Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. The Centre was full of inspiring activities and special programs this month. The highlight was the celebration of the international Yoga Day on 21 of june. After preparations in the morning we received students at 2 pm for a little “peace action” in our garden, where we sent balloons with piece messages out in the air. This was followed by a slide show on Swami Vishnudevanandas peace missions. We had 3 parallel asana classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students, all well visited. Snack was served after the class and the day was concluded with the mantra chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya followed by well visited Satsang. The booklet printed for the event was well accepted by all students, they left the Centre inspired and happy and the energy was uplifted nicely. Other events were the visit of Vedic astrologer Stephen Quong with 3 inspiring lectures on different aspects of Vedic astrology which were well received. Another highlight was the Ayurveda Program with Dr. Kamlesh. He gave an introductory lecture into the science of Ayurveda, which was attended by a good group of students. The cooking course one Saturday brought many new people to the Centre. Food was delicious, with good explanations and the atmosphere was very lively and joyful. We had good help from Karma Yogis for setup and preparation, translation and cleanup afterwards. An inspired group of students went to the Retreat house Neu Schoenau, north of Berlin for one of the weekends. The weather was good and everybody enjoyed the weekend out in nature dedicated to Yoga practice. Some of the asana classes could take place outside, lectures, Satsangs and walks, everything were well appreciated. Almost half of the group were students from the Centre who came for the first time to the retreat. They adapted very well to the classical Ashram rhythm. Several courses started in this month. The monthly open house one Sunday was successful, most of the participants already practice yoga and were interested in TTC and meditation. OM.

IDY – Berlin: The highlights of the International Day of Yoga on 21 of June: After preparations in the morning, with the help of dedicated Karma Yogis, we received students at 2 pm for a little “peace session” in our garden, where we sent balloons with peace messages out in the air. This was followed by a slide show on Swami Vishnudevanandas piece missions. The 3 parallel asana classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students were all well visited. A nice snack was served after the class and the day was concluded with the mantra chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya followed by a well-visited satsang. The booklet printed for the event was well accepted by all students, they left the Centre inspired and happy and the energy was uplifted nicely.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. During mid-June we performed our regular Ganapathy Homa on 16th June 2015 and were blessed from the Homa. On 18th June a new staff member – Iris from Latvia joined our Centre for the period of 3+ months. From 18th June we started preparation for the International Day of Yoga. On 21st June we celebrated by offering intensive program for our guest through out the day. Staff of the Centre carryed out their regular duties and Sadanas. With Blessings of God and Masters everything was fine here. Teachers and staff are well and sending pranams to the Sivananda family.

IDY – Chennai: Arrival of 12 visiting teachers and 60 guests was officially registered. The session started with breathing practice (kapalabathi and anuloma viloma), led by Subbarao. At 6am the beginning of 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar practice was announced. Sun salutation practice was conducted by 9 teachers (Subburao, Karthyayini, Prabutha, Rekha, Usha, Saravanan, Rani, Honey Rani, Gopan) each leading 12 rounds of surya namaskar. Between the practice refreshments and drinks were provided to participants. After completion of 108 rounds of the practice guests were served traditional south Indian breakfast consisting of idli, pongal, sambar and coconut chutney on the terrace with a beautiful sea view. Next, an Intermediate and Beginners Yoga class started with a lecture led by Hariharan and assisted by Honey Rani, Rani and Vaidyanathan about yoga, explanation of 5 points of Sivananda yoga and demonstration of basic asanas of Sivananda sequence. After the lecture guests were asked to proceed to the Ganesha Hall for the intermediate class or to Radha Krishna hall for beginners class. Beginners class was led by Hariharan and assisted by Honey Rani and attended by 47 guests. Intermediate class was taught by Vaidyanathan and assisted by Rani and Saravanan and attended by 29 guests in total. After yoga class all guests were offered refreshments with snacks and informed about the upcoming programme of the day.
At 4.00.PM, an Open beginners yoga class started with an introduction of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, yoga philosophy and demonstration of basic Sivananda yoga asana sequence led by Saravanan and assisted by Pradeep. The total number of participants exceeded the number of 70. The Open intermediate class was taught by Sivapad and the total number of registered guests was 15 people. A Satsang session started at 6:00pm with guided meditation by Sivapad, continued with daily chants and concluding the session with a talk by the Wing Commander E.A. Murthy sharing his personal experience of yoga practice. The session was attended by more than 90 people and was concluded with arathi. A traditional South Indian food was served for the guests in one of the Centre halls at 6:00pm.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June we were happy to welcome Siddhi as staff for the month. New courses started: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Positive Thinking Part 4, Yoga 1, and Yoga 2. A student who lives out of town has been joining the philosophy courses and Bhagavad Gita study class via Skype. Other courses, classes, and Satsang continued well. We were pleased to welcome Hari as a short-term resident. One Saturday evening we had a Kirtan night, which was very uplifting. The weather continued to go from warm to autumnal to hot and steamy. Karma Yogis have been working hard in the garden.

During mid-June the highlight was our 108 Sun Salutation event for the International Day of Yoga. We had good turnout for it, as well as particularly good attendance for the Satsang that followed. Classes and courses are also going well. The courses were Yoga 1, Yoga 2, Yoga 3, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Positive Thinking Part 4. We continued to get an unusual amount of rain and humidity, so just as we stepped out to water the garden, Mother Nature steps in again to do it for us. We felt great gratitude for the guidance and protections of the Gurus. Staff are well and send their pranams. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

IDY – Chicago: In celebration of the first International Day of Yoga and the Summer Solstice, we offered a 108 Sun Salutation event at Chicago Center. All were invited to join the fee event and do as many sun salutations as felt comfortable, to rest when needed, and to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of group practice on the longest day of the year. Staff Lalita Chaitanya and Siddhi and long-time teacher Radha (Gloria McCartney) each took turns leading and practicing with the group. The session, which met at our teaching annex, concluded with a well-deserved final relaxation and pranayama practice, followed by Satsang, soup, and fellowship at our main center. We had very good attendance for the event, after which some students were asking for more sun salutations!

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June the Dalat Centre was calm. Saraswati went to the Yoga Farm for ATTC. The Dalat Centre continued with it’s current courses of Yoga 1 and Yoga 2. The intermediate course Yoga 2 started with good number of students. Attendance was strong as students worked hard to maintain a regular practice. Staff members went to Edensee Resort for Shantidevi’s visit on her last stay in Dalat Centre. She went back to Tokyo Centre. Staffs had had a wonderful day off at the Edensee. Kumari arrived to help from Ho Chi Minh City, replacing Shanti Devi. We were grateful for the Guru’s Grace which continues to guide us.

During mid-June the weather was not so good. Because of the heavy rain and storms during the day just few students came to classes. However, all staffs and residents were sharing the yoga life style together with harmony and positive energy. We feel the blessing of Guru always be with us. Pranams to all Sivananda Staff. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. Early June was the end of our first Kids’ Summer Camp that had 21 kids attending. We had no beginners’ courses at that time as the Kids had all our attention. We also taught regular private classes in the day. One Saturday we were blessed to have Swami Shivbhaktananda ji and Vyasa ji visit the Centre. Swami ji conducted the advance class and the evening Satsang followed by delicious prasad and simple dinner and post that left for their flight at around 12 midnight. Weather is the usual, burning hot. But other than that all’s well at the Centre.

During mid-June, by the grace of the Lord and the blessings of Gurudev, all’s well at the Centre. All the classes continued smoothly. It was the end of the Kids’ summer camp, so we celebrated with fruits and special Indian sweet kheer, and also distributed certificates and Yoga Life magazines. We were invited to teach a special class to celebrate Yoga Day at the office of one of our students. On the 21st June, we started off the day early at 3:00 a.m, arrived at Rajpath, New Delhi by 5 a.m in the morning, and celebrated the 1st International Day of Yoga, among 68000 yoga enthusiasts and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event was finished by 8 a.m soon after which we reached the Centre partly drenched by the rains and energized by the pleasant winds. A free class and open class were simultaneously conducted in both the asana halls at 10 a.m. We enjoyed the pleasant weather for the rest of the day. Hope all are happy and doing well. Om Namah Sivaya. Sending all our love and wishes. Pranams. Om.

IDY – Dwarka: We are glad to inform you that we had wonderful 1st International Day of Yoga. All the staffs were quite busy; people were inviting us in their society, offices and in the park to teach yoga classes. We taught a few yoga classes in local society and offices and introducing Swami Vishnudevananda’s peace mission & Five Points of Yoga. We distributed the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres IDY yoga book. People were very happy to receive this wonderful book. Few staff and students went to Rajpath to participate the big yoga event. In the event there were more than 36,000 enthusiastic yoga practitioners. We had wonderful yoga class with none other than Prime Minister “Narendra Modi”. it was great to see how people were enjoying the yoga practice. It was such a great experience for all of us & it was great see all kinds people old, youth and kids in this wonderful yoga event. We hope you all enjoyed the 1st International Day of Yoga where you were.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early June we started with a kids’ yoga summer camp with 30 students. The students are practicing yoga daily and participating in different activities like planting, painting, sketching, Orgami, flute and so on. They also participated in Guru Pooja, performed by Nagaraj ji, in the presence of some of parents. They are happy and they are asking if we are continuing the program once this is completed. As per our regular schedule, we started two beginners’ course on Mondays, one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm with good no. of students. We conducted three workshops – Hip opening, Yoga for Lower Back Pain and Shat Kriya. Vinod came back from the trip to Gangotri, with Swami Sivabhaktananda. Vinod stayed with us for a month. The Sunday Satsangs were attended by good number of people and it was as usual uplifting and motivating. With the blessings of the Masters everything is going smoothly.

During mid-June we started with two beginners’ course one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. We finished with the great program, the celebration of the 1st International Day of Yoga. Along with our regular schedules, our efforts were mostly about preparation for the program and explaining the teachings of the Master for different Medias. Babesh joined the Centre from Neyyar dam for 4 months of Karma yoga. With the Grace of the Masters everything continued smoothly at the Centre. Pranams to All.

IDY – Nataraja: We celebrated the the 1st International Day of Yoga with a spirit of spreading the teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda for health, peace of mind for unity in diversity. We were busy in the preparation for the program and also with the reporters from different Channels and attending Conferences. We started the celebration at 5:30am in the morning in the Park. We taught 4 open classes, 1 Surya Namaskar, 1 Gentle Yoga and 1 introductory class and finished the program around 7:30am. Kapoorji left for NDTV panel discussion regarding the Yoga day celebration. Some of the staffs went to teach a group of people at Inter-University Accelerator Center to give yoga awareness for the Engineers, Scientists and their families. We distributed Yoga day T-Shirt, IYD booklet and the Centre brochure. The others went to participate on the conference, held by Ministry of Ayush. Another group went to participate on USA Embassy Mela. We were also invited as audience to participate on panel discussion at NDTV by evening. We went to participate after we finished a special Satsang.In general, with the blessings of our Masters, many contributed to the success of the program. It was celebrated as planned.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. This month’s activities included a workshop about Yoga for the back with a power point show and plum line-test. We had a workshop for the teachers sharing inspiration of Swamij’s teachings. It included a power point show about the sun salutation and was well received. A main focus was the preparation of the mailing of the fall brochure: After last updates the labels were printed and the envelopes were delivered. OM.

IDY – Geneva: Highlights of the celebration of the first International Day of Yoga included Sivananda teachers and staff supporting a Yoga session, held at the United Nations Organization in Geneva, which was organized by the Permanent Mission of India. Everybody enjoyed this peaceful event on a sunny Sunday morning with a spectacular view over the Geneva Lake and the Alps. In the afternoon we had a well-visited program with lectures and asana classes at the Centre where new and experienced students united in the spirit of Yoga. The day ended with an introduction to Meditation which had a more scientific approach then Kirtan and Mantra chanting. It was a lively day and a positive experience for everybody.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June we broke the record with highest student count within the last 5 years. Almost everyday 7- 9 classes per day except on the weekends. We started many new classes such as early morning open class 1 hour at 6 AM always full capacity, the new Prenatal Yoga class with lot of attendants, kid yoga class with 22 kids met 3 times per week, senior yoga class in the morning, ..etc. Besides, we also changed the new systems of customer service and advertising to reach more people such as calling to students, email, newsletter, Facebook, promotions, survey etc. We received a lot of positive response and comments from students. Over a weekend, the Open House was very successful with lot of students attending and signing up for the upcoming courses. The staff worked really hard but still find time for their Sadhana and practicing Harmonium together. Everyday we did staff meeting online with
Ganga even she is serving at the Yoga Farm. We are very happy to be able to serve and we feel blessed by the Guru and Master.

During mid-June the Hochiminh Centre carried on all regular activities while preparing for the International Day of Yoga. We started the Yoga beginner course 1, and the Meditation course 1 with lot of students. The Open class keeping popular to the point that we have to do 2 open class at 2 different rooms because one room was not enough space. The other courses running well such as Yoga beginner 1, 2, Meditation course, gentle yoga, prenatal yoga, Yoga kid. We were also busy with the rehearsal workshop for all the teachers will demonstration for the event on International Yoga Day. We are happy and blessed to be a instrument of the teaching from our Master and Guru. Pranams.

IDY – Hochminh: The Hochiminh Centre was honored to be a part of the Sponsors of the International Yoga day, organized by the Indian Consulate in Hochiminh City. With more than 70 teachers and students from the Hochiminh Centre, along with the other students at the field, we joined the yoga demonstration at 6AM at the Quan Khu 7 Stadium. After that, we held the independent events at Hochiminh Centre with lot of activities. 1st one is the workshop of Nutrition and Juice fasting detoxification taught by Ganapati and Sita who is very knowledgeable about diet and juice. It was very successful with more than 40 students attending. After that people enjoyed the Yogic diet lunch made by our Karma yogi team. Continuing the day, we offered a workshop of Yoga for control of high blood pressure by Mary, our Karma yogi, as well as doctor of chinese medicine. In the afternoon we concluded the spacial day with the big free Open class and Satsang including the movie” Yoga – An ancient Vision of Life”. It was a pleasure to see all the people gathering together expressing higher view of life, to bring Yoga to the world and share our peace from inside out.

Om Namah Sivaya. The preparations for the International Yoga Day are in full swing and range from the planning of the decorations of the boat and food that will be served on the South Bank to publicity, advertising and the setting up of a donation campaign. We had inspired moments with a Bhagavad Gita Course and a cooking workshop. The TTC with 12 students started well, they were gradually getting ready to go deeper into their practice. It is for all of us a very inspiring learning energy. Swami Kailasananda gave a much appreciated programme consisting of workshops on pranayama and the power of sound, two asana classes and well attended Satsangs. We had also the blessing to have priest Jagneshwara Dixit for one week. A lot of prana was put into the preparation of the three Pujas for the week end. CNN IBN came to make a report for their news edition leading up to the International Yoga Day. Staff are well and send OM & Prem to All.
IDY – London: The celebration of the Interanational Yoga day was a wonderful success here in London. It started with a short class at the Indian High Commission, early morning, with a live vina playing in the background performed by Indian artist Raghunath Manet. It then continued with a cruise on the Thames with 250 yogis on board. We started with a lively satsang including a talk on the universality of Yoga. The boat was fully decorated with large banners, balloons and flags, it looked beautiful and very festive. We then reached Festival Pied near the London Eye and welcomed the Indian Commissioner on the boat who gave a very nice address, from the heart. We then walked with him to the Southbank Centre where we taught a class for close to 600 people on the lawn. A huge stage was built for the occasion. We had 4 teachers demonstrating the asanas as they were taught. We then served a nice Indian meal to all in the garden. We then went back to the boat and had an amazing vina concert and Bharatha Natyam dance with Raghunath Manet. We finally returned to the centre for the last event of the day, a Satsang with a talk on Swamiji’s peace missions. People expressed how much they enjoyed the day and felt the strong positive and peaceful energy that pervaded the whole event, by Swamiji’s grace.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! During mid-June we celebrated International Day of Yoga. We held a Prithvi Puja and Homa led by Pandit Sharma who traveled down from Ventura with several Temple devotees. The Staff are sending our Pranams.

IDY – Los Angeles: On the Sunday afternoon of 21st June, we went to the local Learning Garden and held an interfaith summer solstice celebration followed by 108 Surya Namaskars, led by Satyadeva. Everyone enjoyed being together and the energy was high.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! During May several beginners’ courses started. We also offered a meditation course. We had an intensive Positive Thinking with 16 students, all of them very enthusiastic. Sivadas, a new graduate of the TTC in Rudraprayag, came from Barcelona to help in the Centre for two weeks. We ended the month with a pleasant visit of Stephen Quong and Vedic Astrology program. Several people could hear his interesting lectures and have a personal consultation with him. OM.

IDY – Madrid: On Sunday 21st, the Madrid Centre participated with Gopala and many teachers in the International Yoga Day, with over 1500 persons. Sundari and Daya Devi represented the Center in a celebration in Zaragoza and Lakhsmi went to Granada to conduct a program there with Gauri in the affiliated Sivananda Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June we started a new Yoga beginner course with sufficient no of students. In order to celebrate International Yoga day we conducted a free yoga workshop for Vadamalayan Hospitals Dr. and Nurses. The program was well received with good no of participants and all appreciate the program. In the Centre all the classes going smoothly. The staff member are keeping up their Sadhana. All are waiting and focusing to make the event successful on Yoga day.

During mid-June we started a new Yoga Beginner course at evening both for ladies and mix batch. We were busy in preparation for the Yoga Day. Few workshop were conducted which were well received by participants. The IYD were celebrated in three part jointly with our Meenakshi Ashram. It was good particular for Madurai where large community came to know about our Centre and Ashram program. Anoop left home after serving three month in Madurai Centre. He has done a good job and he planing to open a Yoga Centre in his home town. We pray for his Success. We welcome Prema as staff again after three month of her home visit. Other than this everything is going great with gods and guru Kripa. Everything was wonderful in the Centre, by Gurus grace. The Staff convey their Pranams to all. Om Shanti!!

IYD – Madurai: The program started at 6:00 AM in walkers club, where the deputy Commissioner of Madurai Corporation was the chief guest. The opening ceremony started with Sivananda prayer by Sivananda Center and Ashram Staff. After which a welcome Speech was given by Doctor Narayansami. A talk was given by the Chief Guest Thiru. Gunalan about the importance and relevance of yoga today, followed by demonstration and Asana class for all. The press and certain T.V channels were there during the function. It was a gathering of around 200 people of all age groups. Soon after this program ashram and centre staff left for ITBP (Inidia Tibet Border Police) campus who invited us to teach an asana and pranayama class for around 750 Soldiers. They appreciated the class and realized the benefits of Yoga and are willing to continue taking up classes with us twice a week. After class we enjoyed the delicious Army food offered by them. In the evening we had a grand function in the Ashram which was inaugurated by Thiru. Rajaram who gave an elaborated talk on ashram life, the spiritual path and yoga. Thiru R. Dhinakaran ( Chairman, Gandhi Museum), Thiru Nihar Ranjan I.F.S ( District Forest Officer) and Thiru Dr. S. Harishankar (Yoga and Naturopathist, Keep fit hospital, Madurai) the dignitaries present spoke about the value of yoga in day to day life and about living the yogic lifestyle. There were about 200 people who participated in the evening event. After the speeches, children from our summer yoga camp demonstrated Asanas and performed brilliantly. Concluding prayers were sung by the Sivananda Ashram and Centre staff, followed by the National Anthem. The celebration was informative and fruitful for the people who attended it. Dinner was served soon after. Overall, it was a great successful event which, we were able to finish successfully with Gurus blessing and Gods grace.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In early June Kanti Devi traveled to Bahamas so as to celebrate Swami Swaroopanandaji ´s 60th anniversary and just it coincided with the 40th anniversary of Kanti Devi´s TTC. A Wednesdays and Thursdays Beginners Courses started with many students registered. The energy was very positive. Chandra travelled to Porto Alegre´s Centre, Brazil, so as to replace Tandava Chaitanya who traveled to Europe. We started doing outreach activities commemorating the International Day of Yoga. Many people came to the Free Yoga Class. Some students signed up to the next beginner´s course. The rest of the regular classes, elderly, pregnant and children developed normally.

During mid-June we had a busy, high energy event celebrating the world day of Yoga. We have the support of teachers and students. It was a beautiful time, where the energy of the Centre was in flux. The beginners’ course was full. There was a holiday in Uruguay because it was commemorated the day of birth of José Artigas, the Nation father, and only the class was dictated of the 18:00 hrs for everybody. We had a large number of students who came to the free test class. The rest of the regular classes, elderly, pregnant and children developed normally. All the activities celebrating the International day of Yoga were done with very good number of students. On the Sunday the 21st we had the big event organized by the Consulate of India. Teachers and students were very happy. We distributed a new book of Swami Sivananda translated by Kanti Devi. The rest of the activities were developed normally. Om Shanti to all!!

IDY – Montevideo: On Sunday, the Consulate of India in Uruguay, organized a big gathering at the Sheraton Hotel. Five hundred people participated at the event. Different Yoga schools were teaching. Everything flowed with harmony. Even though it was a very cold day, the sun was shining in the blue sky. The reunion of people with the same purpose created a very positive atmosphere. The Sivananda teachers were full of enthusiasm and helped at the Sheraton and also at the Center, teaching and assisting during classes, distributing leaflets, organizing people, taking pictures, singing, etc. The bright white and yellow uniforms stood out among the people who were wearing on dark clothing. During the break we went to the seashore to have some sandwiches and fruit prepared by Lalita at the Centre. We finished the intense day with a Satsang at the Centre. Kanti Devi translated “Yoga for the West” into Spanish that day. The smiling face of Gurudev and his deep knowledge was offered to all participants. We were extremely happy to see the vision of Swami crystallized in this event.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya. Greetings from Montreal. During mid-June classes and courses continued to flow well. Sushila went to the Camp for a week to assist on the Juice fast program, while a few long term teachers took good care of the Centre in her absence, we are grateful for the time and energy they took. Meanwhile, efforts at the Centre were spent preparing for the International Yoga Day. On the morning of the day we started with wonderful Satsang and Yoga Class with Swami Shivabhaktananda. This gave a good grounding for the day and Swami ji explained about the significance of the ‘International Yoga day.’ Many teachers, karma yogis and students of the Centre congregated, as well staff and guests from the Ashram. There was a strong sense of community and purpose, felt by those participating. It continued with a breakfast and gathering, where people had the opportunity to connect with one another.

Prahlada ji led the walk up Mont Royal, where some Asana Demos were performed, both of which created interest by people passing. The group were on hand to distribute flyers and magazines to those who were curious, they were feeling inspired to spread the message of yoga!! Eventually we settled to a peaceful area by the lake where the group began to chant, later Prahlada ji shared some stories of Swami ji. It gave a good insight to Swami ji and his mission. There was much joy and smiles expressed about the event from those who participated, and they appreciated being involved in something meaningful. It was an encouraging day and the vibration was high. There was a great sincerity amongst the ever growing community. We are ever thankful for Master and Swami ji’s grace. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams from Montreal.

IDY – Montreal: At the Montreal Centre we began the International Yoga Day festivities with a wonderful Satsang and Yoga Class with Swami Shivabhaktananda. This gave a good grounding for the day and Swami ji explained about the significance of the ‘International Yoga Day.’ Many teachers, karma yogis and students of the Centre congregated, as well staff and guests from the Ashram. There was a strong sense of community and purpose, felt by those participating. It continued with a breakfast and gathering, where people had the opportunity to connect with one another. Prahlada ji led the walk up Mont Royal, where some Asana demos were performed, both of which created interest by people passing. The group were on hand to distribute flyers and magazines to those who were curious, they were feeling inspired to spread the message of yoga!! Eventually we settled to a peaceful area by the lake where the group began to chant. Later, Prahlada ji shared some stories of Swami ji. It gave a good insight to Swami ji and his mission. There was much joy and smiles expressed about the event from those who participated. They appreciated being involved in something meaningful. It was an encouraging day and the vibration was high. There was a great sincerity amongst the ever growing community. We are ever thankful for Master and Swami ji’s grace.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. The highlight of June was our Yoga and Music Festival from 15 to 21 June. Swami Durganananda – yoga acharya for Europe – gave inspiring lectures with lots of hints and insights for the spiritual path. Yoga acharya Swami Sivadasananda taught dynamic asana workshops and lectures. We also had beautiful Indian music and wisdom teachings from the scriptures. The last day of the festival, 21 June was the International Yoga Day. For this we had organized extra yoga classes and lectures on the benefits of yoga and meditation with the title “Health is Wealth, Peace of Mind is Happiness – Yoga shows the Way”. One of the upcoming special events will be a lecture with Dr. Rubin Naiman, USA, about Yoga and Sleep including the scientific findings of sleep research on 24 July. OM.

IDY – Munich: On Sunday 21 June – the International Day of Yoga – we offered additional activities – asana classes and lectures about yoga and meditation with Swami Vishnudevananda’s quote as title “Health is Wealth, Peace of Mind is Happiness – Yoga shows the Way”. Throughout the whole Centre there was a strong ashram atmosphere with a couple of close karma yogis and teachers also staying here for the full week and helping during the festival. The festival was an inspiration for everyone participating and a wonderful example of the power of collective Sadhana.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In early June open classes have been busy, with more students coming to the later classes as the evenings are light now. We held an outdoor meditation class for the public on the High Line, a nearby elevated park. This is a project done in collaboration with Integral Yoga Institute. It was a great experience to have our practice outside, the event attracted many interested passers by. At our weekend Open House event brought us a good number of new members and registrations for upcoming courses. We were happy to welcome Mahadev Chaitanya from the Yoga Ranch to teach our Advanced class.

During mid-June the Centre was high in vibrations, with a flow of over 500 students! A large part of whom came for the first International Day of Yoga. We bade farewell to Swami Narayanananda who was awaited to give a workshop at the Yoga Farm in California and were happy to welcome Srinivasan and Shakti from the Yoga Ranch for a weekend, surrounded by their inspiring energy. Om and Prem to all. All staff are well & sending pranams to all the Sivananda family.

IDY – New York: We offered free open classes and vegetarian snacks all day long, an Introduction to Yoga lecture followed by a beginners class, an advanced class later on in the afternoon and a beautiful Satsang on Yoga and Peace, led by Srinivasan from the Yoga Ranch. The day was rounded off by the traditional soup and sparkles in everybody’s eyes!

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. We enjoyed the presence of a new guest speaker and osteopath from Belgium who wrote several books on the topic of breathing. His workshops went well, the participants appreciated the practical exercises and the knowledge shared. We were happy to see Swami Kailasananda who passed by on her way back to Orleans and the priest Yagneswara Dixit who passed by on his way to London. There was a kriya and fasting workshop with a motivated group of 11 students. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. In early June we had a holiday and we gave only a class 18:00hrs. We have a good participation of teachers in classes, they maintain very active in the Centre. Vidura worked, painting some windows. Chandra arrived to the Centre. Tandava departed to Madrid and Paris Centre for a month. Pranams to the Sivananda Family.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. In early June the main program was the weekend retreat in Bracciano, this time the weather was splendid, so it helped a lot to have a wonderful program, for many of them was the first retreat and they enjoyed it very much. Swami Sankarananda prepared delicious meals. As Bracciano is near Rome, other students also participated for a day retreat. The Centre remained open with the support of teachers and karma yogis. Pranams to all. Om Shanti to the Sivananda Family from the Rome Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early June our second Yoga 1 course started with nine students. Hasu Patel graced us with a wonderfully uplifting concert one Friday evening, accompanied by Samrat Kakerri on tabla. Attendees were pleased with the intimate setting. Komilla Sutton gave an informal talk on the upcoming extra lunar month, which was followed by a potluck dinner. The format worked well. There are several recent TTC grads interested in maintaining their practice by offering Karma Yoga and assisting teaching. We attended another meeting at the Indian Consulate to work out more specifics on the International Yoga Day celebration.

During mid-June, after a month of intense planning, International Yoga Day was a fine success. There were several last-minute, long meetings at the Indian Consulate. Egos were tried, but the team pulled off a well-coordinated public event instructing on asanas and philosophy, plus the opportunity to share information. Collaboration brought a sense of unity. Swami Sitaramananda seamlessly brought chanting, asana demonstration, orientation of asanas in yoga practice, and meditation together in her short allotted presentation time. It was a sunny, windy day full of positivity. We returned to the SF Centre for a more intimate program for 60 attendees. Swami Sitaramananda spoke, as well as Komilla Sutton and Gopi Kallayil. We enjoyed delicious homemade snacks and dinner, followed by a screening of Benoy Behl’s documentary Yoga: An Ancient Vision of Life.Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre.

IDY – San Francisco: Following the 5-hour collaborative program in Marina Green Park with nearly 1500 participants, we returned to the new San Francisco Center for Satsang. The group of 60 there was comprised of Yoga Farm staff, ATTC students, visitors from Google and regular SF Center students. After some welcome refreshments, we heard from Komilla Sutton about a well-rounded yoga practice and how our current efforts are being amplified by an exalted Jupiter. Gopi Kallayil spoke about our common feelings of separation with clear examples. Swami Sitaramananda tied it all together, leaving us grateful to be supported by such a solid tradition with outstanding teachers of Truth. Dinner was served and the evening finished with a screening of Benoy Behl’s documentary “Yoga: An Ancient Vision of Life”. We are all touched by the forward momentum of this global event.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June all the staff flew one by one to the Yoga Retreat to participate in Swami Swaroopananda’s 60th birthday week long events. Shankara Chaitanya was the last to leave. Many karma yogis came all through to help with the daily chores, reception and maintenance, allowing the Centre to function well with only one staff member. Atma Swaroop, a devoted karma yogi took upon himself to take care of the Centre once all the staff left. He did a great job, and with the help of other devotees, held a birthday celebration for Swamiji’s birthday on the Sunday evening Satsang. A morning Indian Cooking workshop started with 10 participants. Shankara Chaitanya started a new workshop named Spiritual Fitness with 9 students, focusing on the right way to work with Swami Sivananda’s Spiritual Diary for building inner spiritual strength and fitness.

During mid-June a new Beginners’ Yoga course opened with 22 students and a meditation course with 18. Pranava returned from the Bahamas, full of prana after two weeks in the Ashram. We started planning a renovation plan, preparing the Centre for the upcoming visit of Swami Swaroopananda to Israel next month. The next brochure of activities was finalized these days, covering the programs for the next 6 months. One weekend was peacefully spent in seclusion, allowing the staff to have some time to rest, reset and enjoy deeper practices. Om and Prem to all. Blessings of Peace to all the Sivananda Family.
IDY – Tel Aviv: We celebrated the First International Yoga Day with the great Yogic Community in Tel-Aviv. The event was sponsored and organized by the Indian embassy and the Tel-Aviv municipality. The Day started with three yoga classes from different schools and styles. We conducted the third class which had the highest attendance – over 100 people, and was directed by Shankara Chaitanya and assisted by many of our teachers. The day continued with lectures on Ayurveda, Classical Indian Dance & Singing concerts and an address by the Indian ambassador in Israel. At the Centre many new and old time students came to join the yoga classes, freely offered, and also for the evening Satsang dedicated to the subject of “Inspired Living through Yoga”. The energy was very uplifting all through the day. We thanked our Masters for being great pioneers in starting this great movement of disseminating the knowledge of yoga far and wide, a movement that reached such a global dimensions.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June Machiko departed from Tokyo Centre to Yoga Farm for ATTC for June 3 – 30 to translate from English to Japanese. We held a “Scapula, Shoulder and Yoga Workshop “, by Kuni, who is a long term karma yogi in Japan, supporting Tokyo Centre when it was founded. 26 students attended this workshop. Everybody enjoyed it. Students studied asana, anatomy and function of shoulder and scapula. Many Japanese have pain in the shoulder area. It was a very nice opportunity to understand the body system at the working of the shoulder. Nataraji and Kalyani arrived to Japan from India. They toured different cities, giving programs and holding workshops in the Tokyo Centre on June 13th and 14th. We very much looked forward to their visit.

During mid-June we were happy to welcome Swami Dharmananda from the Yoga Farm for a two-week visit to the Centre, leading daily Satsangs and teaching asana classes. The highlight at the Centre was the International Day of Yoga celebration with a full schedule of free classes offered as well as a “tea and snacks” mid-day open house with students asking many questions about Yoga life and practice. We send our prayers with Chandrika who, after several months staff life, continues her spiritual journey on Mt. Fuji. Om shanti shanti shanti. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family.

IDY – Tokyo: We had a wonderful International Yoga Day celebration. We had a full day with morning Satsang then morning asana class, followed by two more asana classes mid-morning, both well attended and 2-hour asana class full house. From 12-2:00pm we offered tea and snacks with about 10 students joining which turned into informal Satsang Q&A. Very nice. Swami Dharmananda led the evening Satsang speaking about the International Day of Yoga, the lives of Master and Swamiji and Swamji’s mission to the West and the foundation of his teaching – the Five Points of Yoga. There were inspiring words about Yoga practice and its power to harmonize body, mind, spirit. We also heard a few words from India’s PM Modi. It was a nice day, full of energy and inspiring for all.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June we started Yoga 1 course with full class of students, and a Yoga 2 course. Open classes have full attendance. Satangs continue to go strong as ever. A group of students participated in Mala Making workshop. Along with teaching how to make malas, students were instructed in how to use them for their japa. We had our Yoga Retreat held few hours from Toronto, in the beautiful outdoor education Centre. We had 40 people for the Yoga Retreat which attracted lots of students who live outside of Toronto as well as those who come regularly to the Centre and were grateful to have several days of Ashram type schedule.A student donated some radiant marigolds that now grace the Centre front and remind us of Swamiji, as these were his favourite flowers. As Durga is away in Bahamas Saraswati (Saori) went on a mission to clean the Centre very thoroughly making it very Sattvic and welcoming.

During Mid-June Meditation course finished with a group of students very eager to start coming for Satsangs and to visit the Ashram. Dr Sonal gave Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking workshop one Saturday that was as usual well attended and students learned a lot. International Yoga Day was celebrated on Sunday the 21st with many hours of chanting Om Namo Narayanaya by students and teachers who created very powerful energy at the Centre and then brought the chanting outside where they continued chanting until hundreds of yellow and white balloons were released into the air, carrying messages by Swamiji and Master. Asana demonstrations were conducted in front of the Centre and free yoga class was offered inside. Satsang started with full asana hall and inspiring chanting and continued with the talk on Swamiji’s vision of True World Order and his knowledge that yoga would be one day essential for creating the peace in the world. Nice meal for all was shared at the end of Satsang and everyone left inspired. Pranams to all.

IDY – Toronto: The International Day of Yoga in the Toronto Centre started with an asana demonstration outside the Centre, where we distributed flyers and hundreds of Sivananda cookies, along with hand written messages from Master”s and Swamiji’s books. A large group of students chanted Om Namo Narayanaya for several hours, while free yoga class were offered inside the Centre. We showed the video ‘In the Name of Peace’, on Swamiji’s peace missions. Just before the Satsang we all moved outside and released hundreds of yellow and white balloons with inspiring messages into the air, that represented sharing the knowledge of yoga and the peace that it brings. A lots of students, teachers and passersby filled asana hall for the Satsang, dedicated to True World Order and Swamiji’s vision of how yoga would change the world. Chanting and the Satsang created very strong energy at the Centre. We ended the day with a lovely meal.
Everyone felt uplifted and inspired to continue on the path given to us by Master and Swamiji.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June a new beginners’ batch started. Open & Kids classes went well. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest. Another program committee meeting was conducted regarding International Yoga Day. Satsang was led by Catherine ji . Staff Members are busy with their classes, karma yoga & personal practice

During mid-June a new beginners’ batch started for ladies in the morning and a mixed beginners’ batch in the evening. As a part of International Yoga Day, All India Radio (AIR) and Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre conducted a program in the evening at VAILOPPILLI SAMSKRITI BHAVAN, Trivandrum. The current early morning beginners’ batch completed their last week. All other classes went well. A Ganapathy Homa was conducted, as it was the first day of the new Malayalam month. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest. On Sunday the 21st, we celebrated the 1st International Yoga Day. There were Trial Classes, Open Class, Gentle & Kids Yoga Classes. At the same time, there were talks on different subjects and a Quiz Program. Breakfast, lunch, tea & dinner were provided for everyone. In the evening a local bhajan group sang in the special Satsang which was led by Rajesh ji, Ravi Iswaran ji & Surendran ji. Around 500 people attended the day’s events. We will send the photographs of the event as soon as we receive it. Pranams to all. Om Shanti.

IDY – Trivandrum: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Trivandrum and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam hosted a series of events in the lead-up to International Yoga Day. The aim of these events was to create awareness about yoga and the teachings of our gurus and our efforts appear to be successful. We received a lot of attention from both local and national media as well as members of the community and were thrilled to have received so many invitations from such a wide variety of groups. Some of the highlights during the last few weeks included:
– Mathrubhumi (local TV show); a discussion on yoga and the relevance of Surya Namaskar
– A.I.R. (All India Radio); 90 minute yoga demonstration and discussion at Vylopilly Hall, Trivandrum which was broadcast live over the radio
– India Today, CNBC, CNN, BBC, The Hindu, Doordarshan (local tv station); coverage included photo shoots, interviews and filming of asana classes and ashram life

The International Day of Yoga events began early and were spread out amongst various locations. At the Ashram in Neyyar Dam we had our regular Sunday morning silent walk and held morning classes. After brunch, all the staff and guests boarded the bus to head into the Trivandrum centre to participate in the events being held there. Our program at the Trivandrum Centre began at 5 a.m. with a Ganapathy Homa and Sivananda chants. This was followed by more chanting with Saundarya Lahari of Adi Shankara by Sri. Kailasji & group. Several talks were given throughout the day including: Healthy Living by Dr. Gopinathan Pillai; Life Style Disease Management by Dr. Trishna; Yoga and Healthy Diet by Dr. Leena; and Yoga Sastra: Bhagavad Gita in Daily Life by Dr. K.U. Devadas. We also held a Quiz Competition on Yoga prepared by Sri Praveen Das. A variety of yoga classes and a kriya workshop were held at the Trivandrum centre throughout the day. We also conducted several classes outside the centre including:
– Kerala State Police, Chandrashekaran Nair Stadium; yoga demonstration for over 350 police officers, presided over by the Director General of Police
– Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, State Bank of India, and NSS School; classes were held for employees and students

A delicious lunch was served in the afternoon and the Centre was positively buzzing with activity. Over 350 people attended the days’ events and each participant received a copy of the Sivananda International Yoga Day magazine along with a certificate of attendance. We completed the days’ events with Satsang and a special Cultural Program – classical bhajans sung by Vital Vinod. After arati and prasad an evening meal was served and then the Neyyar Dam group boarded the bus and headed back to the Ashram. Thank you to all the volunteers, students and the more than 50 staff from both the Trivandrum Centre and the Neyyar Dam ashram for their attendance, participation and lively spirit. The events of the past few weeks have created a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm among our community. It is our hope that we can continue to spread the knowledge of yoga and the teachings of our gurus to those around us, and in doing so achieve the vision of a world living in peace. Let’s keep the momentum going until next year! Om – Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. We had a workshops on the power of Mantras. Students and also teachers participated in this practical course to reconnect with a deep Mantra experience. We went for poster runs on an event in the vicinity of the Centre and had many personal contacts distributing the beautiful flyer for the International Yoga day. The flyer is also appreciated very much by our students and teachers who are diligently distributing it in their neighbourhoods. A highlight was a further teachers training workshop on Yoga & Stress Management. It was a familiar atmosphere, as all participating teachers are actively teaching at the Centre. Temperatures were mid summerly already so many students rather went for some outdoor activities. Satsangs were well attended. The indian priest is still with us doing morning Pooja every day in the Temple room. Many Karma Yogis are supporting the Centre, the energy in the Centre feels dynamic and full of love.

IDY – Vienna: The International Day of Yoga. The Indian Embassy had initiated the event, supported by the yoga schools from Vienna. About 300 participants came to a park located in central Vienna to practice the common protocol sequence. It was a colorful crowd from different yoga schools and different nationalities which had accurately been been placed in file by the many helpers. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful. The Indian ambassador addressed the crowd briefly and the two Yoga sessions started, consisting of Asanas, Pranayama and short meditation. The Vienna centre was present with 30 students and teachers joining the collective practice. Also we were providing advice and distributing our program and the new yoga magazine to interested participants and passers by. In the afternoon the Centre offered an Open House with additional classes. The Open House was well attended, new and young participants had been attracted by our flyers and via facebook. Also the Indian Chief of Mission visited the Centre and participated in the introduction into meditation. He was particularly interested in the Centre’s meditation and Pooja schedule and in the Reith program. The concluding Satsang was powerful and peaceful, Swami Durgananda had sent an outline for the Satsang talk, which was received full of inspiration.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. A new course “Anatomy and Yoga Practice“ took place. During the class fourty five minutes is dedicated to detailed Anatomy explanation and then continuing with asana practise. Ishwara Chaitanya and ten karma yogis went to TTC place and started to install a platform which will be used for asana classes and lectures during the course. Durga Devi left to Russia, where together with Swami Vasudevananda she thought a retreat near St.Petersburg. A highlight was the Yoga and Music festival. We welcomed Sri Venugopal Goswami, Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Vasudevananda, musicians and Amba. Special programs continued during four days. In asana workshops students could work deeper on sun salutation, hip mobility, flow of prana, relaxation of the nervous system and pranayama. Various lectures covered topics on vegetarianism, self-healing through the practice of Yoga, from lower to higher mind. Swami Durgananda spoke on the necessity of spiritual practice in a very clear, inspiring way. A highlight was the nada yoga concert in the concert hall. With the guidance of Acharyas, the help of visiting staff and karma yogis, the festival was the most beautiful celebration of the year. Our main focus is organizing and preparing all needed for the TTC in Lithuania. We have 57 inscriptions from which 12 are russian speaking. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius