Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December the main focus was on the Christmas party. The preparation went well. Lots of karma Yogis supported the work party and with much dedication much decorating was done. The children from Kids Yoga decorated the tree. Padmavati gave it a final touch afterwards. The kitchen team created a magnificent Christmas feast. The party itself went very well. We welcomed long term and new students, with a bit less kids then normal due to the flu going round. Everybody enjoyed the different activities. Highlighted among others was the theatre play. Everybody left happy and inspired. Ishwara Chaitanya arrived. Swami Annapurnananda left for Reith.

During mid-December it was quieter as Christmas approached. Students enjoyed the asana classes and courses. We worked on the new brochure as well as the flyer for the special programs in February. New people were taking resolves for new year already, as many people called or passed by to get information about Yoga 1 courses in January. People bought vouchers for courses as Christmas gifts. We concluded the week with nice and well visited Satsangs. There is a quiet and peaceful atmosphere in the Centre. Swami Karunananda and Amba left for Reith. All staff are well. Pranams. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December Kanti Devi and Chandra came from Montevideo to be part of our holiday Satsang celebration, which was held on Saturday, December 13th.
Shakti and Maheswara, two professors, also came to help us put together Satsang. Vegetarian empanadas (pot pies) and other goodies were baked, in addition to some delicious lemonade. Around 80 people attended Satsang. Kanti Devi led the meditation and offered a Christmas message. Later we enjoyed an asana demonstration organized by Omkari, a play entitled “Christ said it, Krishna said it,” written by another professor (Madhuri) The night ended with the Sivananda choir singing three uplifting songs. At the end, all of our guests received presents and enjoyed the vegetarian meal. Everyone departed happy and inspired. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all. Prem & Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. During mid-December we greeted all a Merry Christmas to the Sivananda Family! Our classes continued regularly. The student number was less because of the Christmas season. On Dec 17th, Swami Sitaramanandaji and Ananta Chaitanya Ji came here. Swami Ji went for Pancha Karma in Coimbatore. Ananta Chaitanya stayed with us for 2 weeks. He taught some open classes Yoga and conducting a meditation workshop. Everything went well, with the blessings of our gurus. The rest of everything else was fine and classes continued smoothly. All the staff were happy and continuing their Sadhana, by the grace of Gurus and God. All the staff send Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya from Chicago. In early December all continued well. Attendance at morning Satsangs was particularly strong. Shakti returned from California and is settling in for service and sadhana in the wintry Windy City. Lalita Chaitanya taught a special by-donation asana class to a full house. A student wanted to share the practice with her friends on her birthday. It was an enthusiastic group, and we hope to see some of them again. Courses were coming to a close. We looked forward to a visit from Swami Narayanananda and our holiday Satsang and potluck. Staff are well and sending wishes for peaceful holidays for all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi from the Centre in Chicago.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. During mid-December the Dalat Centre had a beautiful week with more people coming over the Christmas holiday. Our Beginner’s course went very well with all the students who had signed up for the course buying open class passes. We had a handmade cosmetic workshop which attracted a lot of students. On the same day we joined the Japanese festival held at the University of Dalat with some of our Japanese instructors teaching Yoga. Many of the people expressed interest in the Centre and we hope to have them join us for classes. Guru blessed us. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December, by the guru’s grace everything went very well. We started with a usual beginners course at 6:30 am and 4:00 pm with sufficient numbers of students. We started a meditation course with few enthusiastic students. We had kriya workshop. We also had a very powerful and energetic 108 rounds of Surayanamasakar class, attended by more than 40 students. Otherwise the mercury dropped every day, due to cold weather. The city was getting foggy and cold, which is affecting our morning batch students. All the staffs were trying keep them self warm & healthy through their regular asana practice, meditation & Karma Yoga. Om Namah Sivaya & Pranams.

During mid-December by guru’s grace everything continued very well. We started a usual beginners course at 10:00am with sufficient numbers of students. A little renovation work was happening in the Centre. The weather was very cold now which is affecting our morning batch as well as in the evening. Students had very special  advanced Yoga class with basic pranayama, plus, our regular Satsang and meditation.
We are all good and we all wish you a Very Happy Christmas. Blessings to all! Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December we started one beginners’ batch at 6:30am with good number of students. We also started Intermediate course Yoga 2 on Dec, 9th. Swami Kashi of Bahamas came to the Centre on Dec. 11th morning and went back by evening. The weather became cooler day by day and the number of students in 6:30am class are reduced. We scheduled to celebrate Christmas on it’s eve 24th of Dec. The kids practiced the songs on Sundays when they come for the yoga class. The Sunday Satsang was attended by students, teachers and staffs. It helped all of us to feel the energy of our Masters and get blessings from thy, as usual. With the Grace of the Gurus everything else is going smoothly.

During mid-December we offered one beginners’ course at 10:00 am. As the temperature became lower and lower, the number of students coming for new courses and for regular practices reduced. With the grace of the Gurus everything else is going smoothly. The remaining activities continued in harmony with the Blessing of the Gurus. All staff are well and send their pranams. Om & Peace.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we focused on the preparations for the Christmas party with the help of many teachers and close students. The celebration was a joyful evening for the 84 participants, 15 of them children. The Christmas message about finding real happiness gave staff the opportunity to thank everyone. Most active teachers were present. The music performances of a Tyrolean trio and traditional Greek music were much appreciated as well as  the theater play ”Narada and Maya”. The bandhara was enjoyed by everyone. Students took time to inquire about the Centre search and offer collaboration. Everyone left with shining faces. Staffs were grateful to the Masters.

During mid-December courses and classes continued plus, a Y2 started. The posters for 2015 were already put up, the envelopes for the next mailing were labeled and the Centre was prepared for the Christmas closure. Staff left for the Retreat house in Reith to support the Christmas program and to recharge. We send our prayers to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. During December the Centre was happy to see an increase in attendance in Satsang and in our open classes. It is by the Guru’s Grace that people who now have some free time due to the holiday season and decided to spend it learning Yoga. Our Yoga 1 and Meditation courses continued to progress as the students continued to open up to the teachings. We also offered a Detoxification Cooking workshop where students learned new recipes for healthier holiday feasts. The Centre is running very smoothly with Guru’s Grace! All the staff were happy feeling Guru’s blessings. We send Pranams to all the Sivananda family and wishing all a very happy holiday! Om Tat Sat.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December the approaching Christmas Holidays were clearly felt in the Centre with class attendance slowing down. We spent time cleaning and reorganizing the Centre after the Christmas party, plus continued to work on small renovation projects with the help of karma yogi’s who repainted the bathrooms in the main house. There was an inspiring weekday workshop studying from Masters book Conquest of Fear. We were happy to welcome a karma yogi from the Paris Centre who came to strengthen the reduced staff team for the upcoming 10 days. The last Open House of the year was attended by a small but enthusiastic group of newcomers and several regular Centre students took the opportunity to buy discounted class cards.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. Salutations to all during this new year of 2015! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! During December we celebrated the Holiday Season in grand style. We celebrated Hanukkah with a good turnout of our Jewish friends, who lit the Hanukkah candles, told stories and led us in singing. We have continued to light the candles every evening before class. We had a very joyful gathering of teachers – all but two were able to attend. At Sunday Satsang we celebrated the Winter Solstice, starting with a brilliant red sunset which lasted for a long time! Surya was certainly letting us know that he was there! We watched a documentary about the pagan origins of the celebration of Christmas – very interesting! Our winter sale continued successfully. We were grateful for a couple of good donations at the end of the year. Season’s Blessings to all! May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all at this time of year.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. In early December we started a new course for beginners and a weekend Yoga Intensive course. We celebrated the Christmas Party with 100 people. The party started with a little meditation for Peace, with Gopala. Then we sang carols, enjoyed a beautiful theatre and ended with a delicious dinner. Children, students and teachers received the gift from Santa Claus. Many karma yogis collaborated during and after the celebration.

During mid-December continued in a peaceful way. No new courses started. Lakshmi concluded a Yoga 4 course. The topics of the Satsang’s lectures were Peace and Steps to Divine Life. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all for 2015. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we started a morning batch with a good number of new students. Old practitioners were coming back and the student numbers improved day by day. All classes held in the Madurai Centre such as Open Class, Beginners Course, Ladies Class, Private Class and Kids Class operated well. The Sunday Satsang was amazing with beautiful vibrations created by people who attend it. A few of them were new and they still sang which made a lot of difference than the Staff singing. We have this scorching heat, but managing with light run once in a while. By the Guru’s Grace everything continues to run smoothly in the Centre.

