Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Sivananda Headquarters, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya from the Yoga Camp! Early May saw great prana, naturalistic energy, and a lot of change. The weather was almost unbelievably beautiful, with most days seeming like the beginning of summer. Flowers were blooming beautifully and hurriedly, and almost all of the grass is a rich, vibrant green (with a couple of rogue chunks of snow here and there). Several guests were with us, most participating in Kumari’s Yoga for the Soul programme, which was a series of afternoon and Satsang talks on how to use yoga to connect to the innermost self. She also led morning yoga classes, which served as largely modified classes well suited to beginners to understand the practice of hatha yoga and asanas in detail. One week-end drew a couple of dozen guests, with many returning guests and new-to-the-Ashram walk-ins. The program was the very unique Sweat Lodge week-end, and ancient spiritually purifying experience, led by Pierre and assisted by his partner, Gita, long-time staff at the Ashram, both personally trained in Shamanism and with much experience leading Native Canadian rituals. After Pierre’s moving and inspiring introduction to the ritual, complete with authentic Native Canadian drumming and chants, guests worked on constructing the hut from scratch the next afternoon. The ceremony itself involved the guests sitting in the balmy and pitch-black hut, with ceremonial chanting, drumming, and a great deal of release of toxins both physical and emotional. Some participants described the experience as having to confront their egos, others as letting go of their fears, with others remarking on the great emotional release they were able to experience through the sweat, which allowed them to release massive spiritual and emotional baggage. Gita led Satsang that evening, with a guided meditation allowing us to meet an animal spirit guide, to help us find strength or answers in areas of need. Throughout that same week we had great staff movement as well. We welcomed Sherman, a very spirited karma yogi who will be at the Camp for the next several months; Joanne from her vacation; Sanaz, a computer engineer from Iran, Bridget, Lucia, who’s been at the Ranch for the past 2 months, and Ishwari, who will be doing one week of karma yoga. We also said good-bye to two staff: Kate, a work-study, and Sivani, who went back home to Ottawa. Staff for about 6 months, Sivani was a breath of fresh air at the Camp, and will be dearly missed. Returning staff have adjusted well and find it great to be back home.

By mid-May Summer seemed to have come as a rapid surprise to the Ashram with nearly every day brilliantly sunny and warm, and a couple of officially hot days as well. Taking great advantage of the certainly-temporary Summer weather, we held the first classes of the season outside and spent a karma yoga evening with all staff and guests working on assorted gardening projects. We also spent one afternoon hiking up Mount Condor with all the guests and most of the staff, which allowed all the opportunity to see the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For two days we held an unprecedented statistic with 100% of our guests being men (compared to our usual 5%)! Gauri Devi and Bridget worked happily and diligently in the gardens, weeding, soiling, and planting flowers and future food. After finishing renovations on the Orange House, we were able to celebrate both its renewal and Gita’s birthday, with a festivity of unspeakably delicious Mexican food, a delectable carrot cake, and a movie for staff and guests afterward. Later that week, staff worked on prepping the summer buildings, cleaning the dorms, kids’ camp cabins, staff cabins, and bathhouses. By the time the week-end rolled around we had nearly 30 guests, most participating in Alain Beaulieu’s drumming workshop. With many of the guests using drums for the first time, they learned how to equilibrate their energies using sound, which raises our vibratory levels and allows us to heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Incorporating drumming with sacred chanting from Hindu, Inuit, Native Canadian, and Tibetan traditions, guests re-connected with their divine spirits and opened their hearts. Many found the workshop left them in a serenely peaceful, meditative state, while others found the experience palpably intense and more viscerally powerful. Swami Shivabhakta and a couple of staff travelled to the Ottawa affiliated Centre, where Swamiji led a meditative hatha yoga class and inspiring Satsang before the Centre’s current location closes, to reopen at its original location in Ottawa in September. Apart from the growing number of day and week-end guests, the Ashram was also being explored by many tourists coming to visit the Subramanya Temple, which is now in full swing! Jeeva and Kamala were cooking outside, where visitors and devotees from near and far enjoy the delicious Sri Lankan food prepared with bhakti and care. The only downside is the growing amount of garbage that doesn’t quite seem to make it to the garbage bins! Staff are generally well and send to all wishes of peace, for our individual selves and for the world. Staff sends wishes of peace, happiness, and Pranams to all! Lord Siva’s blessings to all, and may happiness and peace surround you. Salutations to the worldwide family, from the Sivananda Headquarters.

Sivananda Dhanwanthari Ashram, Neyyar Dam, Kerala, India

Om Namo Narayanaya. Early May started with the anniversary celebration of the Rajarajeshwari Devi Temple. We held morning Satsang in the temple area and Aji Shanti and helpers conducted elaborate Pujas and Kalash Abhishekam. During a Thursday evening Satsang, guest Parvathi offered to share her poetry and mystical dance invoking the energy of different goddesses. The dance light and joyful leaving everyone happy. We celebrated Swami Sivasaranananda’s, 23rd samadhi anniversary. Staff chanted Om Namo Narayanaya and arati was performed at 10am for Swami Vishnudevananda’s mother. South Indian feast was then offered to the guests, staff and workers. Kids Camp came to a grand end. After welcoming the parents, one of the children gave a detailed camp report. Certificates were presented to the children with proud parents looking on. The children then sang bhajan and gave an asana demo. Finally gifts were presented to the dedicated staff and various prizes awarded to the childrens’ groups for different feats. Staff made sure all the children received at least one prize. Finally everyone partook of a feast with a huge cake for good measure. By evening most of the kids had left and the Ashram felt noticeably quieter.

During mid-May it is mango season at the Ashram! The days and nights were punctuated by regular thudding sounds as mangoes constantly keep falling from the trees. We were enjoying this sweet season. With some extra free time of low season staff have formed a study group and have been studying Raja yoga sutras from Meditation & Mantras, everyone shared a little about their view, opinions and experiences. Staff were chanting regularly in the evenings at the temple every Tuesday and Friday. Half an hour of daily Om Namo Narayanaya continued. Nataraj went away for a few days to visit Chennai and Madurai Centres, accompanied by Swami Rajeshwariananda who will stay on at Madurai Ashram for a few weeks. When he returned he shared to the staff about the on going developments such as the construction of the new temple and Satsang hall in Madurai Ashram. Bheeshma finished his period of karma yoga and has moved on to travel. We thanked him for his service especially

Sivananda Ashram, Netala, Uttarkashi, Himalayas, North India

Om Namo Narayanaya. With guidance and blessings from Master and Guru, Uttarkashi is functional and operating again, after the floods from 2013. Saturday May 10, evening, saw the arrival of 15 vacationers from Chennai. On the previous day we had 5 vacationers come in from various parts of the world. We began the program with a Ganapathi Homam. Hatha Yoga class was a mixture of, never done yoga, beginners, and intermediate advanced students. A few had also taken TTC course somewhere in the world. We chose to teach the beginners course as many struggled with some of the very basics. We saw the arrival of another vacationer 2 days into the program. The lectures were very well received and the students actively participated in the course. The ages ranged from 20 to 79 and all were happy to receive and share in the teachings. We had our silent walks on Wednesdays. Satsangs were very vibrant and many joined in the chanting. Sixteen of our guests left mid-month happy and eager to come back to the Ashram, excited to have supercharged themselves and their practice. Pranams to all. Om.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Om Namo Narayanaya. For early May there were Mango showers in Madurai again!!! Meenakshi Ashram was greener, cooler and brighter. Completely relieved off its busy schedule since a couple of months now and added by the surprising hails, the Ashram radiates positivity, peace and charm restoring a true Sattvic ambience, an ideal place for the individuals who have under taken a self-seeking spiritual voyage. Also Meenakshi Ashram was on its way in taking a better shape, with fresh infrastructures upcoming, a brand new Satsang hall and extended arena of Kali Temple being the beginning points of the bigger project. Expected to be launched soon, the construction process was happening at a promising pace. The Talent show was under the canopy of the stars amidst a warm bright campfire and exhibiting a platform of cultural exchange as it always had been. It was one of those picture perfect nights for the guests. We looked forward to yet another pleasant month with our Gurus’ grace.

During mid-May Madurai glitters with its season of prime popularity! The ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ festival is a celebration of the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Shiva, one of the longest celebrations of the world, lasting for one month. The carnival was in its concluding phase, with almost the entire city thronging the temple and participating in the festival’s finale. The celebration with its elaborate rites and rituals was indeed a sight to reckon with. For Meenakshi Ashram too it was a good change brought by two guests who visited from Neyyar Dam. Nataraj ji, the Director of Dhanwantri Ashram paid a visit and through his simplicity and good vibrations quickly inspired the staffs and guests here. As per his proposal, the Ashram joined the Centre in its evening Satsang on the 16th which was attended by a good number of Centre students along with their families and as well by some erstwhile patronages of the Gurus who served emphatically in the Organization. It also served as a perfect rendezvous for the staffs to socialize with each other while the Ashram staffs were also getting to understand and appreciate the activities of the Centre. Another important visit is by Swami Rajeshwariananda from Neyyar Dam who stayed with us for few more days. Swamiji’s presence has not only added grace and charm to the Ashram but also brought in enthusiasm of devotional dimension. Special Kirtan sessions were initiated, dedicating an exclusive hour of focused chanting of ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’ which is chanted in turns by staffs each day which brings in pure and positive vibrations to the place. We also bid farewell to a promising Karma yogi Subashini from Sri Lanka who effectively served here since March and is also positive about returning to the Ashram after few months to continue her service. Though the heat made it a less preferred season, it is truly fulfilling to see the few guests who arrive here with serious focus on their inner self, sincerely absorbing into the yogic lifestyle of this rustic Ashram. May Master and Guru be with us all. Peace and Pranams to the Sivananda family.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch Colony, Woodburne, NY, USA

Greetings from the Yoga Ranch! During early May the Sadhana Intensive was into its first week bringing much additional positive energy to the Ashram. The weather was still a bit cold, but the sun was shining. We began harvesting lettuce, spinach and arugula and planting herbs, fennel and flowers. Mavis Gewant arrived to teach the Chakra Mandala Painting Workshop. Other guests came to hike in the Catskills and were hosted by Swami Ambika and Srinivasan. Staff were in good spirits and all are looking forward to getting outdoors.

During mid-May guests joined staff for a Karma Yoga night in the garden. We enjoyed quick progress making new pathways, planting and weeding. The guests were happy to help outdoors during beautiful spring days, interspersed with clouds and much needed rainfall. The successful Sadhana Intensive concluded with a graduation ceremony and simple feast. Srinivasan and Mahadev Chaitanya guided a bike ride for guests through the hills around the Ashram one Saturday afternoon. Heather Principe returned to conduct two Sweat Lodges one Saturday and Sunday. Several of her students also began a Vision Quest that continued through that week. The Ashram staff were consistently busy with guests and tending the grounds. Staff sends Pranams to all! May the Gurus’ blessings of be with us.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, California, USA

Om Namo Narayanaya. For early May the Yoga Farm welcomed a wonderful teacher, Tulku Sherdor, a Tibetan Buddhist monk from the Blazing Wisdom Institute of New York, for a powerful meditation intensive. All attendees were blessed to receive this pure and traditional teaching that revealed the obstacles to meditation and offered insights into the nature of mind and heart. Swami Pranavananda taught the Anatomy and Yoga course during the week, providing practical understanding of the physical anatomy and Yoga practice. By Guru’s grace the Ashram was very busy with programs and preparations for the upcoming TTC. Staff and karma yogis poured their energies into beautification of the grounds, yoga halls, and general deep cleaning to welcome the TTC students to the Ashram.

During mid-May the TTC May began with the initiation of 48 students from many countries including USA, Singapore, China, Japan, Ireland, England, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and the Dominican Republic. Swami Sitaramananda welcomed the group with inspiring words about Master and Swamiji and Swamiji’s inspiration for the TTC to create new leaders for peace in the world. Initiation continued with beautiful Ganesha Puja and Saraswati Homa at the Krishna temple by Pandit Sharma. The group enjoyed the welcoming concert by Stephen Fiske and has begun the first week of classes with Swami Sitaramananda teaching Main Lecture; Swami Pranavananda and Ananta Ch. leading the Hatha Yoga team; Swami Dharmananda teaching Bhagavad Gita; Rajeshwari teaching Kirtan Chanting; Swami Pranavananda presenting Anatomy. In the week leading to TTC the Karma and Dharma course taught by Swami Dharmananda prepared all to dive into Karma Yoga spirit getting ready for the TTC including many Karma Yoga nights in garden, housekeeping and kitchen cleaning. We welcomed new staff Atmajyoti (from Taiwan), Atmaswarupa (from Singapore) Rajeshwari (from LA) and many seasonal returning staff. Hara Mahadev and Sundaram went for a break after intensive work to finish the two new Siva cabins right on time, ready for use by TTC. We are all doing well here in Vrindavan by Guru’s Grace. Om Namo Narayanaya to all the Sivananda family.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Nassau, Bahamas

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. For mid-May, during the interfaith symposium entitled ‘The Ultimate Goal’, we heard from teachers of 5 great religions each presenting the ultimate goal as it is formulated within their tradition. The presenters were Swami Medhananda giving the Vedantic perspective of the Ultimate Goal; Daniel Matt who is an authority on Kabbalah; Father Joseph Mitchell, Catholic priest; Lama Rodney Devinish from Tibetan Buddhism and Imam Jamal Rahman of the Sufi/Muslim tradition. Vianna Stibal, who developed the Theta Healing method of healing and her husband Guy were at the Ashram this week to teach Theta Healing courses.We also welcomed Radhanath Swami and Gaura Vani and his band to the Ashram. This is their 3rd year coming to the Retreat and along with them come many, many devotees of Radhanath Swami who is a disciple of A.C Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada (founder of ISKON – Intenational Society for Krishna Consciousness). Radhanath Swami spoke in the evening Satsangs telling beautiful stories from the scriptures and Gaura Vani and his band gave morning concerts as well as midday workshops. The TTC students began their third week of studies. Staff are well and send lots of Prem. Pranams to all!

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat House, Reith or Mittersill, Tyrol, Austria

Om Namah Sivaya. The month started with a 4-day further training for Yoga Teachers on the topic of “Yoga and Anatomy“. We explored musculature and connective tissue, the six planes of movement, relaxation and the autonomic nervous system and anatomy and physiology of the basic postures and some classical variations. A Yoga and Stress management course started with a small but eager group. Lectures on modern stress research, burnout and yoga psychology alternated with specific yoga classes on stress release and the different levels of relaxation. Later in the month we had a nice week with “yoga and hiking” as topics. The guests went to nearby lakes and mountains and enjoyed the brisk air and long walks. Padmavati, a long-year disciple of Swamiji, from Vienna came to teach a seminar on gentle yoga. The guests loved it a lot and appreciated the deep effects of adapted asanas and gentle pranayama. A karma yogi renovated the stairs along the Retreat House. We continued with the preparations for the upcoming TTC, the garden got new soil and pots with beautiful plants are now decorating the House. TTC started on June 17th with 40 students eager to study yoga in the Gurukula system. They quickly adapted to the daily schedule and are open-minded and receptive. Towards the end of the May two guest speakers came to enrich the programmes of the Retreat House greatly: Stephen Quong, Vedic Astrologer gave insights into the connection between health, personality, karma and astrology. Molly Birkholm, gave a three day Seminar on Yoga and trauma which was highly appreciated by guests and staffs alike. Weather was changing a lot this month but spring broke its way with wonderful flowers, green meadows and a lot of birds. Highlight of the month was the Sapthaha with readings from the scriptures accompanied by classical Indian life music. OM.

Sivananda Ashram Chateau du Yoga, Orleans, France

Om Namah Sivaya. The Ganesha Homa by our priest at the beginning of the month marked a powerful start of the May TTC. The TTC students adapted nicely to the daily routine, the group proved to be quite positive, open and eager to learn. Angela Hope Murray visited the Ashram and gave a series of talks on Ayurveda; both TTC and guests enjoyed the ayurvedic cooking demonstration given by her together with Swami Bhagavatananda. Another guest-speaker, Loïc Sallet, gave two nice and well received lectures, answering the question of “which water to drink in daily life?” and about the energising of water. Stephen Quong came and gave a serie of lectures on Vedic Astrology. On one weekend, Swami Kailasananda gave a special programme for a good group of teachers of “How to Teach Meditation and Mantra-chanting to beginners”. Claude Aubert gave one lecture about the importance of organic agriculture; he is the author of many books on this subject, and presented lots of very interesting scientific findings. Finally, Madhavi came as a special guest from the affiliated Sivananda Yoga Centre in Miami for her course “Healing though Deep Relaxation”. She taught well received “Yoga Nidra” classes. Swami Bhagavatananda went to Paris for a one day teachers’s programme there. The garden looks most beautiful and vibrant with the input of both spring and Karma Yoga energy. Pranams to all. OM.