Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya. The highlight was the visit of the Acharyas Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda, accompanied by Swami Ramapriyananda on Hanuman Jayanti. There was a simple but strong morning Pooja for Hanuman and in the evening an Asana workshop with Swami Ramapriyananda and a Satsang with Swami Sivadasananda. Many students and teachers took the chance to share their wisdom and experience. Another highlight was a one week retreat in an old mill in the middle of a nature resort 120 km out of Berlin. Everybody gladly joined the activities consisting of daily two Asana classes, two meditations, a lecture and an additional meditative walk and soon could feel the benefit of the regular practice. The weather was splendid. The students returned highly inspired.  For the Pentecost weekend Swami Gokulananda and Kailas from Orleans went to Poland for a program in different polish cities. It was very successful, there were many new people participating in the different activities. Students and teachers could reconnect to the energy of the masters. Further we had a TTC prep and a Yoga 1 weekend course which were both well attended by inspired students. Satsangs are well visited, many students are supporting the Centre with Karma Yoga. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May the Centre was blessed by the Sannyas initiation of a long time staff. She took Sannyas in Canada three weeks ago and now we are waiting joyfully for her to return to the Centre. She was initiated as Swami Shivapriyananda. We had a teachers meeting, where teachers manifested cheerfulness for the new Swami. Almost all the team of yoga teachers was present and after the meeting, we had a workshop about teachings and correction of postures. Teachers were happy having this opportunity to review the technique and benefits of asanas and pranayama. This workshop is going to be taught once a month.

Mid May saw the Centre begin a new meditation class. The “Bhagavad Gita” workshop continued, led by Swami Premananda. Swami Sivapriyananda arrived to the Centre, very pleased after Sannyasa’s initiation in Canada. Kanti Devi arrived to the Centre with Chandra to begin the Yoga Festival, commemorating the 16th anniversary of the Sivananda Centre in Buenos Aires. There were several events to mark the anniversary, including workshops, led by Kanti Devi, Swami Premananda and Swami Dayananda. There was a lunch to greet the new Swami and Kanti Devi. There were 30 professors at the event, all in a festive spirit. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May Sivani and Swami Narayanananda returned from the retreat in Beijing, then preparing right away for a retreat in the city of Xi’an the following weekend.  Saraswati has been looking after the Centre with help from local karma yogis. Classes were quiet, while the meditation course continued steady. 11 participants joined us for a weekend retreat in Xi’an. Most of them are new to Swamiji’s teaching. One of the participants had been practicing for 12 years based only on his reading of CIBY, and he now experienced his first classes with a teacher. We hoped he will be joining us for TTC in September.  Students were happy to discover an integrated system of Yoga practice beyond just asana and are keen to practice further.

During mid May Swami Narayanananda and Sivani left for the city of Kunming, in the South of China, to participate in the China-India Yoga Festival. In Kunming we met with Nataraj and Kalyani from Neyyar Dam, and India staff Anisha, who would all be teaching at the Festival. Sundari from China also met us there to assist with translation. The Festival was organized by the City of Kunming with cooperation of the Indian Embassy in China. Senior teachers from three other major Yoga schools from India participated in the event. The opening ceremony of the festival was reported on China Central Television. During the four-day festival, we taught two classes daily, introducing Master’s and Swamiji’s teaching of Yoga of Synthesis and the five points of Yoga. Students from different parts of China participated with enthusiasm. Many of the classes had over 100 participants practicing closely together. We were struck by the openness and enthusiasm of both students and organizers, who were happy for us to include the teaching of kirtan and mantras in our classes. Kirtan sessions proved very popular, with the size of the group of participants growing during the session as people were attracted by the sound. We enjoyed wonderful hospitality from our Chinese hosts. Back in Chengdu, staff member Saraswati took care of the Centre and all classes for the week. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. During early May we started morning beginners and a kids camp, which will last for 1 week with various yogic activities for kids during their summer break. One of our staff members, Isabel, left the Centre, we wished her all the best and hoped to see in the Centre soon. We also welcomed Thomas, our new staff member who completed his TTC in Neyyar Dam in 2014 and is dedicated to offer his help and do karma yoga duties in the Centre. We held a beautiful Bhoomi Pooja to mark the beginning of renovation and construction of the Centre building. All the guests, students and Centre staff members participated in the Pooja ceremony, followed by special breakfast and prasad. We hope that with Swamijis blessings the construction will run smoothly and will be finalized soon. The rest of the activities in the Centre were carried as usual.

During mid May we finished the morning beginners course and started an evening beginners course with a good number of students. Construction work was carried out efficiently, despite hot weather in Chennai, where temperatures reached 40C sometimes. Luckily we also were blessed with a few days of rain, which brought freshness and smile on people’s faces :). The rest of the activities in the Centre were carried as usual, all staff members are performing their karma yoga duties and making sure that the Centre operates efficiently and for the benefit of everyone. With the blessings of God and Masters, we send Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May warm weather and the finally arriving summer brought many of our students back and drop-in classes cheered up. Yoga 1 & 2 courses continue well. We finished a Yoga 2 course with happy students who will continue straight with Yoga 3 also. Lalita Chaitanya was away at the Camp, among the three Brahmacharis to be initiated into Sannyas during the EBM. She is now known as Swami Satyapremananda. After the initiation, she returned to the Ranch with Srinivasan and Swami Paramananda to spend a few months there, including June TTC and July ATTC.

During mid May drop-in classes and Yoga courses continued well. We finished a Yoga 1 course with smiling students and started a new Yoga 3. An intensive meditation course came to an end, as well. A highlight event that we waited eagerly, was 108 Sun Salutation Challenge, to raise funds for main building’s repair project. It went well. We’re so grateful for the support of our lovely students and teachers. Staff are well, giving thanks for the grace and guidance of the Gurus, and sending pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. Early May was wonderfully busy in the DaLat Centre. Three residents stayed at Centre. We opened new two classes, Yoga 1 for beginner at 6:00-7:00am and 9:15-10:45am. These classes were taught by Sivashakti and Saraswati with assistants are new staffs: Mukunda, Radhika and Karma Yogi: Vidya Devi. The Open House was successful. Some students registered for Yoga 1 after that. Also, open classes were filled with students and tourist.

During mid May residents came for Yoga Vacations and training. They appreciated the Yoga Life and the beautiful weather of Dalat. Yoga 1 for Beginners finished and students registered for Yoga 2 right after that. A Headstand workshop was very successful. Students did learn how to come to the pose correctly, and keep the pose steady, how to not make mistakes, and also some new variations. Saraswati and staff with Swami Sitaramananda were very busy preparing for the programs 2017 for K Lan resort next year when we plan to rent the facility year round for Yoga Vacations and Yoga and Ayurveda courses. This required many visits to government offices for guidance in paperwork. We were praying for Guru’s blessings in this endeavor which will be a big blessing for Vietnam.  Saraswati and Ganga visited the Yoga Farm for the 45th year anniversary of the Yoga Farm and also for visiting HQRS Canada and others SYVC location. Staff is being trained to take over the Centre in their absence. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May we started with the beginners course for 10:00am and 6:30pm batch. Weekend beginners classes also started. We conducted the Surya Namaskar workshop and Shat Kriya workshop. With the grace of Gurus and the will of Almighty all the classes went very well. We saw more students enrolling for the courses. As the number students started to increase we saw the responsibility of us increasing to serve them better.

During mid May we started with the beginners course for 10:00am and 6:30pm batch. For the summer vacation for the kids, we started the Kids Camp. We gave a special yoga class for the National Law University Students and Staffs who were interested in yoga. We conducted the hip flexibility workshop. The meditation classes started on Saturdays. The Summer arrived in Delhi. The temperature was high and also because of the summer vacation we were seeing a less number of students for the 10 am class. Apart from that, everything went very well here. With God’s grace and gurus blessings all the staff members are doing good. Praveenji came back to the Centre, continuing with the service. Om Trayambakams. Our prayers to all. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. Early May started with two beginners’ course one at 10am and the other at 6:30pm. We also “Foundation to Meditation course”. Karoona ji and Neelkanth ji came to the Centre for few days. Neelkanthji left for Sivananda Kutir, Uttrakashi. We conducted the Sunday Satsang at 6:00pm. With thy Grace and the blessings of the Masters everything at the Centre went well.

During mid May we started with two beginners’ course one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. We prepared, getting good response and advance registration to start first batch of the Kids yoga summer camp on May 23rd.  With the blessings of the Masters all went well and the daily schedules of open class, beginners’ course, Foundation to Meditation course, Gentle yoga, kids class, Prenatal yoga, special classes and Satsang are going fine. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. On Sunday afternoon there was a fire next to our annex, where the office and a second asana hall are located. Luckily nobody was injured and the flames did not spread out to the Centre but the annex was contaminated by the smoke and had to be professionally cleaned. A part of the office was moved to the kitchen and the Centre continues with the full schedule while staff and students are adapting to the new situation. The architect of the building came to evaluate the situation for the planning of the renovation of the ceiling and painting the walls and we hope to be fully operational soon. On the weekends we had a beginners’ intensive course 1 and 2 and a TTC-prep with inspired students as well as a Pranayama-workshop with many students staying for the whole day. We also had a good open day with an interested and focused group of new students and many students coming by for course-cards. Staff attended a meeting with members of the Indian Embassy in Geneva for the planning of the IYD at the United Nations Organization. Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated with a a very serene Puja and last Sunday a Puja for Peace with Om Namo Narayanaya chanting was held. Devotees came with flowers and Prasad and the altar is radiant and full of prana. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. Early May was inspiring with much new energy in the Centre.  The staff put out much effort for the open house and we had a good turnout with more than 20 people coming and signing up for courses.  The training of recent TTC graduates continued with afternoon workshops Tuesday through Friday.  Many new outside teachers were assisting and doing trial classes with the staff.  We started a Yoga Two course, and finished most of the courses of the previous month.  A student of our affiliated Centre in Hanoi joined us as a resident for three days. She very much enjoyed and learned from her stay here.

During mid May our new staff member, Dharmini, began teaching her first yoga one course with many students.  This was the first early course we have had in some time.  With several morning courses, the Centre was busy as never before!  One weekend we had two workshops:  On Saturday a traditional Vietnamese natural doctor, Dr. Son, came to present Proper Yoga Diet for the summer season, and on Sunday Dharmini led her first cooking workshop to prepare traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes.  We continued to train teachers how to teach courses with daily workshops.  Many new teachers came for Karma Yoga and assisting classes. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May the London Centre was a hive of activity this week, beginning with a weekday cooking workshop entitled ‘Simple Vegetarian Dishes for Busy People’. The students left feeling nourished in body as well as mind, inspired with their newly learned cooking skills. We also held a TTC Preparation Day and a special programme entitled ‘Prana & the Astral Body’, which brought many students here for the full day. We had very well attended classes at the weekend with the Saturday afternoon class spilling out of the classroom! The architectural drawings for the renovations of the entrance to the asana halls have been finalised and renovations are scheduled to start during the summer. A new element in the celebration around International Yoga Day is that a short asana class will be held in the Shard, the tallest building in Europe with 310 meters height. Students are reacting with much enthusiasm to the idea of practising their  asanas with unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. A Puja at the end of the week left the altar looking very beautiful and created much positive energy that carried the staff through to the end of another blessed week.

During mid May the new brochure planning is nearing completion and offers a varied programme ranging from a Summer Yoga Festival in a nearby park along the Thames, residential certificate courses and guest speakers on the Indian Spiritual Heritage to retreats in the UK and France. We celebrated the beauty of new life with the weekend How to teach Yoga during Pregnancy and were happy to welcome 21 TTC graduates for the programme. The Centre was full of pregnant bellies, some genuine, and some replicated with a balloon under the T shirt to practice the modified asanas in the workshop. Satsangs this weekend were well attended, with students paying their respects to the Divine Mother with many Devi kirtans, creating a very nourishing atmosphere that was felt by all. We also held a photo shoot for the new brochure, bringing a team of enthusiastic yogis together to practice in front of the camera. Salutations to all. Om Namah Sivaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! During early May Yoga One Course continues with enthusiasm and the students are very engaged, asking many questions about the Yoga teaching. Wednesday evening Satsang focused on Krishna chants, introducing Him to the students with short stories and images. For Gita Study we started to discuss chapter four, students participate well, everyone  had lots to share. Sunday is Mother’s Day, we chanted Sunday Prayers and read from Swami Sivananda’s teaching on Bhakti Yoga. This week we also did Saraswati Puja both at the Centre and at Panchavati. Staff are well and are sending Pranams to all. May Grace of the Guru continue to shelter and guide us.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! This month an interesting new TTC location in South Spain was visited. Several maintenance projects were done, including organizing the library, refurbishing the bathrooms and renovating the large courtyard floor (done by the owner), which is now looking beautiful. The Centre brochure was finalized and ready for graphic design. Preparations for 5 day Spring Festival “The essence of Yoga” was the main focus and much Prana went in distribution of brochures, publicity and newsletter. We are looking forward to this event. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. Early May started with a good rain to relief from extreme heat for some days. We purchased a new two wheeler scooter and also an computer CPU for the office. Kids Summer Yoga Camp successfully moved into third week. Other classes like Open, advance, private, and gentle classes were going well with gurus grace. Sunday Satsang was highly energetic with some of students and outsiders. All staffs are taking care of their own Sadhana along with Centre activities.

Mid May was quite for the Centre where it was continuously rain for two days. Temperatures reduced and for a moment it was looking like it is winter, not summer. There was a state election. The result of these elections where Tamil people made a history to bring again the same govt. In Tamil Nadu history so far non party has come second time, there was a change in each five years.This mark that people were happy enough with Amma work and gave her chance to continue ruling the state for next five year. Though the Centre was open for these two days but non turn for any classes. Hence our student nos graph and income gone down. On Friday our one month Kids Camp got over with nice ceremony where we called all the parents for meeting. Kids demonstrate Asana to their parents and all the parents were happy with their kids performance. The benefit of Asana were explain to the parents and also was told them how  Asana help to increase their memory and concentration. All parents commit that they are putting the kids for our weekend daily classes which will start from June. We also were glad to attend the final ceremony of first Summer camp of our Meenaskhi Ashram on Saturday. All staff went to the Ashram stays there for till kids talent show which was amazing with all kind of performance like Bhajan, Yoga Asana, Dance, Drama ect. We looking forward to have an good week ahead. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. Everything else was fine, with Gurus grace. Pranams to all from Temple city Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! During early May we began with a new May beginner’s courses on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, an all of them with great assistance.
We continue with regular, elderly and children classes regularly.

During mid May we had only the 6:00 pm Regular class because of the holiday. The rest of the week we continued with regular classes normally. Three of the beginner’s courses had their 3^rd class and the Monday’s group had their 2^nd. We started with the Intensive beginner’s course on Friday 20^th at 8:00 pm with a very good attendance and a great response from the students. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! During early May Kanti Devi spent the week at the Centre and led Satsang, talking about the foundations of Sadhana by Swami Sivananda. Her main duty was caring for her granddaughter, Sarah, while Mirabai her daughter was teaching a course close by. It was wonderful to have Kanti and the baby with us, and we hope to see her again soon! Classes continued to draw in many students. The Tuesday Yoga 1 continued with 10 students. Swami Shivabhaktananda concluded with a lively satang. With the help of many karma yogis, we have been giving the Centre a deep cleaning, from the ceiling to the trimmings! Two computer experts are helping to set up the bar code scanner and print new membership cards so we maximize the use of the mind and body software! Many teachers returned from spending the winter in warmer countries, bringing in some fresh energy. We are ever grateful for the blessings of Master and Swamiji.

During mid May, with all the support of our teachers and karma yogis, the Centre continued to run smoothly. The yoga classes and the yoga 1 & 2 courses ran very well at the Centre. We had the last class of Yoga 1 with Uma and Vishnu with 13 happy students, who are looking forward to continue with yoga 2. We had a special weekend at the Yoga Camp for all members, students and families from the Montreal Centre. Many of our teachers and karma yogis joined the program and they were very happy doing karma yoga at the Ashram. The weather was beautiful and we were able to enjoy the yoga classes outside on the platform. The program for the kids was very well planned by Uma, Veena and Subramanya. They had different activities; including games, chanting, asana class, relaxation… and  they were also excited with their karma yoga duties. We had a bonfire with a wonderful kids’ talent show; also the kids organized the adults’ talent show, where the kids were the judges. We had a joyful weekend and all the Centre members were very happy and grateful for this family weekend experience at the Ashram.  We are ever grateful for Master and Swamijis grace. Sending Pranams to all!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. This month we had a workshop about “How to overcome anger” which combined little theory with lots of practice. An inspired group was participating in the TTC Preparation Day. Sigrid Siebert nutritionist from Frankfurt visited the Munich Centre. She gave an informative lecture about modern and healthy diet for vegetarians, which was followed intently by the students. In the Priest program end of the month Yagneshwara Dixid performed three Pujas for the Centre. The program began with a Murti-Puja for Ganesha followed by two Yantra-Pujas. The first with a Sudarshana-Yantra and chanting of the 1008 names of Vishnu and the second with a Rama-Yantra and Abishekam for Lord Hanuman. The energy of the Centre was beautifully uplifted. The correction workshop for teachers of the Centre focused on “Backwardbends – limitations and expansion”. All were inspired and eager to put the knowledge into practice. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! Early May was marked by the arrival of Nirmala and Satyadev, two gifted and inspiring Sivananada yoga teachers who run Atman Yoga, an affiliate Centre in Medellin, Colombia. They had just finished teaching the TTC in the Bahamas and were here at the Centre (and the Ranch) to share some of their knowledge, experience/s and inspiration with us here. They facilitated workshops at the Centre and the Ranch as well as leading a number of Satsangs. The focus of workshop at the Centre was “sankalpa: the power of yogic resolutions”. As a practical tool for developing spiritual goals, making resolutions, and monitoring progress they designed and produced what they call a ‘Yogic Agenda’. This is a beautiful practical resource which many students, staff, and teachers have received.Classes and courses continued here as usual during the week. We had a good turnout of participants for Open House on Saturday plus a number of teachers and outside karma yogis who helped make it a such a success…and fun! We have also been thrilled at the number of new people who have stepped forward to offer us a hand here at the Centre. It’s so encouraging to see that support for the Centre.

During mid May we had the usual flow of student traffic for classes and courses. We have Yoga 1 and 2s on the go in addition to the regular asana class schedule. Swami SatyaPremananda was here from the Ranch on Wednesday again to lead both the yoga philosophy course called ‘Overcoming Obstacles’ and then Satsang afterwards. The students and Centre community really appreciate the practicality she brings with her depth of knowledge on this subject. On the weekend we had a well attended (a packed house actually) workshop on the headstand facilitated by Shanti, one of the seasoned instructors here. This always seems to be a popular workshop for the students trying to master this more challenging asana. Swami Paramananda visited the Centre this weekend as well. He taught the advanced class on Sunday which featured the balancing poses. After the class he led the Satsang on the topic of “Building one’s prana”. Swamiji always has an inspiring way to talk about a topic most of us are familiar with. Sharing some soup after Satsang is a popular part of the evening too. Sri Hari, a long standing karma yogi made the most delicious soup. All the Staff is well and send their pranams. All the Staff were well and send their Pranams. With Guru’s grace, we will be blessed and inspired to carry on his peace mission. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of the month, we had an uplifting weekend with the south Indian priest Yagneshvara Dixit, who performed 3 Pujas. A powerful murti Puja for: Ganesha, Krishna, Sarasvati, Siva and Hanuman on Saturday evening. A Siva and Durga Puja Sunday morning a Sri Yantra Puja Sunday evening and a Puja from Swamiji’s  Puja book. Swami Kailasananda had a positive meeting with the cultural service of the Indian Embassy for the Yoga day Celebration in Paris. The Sivananda Organization will support the Embassy giving an asana and meditation class in the big square in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. This month, we had a well attended kirtan course and a head stand workshop. A positive thinking and a meditation courses started with groups of motivated students. Staff and karma yogis put good prana with the promotion, preparation and actual teaching of an ayurvedic cooking weekend with Ayurveda Acharya S.K. Kamlesh. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Om Namah Sivaya from Brasil. Staff send Pranams to all the Sivananda family. Om Om Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. During mid May we were very happy to have Nataraj and Kalyani at the Centre for a day and happy that they got theirs Visas. Attendance was a bit low due to the heavy rain, but the weather turned beautiful for the class in the park. People keep registering for the Retreat in Umbria. Pranams to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. During early May Dr Vignesh Devraj (Sivananda TTC graduate), from South India, gave a compelling talk on Panchakarma Tuesday evening. There was a good turnout. (Maybe we should consider launching a Tuesday Evening Talk Series.) Swami Kashi Muktananda was with us for the weekend. He led the Bhagavad Gita class on Friday spending the entire session on Chapter 2, verse 16—sat vs asat and the path of action vs the path of knowledge. He gave talks on Vedanta over the weekend, reminding us that objects have nothing to do with happiness and that the observer is not a thought. He delighted us with stories at Sunday Satsang.

During mid May Sankari Chaitanya spent several days at the Yoga Farm, and was back to host a sitar concert with Partha Bose and Indranil Mallick, both extraordinary musicians. We were honored to have them at the Centre. We offered a Hip Opening workshop and Yoga Nidra session. Sivani and Lakshmana kept classes going. Gajananam lead Sunday evening Satsang and taught highlights of the Gita, Chapter 4. Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. During early May we started a beginners course with 3 students, Tandava with his father worked in the water tank to improve the water system of a part of the house.

During mid May we had a very strong rain, the electricity and internet were out almost all night. We finished a Yoga 2 with 2 students and made a good diffusion with brochures.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May we came back from the Passover retreat and started to put all our efforts in the promotions of the upcoming courses. A new advanced meditation course opened with 10 students, and on Thursday new Yoga 1 started with12 participants and a beginners meditation course opened with 10. Pranava left the Centre on her way to the Yoga Retreat were she will be assisting in the May TTC. Shankara Chaitanya landed in Israel after a month long stay in the Yoga Retreat teaching in the ATTC.

During mid May the intensity of the activities is Centre accelerated. We had a very successful three introduction classes, for Positive Thinking and Meditation courses, and Guided Imagery & Positive thinking workshop. The courses will start in two weeks after another introduction classes next week. We were also promoting a new Yoga 2 course, Pranaya workshop, Indian cooking workshop, Yoga 3, Yoga 1 and a new Urban Retreat all starting in the next 12 days. As Pranava was in the Bahamas we were very lucky and happy to get the precious help from Amba who came to be with us for 4 days, taking care of the Centre and allowing Shankara Chaitanya and Bhargavi to fucus on telemarketing and filling up the many courses. We went to Mata only to find out that the Ashram there is also very busy with major construction project of expending the deck into a huge platform, and the building of a new kitchen, as well as hosting a festival of Indian food which attracted about 150 people. In spite of the commotion we had a great time and were able to rest well and practice a lot. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May the long consecutive holidays called “Golden Week” finished. Using Golden Week, people can take a relatively long vacation because several national holidays and the normal weekends continued like off-and-on holidays. Although the Centre was keeping an usual schedule during the holidays, the number of students attending classes were quite unstable.   A “Headstand workshop” taught by Tara was held and 18 students participated. One Saturday, we had Karma Yogi’s meeting to discuss the plan for Centre’s 5th anniversary scheduled in late June.

During mid May “Kirtan workshop”  by Bhakti was held and 20 students joined. Most of the students were TTC graduates but there were some students who found out about this workshop through internet searching a word “kirtan” not knowing anything about Sivananda Yoga. Considering an increased interest in Kirtan among Yoga students in Japan, we planned to offer Kirtan workshop more often. 2 courses of Yoga1 were finished this week, and 17 students in total completed these courses. Most of them signed up for Yoga 2 course. Twelve participants came over to take a “Trial Class”. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May a Yoga 3 with Meditation practice started with fourteen students. We had Chair Yoga Course with Anjaneya who came to teach from Ottawa. It was very nice to see students and teachers interested in accommodating older people and people for whom it is too challenging to do regular yoga practice. Prahlad and Saraswati taught at the fundraising event for ST Michael’s hospital. The attendance was very good and lots of funds were raised for the cause. Morning started with kirtan performed by Vikram, Siva and Charu, our teachers. The event was organized by Yogi Raj, our long time teacher who is very dedicated to all charitable causes. Bhavani came back from US  as she wanted to spend some time in Toronto Centre before coming to Yoga Camp in the summer to be staff at the Kids Camp.

During mid May a new Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses started. Teen Yoga started as well with returning teens and some joining for the first time. Prahlad cooked a lovely meal on Sunday before giving Satsang in the evening, attended by a lot of students. Victoria Day long weekend, for which lot of people in Toronto go out of town so many of our teachers organized a picnic in  High Park, one of Toronto largest parks, where they enjoyed the beautiful Spring weather and famous cherry trees that were in full blossom. Lots of students came for Friday and Sunday evening Satsangs. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May a beginners’ batch for ladies started on Mondays. Rajesh & family went on a holiday for 3-4 days. We had conducted a Headstand workshop for the students, which helped them to improve their posture. Open, Kids, Gentle Yoga and Advance class went well. Satsang was led by Rajesh.

During mid May a new batch was commenced on Monday evenings. A Chanting class also started in the Centre. This will be conducted once a week. One Saturday evening there was a workshop on Surya Namaskar for the students, which helped them to improve their postures. Satsang was led by Rajesh. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. Beginning of May we had an Open House with trial class, a meditation introduction, a short lecture about yoga including an asana demonstration, a cooking workshop and an information session for the teachers training course and the yoga vacation program. We also had an Ayurveda special program with Dr. Shanti Kumar Kamlesh – two informative lectures and a wonderful cooking class. Further special activities were a Surya Namaskar workshop and a Raja Yoga Course. We are looking forward to our big yoga and music festival „The Essence of Yoga“ from 3 to 9 June. There will be many special asana workshops, lectures, recitations from the yoga scriptures and Indian music. Come and join us! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. This month we have started with several beginners courses. We also started with so far highest course in Vilnius Centre – Yoga 21. We welcomed Ayurveda Acharya Dr Kamlesh who gave well attended and received lectures, cooking class. Power point with slides, explanation of first steps to Ayurveda, doshas and spices were presented.  Students received valuable information & different advices for maintaining healthy life style. Monthly Open Day took place where all students stayed for the full program. We are very happy to see good attendance for our evening and morning Satsangs. Poster runs in the different schools, colleges and universities were done regularly. We have arranged a nice area near to the entrance, putting some chairs, tables and spring flowers were planted, students can sit in the open air before the yoga class. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius