Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. Classes and courses were running well this week. Several courses started, Yoga 1 as well as a Raja Yoga Course with a good and inspired group of students. The last open House of this year was very well received, students were interested and thankful for this first yoga experience in the center. Highlight of the month was the Christmas party. Karma Yogis were helping with packing of the presents, cooking, decoration and preparation of the rooms. The party was the first big event in the new asana hall upstairs with plenty of space and air and everybody was delighted. The program was well received, Christmas message was touching, Christmas carols were sung wholeheartedly. The highlight was the theater play, very well performed, guided by one of our teachers. It was the story of heaven and hell, one of the favorite stories of Swami Vishnudevananda. Afterwards everybody enjoyed the Christmas feast and the atmosphere was filled with joy and love. The reconstruction work is almost finished, the new wooden floor, paining and electricity was finished and the separating walls were put in. Dedicated Karma Yogis helped to put up the kitchen furniture, lamps and pictures and of course a lot of cleaning. Now the rooms are already used for teaching and everybody loves it upstairs. Many small details are still to do but we are thankful that most of the work is completed. For Christmas all staff left Berlin to recharge. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. Prem & Om to all for 2016.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we finished our first course ever, and the students who just finished Yoga 1 expressed their desire for more courses on deeper level. We welcomed Swami Narayanananda. He gave an inspiring five-day intensive at the Centre. The workshops on Mantra/Kirtan and Bhagavad Gita/topic lectures were very well attained, as well as the evening Satsang and Hatha yoga classes. A few students from different areas of China came to join the workshop as well as local students. Swami Narayanananda’s visit gave staff and karma yogis a great reminder and inspiration about the mission of the Sivananda Organization. May the world be filled with peace and love. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. In December the SYVC Chennai Centre remained affected by the late November 2015 floods, after rains poured heavily at an alarming rate. The Centre was surrounded by water. Flood relief measures were taken by Sivananda Headquarters in Canada to support three villages around flooded Chennai. A fund raiser for the Chennai flood victims was also arranged at the Toronto SYVC and the Paris SYVC, with many donations offered. With the blessings of God and Masters, we send Pranams to the Sivananda family for a happy and healthy 2016.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December the unseasonably warm weather continued, with temperatures sometimes 30 degrees F higher than normal and spring-like rain. Attendance was very good, especially for the holiday season, with the courses continuing until the New Year. The morning Satsangs seem to be getting stronger and more uplifting, with a group of wonderfully committed regulars attending. We were glad to welcome Siddhi back from Finland, for a longer commitment. We said good-bye to Karuna Devi, who returned to the Farm. We thank her for her visit and pray the Gurus shower her with blessings. We prepared for a special holiday celebration.

During mid-December the temperatures continued to be surprisingly warm. The Centre’s teacher and karma yogi, Chandranatha, completed repairs on the bathroom shower, for which we are very grateful. One Sunday evening we had our holiday Satsang and potluck, which was lovely, lively, well attended. It included an asana demonstration by Mrs. Claus. Courses are finishing up for the year, and registrations were coming in for January courses. Warm holiday greetings from Chicago Center staff where, by Gurus’ grace, all is well. We felt great gratitude for the guidance and protections of the Gurus in 2015. Merry Christmas and a Happy New 2016 to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-December residents at the Centre come from many different parts of the world and one Vietnamese. The staff were busy in preparation for the retreat with Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Narayanananda. The open class was completely full with local students and travelers every single day. By the grace of Guru every thing went smooth and Peace everywhere. Guru’s grace is always with us. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year for 2016 to all Sivananda Staff. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December everything was good here with God’s grace and gurus blessings. We started with a Beginners’ course for 6.30 A.M and 4.00 P.M.  Due to the winters here the students number usually reduces. We conducted kriya workshop. All our Open classes, Gentle yoga, Prenatal and Kids Yoga continued well. Sheejal returned to the Centre. We we happy to receive her. Our prayers and love to everyone. Shanti. Thank you. Pranams.

During mid-December, with God’s grace and Gurus’ blessings, everything was fine here. We started a Beginners course for 10 A.M and 6.30 P.M on Mondays, with good number of students. Our Open classes, Gentle yoga, Prenatal and Kids yoga classes were well attended.  We conducted the Yoga for Back workshop one Saturday in the Centre.  We conducted the Satsangs regularly to keep the energy high. All our teachers are supporting wonderfully to run the Centre in the best way possible. Tryambakams for everyone. Peace and love. Thank you. We hope all the Sivananda family are happy and doing well. Sending all our love and wishes. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December we started with two Beginners’ courses, one at 6:30am and the other at 4:00pm. We conducted a “Yoga for Lower Back” course one Wednesday. Although the Delhi weather was getting cooler as the winter commenced, with the blessings of the Gurus, all the regular scheduled events at the Centre went well. The Sunday Satsang was attended with good number of people – students, teachers and staffs alike, energizing the Centre as usual.

During mid-December with the blessings of the Masters we started a new Beginners’ course at 6:30pm with good number of students. We conducted “Open your Hips” workshop one Wednesday. In the workshop the benefit of practicing hip opening asanas has been explained and practiced. Jaypal came back from his home. Milan came back from the Sivananda Noida Center. Kailash and two staff from Madurai stayed with us for two nights as they were passing through Delhi to Madurai. Kapoorji came back from Madurai. We decorated the Center with a Christmas tree & lights in preparation for the Christmas Celebration. The uplifting Sunday Satsangs were attended by good number of students. With the Grace of the Gurus everything is going well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

In early December, with the blessings of our Gurus it was lovely, with our gentle yoga batch going strong and more students coming in for the open classes. The 10AM Beginner batch continued. We began a couple of private classes with about 8-10 sessions. Our efforts towards spreading the goodness of yoga reaped results, with more people becoming aware about Sivananda Yoga through pamphlets and word of mouth. Hence, the trial class had a fair number of people attend. Our kids had an interesting session with Apathy-ji. The weeks would wrap with divine Satsangs.

During mid-December We send Pranams and our best wishes to all the Sivananda family. May Master’s and Swamiji’s grace and blessings be with us all throughout 2016. We send Pranams and wish Happy Christmas to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org.in/noida

Om Namah Sivaya. On the weekends we had a TTC-information with a nice group of students and a workshop about Yoga for the back which included a power point show and a plum line test and was very well received. We also had a workshop with Jivana Heyman about accessible yoga which included a practical part where he showed how yoga asanas can be adapted to students with special needs.  Many of our teachers were here and some them could already apply and share what they had learned. A highlight of the month was a lovely Christmas party with many of our students and teachers coming with friends and family. The Christmas message was about “Cheerfulness” and cheerful was the continuation of the evening with Christmas-carols, the story of Sudama and Krishna very nicely told by one of our teachers and an Indian dance performance by Poonam Mohan which was much appreciated. After a festive meal everybody left grateful for this peaceful and joyful evening. The spring brochure was send to the printer and the mailing prepared. First inscriptions for courses in January are already coming in. Pranams and prayers for Peace. Prem & Om to all for 2016. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-December the Centre was very active with good energy, including a new Yoga 1, with 9 students, taught by Ananda. The Dalat Retreat became fully booked, with over 100 students to join Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Narayanananda and VN staff. Swami Pranavananda left to India, at the same time, Ganga came back from India. Om Namo Narayanaya for the New Year to all the Sivananda Family from the Ho Chi Minh Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. The energy of the Christmas Party has beautifully uplifted the Centre. The student numbers reduced down with the approaching holidays. The renovations at the Centre were in their final stage. The protective wooden fence in the courtyard was removed and revealed the beauty of the changed facade, with sliding doors to the additional new entrance, to the enlarged reception and shop area. Students were in awe, with the transformation the Centre went through over the last 6 months.  Many students expressed their gratitude for the work of the Centre staff with Christmas approaching. They brought Christmas cards, flowers and small gifts. Happy New Year to all the Sivananda Family. May the Gurus’ Grace and Blessings be with you all throughout the New Year 2016. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! In early December, with a Yoga Two course completed successfully, the Centre was in joyous holiday spirit. Swami Dharmananda visited from the Yoga Farm, teaching a two-day workshop on “Living New Year Resolves”, receiving great feedback from the students. Following the guidance of the Four Paths of Yoga, they were offered practical methods to recount past actions and set future intentions from a lasting, spiritual perspective. Teachers met for Teachers’ Meeting one Sunday afternoon, with Swamiji answering many teaching questions. That same Sunday the Satsang was an inspiring Guru Puja. Over 40 people came together and celebrated at the Holiday Party. Sankari Chaitanya visited from SF Centre and pleasantly surprised us all. We meditated, sang carols and Kirtan. Swami Dharamananda read from new Teachings on Yoga Life book, Swami Sivananda’s “Letter to America.” Goddess Lakshmi and her helpers distributed gifts for all. The pot-luck feast was abundant and indulgent, we all ate too much as we thoroughly enjoyed each others Satsanga and basking in the loving spirit of Unity.

In mid December we welcomed resident student, Jessie, who will be with us until the end of February. A Meditation One course completed, as the last course for 2015. All students were ready to continue to Meditation Two in January 2016. A Wednesday evening Satsang and Kirtan was very uplifting. The following Friday morning’s Devi Puja opened our hearts even more. The Centre remained in holiday warmth as we welcomed many new students and meet new faces. Sunday Satsang we welcomed a couple more long-time students of Swamiji, who returned, after some time away, to be once again at Guru’s feet. We put a lot of energy into the Centre: deep cleaning, de-cluttering, organizing. The Altar was redressed, Murtis changed into fresh new clothes, all brass polished. Karma yogis came to practice selfless service with the staff. Teachers enjoyed communal meals after teaching. They all noticed the change of energy in the Centre right away. We started performing weekly Wednesday Pujas and daily evening Arati, as well. The altar/meditation room now glows with divine glory. Staff are well and are sending New Year 2016 Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! Early this month a cooking workshop was held which was well attended and much enjoyed by the students. A new 6-week Bhagavad Gita course with Lakshmi has begun and the students were highly motivated and eager to learn. A weekend Intensive beginners´course took place on three subsequent weekends. It was attended by a very inspired group. Many of the participants are planning to continue their practice at the center following the course. Moreover, this month Yoga 3, 4 and 5 courses have started very successfully. The Wednesday evening advanced class was reintroduced. On the second weekend of the month the annual Christmas party took place including multi language Christmas carol chanting, a very well-acted theatre play directed by Kaivalya as well as delicious festive dishes. The atmosphere was beautiful, a nice sense of community could be felt and everyone left in high spirits! Several new teachers have started assisting in the classes this month. The center was also supported by Sundari, a TTC graduate from Rudraprayag Nov 2015, for one week. Our search for a new TTC location in Spain is ongoing. Saraswati Chaitanya together with Gopala and Vishnu made a trip to look at a potential new TTC location nearby Madrid. Work on the new brochure was continued. We wish you all a Happy New Year 2016 with health, peace and happiness. Om Shanti. Pranams to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. The Staff convey their Pranams to all the Sivananda Family for 2016. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December the activities at the Centre were normal. We had lots of help from teachers to cover some classes. We held the last class of the year for elderly and children, returning in April 2016. We prepared all details for our Christmas Satsang. The billboards were decorated with nice colourful ornamentation. The advance group of teachers and students continued practicing their asanas with lots of enthusiasm. Also Lalita, leading the chorus, was encouraging people to join until the last minute. We were calling old students and teachers by phone. Not all could come, but they were very happy receiving contact. Kanti Devi arrived from Israel in time to give last minute details and jump into the program. Lots of karma yogis came to set the stage, altar, sound, light, flowers, etc. The Centre was flowing from the positive energy and active presence of everyone. More than 100 people participated and fully enjoyed the program. Kanti Devi led a beautiful Satsang. She shared with us, the repetition of the Mantra for individual as well as Universal Peace. Then there was a short silent meditation and the daily chants. The Kirtans were very vigorous and full of devotion.  The Arati closed the first part of the program. A slideshow started the second part of the event. We showed pictures of the programs organized by the Montevideo Centre. Also Kanti Devi presented some pictures of the international programs where she participated, plus, the Yoga tours in South America. We then had the asana demonstration. It was amazing, without any doubt it was the best. The asana postures flew one after the other with grace, harmony and devotion. The demonstrators had complete control of each posture and we did not feel any tension, just bliss. We all loved it. The choir was very alive with a mix of classical songs and spiritual songs. Guillermo prepared the sound. He is a professional in that field and it was the best sound we ever had at the Centre. Guitars, bass, charango and other South American instruments were making the magic of Christmas come to us and make our hearts vibrate with sound. Lalita traveled to El Pinar where she will stay until the end of December.

During mid-December the classes and courses continue to run smoothly and the students help in keeping up the energy of the Centre and the teachings of Master and Swamiji. We had lots of help from teachers to cover some classes. We washed the blankets, the covers and the mats of the Asana Lounge and Meditation room. Our free class had an important number of participants who were very interested in the next activities. Merry Christmas to all of you! We wish you all a Happy New Year 2016. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya and Season’s Greetings from the Montreal Centre! Early December was very busy and full of the festive spirit, as all staff, karma yogis, teachers and students came together to help prepare for our annual Christmas party. The regular yoga classes continued as usual, under more light as all the Holiday decorations were up! We drove up to the Ashram to attend the graduation ceremony of their TTC, Plus their talent show. Karma yogis who volunteered to cook for the Centre’s Christmas feast took turns in the kitchen to prepare the meal. Time passed by in flurry as we spent a day cleaning, cooking and more cleaning! Swami Shivabhaktananda arrived at the Centre with few staff as there was freezing rain predicted for the night in the north, the rest of the staff were missed! The evening began with a short meditation, followed by chanting. Swamiji then gave a short and sweet talk on the meaning of Love. A few teachers then formed a choir and led the Christmas Carols. We had Krishna, a young musician, lead us in the music. It was beautiful, as everyone was in good spirits and singing loudly. Once the Carols ended, our Indian Santa made his appearance! Everyone was amused by him, all the kids and staff received a gift and hug from him. We also gave all that attended this event a beautifully designed t-shirt. Once the Satsang finished, everyone moved downstairs for the feast. It was a taste sensation with bruschetta, pasta bake, stuffed peppers and more! We also had a separate table just for desserts!! The night ended on a high note, with all the staff and teachers pulling in to help clean the Centre. We counted between 150 – 160 attending the evening, as it was a rolling crowd. We are very blessed to have the grace of the Guru’s. Sending Pranams and prayers for Peace. Om Namo Narayanaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. One of the special events of the last weeks was a program with two 2.5 hours asana-workshops on the topic who asanas help to improve the posture with Swami Keshavananda. We taught a weekend meditation beginners course and also a new workshop with the title “Unity of Consciousness”. The highlight in December was our Christmas Party. Swami Sivadasananda spoke about Christ´s message that we should conquer our lower nature and discover the indwelling divinity within us. We had a visit of Santa Claus, Christmas carols, a saxophone concert with our long-time student Vasudev and a theater play about the story “Heaven and Hell” which Swami Vishnudevananda liked very much. The evening ended with a delicious Christmas dinner and presents for everybody. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! We had a wonderful beginning to December at the Centre with the final classes in Yoga 1 and Yoga 2. The students sure enjoyed their experience and most have expressed that they will be joining the Yoga Courses offered in January 2016, which was great news! We had Deaf Yoga asana class, which always attracts many wonderful enthusiastic students, whom also stayed for a vegetarian meal afterwards. In the evening, Swami Omkarananda arrived to the Centre from Los Angeles to lead the Satsang one Sunday, which was very inspiring. She spoke about “Blessings”, which was a topic enjoyed by all who attended. We had the pleasure of having her as a guest at the Centre for almost a week since she also led a Workshop at the Centre later in the month! We had a few Karma Yogis help us holiday decorate the Centre, as well as our Christmas tree in the Sivananda Hall. It’s nice to have a festive atmosphere in the Centre in preparation for our yearly Christmas Celebration on December 20th!

During mid-December, previous to our Christmas celebration, it was pretty quiet in terms of class attendance but very hectic regarding karma yoga. Chandrika left the Centre after having spent about 3 months here. She went back to Canada to reunite with her family and to start a new cycle in her life. We are grateful for all her support and wish her the best in her new pursuits. With the grace of the Gurus we kept having karma yogis showing up to help us prepare for the busy weekend ahead. Christmas gifts wrapping, cooking, cleaning and more decorations drew all out attention and energy this week. We had a photo shoot at the Centre, led by Uma (Larissa, the photographer) and Shanti, one of our main teachers. A bunch of teachers and a few karma yogis served as models. With their help and support the intensive session run smoothly. Swami Omkarananda left the Centre after having spent a few days with us. Later on we welcomed a group of karma yogis coming form the Yoga Ranch who came to the New York Centre to help us prepare for the potluck. Mahadev Chaitanya taught the advanced class and Srinivasan led a wonderful Christmas Satsang, attended by almost 100 people. We had Andru, a regular Satsang attendee, leading the carols and Santa Claus bringing everybody a little present. It was a very joyful Satsang, followed by the traditional holiday potluck. Everybody went back home with happy hearts and full bellies. We wish you all a very happy holidays! 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 in 2016. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. Time to celebrate Peace and Love. The presence of Swami Kailasananda uplifted all the Celebrations. On the 18^th of November, we had a Yoga Festival with more than 566 people participated to the different activities that day. The Indian artist, Ragunath Manet gave a wonderful dance and Veena concert programme. The spirit of Christmas was there with the party on the 11th and a christmas’ satsang on the 24^th. There was a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations and armies of karma yogis sent by the Masters to assure the  joyful Celebrations. This month we started fourth new courses:  Gita, Meditation, positive thinking and Kirtan. We had also a cooking class and two workshops on the topics of yoga for the eyes workshop and concentration. The Swami’s and staff of the Sivananda Centre in Paris send their best wishes for an inspiring New Year. May the blessings of the Masters be with you always. Om Shanti. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. December 2015 was much more busy than the other years, probably we will closed the month for the first time with no deficits. We had the Christmas Satsang in early December, with a lot of people and delicious food.

During mid-December we started the preparations for the TTC Garopaba. We also finished the last Beginners’ course of 2015. We were also studying a way to open a Centre at Sao Paulo city on 2016. Staff are well and sending pranams to all the Sivananda family for the upcoming new year. Om Om Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. During mid-December students and teachers enjoyed a beautiful Christmas party with a nice message from Master and reading from Bliss Divine. We chanted Christmas Carols in many languages, specially Carols in Latin, which were very beautiful. Swami Sankarananda prepared delicious food and students brought sweets for the occasion. We had a workshop on Pranayama, given by Swami Sankarananda. We wish Staff, Teachers, and Students throughout the world a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year 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 December our first Yoga 3 course since reopening started on December 12. Sankari Chaitanya went to Los Angeles to join the holiday celebration at their Centre plus their Guru Puja. Gajananam taught the Sunday afternoon asana class in SF, with a meditation theme in the asanas. He spoke on the significance of “Om” during the Satsang. The holiday yoga sale started on December 9 and certainly increased the yoga pass sales. The Gurus were generously blessing the still-new Sivananda Centre, in so many ways.

During mid-December we offered a lunchtime yoga class for staff at nearby Edgewood Center for Children and Families. Fifty people attended our holiday celebration, including Swami Jnaneswariananda, Swami Sankarananda and Swami Vasishtananda, plus, nine staff from the Yoga Farm. It was a joy with children present—meditation, daily chants, lots of Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, and two captivating skits by the visiting staff. All savoured the warm sense of community building at the Centre. We prepared materials and collected leads, with the intention of offering more corporate retreats in the new year, spreading teachings on holistic health and classical yoga to a wider audience. We’re gratefully moving into the tiling phase of our renovation, thanks to some generous donations and Guru’s Grace. Pranams and Peace to all, from the new San Francisco Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah sivaya. In early December the EBM meeting concluded and we bid farewell to Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Kailasananda and Prahlad. Meanwhile, Srinivasan & Saraswati, Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Jnaneshwariananda and Kanti Devi stayed in Israel for a few days and had the opportunity to enjoy an intensive 4-day pilgrimage to holy sites around Israel including Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee and more. Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema and senior staff from the Centre joined the trip, which was most inspiring. On conclusion, we bid farewell to everyone, one by one, as they left Israel, going back to their respective Centres and Ashrams worldwide. We were grateful to all the EBMs for granting us the opportunity to host them in Israel and be inspired by them. Swami Jnaneswariananda was the last to leave us. She made us so happy as she stayed with us in the Centre for a couple of days during which she gave three beautiful and inspiring Satsangs and joined us for the Sabbath program. We celebrated Hanuka – the Jewish holiday of light. We held an introduction to a new Positive Thinking course, with 12 students. We started a new Advanced Yoga course, with 10 students.

During mid-December a Teenage Yoga course started, with 9 teen students. This is our young teen group that includes ages 10-14. In two weeks time we will start a group for the more grown-ups aged 15-17. Bhargavi, taught these groups, investing a lot of thought into building engaging and educating classes for the teens. They enjoyed it.
We started Yoga 1, with 12 participants, and held an Introduction to Meditation, with 10 students. Fifteen students enrolled for the Meditation course that will be starting later in December. We started a positive thinking course, with 25 students. Later this month was peacefull in the Centre, as the staff took time to rest and practice after the intense weeks preparing and assisting with the hosting of the EBM meeting in Israel. Blessings and Peace to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we had a slow weekdays, then there came a busy weekend. We had a morning trial class and Maki Jungheim’s workshops that afternoon. 48 students attended to the first part of her workshop which was about the Pranayama, included both lecture and the actual practice. There were 43 attendants for the second part of her workshop in which she told us about her experience over these 35 years with the late Swami Chidananda-ji and other Swamis of Divine Life Society. About a half of the attendants were students of Maki, and it was a first time for them to visit Tokyo Centre. Some of them including Maki herself remained to join evening Satsang which was filled with devotion towards Swami Sivananda and his disciples.

During mid-December the latter half of the Ayurveda workshop, by Annapurna Tamiko, was offered. The workshop continued from last month with 24 students attending this time. Chandrika left Japan to visit India for 6 months, translating for Japanese TTC students in Neyyar Dam Ashram during January and February 2016. We wished her a safe travel and a wonderful experience in India. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we had a slow weekdays, then there came a busy weekend. We had a morning trial class and Maki Jungheim’s workshops that afternoon. 48 students attended to the first part of her workshop which was about the Pranayama, included both lecture and the actual practice. There were 43 attendants for the second part of her workshop in which she told us about her experience over these 35 years with the late Swami Chidananda-ji and other Swamis of Divine Life Society. About a half of the attendants were students of Maki, and it was a first time for them to visit Tokyo Centre. Some of them including Maki herself remained to join evening Satsang which was filled with devotion towards Swami Sivananda and his disciples.

During mid-December the latter half of the Ayurveda workshop, by Annapurna Tamiko, was offered. The workshop continued from last month with 24 students attending this time. Chandrika left Japan to visit India for 6 months, translating for Japanese TTC students in Neyyar Dam Ashram during January and February 2016. We wished her a safe travel and a wonderful experience in India. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December a highlight was the Christmas party. The Centre was decorated very colourfully with a lot of lights and decorations all around the Centre, including a Christmas tree. A few Karma yogis were there to help with the installations. We had a full house for the party with more than 120 squeezed in to our small asana hall. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Carols, by Ken Whitely, were very much welcome by all, and the talent show had a mix of Kirtans and comedy, which kept everyone happy. The dinner was also enjoyed by everyone, with Jeeva Amma cooking some dishes to add to the potluck. There were quite a number of children, which made the Centre very lively. Anoosha especially came from Montreal to be at the party, along with all her Kids Camp children. Santa Claus was there to give out the gifts to everyone. The fund raiser for the Chennai flood victims was also under way, with donations flowing in. Most courses were coming to an end, the meditation course was on its 4th week. The asana correction course was onto the last 2 days, with Prahladji teaching the teachers.

During mid-December regular courses began to conclude for the year. We focused on finishing the 2016 brochure and tidying the Centre before closing for the Holidays. Karma yogis helped wash all the mats and clean all the yoga halls and the kitchen thoroughly. Lots of students from our Centre made plans to visit the Yoga Camp Ashram either for Christmas or New Year celebrations. Some of them were inspired to purchase last minute Holiday boutique gifts and make nice contributions to our Chennai floods   donations box. During a Sunday Satsang we heard a very inspiring message by Swami Sivananda that was dedicated to the New Year! Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December our current morning Beginners’ batch successfully completed the course. All other classes went well. We did an elaborate cleaning.

During mid-December the current ladies and evening beginners’ batches successfully completed their courses. We look forward to them joining the practice classes. Open, Gentle, Advance and Kids classes went well. A Ganapathi Homa was conducted on the first day of the new Malayalam month. As usual Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted on Fridays, by our regular priest. We celebrated Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree and making a crib. Christmas Satsang was led by Sw. Gayatriananda ji, Nataraj ji & Kalyani ji. We cut Christmas cake. Santa Claus distributed gifts to all the guests. Around 120 people including outside teachers, students and guests from the Neyyar Dam Ashram attended the celebration. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December a few courses started, among them a Yoga 41. Tuesday 8th was a public holiday (feast of the Immaculate Conception) and we made a small photoshoot with 7 students and teachers with a nice outcome. We hope to use some of them for the new brochure. Preparations for the Christmas Party on Saturday 12th were in full swing. The yoga hall and the reception area were beautifully decorated. The party itself was a full success. We read out a message from the Masters, sang Christmas carols, Santa Claus distributed presents. Also as every year we had two excellent musicians on violin and flute performing several short pieces and the traditional theatre play, which had been written by Swami Bhagavatananda. The play was based on the story from Swami Vishnudevananda’s story of Heaven and Hell and was a great success. Another highlight was the dinner (lasagne, pakoras and red beet soup) which had been lovingly prepared. Also on this weekend Acharya Srinivasan and his wife Sarasvati from the Yoga Ranch had come to the Centre for a private visit. On Sunday Srinivasan gave the evening Satsang. Topic was his time with Swami Vishnudevananda. Many teachers took the chance to participate in this special event. Staff are well and are sending New Year 2016 Pranams. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. During several weekends we held different activities like: „Yoga at home“ workshop, Yoga 1 intensive course and cooking class named „Warming dishes for the winter“. Regular classes were well attended and sometimes we had to separate the group and teach open class simultaneously in different rooms. We had a special program named „Inspiration for the Yoga Practise“ with Swami Sivadasananda. Different classes were focused on movements of the spine – flexion and extension, longer holding of the asanas, longer pranayama. Power point about connective tissue – fascia was presented in a simple way. There were satsangs where different mantras, Sunday prayers were explained and many Kirtans were sang. Three students got mantra initiation and the spiritual names. The Christmas party with over hundred students included silent meditation, mantras, Christmas carols accompanied by piano and saxophone, message on meaning of Christmas, classical music concert, Christmas Father plus small children program, the theatre play `Heaven and Hell`, peace message shared by all participants and the meal for everyone at the end. Students brought many homemade sweets and karma yogis helped to prepare festive meal. Everyone enjoyed the evening very much and left expressing their thankfulness. Peace and Pranams to all the Sivananda family for 2016. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius