Hatha Yoga VRKSASANA - TREE POSE - INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED VARIATIONS - Sanskrit: vriksa or vriksha (वृक्ष, vṛkṣa) meaning "tree" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture". Include variations to the tree pose to increase mind concentration. Work on balance, and flexibility of legs and hips. Intermediate variation - In the classic pose, instead of the inner sole of the foot being placed into the inner thigh of the opposite leg, place the foot high as possible on the front of the thigh in a half lotus position. Palms can be joined in a prayer pose, [...]

Vegetarian Cuisine CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP - Warming, earthy and filling soup. Black beans contain a substantial protein content (approx. 15 grams per cup) and fibre content (approx. 15 grams per cup) and in this recipe are enhanced with the goodness of yam (sweet potato). Black beans are linked to health benefits such intestinal health, cardiovascular health (help lower cholesterol) and help balance and regulate blood sugar levels. Serve 4-6. (This soup recipe may be converted to a filling meal by keeping the mixture thick and some of the beans whole and serving with [...]

Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Zentrum, Berlin, Germany 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 [...]

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. For New Year’s Eve Baratha and Sita prepared a Lebanese feast, and a team of Karma Yogis decorated the dining hall in festive colors.  After dinner we had a Satsang with Prahlad and a talent show, MC-ed by Ganga. The priest performed Pujas for the Masters and for Lord Krishna, and old disciples of Swami Vishnu shared with us touching stories about his life and joyful and generous nature. [...]

Sivananda Yoga FAQ Q 1:  Swamiji, could you please give some detailed practical hints to get non-attachment in mind in our every action? A: Think that you are an instrument (Nimitta) in the hands of God when you work. Egoism and respectability will vanish. Don't expect fruits for your actions (Nishkamya). How can you expect fruits when another, viz., God, is working through you? Further, when you are aware that the world is full of miseries, what is the use of coming back again into the world ? You are a toy in the [...]

Gurugram February 2016 | Preface Blessed Self, Om Namah Sivaya The New Year 2016 started in a very positive mood. Sivananda Centres and Ashrams reported the attraction of many new students, with the onset of new year resolutions, spiking registrations in both long term and short term courses. Open classes in all Centres are also abundant with students. An interesting phenomena for the upcoming year is people’s interest and inquiry towards meditation. Many meditation courses are very full with new registrations. Also of note, regular morning and evening Satsangs are attended by very enthusiastic [...]