding with new power.
May we remain fully focused on our Sadhana and faith and be able to help others to find balance and hope for the future.
We send our best wishes for health and inner peace.
Swami Kailasananda for the Acharyas of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres.
Join us for our monthly Meditation for the Planet on Sunday February 6th 2022 at 2pm CET. Check our websites for information. https://sivanandaorleans.org/unite-for-a-healthy-planet
Donations: With many of the International Sivananda Yoga Centres and Ashrams teaching online, finances are a concern, so if this is at all possible for you, your financial support would be very gratefully received by contacting any Ashram or Centre.
What makes a wise choice? – Something that will bring maximum good, and less harm. Something that will bring you closer to the Truth within. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Upcoming Courses
2022 COVID-19 Update:
Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether COVID-19 has affected your selected course.
The SIVANANDA YOGA Teachers’ Training Courses are available either online (TTCOL) or in residence, depending on the location. Please check with each TTC/ATTC location whether your selected Teacher Training Course is available online or in residence as some Ashrams have opened, while others remain closed. Thank you for your patience as schedules change during COVID.
To view all 2022 TTC/ATTC/SI courses on the Sivananda website: https://sivananda.org/teachers-training/programme-calendar/
See the full list of other international courses and events: https://www.sivananda.org/
Introspect. Analyze your own mind and try to improve it. Introspect and find out your eternal Self. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Raja Yoga
From Discourse II: “Sadhana Pada – On Spiritual Disciplines”
II.42. SAMTOSAD ANUTTAMAH SUKHA-LABHAH
“From contentment comes supreme happiness.”
Commentary: Humanity is ever searching for happiness in external objects, but happiness can only be attained when the mind is satisfied with what has been allotted and is no longer looking. When the mind is stilled and contented, happiness is automatic.
Learn lessons of equal vision from the sun, the fire, the river, the flowers and the air. They serve the peasant and the king, the saint and the sinner, the clerk and the minister. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Bhagavad Gita Quote
From Discourse I: “Samadhi Pada – On Contemplations”
I.38. SVAPNA-NINDRAA-JNAANAALAMBANAM VAA
‘Or (by meditating upon) knowledge gained in dreams or deep sleep’.
Commentary:
Many times the Truth is revealed by the superconscious during sleep. Usually this information is forgotten and is only utilized by the subconscious. But if that knowledge is meditated upon consciously, great progress can be made upon the path.
Purity of mind, annihilation of ego, dispassion or disgust for worldly objects, and keen aspiration are the preliminary essentials for God realization. – Sri Swami Sivananda
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Spiritual Calendar
| FEBRUARY 2022
11 Ekadasi MARCH 2022 02 New Moon Replace doubts with Satsanga, company of those with no doubts. – Sri Swami Sivananda |
Glossary
The Vedantic Kumbhaka in Pranayama
Being without any distraction and with a calm mind, one should practice Pranayama. Both expiration and inspiration should be stopped. The practitioner should depend solely on Brahman; that is the highest aim of life. The giving out of all external objects, is said to be Rechaka. The taking in of the spiritual knowledge of Sastras, is said to be Puraka, and the keeping to oneself of such knowledge is said to be Kumbhaka. He is an emancipated person who practises his Chitta thus. There is no doubt about it. Through Kumbhaka the mind should always be taken up and through Kumbhaka alone it should be filled up within. It is only through Kumbhaka that Kumbhaka should be firmly mastered. Within it, is ‘Parama Siva’. At first in his Brahmagranthi there is produced soon a hole or passage. Then having pierced Brahmagranthi, he pierces Vishnugranthi, then he pierces Rudragranthi, then the Yogin attains his liberation through the religious ceremonies, performed in various births, through the grace of Gurus and Devatas and through the practice of Yoga.
Sharpen the intellect. Thin out the ego. Purify the mind. – Sri Swami Sivananda