Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! We had a good month. Courses and classes were running well, and like every month several higher courses started. We offered many workshops, as a full day with TTC preparation seminar. We were preparing for the Christmas party, decorating, shopping, packing the Christmas presents and planning the meal, with a large team of Karma. It was a party full of love and joy, the Christmas message was well received. Almost all of the active Centre teachers had come, many newcomers and especially many children. After a short meditation and the Christmas message everybody joined the singing of the Christmas carols full heartedly and the whole Centre was vibrating in full Christmas mood. Also Santa Claus came and most of the children presented a small poem or song for him, the two daughters of one of our teachers and our receptionist Solvejg, who is trained as a professional opera singer gave heart stirring small musical performances. This year’s gift was a small Likitha Japa mantra booklet, which was very appreciated by all. The highlight of the evening was the theater play: the story of Markandeya was very well and impressively performed. We concluded with the classical christmas feast. The energy in the Centre was light and full of joy and love. Pranams to the Sivananda family worldwide at this time of year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December we painted the second floor of the Centre with a vibrant color, renewing the atmosphere. We gave the workshop “Yoga of the Heart”. We had the last theater rehearsal for the “End of the Year” party. The acting teachers were very inspired by Narasimha’s story. Whomever saw the play could not stop being amazed and rejoiced about this sacred story. Govinda, a very close teacher and great karma yogi left the country to go to live in the United States, helping in the Yoga Farm Ashram. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family as the New Year begins.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December a highlight was the new Yoga 1 courses. We were excited to start the first Yoga 1 courses at the Centre, one on the mornings of weekdays and one on Sunday afternoons. Sivani and Ambika taught the two courses respectively. Both courses were well attended and enjoyed by 6 students in total plus staff members. The Staff gained more faith in the intelligence of the course setup. Sivani continued daily training for staff members on how to teach classes/courses as well as Centre daily operations. We said goodbye to Swami Narayanananda, who departed to continue serving in Vietnam. Saraswati also went to Vietnam to support the Ashram and receive more training.

During mid-December we finished our first Yoga-1 course at the new location, as well as the Meditation 1 course. The weekend Yoga-1 course continued. Students felt very inspired by the Yoga 1 course, and continued their practice at home. Our TTC graduate, Samba, and his wife also came here to support us for few days before the Vietnam Meditation Course. Sivani and 7 chinese students joined Swami Sitaramananda for the 10–day course at the new Dalat Ashram. Ambika and Shakti, stayed at our Centre, teaching and serving. Students were generally happy with their progress. Om Namo Narayanaya and seasonal blessings to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. For early December we completed a Ladies Beginners’ course successfully. Chennai experienced a cyclonic storm for four days. Lucky enough we were all were safe from it, affecting less at our Centre. Building construction works continued at a normal pace. All other activities like open classes, kids classes, courses, private classes and American school classes continued with the Grace of our masters.

During mid-December we started a Ladies’ beginners’ course, with good number of students. The cyclone storm (Vardha) resulted in no water connection or electricity for four days. Locally, trees fell down, no communication facilities were available and some building structures destroyed. We did repairs to the damage on our main building. The rest of the maintenance continued over the month. The new building and roof was safe. Three karma yogis joined us after the TTC in Neyyar Dam (Sajeev, Vishnujith, Rajani). Somakumar and Naveen rejoined us after assisting TTC at Neyyar Dam and Madhurai respectively. Umesh finished his karma yoga period and left for his home. All other activities like open classes, kids’ class, short term courses, private classes, American school classes continued smoothly with grace of our Masters. We wish you serenity and peace of mind in 2017. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December construction was moving along with the framing completed and plumbing work next. We prepared for the 2017 schedule, updating the website and developing a marketing plan, to be implemented before the end of the year.  A highlight was the annual Holiday Potluck Satsang. Despite the snow storm that started the night before, we had an excellent turnout, with several attendees coming to Satsang for the first time. We even had a baby Santa show up to warm all of our hearts. It was a joyful evening, with song, laughter, good cheer, and oh so good food! The teachers and karma yogis were all presented with new Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Chicago Illinois t-shirts, the first Chicago Centre t-shirt printed. They were very pleased to say the least, and no one went home empty handed, as everyone in attendance was given a copy of Masters’ booklet, “Elixir Divine”.  We had the party a little early this year to allow Minakshi to be present, since she plans on returning to Canada next week, for the holidays. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, staff were inspired and supporting each other with the daily maintenance of the Centre. Sending Prem, Pranams and Peace to all for the new year. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December all Yoga Beginners’ courses and open classes were full. Students came to class very regularly. The Kriyas workshop was wonderful with many students attending. They learned different ways to clean nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach. Every student’s face looked so bright after the workshop. After the workshop we offered lunch, serving Kitchari.

During mid-December most staff travelled to the new DaLat Ashram to prepare for the opening on 15^th of December. Although there were a lot of difficulties at the beginning, all staff were trying very hard. We were very happy that Ashram can be operated on time and on schedule. Also, after 3 weeks staying at DaLat Centre, two residents came to join the first course at Ashram. We hoped that they will have progress in their spiritual path. All classes at Centre were running well, too. May Guru’s Grace always be with us for the development of the Centre and Ashram.

Special Report from the new DaLat Ashram, Vietnam: There was a lot of activity at the new DaLat Ashram location as staff and karma yogis prepared for our first course – a 10 day meditation course beginning on December 17^th; for upcoming Christmas and New Year retreats and for our official opening ceremony on January 1^st & 2^nd 2017. Construction of a new kitchen and laundry/housekeeping facilities is almost finished. Remodeling of the Yoga Hall has provided us with a 2nd large new enclosed teaching space, a separate library and a medical room. The property is vibrant with life and color from the many plantings that have been done. Staff have been busy round the clock with different preparations to get everything ready for the first guests to arrive on December 15th. An international group will join us, with translation provided for Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian. Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Narayanananda spent two days at the location before leaving to meet a group of students at Cam Ranh, on the coast, for a five day retreat. Many of the retreat group will accompany us back to Dalat to join the meditation course.

We felt the blessings of the Gurus as the Vietnam Ashram entered its first full week of operation. Work on the buildings and facilities continues in many areas, both by karma yogis and by local workmen who we see complete tasks at lighting speed. Day by day the beauty of the location and facilities increases. An area has been located for a vegetable garden. The meditation and self-inquiry course continued, participants finding the sattvic atmosphere of the pine forests and the fresh mountain air conducive to their practice. The first guests started to arrive from all over Vietnam, and from further afield, for our Christmas retreat. The sun started to shine right on time after many days of rain. Guests enjoyed Satsangs and workshops introducing Classical Yoga practice. For our Christmas Eve special program all joined in singing Christmas songs, including versions in Vietnamese, Chinese and Russian. Swami Sitaramananda read from Swami Sivananda’s writings on Lord Jesus, reminding us of the true meaning of the festival. All, especially the children, were delighted to have a surprise visit from Santa Claus, accompanied by two small elves, who first of all showered the gathering with chocolates, and then distributed many gifts. Later that evening we went out onto the meadow adjacent to the Yoga Hall to enjoy the warmth and light of a large bonfire, hot chocolate and a special cake. Christmas Day was also exam and graduation day for our Meditation course students. In the evening they received certificates and gave moving testimony of their experiences during the 10 day course. The next morning all took part in a silent meditation walk up to a high point in the Ashram which has wonderful views of the sunrise and the lake. After most guests departed the ashram was left in relative quiet, with staff already starting to prepare for the large number of guests planning to join us for the New Year’s celebrations. Staff were inspired and grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the opening of this new Ashram. We are thankful for Master’s and Swamiji’s grace. Om Namo Narayanaya and seasonal blessings to all the Sivananda family.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By Guru’s Grace and God’s will everything went very well at the Centre in December. For early December we started the Beginners’ batch at 6:30am and 4 pm evenings. We conducted a Positive Thinking workshop on Wednesdays. Natarajji also visited the Centre, staying over night and giving an nice open class to the students. All felt happy for his presence at the Centre. We conducted Satsangs which were attended by many devoted students. Apart from that, all the open classes and special classes are going very well. We pray to the Almighty for peace and joy to everyone.

During mid-December the weather got colder day by day, which affected our morning classes students. We started a Monday Beginners’ batch at 10:00am and 6:30pm with good numbers of students. We conducted Yoga for Back workshop. Students appreciated the workshop. We started a meditation course attended by many uplifting souls, keen to know more about meditation. We conducted an Advanced class, followed by Satsang and dinner, attended by many devoted students. One Sunday we had very special yoga class with Slum area kids, organized by Sai Baba foundation, all the kids enjoyed yoga class and mantra chanting. The Centre promised to teach them often. Apart from that all the classes and special classes continued very well. We pray to the almighty for peace and joy to everyone for 2017. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. For early December we started the week with a Beginners’ course at 6:30am. We also started a “Foundation to Meditation” course on Wednesdays. Kapoorji came to the Centre after the meeting with Ministry of Ayush. We conducted a few private classes. Mr Mamlan of Trivandrum visited us and spend few hours at the Centre as he travelled through Delhi. The daily schedule at the Centre (Satsang, Open class, beginners’ course, gentle yoga, prenatal and Kids yoga) continued well, with the grace of the Masters.

During mid-December we started another Beginners’ course at 6:30pm. We also started a Yoga 2 course. The weekend Beginners’ course started on Saturdays at 8:00am. The kids continued the preparation for Christmas Eve celebration. We decorated the Christmas tree. Arathy shifted from Nataraja Centre and rejoined Noida Centre. We conducted few private classes. Although the cold increased, with the grace of the Master, everything went well at the Centre. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all for 2017. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya, from Noida. During mid-December the activities went well, with the Grace of Gurus. With the Blessings and Grace of our Beloved Masters, we send Pranams and our best wishes to all the Sivananda family for 2017. Om.

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

Om Namah Sivaya. Highlight of the month was a beautiful Christmas celebration with more than 60 souls attending. The Satsang-part included a Christmas-message about 60 years of Swamijis peace mission in the west and Love overcoming boundaries. The programme continued with Christmas carols and the story of Markandeya beautifully and lively conveyed in a scenic reading with teachers and students. Traditional alpine folk songs were performed by one of our senior students with a friend. A highlight of the evening was the Kathak-performance with Krishna Dances with Poonam Mohan who invited everybody to participate in the last dance which was a big success. Most of our guests stayed for the dinner and everybody enjoyed the joyful and warm atmosphere. On the weekends a TTC-information and a Y1 and Y2-intensive brought new students to the Centre. Text and dates for the programme 2017 were sent to the graphic designer. Staff left for the Retreat house in Reith to support the Christmas programme and to recharge. With Gurus blessings and Gods grace we pray for all for the New Year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December we started a Yoga One course in the afternoons with a good number of students, plus, a Yoga Two private course. The popular Restorative Yoga course also started. The Prenatal Yoga started a new course in the afternoon. The highlight was the information day for the upcoming TTC in Feb 2017 in Dalat, Vietnam, held with almost 20 people attending. The event was very inspiring with a lot of sharing and information, plus the teachers who graduated from this year’s TTC came to share their stories and experiences. We also did a lot of moving and shopping to prepare for the Dalat Ashram’s opening on January 1^st & 2^nd 2017.

During mid-December we did much shopping to prepare for the new Dalat Ashram’s grand opening. Ganga went to the Ashram to help with the Meditation course. Here at the Centre we finished a Yoga One course and started a new Yoga Two course. An outside teacher, Harapriya, taught a Yoga Two private course. Restorative Yoga (now taught by Ganga) and Prenatal Yoga continued. One weekend we held a Headstand workshop with 13 students, taught by Kishnadas and a Yoga for Back Pain workshop, with six students, taught by Swami Pranavananda. With the Grace of our Gurus, many students were showing their appreciation of the teachings and becoming more involved with the Satsangs and Karma Yoga. Pranams and prayers for Peace to all! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. The London Centre feels very blessed to have been able to host the EBM meeting at the beginning of the month. It was an honor and privilege to welcome all the Acharyas and their assistants to the London Centre. All were accommodated in the Centre and it has been a source of inspiration for the staff to live together with Swamiji’s most senior disciples for the duration of the meeting. Like all the other Centres, we also had the Christmas Party. The celebration was attended by many close students, teachers and also newer students – all sharing the joy of being part of the Sivananda family. The evening was very beautiful with inspiring words from Swami Sivananda’s book on World Peace, children performing their asanas with much ease and flexibility, the reception lit up by sparklers accompanied by Om Namo Narayanaya chanting, lovely food, the theatre play on “Markandeya – the conquest of death” which came out so nicely and a pictorial overview of 2016 bringing back memories of a remarkable and transformative year.  All the guest left with a joyful heart and the gift of Swamiji’s radiant presence through the book Yoga Life and on the calendar for the New Year. The energy of the Christmas Party has beautifully uplifted the Centre and  many of our students are expressing their gratitude for the work of the Centre with Christmas approaching and are bringing Christmas cards, flowers and small gifts. We already started with the preparations for the upcoming 60^th anniversary of Swamiji’s teachings which will be celebrated half January. The inflatable solar system was put up, reminding us all to think beyond our personal universe, giant world maps have been ordered as well as large images with Swamiji holding the globe. Salutations to all during this new year of 2017. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! For early December the staff and karma yogis busied with preparing the Centre for annual holiday party. We sent invitations and phone calls to members, visited all our neighbours, and handing out flyers at many farmers markets. Students decorated the Christmas tree with hand-made ornaments of varies virtues, quotes and positive thoughts. We hung lights and gave the Boutique a fresh look with gifts baskets. All over the Centre was warm and inviting. Swami Dharmananda visited from the Yoga Farm, with staff Radhakrishnadasa. Sankari Chaitanya also joined from San Francisco. We had a Puja Workshop. Swami Dharmananda spoke about the theory of Bhakti Yoga then all students learnt to do Puja with own individual altars. There were many questions as the students participated very attentively. Sankari Chaitanya taught a special yoga class focused on Heart Opening. The Holiday party brought about 45 people together in celebration. We started with meditation, then karma yogis Jesse and Priya led wonderfully in Carols and Bhajans. After the joyful gift giving by Santa, Swami Dharmananda gave an inspiring report on the continuous happenings Swamiji’s Mission: The new Dhanvantari Temple at Yoga Farm; the starting of Sivananda Institute of Health and Yoga program at San Francisco Centre; in Asia the upcoming Vietnam Ashram; the new building for the Cheng-du Centre and the new Taiwan affiliated Centre. The party concluded with a dinner of many pot luck dishes contributed by all. Everyone had a great time and brought lots of joyful energy to the Centre.

During mid-December, as the holidays approached, we had many karma yoga activities. We worked on organizing and de-cluttering the storage space and improving the staff apartment so it can become a work space. Karma yogis continued on improving our website, making new look for the online store. We began to send out weekly email news letters to our students. Staff and karma yogis went on a photo shoot in nearly beaches/parks to create new photos for promotions. It was a very nice outing for all. The Holiday Sale ended well with students stocking up on class passes for the new year or gifting Yoga gifts to their loved ones. There was a flurry of registration for upcoming courses and workshops as people were inspired to continue into the new year healthily and with teachings of yoga. May Grace of the Guru continue to shelter and guide us. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family as the New Year begins.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! Despite several bank holidays we had good attendance in all classes and courses. The highlight was the weekend Sankrit intensive course, with Lakshmi. Fourteen students joined for this full two-day program eager to learn the Sanskrit alphabet and slokas. We had six residents staying for this course. We also had the last teachers ‘meeting of the year on the topic “Corrections in forward bends”. Preparations for the Christmas party were in full swing: decorating, shopping, packing the Christmas presents and cooking. It was a party full of love and joy, and especially many children. After a short meditation and the Christmas message everybody joined the singing of the Christmas carols full heartedly. Also Santa Claus came to the delight of the children. This year’s gift was a small “Inspiration” booklet, one phrase of Master for each day of the week.  The highlight of the evening was the theater play: the story of Prahlad was very well performed. We concluded with the classical Christmas feast. Everyone was happy to share this moment of Peace and joy at the Centre. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December we started with two new Yoga Beginner Courses – a 6am open class batch and a 10am Yoga for Ladies, with good number of students in both batches. Private classes continued as usual. One Sunday we attended the Bhajan program at the Meenakshi Ashram, which was good change for staff.

Around mid-December we were blessed with first seasonal rain, which people were waiting a long to happen. The weather was then pleasant in Madurai, as it is known for extreme heat through out the rest of the year. Nataraj-ji visited our Centre for some time while he was on way back to the Neyyar Dam Ashram. Sunil visited home as he planned to visit Sabri Mala Temple. We welcomed Ujjwal from the Madurai Ashram to help us in our Centre until Sunil is back. All was well at the Centre, with blessings of our Gurus. Pranams to one and all for 2017 from Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December the summer arrived to Uruguay. We continued preparing the Centre with Christmas decorations, with students practicing advanced asanas, kids preparing their demonstrations and others singing in the choir for participating at the Year End Christmas Satsang on 10th of December. Kanti Devi travelled to EBM Meeting in London. We began open free classes in an open air green place in front of the Sea, behind Mahatma Gandhi Statue (good support). 10 Students. Good spirit. All were happy. Thanks to God and Gurus, everything resulted perfectly. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all at this time of year. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! For December students, teachers and karma yogis all continued to support the Centre, giving us inspiration to keep marching forward. We are ever thankful for the grace of Master and Swamiji. May the Blessings of Masters continue illuminating our path. Om Namo Narayanaya and seasonal blessings to all the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. We had a wonderful Christmas Party with Christmas carols, a visit of Santa Claus, a theater-play about the sage Markandeya and a delicious Christmas meal. Our last one-day retreat of the year with the title “Yogic Relaxation – The Key to Unite Body and Mind” attracted a good group of motivated participants. Furthermore we had a number of special asana workshops, among them one with the topic “Prana- and Nerve-Impulses in the Asanas” and one “How to Expand Mentally in the Asanas”. Swami Sivadasananda gave a number of inspiring Satsangs. We are looking forward to the New Year with lots of new courses and events at the Centre! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! For early December the temperatures were quite cold. It snowed one evening although it didn’t stick long! Our beloved Neeti departed to visit her family, enjoy her life and feel her heart strings for the Centre tug her gently back within a week. In her absence, the Centre has been running like a wagon with four well-greased wheels. Swami Satyapremananda, came down from the Ranch to gave a talk during Satsang about Mantras and Japa. It was so inspiring having her here. We had our regular deaf Yoga class with Greta one Saturday, plus a well-attended headstand workshop with Shanti and Shakti. After being away in India to teach a TTC course, Swami Paramananda came to the Centre and taught the advanced Asana class. Afterwards he led the Satsang where he talked about the importance of yogic resolutions. He gave a reading from Master’s book “Sadhana” to inspire a new year resolve in all of us.

During mid-December the weather was very cold but the students, teachers and Karma Yogis kept arriving to the Centre. Srinivasan and Swami Paramananda came to the Centre from the Ranch for a few days where Srinivasan led an evening Satsang. Neeti returned from Houston after having had a well deserved break. A beautiful blanket of snow appeared one Saturday morning, followed by rain, so New York by sun down was like a snow cone. Despite the weather, eleven people showed up for the chanting workshop, led by Shakti. We had the second highlight of the month: The long-awaited Christmas celebration! The Centre staff, karma yogis, teachers and Ashram staff pulled together and decorated the Centre, prepared food for the potluck, wrapped the remaining presents and helped with cleaning up after all of the guests and students left. Students and guests also brought food for the potluck. There was homemade granola for everyone to take home. Srinivasan led the Satsang, then the students and members shared their talents. “Ave Maria” was sung by an opera singer/student; carols were lead by a Yoga teacher and the keyboard was played by a long time student and concert pianist. Santa Claus and two elves arrived on cue by the song, Jingle Bells. Presents, laughter and Ho Ho Ho’s were infinite. About 85 people were present for Satsang and the potluck Holiday Feast. Everyone at the NY Centre wishes a wonderful New Year to all the Centres and Ashrams! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. The Centre was happy to welcome the staff coming back from Rudraprayag’s TTC. Swami Kailasananda and Kailas went to the Ashram on the same day to be there for the start of a new TTC starting the next day in Orleans. Good days for the Centre with some technical problems to be overcome and a successful yoga festival and Christmas Celebration. Some technical challenges were there with the central heating not working properly and no  internet connection for some time. A long wire was pulled from the first floor in order to have internet in the reception and in the office. Happily we found this temporary solution, enabling us to at least function at the reception. The Masters sent a storm of people. For the fall festival, over six hundred people participated to the different activities of the day. Swami Kailasananda gave a workshop on how to calm the mind trough the breath. The 74 participants of the workshop appreciated the teachings. Swamiji gave also an inspiring Satsang from a letter of Swami Sivananda afterwards. There was a cheerful mood all day along. Many hands were there to support the Centre. We found an easy way to update the pictures of the webpage. Now we have a fresh looking page. Philippe Bobola, a quantum physicist and biologist gave an interesting lecture of four hour on stress management. Christmas was in the air bringing a calm and harmonious atmosphere. The Masters sent many hands to support the Centre with the celebration of the Christmas party. There was a cheerful atmosphere in the Centre with the rehearsals of the play and the various preparations. Swami Kailasananda, Swami Gopalananda, and the staff of the Ashram came to support the Centre with the organization. The evening started with a beautiful and inspiring Christmas Satsang given by Swami Kailasananda. Then there was a sweet kid’s asana demonstration guided by Shankari. There was also an amazing asana demonstration led by Kailas. Then we had a joyful Christmas play on the topic of “Markendeya, the conquest of death”, followed by a delicious meal, Christmas carols in many languages accompanied by Alina at the piano, the visit of Santa Claus and his elves, the distribution of gifts, and 200 colorful balloons flying with the chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya for world peace. It was a magical evening and the students were very touched and grateful for it. On the last week we had a reduced schedule and a reduced staff, with time to do a little extra sadhana, work in the inventory and prepare the second Christmas party on the 24th with over than seventy people expected. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all for thé upcoming year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. We are forever grateful for the guidance and protection of the Gurus. Good wishes and Pranams to all the Sivananda family for 2017. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. Pranams and prayers for Peace to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. For early December Sankari Chaitanya gave a talk at the local library on relieving stress, including simple chair yoga and standing poses. It was well-received and they have asked that it be a quarterly offering. We began to promote the SIHY Health Educator program. We had a student taking private classes with us, hoping to relieve back pain. We started a Meditation 1 course and a Yoga 2 course. Swami Jnaneswariananda spent the weekend at the Centre while Sankari Chaitanya went to the LA Centre to join their holiday celebration. It was a blessing to be in the embrace of the larger Sivananda community. Peace and Pranams to the Sivananda family from the new San Francisco Centre. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. For early December we had a low income because in December the students travel for holidays, so they don’t want to pay for the full month.

The Satsangs had beautiful chanting. Everything else continued well. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family for 2017.

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December we welcomed back Swami Swaroopananda and Rukmini Chaitanya, who flew back from a week in London, where they attended the EBM meeting. A new Meditation Course opened with 12 students as well as an exciting new course “Introduction to Vegetarianism”, with 10 eager students. The course was taught by Bharagavi Chaitanya and Masha – a vegetarian chef. The students were introduced to the yogic diet and also practical experience. We celebrated the Gita Jayanti, chanting the entire 18 chapters in Sanskrit.

During mid-December the temperature dropped once again in Israel and Tel-Aviv was freezing and flooded with heavy rains. Despite the cold weather, a new Yoga 1 course opened with 12 students. A successful introduction to meditation course was held and all the 5 attendees enrolled for the upcoming course. Moreover, we renewed our Teenage Yoga weekly class, with 8 students attending the first class. The Centre hosted an Open House one weekend which drew many for the various day’s activities, as well as for the evening concert, featuring beautiful ragas and Kirtan; chanting by Lakshmi joined by Ron Cohen on the bansuri; Daniel White on the tablas and Vered on the tanpura. Peace and Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December a trial class was guided by Kumari Noriko, with 11 students. Five of them signed up for memberships. Two students booked for Yoga 1 course starting a week later. For two Sunday afternoons, Machiko offered a 2-day meditation workshop, attended by 18 students. The English Open Class was well-attended by 13 students, including 3 foreigners living in Japan. There was a consistent good number of students attending this class lately. Sanskrit and Vedanta classes, taught by Kiran, resumed when he returned from India.

Mid-December’s weather was fair, however, we felt the arrival of winter as the temperature dropped only slightly. Komilla gave a Vedic astrology workshop titled “Moon and the Mind”, with interpretation support by Keiko, a professional interpreter with expertise in astrology. 32 people, including several new comers to the Centre, participated in the workshop despite the course being held on a week night. We felt the interest in Vedic astrology among Japanese people is on the increase. One weekend Annapurna Tamiko offered an “Ayurvedic Rokumi (6 tastes)” workshop, attended by 14 students in total for the two days. The participants learned the concept and theory of Rokumi, actually tasting various kinds of Indian spices and Japanese fresh vegetables. A new Yoga 1 course, taught by Sivakami Masako, started with a group of 8 students. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family for the New Year. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December Toronto welcomed the winter’s first big snow fall. Mild temperatures remained but with the city covered in white it was just in time for the Christmas party. We prepared and packed all the gifts for our teachers, close students and children connected to the Centre. We also had several karma yogis helping decorate the Centre putting up a beautiful Christmas tree in the Satsang hall that our karma yogi, Rick, generously donates each year. After a short Satsang and chanting, we enjoyed Christmas Carols, led by energetic Ken Whiteley, the long time devotee and teacher, and well renowned musician of Gospel tradition. The Christmas talent show was shared by musicians, poets, dancers and a kids karate team. Several families came with children and some Yoga Camp Ashram Kids Camp and Teen Camp students brought their parents. A real Santa Claus luckily appeared at the last second, just after Arati, as our original Santa got too shy to arrive and deliver the gifts. We shared a lovely potluck that consisted of dishes from every imaginable part of the world, reflecting the diverse Toronto student community. Prahlad contributed an Indian portion of the feast. We had to set up several tables for all the desserts. Everyone was happy to share this celebration with us as it reminded them they are not just students and teachers of the Centre but truly part of the Sivananda family.

During mid-December, as the holiday season approached, very cold weather came to Toronto. All courses came to an end and students used the opportunity of holiday discounts to buy passes for the next year’s open classes and courses. We spent some time organizing course sheets for next year, plus, other reception and administrative duties. We also started pre-holiday cleaning as we prepared the Centre for the new year. The Centre’s brochure arrived with the new schedule, vibrant new photos and colours. Our last Satsang of the year had lots of students and teachers bringing mountains of desserts and chocolates for prasad. Lots of them joined the staff at the Ashram for the holidays. Durairaj went to India for few months to visit his family and will be back by the end of March. Peace and Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. For early December a new batch for ladies started on Mondays. Students were introduced to the practices of Jala Neti and Sutra Neti in a Kriya Workshop. All other classes went well. Satsang was led by Sri. Nataraj ji.

During mid-December a new batch was started on Monday mornings. All other classes went well. Ganapathy Homa was conducted for the first day of the new Malayalam month. Satsang was led by Sri. Nataraj ji. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was regularly conducted on Fridays. All other classes went well. May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us all at this time of year. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. The month was inspiring and went very fast. A few introductory courses and also higher courses were beginning. Christmas celebration was the highlight, of course. It started with a short silent meditation, after which Swami Ramapriyananda, who came from Reith for the occasion, elaborated on the triple motto, “unity, tolerance, perseverance”, which was followed by the Christmas carols. Vyasa alias Santa Claus distributed the presents and we were happy to receive Swamiji’s calendar in time to give it to our teachers. We had a nice performance on violin and clarinet of two members of the “Vienna Philharmonic orchestra”. Our theatre play “Markandeya” was a big success and inspiration to the audience. We were fortunate to have Gabriela, working in the theatre business as director of the play! We thank the Masters for their guidance this whole evening and for giving us the opportunity to continue with the tradition in the spirit of Swamiji. Pranams to the Sivananda family worldwide at this time of year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. The month started with Y1, 2, 6, 30. On Saturday over one hundred students and children joined us for the Christmas evening. We were happy to see many students coming with their families. Some students even arrived from far away. We had a lovely evening with Christmas carols, message, meditation and of course Santa Claus. For the Christmas theatre this time we presented Sudama and Krishna story. All enjoyed the play a lot, it was done very professionally and with lots of love. We had also classical music concert where close karma yogis and teachers could share their joy playing different pieces and compositions. At the end we had some time together during the bandhara and sweets prepared by the students and karma yogis. Everyone received a very nice small booklet with the inspiring words from the Masters for seven days of the week. Students left inspired and thankful for this warm and successful evening. We are also grateful for the support of karma yogis in the various departements of the Centre. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all for the upcoming year. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius