Hatha Yoga DIAMOND - Supta Vajrasana - Intermediate - Advanced Diamond is a complete backbend which gives a wonderful stretch to the front body. This posture revitalizes the solar plexus area. Kneel first, tops of the feet flat on the mat, knees hip-width apart. Next, sit between the heels on the mat. Slowly lower the torso onto the mat using the elbows to guide, finally coming to a lying position, with the knees bent. Position your arms behind your head, each hand clasping the opposite elbow. Relax here of 30 seconds, belly breathing slowly [...]

Vegetarian Cuisine CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP – Serves 4-6. Ingredients: 750 ml natural yoghurt ½ tsp salt 2 tbsp oil 1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped 1-2 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp pepper 250ml iced water 100g chopped walnuts Fresh parsley leaves to garnish Preparation: Combine the yogurt, salt and oil, stirring until smooth. Add the cucumber, lemon juice, pepper and iced water. Chill until ready to serve or add 125ml chopped ice and serve immediately. Serve topped with a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. Garnish with parsley. A craving for comforts weakens your fibre. Lead [...]

Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum, Berlin, Germany Om Namah Sivaya! We had a good month. Holiday season has started but many people are still coming very regularly, classes and courses were well visited. Two Yoga 1 courses started, both with inspired groups of students. Satsang participation was also good, many students are coming very regularly once or even twice a week. There were several new people joining the Satsangs and having their first experience in Mantra Chanting and meditation. Several weekend programs took place. Very inspiring [...]

Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Sivananda Headquarters, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. During early July, the first week of TTC was intense and colourful. The students were quickly immersed in the Ashram activities: a Ganesha Homa, learning about meditation during Satsangs, learning to teach yoga classes, headstands, shoulder stands, a Puja at the Subramanya Temple. Although overwhelming for first timer, it is the perfect environment to help one detach from all they know and be fully present. Satsangs were quickly getting [...]

Sivananda Yoga FAQ Q 1:  What is the technique of concentration on the 18 parts of the body as advised by Sage Yajnavalkya for the purpose of attaining Pratyahara? Please explain. A: The technique of concentration as given by Sage Yajnavalkya involves a process of withdrawing the mind and Prana gradually and step by step from one part of the body to another, starting from the two big toes of the feet and progressing upward through a series of successive concentrations, then withdrawals. Traveling through the several Centres of the body the journey leading [...]

Gurugram August 2016 | Preface Blessed Self, Om Namah Sivaya Greetings to all. Reflecting the energy of the entire Sivananda Organization, the Sivananda Yoga Camp/Headquarters is surrounded by high energy this month, concluding the Kavaadi Festival celebrations, a full TTC course and starting a new Teen Karma Yoga program, plus the ever popular annual Family Week. These programs, and more, are all part of the Sivananda Organization's worldwide effort to provide an ever-expanding list of supportive and educational programs around the topic of Yoga. Sivananda Centres and Ashrams continue to spread timely messages and [...]