During mid-December we offered an evening batch, with a good number of students. The great number of Kids poured in for the Kids Classes. It is a blessing to see them enjoying so joyfully. They brings Centre a different energy altogether. Madurai Ashram recently finished a TTC batch and our director was involved teaching chanting and it was even more special for the Centre Staff. We attended the graduation where all the students were praising the teachers and all the teachers were sitting on the Stage and giving the TTC graduations inspiration words for their future. All was good, with our Guru’s Blessings. Pranams from the Temple city Madurai to each and everybody in the Sivananda family this time of year. Pranams, Peace and Om. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya from all staff in Northern Italy. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all for 2015. Pranams for Peace to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. In December Lalita traveled to El Pinar where she will stay until the end of December. Swami Premananda also returned to Buenos Aires. The activities at the Centre were normal. We had lots of help from teachers to cover some classes.

Kanti Devi and Chandra traveled to Buenos Aires to participate in their Christmas Satsang. Humble thank yous to the Masters we had a good number of students. Om and Pranams to everyone in the Sivananda Family from the staff at Montevideo.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we were pleased to receive the brochure for January – May 2015, which we started to distribute. The Centre prepared for the annual Christmas party and many karma yogis came throughout that week to clean the Centre, finish decorating, wrap presents, cook etc. The spirit of karma yoga was wonderful. Working together allowed inspiration to grow and spread. The Centre hosted approximately 130 – 140 students and children for the party. The space looked beautiful and the vibrations were high. The evening was a good opportunity to celebrate the spiritual family and appreciate Master and Swami ji for creating all of this for us to benefit from. Swami Shivabhaktananda and the staff at the Ashram attended, and their presence was greatly enjoyed, as usual. English and French Carols were sung by all, followed by a short talent show, with a good variety of performances from teachers at the Centre. The evening ended with a feast and a chance for people to connect with one another. We are thankful to all involved and wished everyone a good holiday season.

During mid-December the Centre continued to operate smoothly. The class numbers  reduced due to the holiday period, however we have seen many people purchasing gifts at the boutique for Xmas. We took advantage of this quiet time to do a intense clean around the Centre and started the annual boutique inventory. We thank Master and Swami-ji for their continued grace. We send our best wishes for a prosperous New Year. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all. Pranams to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we offered our Christmas Party. It was as always a very joyous event. Swami Durgananda who is always here for the party gave a very inspiring talk about the importance of the deep wisdom teachings of yoga for our daily lives. Swami Sivadasananda taught us and sang with us the Vedantic lullaby “Suddhosi Buddhosi”. We were especially happy to also welcome Father Christmas to the party who brought presents for all the children. Another highlight of the evening was a theater-play of the story of Sudama and Krishna written by Swami Bhagavatananda. A group of students of the Centre with Swami Vasudevananda in the role of Sudama presented us this story of the poor childhood friend of Krishna who visited his former gurubai bringing only a handful of rice flakes as present and getting rewarded in a kingly way. Everybody left very happy after a delicious Christmas meal with pumpkin soup, lasagna and chocolate cake and Christmas presents.

During mid-December we had the special program Wisdom Teachings of Vedanta with Swami Kashi Muktananda. Swamiji gave a well appreciated course on five consecutive days about the Kena Upanishad. During his stay with us Swamiji also gave the lectures in three evening Satsangs. Topics were Sloka 32 in chapter four of the Bhagavad Gita (our meal prayer), explanations about some slokas in our Arati and the live and teachings of Shankaracharya. Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda left at the beginning of the week to Christmas program and TTC at the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith, Tyrol, Austria. Also Gopika Chaitanya and Saraswati went there at the end of the week. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In December the Centre’s activities increased slightly. The promotion to convene students in the summer was showing good results!! We received, with great joy, the birth of Milagros, daughter of our teachers Gopi and Jnanadev.
Christmas greetings from Neuquén, with prayers for a peaceful Christmas and New Year. Pranams to everyone!

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December we were busy at the Centre preparing for our Christmas celebration. A large group attended. After our regular meditation and chanting we were entertained with Christmas music and carol singing led by one of our students, Andru. We were treated to a visit from Santa Claus, bearing many gifts for teachers, karma yogis and guests. The evening ended with a “potluck” dinner, the participants brought many delicious dishes with them so we enjoyed a real feast. On the evening of the event we were grateful for support from a group of staff from the Ranch, who brought some wonderful contributions for our meal and helped with organization, serving and clearing up. We joined an appeal from a local charity which provides shower facilities for homeless seniors in the city, many students brought the requested donation of “long johns” (special warm underwear), we were able to contribute about 70 pairs. Kamala, who has been serving at the Yoga Ranch, joined the staff here at the Centre, we are happy to welcome her to the city.

Mid-December started to quiet down at the Centre after all the activity of the Holiday party. All staff except for Jnaneshwari were traveling by mid month. Swami   Narayanananda left for Chicago to visit the Centre there, then from there to go on up to the Camp to be there for Christmas. Kamala left to travel up to the Camp by road with Srinivasan and the staff from the Yoga Ranch. Our final Satsang before closing for a few a days was held on the 21st. Just Jnaneshwari and Rama remain to take care of things while the Centre is closed. All staff are well and sending their pranams. Om Namah Sivaya from all the staff here at the NYC Centre. We send our best wishes for a prosperous New Year. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December the Spirit of Christmas was present with the preparations of the Christmas party plus, the party itself.  The Masters blessed the Centre  with the presence of Swami Kailasananda, all the Ashram staff, many karma yogis, teachers and close students which made for a very joyful celebration. Everyone appreciated the Satsang, the inspiring asana demonstration, the beautiful play, the wonderful improvisation of Father Christmas, the delicious meal, the songs and  table demonstration given by Swami Gopalananda, some magical moments on the piano, the Christmas tree, the thoughts of peace, the recitation of Om Namo Narayananaya and the peace balloons. The best Christmas present was a new staff for the Centre, the young Arjuna who just finished his TTC in Orleans.

During mid-December we saw calm and rainy days with the shortest day of the year on Sunday, 21st. The students of the morning classes did their asanas in the middle of balloons from the Christmas party. Everyone was very grateful for the Christmas party, the presents, the calendars and the copy of the new Yoga Life. The new staff Arjuna is a good support for the Centre. He seems to adapt well to the rhythm of the Centre and everyone has already adopted him. Nadapriya went to Orleans for some days to have a little rest in nature. Some of the new TTC’s of the last group in Orleans, started already to do karma yoga at the Centre . We had a workshop on the topic the art of relaxation with a little group of motivated students. We started to work on the new brochure. We started with the preparations of the Christmas Eve’s program. Swami Gopalananda went to Orleans to support the Ashram with the Christmas retreat. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. In December Munindra, a very nice student that helps with karma yoga, came to install the ceiling ventilators, it was a hard work and now the asana room has much better air flow in the summer. The weather here during our summer has been incredibly cool. This means that the climate is really changing in the world. Simone arrived to help here one week and a half. We had the Christmas party with a lot of students and a delicious prasad. Pranams, from all the staff at Porto Alegre Centre. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all for thé upcoming year.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves, from the Centre in Roma.
The staff at the Centre are fine. We wish Staff, Teachers, and Students throughout the world a Joyous New Year and pray that Master and Swamiji continue to guide and protect us. Om Shanti. Om & Prem.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. We wish Staff, Teachers, and Students throughout the world a wonderful New Year and pray that Master and Swamiji guide us in our Sadhana in 2015. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from the Tel Aviv Centre. December was very busy and fruitful in the Tel-Aviv Centre. First we welcomed a new karma yogini to the Centre. Her name is Durga and she graduated her TTC in the Bahamas two years ago, and then stayed as resident in the London Centre for one year. She is now visiting Israel for 3 months and will stay with us in the Centre. We’ve started a new Sattvic Indian Food workshop with Iswara who is a chef and a Yoga teacher. We had 8 students enrolled and a long waiting list of people waiting eagerly for the next one. The Centre was filled with amazing  scents and aromas, and you could close your eyes and really feel in India for a moment. A new Positive Thinking course started with 16 and Advanced meditation course with 12. The two Introduction lectures for Meditation were productive. We have 15 students enrolled for the course next week. Blessings and Peace to all of the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. In early December Yoga 2 courses started on Tuesdays and a Yoga 1 course started on Sundays. Four students participated for each course. As for workshops, we offered a monthly Tattva Bodha class by Swami Cetanananda with 22 participants joining. We had an NPO general meeting and teacher’s meeting which was followed by a year-end party in neighboring vegetarian restaurant.  At the party, 17 participants enjoyed a delicious dish and a pleasant conversation. The party was also served as the farewell party of Yamuna. She is going to leave Tokyo Centre and move to Kagoshima (prefecture of Japan at the south end).

During mid-December Iswari Rika’s “back bend workshop” was held with 17 students participating. A magazine crew from Yoga Journal Japan came over to write an article about the class. We were grateful to all students who were cooperative with photo shooting during the class as well as an interview after the class. There was a “headstand workshop” by Tara and 12 students participated. Staffs were all busy assisting each student. We also had a trial class on the same day and 17 participants joined for the class. It was a busy weekend for the staffs but it was rewarding also. May Master and Swamiji bless us to be able to provide this. Pranams and prayers for a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December courses slowly were winding up towards the end of the year, while open classes continue to be strong with good attendance. Satsangs had full participation with students reaping the benefits of group meditation and chanting. The Meditation course continued with the students enjoying the course. The students from the Waldorf school, who were treated to some Yoga classes and a vegetarian lunch, sent a card with drawings and letters from the students. The students from the Mental Health Centre continued to come for classes on Mondays. We spent the week with decorations for Christmas party and gift wrapping for all teachers and karma yogis. We had a wonderful Christmas party with 148 people attending. All rooms were full of visitors. They brought lots of fruits, flowers and food. After Meditation and chanting we had very a melodious and energetic Christmas carol chanting led by Ken Whiteley. We then had quite a few surprising acts in the talent show plus, the celebration of Harsha’s birthday. Right after Arati Santa Claus surprised us all giving out beautiful gifts. Then we all followed for a delicious potluck dinner.  All left very happy with a beautiful New Year’s message, a calendar and Yoga life to take back with them.

During mid-December, as we were getting closer to the Christmas holidays, we could feel the increasingly festive mood among the students and teachers. On the last week of classes, before Centre holiday break, the staff and karma yogis spent the week cleaning the Centre, taking stock of the boutique inventory and preparing January workshops and courses. Prahlada  taught an Asana correction course that was very well attended and appreciated by all teachers. Saraswati finished the Meditation course and then led Satsang which was attended by lot of close students and teachers. Many students planned on spending their holidays at the Yoga Camp. All Centre staff are also looking forward to spending Christmas at the Ashram and celebrating Swamiji ‘s birthday and New Year there. The Centre remained closed from 22nd until 4th, while staff at the Yoga Camp. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year filled with Sadhana. We send Om Namo Narayanaya to every one. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December a new Yoga 1 batch for ladies started Monday mornings and a mixed beginners’ batch Monday evenings. The current morning 6.15 beginners’ batch completed the last week of their course. All other classes went well. We decorated the Christmas tree and made a Crib. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted. We conducted a Kriya Workshop to cleanse the respiratory system through the practices of Jala Neti and Sutra Neti. A workshop on Meditation was conducted on Sunday evenings. Satsang was led by Sri. Ravi Eashwaran ji.

During mid-December a new mixed batch for beginners started on Monday mornings. Open, Kids and Advance classes went well. A Ganapathi Homa was conducted as it was 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 during a Sunday  Satsang with Nataraj ji leading. We cut Christmas cake. Santa Claus distributed gifts to all the guests. After Satsang Nataraj ji, Sw. Gayathri Mataji, Sw Rajeshwariananda Mataji inaugurated our Spiritual Library. More than 100 people including Outside Teachers & Students attended the celebration. We wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Pranams to the Sivananda family worldwide at this time of year.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December several courses started, among them a Thought Power course and Yoga & Anatomy 2. We were busy with preparations for the Christmas Party. Many Karma Yogis helped in the kitchen, for the theatre play and for decoration. The preparations were intense but everything went remarkably smooth. The party itself was successful, it radiated peace, joy and love to all. Highlights were the Christmas message from Swami Durgananda, a classical concert by two excellent musicians and the theatre play on Suddhama and Krishna.  Everybody also enjoyed the very well prepared food afterwards. For dessert, some students brought sweets, among them some apple strudels, a Viennese speciality which Swamiji had often asked the Austrians to prepare on Christmas in the HQ.

During mid-December three Yoga courses started. Staff prepared a course plan and teaching plan for after the Christmas holidays. Also a Karma Yogi plan was prepared for the Christmas holidays as the Staff will be in Reith. Working continued on the brochure. Many Karma Yogis supported the Centre during this time, especially the heating in the 3rd floor, as it was modernized with a more effective control-system. Swami Vidyananda left for Reith to assist the TTC and the holiday program in Reith. Other courses, drop-in classes and Satsangs were well attended. Staff are well. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we started with a good Yoga 1 course. Other courses and classes continued as usual. The Meditation Experience course with Ishwara Chaitanya finished with students leaving uplifted and grateful. We had a small but successful Open House Day where many students bought Yoga Asana cards and subscribed for the Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses. Ishwara Chaitanya left for Berlin.
Sending Perm, Praams and Peace to all for the new year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius