Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum, Berlin, Germany Om Namah Sivaya. Despite the school holidays we have had good attendance and it has been very active. A yoga beginners’ course with a good group of newcomers started, all very new to Yoga. Several higher courses started also, students keeping their regular practise up. Satsangs were well visited: a few newcomers joined and enjoyed the atmosphere at the Yoga Center. Karma Yogis supported very lovingly and very steadily. Many are coming very regularely once or twice a week [...]

Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada Om Namah Sivaya. In early February, we held a retreat "Yoga and Nature". A mixed group of beginners and intermediate students enjoyed the inspiring talks about the power of outer silence in nature and inner silence in meditation. We experienced very beautiful sunny days but also extremely cold (we spent one day at minus 30 degrees) but nonetheless the guests enthusiatically went out for invigorating walks in the forest. The renovation work in the Mathaji Hall is [...]

Vegetarian Cuisine Spiced Spring Carrots Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, purify the blood and tone the kidneys. Crushed hazelnuts can be substituted for the almonds. Serves 4. Ingredients: 4 carrots, cut in matchsticks 50g (2oz) flaked almonds 50g (2oz) butter or margarine 1 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons chopped fresh coriander 1 teaspoon clear honey salt and pepper (optional) Preparation: 1. Steam the carrot sticks for about 10 minutes, until tender but still crunchy. meanwhile, set aside a few of the flaked almonds and roast the remainder in a dry heavy pan over [...]

Sivananda Yoga FAQ Q: How can we free ourselves from Karma? A: Feel, as you do your daily duties, that you are only a witness of all that goes on around you, of even your own actions. This is called Sakshi Bhav. You should inwardly realize that you are different from the active principle in you. This is the method of Vedanta. There is the other – easier, but equally potent – method of Nimitta Bhav. Feel that the Lord alone is the real doer of all actions and that you are an instrument in His [...]

Hatha Yoga Tip TRIANGLE – Trikoṇāsana – Beginner and Intermediate Triangle is a unique asana. Its lateral bend stretches and strengthens several muscles on the side of the body at the same time. It also helps with balance. It is the last of the twelve basic asanas in the cycle. After you have practised Triangle, end your session with final relaxation in order to reap all the benefits of your practice. BENEFITS Physical • Increases the sideways mobility of the lumbar and thoracic areas of the spine. • Strengthens and lengthens the muscles of [...]