Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! Many new courses started this month, two yoga 1 courses and several higher courses, all with good number of students. We started the “Yoga of the heart” course, Bhagavad Gita and a meditation course. For the Pentecost weekend we spontaneously created a little special program with a scorpion workshop and a lecture series on Raja Yoga for the three Satsangs. The weather got warmer and better students and teachers were enjoying many classes outside on the platform in the garden. Middle of june we had Dr. Kamlesh with us who shared his knowledge about Ayurveda. He gave two informative lectures which were both well visited. The first day he gave an introduction into the science of Ayurveda and the following day an overview about the most important spices and herbs and how to use them. The highlight was the cooking course on Sunday, where students could participate in preparing ayurvedic dishes. It tasted delicious and students left inspired and happy. A good group of Karma Yogis supported the staff with preparation and during the cooking course. The international Yoga Day was celebrated with different events. One week before the day itself a curtain raiser event was organized at the Indian Embassy. Many Centre students were participating in the collective practice, a lecture on history and benefits of Yoga and the official video of the International Yoga day. The day itself started with a boat cruise which had been organized by the Indian Embassy. Under a perfect blue sky and a radiant sun students from different Yoga schools and Embassy officials spent the morning practicing Asanas onboard of the ship, passing most of the important sites and monuments of Berlin along the river Spree. The evening event took place at the Embassy itself. We participated with teaching Asanas. A good group of students and Karma Yogis were joined both events with great enthusiasm to participate and to help. The new Centre brochure was finished and came back from the printer. It is the first time we are having a specific summer brochure and it is well received by the students. Beginning of the month Swami Gokulananda went to Poland for a weekend retreat together with Kailas from Orleans. The retreat went very well, many Polish teachers and former TTCs joined. A good number of newcomers made their first experience with the teachings of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda. Many are inspired to join either TTC or Yoga Vacation in the Polish TTC in Ustka in September. The International Day of Yoga was celebrated on Wednesday 21st of June. The center participated in the two events organized by the Indian embassy. In the morning students from different Yoga schools and Embassy officials were practicing Asanas onboard of a ship, passing most of the important sites and monuments of Berlin along the river Spree. The evening event took place at the Embassy itself, where we were teaching Asanas. A good group of students and Karma Yogis were joined both events with great enthusiasm to participate and to help. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of June Swami Dayananda returned after giving workshops in Vina del Mar, Chile. Two Beginners’ courses were opened. One Saturday we gave workshop “Yoga and the Back”. We continued the course on Sanskrit.

During mid June Swami Prem returned after Tour Brazil, on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebration. We continued with the Class for Children, where every time we have more and more little students. We gave a special class in preparation for the International Yoga Day, coinciding with Father’s Day in Argentina. For the International Yoga Day the Centre participated in teaching a yoga class and presenting two lectures.

Yamuna, from Uruguay visited us and she also accompanied us in the celebration. Swami Premananda traveled with Kanti Devi to the Nequen Centre for celebrating the 60th Anniversary. Ximena, a new staff from Bolivia, arrived for staying for 6 months. Om.

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Om Namah Sivaya. In June we finished teaching our first senior yoga course, in Wenjiang. The students were grateful and inspired to continue practicing. We offered a trial gentle yoga class at the Centre as well, as we are planning to start offering gentle yoga classes at the Centre in July. A new class of Yoga 1 was formed after one of our Open House. Regular open classes at the Centre continued smoothly. We changed our front yard, laid grass patches, planted flowers and bamboo on one side and grew some vegetables on the other side of the staircase at the entrance. We welcomed Swami Narayanananda coming from Vietnam to support us. He led a delightful Sunday Satsang after his arrival. We looked forward to having more training with him at the Centre. We also held a weekend retreat in Qianfo Mountain, with Swami Narayanananda, on the essence of Yoga Sutras. Students and staff were all inspired and felt recharged after spending 2 days in the mountains. We also started a new class of Yoga 1. Swami Narayanananda led a wonderful Satsang on Yoga Psychology. The Staff felt uplifted by the presence of a senior teacher. We had a special Satsang on Yoga Day with Swami Narayanananda. Om Namo Narayanaya to all the Sivananda family.

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Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. On the 05th Jun, Monday, we started a morning Beginners’ batch, with good number of students. On 11th June, the QCI conducted the Level 2 Yoga Teacher’s exam here. The whole day was lively with many Yoga candidates from outside. They conducted the written exam in the morning at 09:00am and from 1pm, the Practical & Viva exam continued until 07:30pm. On 11th Jun, one of our staff, Haridasi left. We wished her all success for her future. Thanks to God and our Masters, as everything has been running smoothly. We started a Ladies Beginners’ course, with good number of students. On 15 June, Thursday, we had an auspicious Ganapathy Homa, conducted regularly, every 1st day of a Tamil month. The Homa brought more positive energy to our Centre. On 17th Jun, Saturday, we started a Weekend Beginners’ course, with good number of students. On 18th Jun, Sunday, we conducted a meeting with all the teachers in connection with the discussion of International Yoga Day program. With the support of all teachers and staff, we prepared to celebrate the International Yoga day with lots of enthusiasm. We arranged programs for the whole day, starting from 06:00am to 08:00pm, including Breakfast and Dinner for the participants. On 21st June, on International Yoga Day, we had organized free Open classes for the public. The programs were conducted from morning 6 am till night 8 pm. In the morning, at 6 am, with the support and co-operation of all the teachers, we conducted a free open class at the nearby Thiruvanmiyur Beach, in association with the Thiruvanmiyur Beach Walker’s association. The participants belonged to different age groups and different walks of life. The class created great enthusiasm for the teachers as well as to the participants. At the same time, we conducted a free open class at the Chennai Centre in which many new people came to experience yoga for the first time. Also, after the class, a delicious breakfast was provided at the Centre for all. In the evening also, we conducted another open class, in which many new, as well as present students participated. We conducted an ”Introduction to Yoga” session by Shri. Hariharan. A good number of people attended the awareness program, followed by a special Satsang, which was solemnized by the Talk of Shri Selvanayagam. It was an interesting and informative speech on Yogic Life to many inquisitive people. We offered delicious food for all the guests. All together, the Yoga Day event was celebrated successfully and smoothly with the blessings of our Gurus and the support of all the staff. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of June we started out with a big boost of new students signing up for classes and several former students returning after some time away. We had a Devi Puja, with 6 students in attendance. A highlight was a 108 Sun Salutation practice to raise funds for the Centre. Ten students and teachers participated in the event that went very well. They all completed the challenge within an hour, keeping the energy flowing and practicing in sync. It was a fun and festive day. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, we received generous donations. Afterwards we shared connection over fresh juice and light snacks. Everyone was energized, happy and eager to support the Centre.

Mid June the morning class attendance increased with the onset of summer, while the early evening classes had seen a slight decline. Late evening classes remain popular with a loyal student population. The Yoga 1 and Meditation course ended with the students looking forward to start coming to drop in classes. RamPrasad continued with painting the upstairs kitchen cabinets and base mouldings which had made a huge improvement. There was 1 new teacher, Maha Shakti, who trained and 2 new Karma Yogis volunteered to do garden work. Arjuna (James Alfieri) arrived for a two and a half week stay. Arjuna will look after and run the Centre while Radha returns to the Yoga Ranch for a month of rejuvenation. After Satsang we surprised Arjuna with a potluck dinner to welcome him back. It was a friendly gathering, giving us all a chance to catch up with Arjuna and each other. Radha headed to NYC to participate in the International Day of Yoga at the UN. Arjuna lead a group of 20 students in sunrise meditation and sun salutations at the lake for the summer solstice. By the grace of Master and Swamiji staff continued to be inspired and regular in their Sadhana. Sending pranams to all! Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By God’s grace and Gurus’ blessings, the Dwarka Centre’s activities continued quite well, thanks to the help and team work of staff and Karma Yogis. With the arrival of June we started with the Beginners’ classes on Mondays at 6 am and 4 pm. Students for 6am batch packed our hall. Also we started the new kids yoga camp for two weeks at 10am. We also started the weekend Beginners’ classes on Saturdays. We conducted a Shat Kriya workshop and a Headstand workshop, both helping the students well. We offered the weekly Satsangs which were energetic and peaceful. The summer had been hard here especially for the students who attend the classes during the day.

Mid June started with the Beginners’ classes on Mondays at 10 am and 6:30 pm. The kid’s camp concluded. We distributed the certificates and group pictures to all those who attended. The kids liked the classes very much and the parents appreciated the efforts of the staff. We conducted the advance classes. Satsang were offered on Saturday evenings. We celebrated the International Day of Yoga from morning with various classes in and outside our Centre. We got invitation from “National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)”, “Land Ports Authority of India” and “The Manikaran Power Limited” and staffs from the Centre went to each of the venues to teach the classes. Meanwhile at the Centre we had two classes in the morning which was attended by our enthusiastic students who brought along their family members. We distributed T-shirts to the students. Our Staffs, Sanjuji and Ragiji, made special preparations Kerala Laddus (unniappam) and Payasam for everybody who came on the day. Both the students and the staffs were very happy participating and celebrating the day of yoga together. The whole day we felt energetic, peaceful and positive as everyone around the world were trying to lift up the awareness. Apart from that, open classes and all the special classes continued well. With the grace of God and blessings of Gurus, everybody was well. We pray to the God for World peace. Om Namo Narayanaya! Pranams!

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. At the beginning of June we started with two Beginners’ courses at 6.30am and 4pm, with good number of students. We also started the kids camp for two weeks with about 30 children. The meditation course concluded. All other activities, like open classes etc. continued smoothly. The Satsang on Sunday evenings were inspiring.

During mid June we started two Beginners’ courses at 10 am and 6.30 pm. The second and the last week of the kids camp concluded. The students did lot of activities like yoga, lectures, painting, etc. They were told about the Five Points of Yoga. On the final day, the parents of all the students came to watch the kids demonstrating the Asanas and taking part in Yoga quiz. We concluded the kids camp by eating together, sharing and enjoying the dishes brought by the parents of kids. The preparation for celebrating International Yoga Day on 21^st continued. We arranged the different yoga classes like open class, introduction to yoga, gentle yoga etc. in a near by park like last year. On 21st June we celebrated the 3rd International Yoga Day with number of classes at the Nataraja Centre and outside. We had to cancel the early morning yoga classes at the near by park because of heavy rains but we conducted the open class, introduction to yoga class for beginners and sun salutation class at the Centre which were all attended by good number of students. Abeba, along with Karma Yoga teachers, conducted a 60 minutes class for about 300 girls at ITI, telling them about five points of yoga and they practiced asanas and pranayama. We also conducted yoga asana class for about 130 employees of Oil Industry Development Board a government undertaking which was followed by a session of guided meditation for 30 minutes. A session of 60 minutes of Surya Namaskar and pranayama was also conducted for the faculty of Symbioses University at Noida. On the 24^th of June we also conducted a workshop on five points of yoga at Atomic Energy office in connection of Internal Yoga Day. Rest of our activities went well, with the Grace of Gurus. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. Salutations to all! In early June we were very happy to celebrate the 60 years of Swamiji’s teaching in the world. Swami Sivadasanandaji visited and guided the celebration. He gave a teacher’s meeting, class and Satsang. Both Girija and Ananta also gave classes and Satsangs. An Indian dancer came with her team, partly her children, and performed a beautiful dance. The teachers and Karma Yogis were very helpful, both before and during the celebration. A beautiful decoration was put up. Meals were organized and the teachers helped with the reception. There was an all round joyful spirit and the energy of the Masters could be felt.

Mid June saw a workshop on “Breathing and the Mind”. A highlight was the celebration of the International Yoga Day. The Indian Mission in Geneva organized, together with the main Yoga schools in Geneva, an event at one of the organizations connected to the UN, the WIPO (world intellectual property organization). We arrived with 20 Sivananda Yogis and handed out flyers and brochures. The class was shared by 4 teachers with Ananta did the final relaxation. It lasted for 90 Minutes. We heard some speeches and a video message from President Modi. We also did a lamp lighting ceremony. The atmosphere was very focused, full of light, peaceful and respectful. May Yoga come to every corner of the world and may all being realize the inner peace. Om Namah Sivaya. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of June we welcomed back Ganga Chaitanya, who was away for almost two months, visiting the Yoga Camp for her Brahmacharya Initiation, the Yoga Farm, and on her way back stopping in Japan.  She brought to us much inspiration, many greetings from the staff in the West, and some useful suggestions for improving the Centre. We worked on developing more advertising by using our website and Facebook more effectively. There was a good turnout for the Headstand Workshop with 11 people and the Satsang with 17 people. We started a Beginners’ course as well.

Mid June Swami Sitaramananda ji held a very inspiring staff meeting with us by Skype from the Yoga Farm in California. Ganga Chaitanya went to the Ashram in Dalat to train the staff and prepare for the upcoming Kids Camp. We had a wonderful traditional Vietnamese cooking workshop with some very nice students, some of whom travelled eight hours by bus to get here! We felt the Guru’s presence in the people who are coming here everyday and showing a great appreciation of the teachings. We are thankful for the chance to serve and share the teaching of Yoga to others. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. May the Masters bless us all. Early June was the second week of the TTC here in the London Centre. Students fully immersed themselves in the teachings, participating with enthusiasm in the lectures, classes and Satsangs. One evening we held a cooking workshop which the students loved, and we also showed them the video ‘In the Name of Peace’. They were inspired to see footage of Swami Vishnudevananda, full of lightness and strength. We studied the Arati prayers a little deeper when Nina Fallwell came to give a talk during the evening Satsang. It gave understanding to the TTCs, for whom Arati is still quite new, and fresh inspiration for staff to look deeper at the text we chant morning and evening. The anatomy lectures began, covering the skeletal and muscular systems. The priest arrived, where aside from the daily morning Pujas, we had two public Pujas at the weekend, one for Lord Ganesha and a Yantra Puja where we chanted the 1008 names of Lord Vishnu. The students were very happy an uplifted by the special atmosphere created.

Mid June saw the third week of the TTC. Throughout the week the priest uplifted the energy in the Meditation Hall with daily Pujas on the altar, with the deities dressed more beautifully day by day. The students had the kriya session and the final anatomy sessions, plus chanting and likhita japa Satsangs. The students were doing very well in their teaching groups, putting much care and attention into their classes. We welcomed Swami Gopalananda from Paris to give the mantra initiation. The International Yoga Day was celebrated at the Centre with a festival of Yoga and Creativity – it was a busy day and the Centre was full of prana. The morning class entitled ‘Asanas to Spark Creativity’ was packed, with students staying on for the lunch and the activities throughout the day. Regular students and newcomers alike joined us for an artists workshop, talks on colour and creative time management, and a rangoli making session where the students made some very beautiful patterns with coloured powders and flower petals. They were placed next to the altar by the yantra that the priest made for the evening Puja. We also did 108 sun salutations, one very enthusiastic student who has done it the last three times with us said it was our best time yet (47 minutes!). The Prasad workshop was very also well received, with most of the current TTCs making their way there. To round off the day we had a Yantra Puja for Saraswati, it was a very beautiful ceremony with a very nice energy. The students received their spiritual names afterwards and were beaming with joy. We revisited the Krishna Jai musical theatre play for the third time running for the pleasure of the TTCs and regular students. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! With the arrival of June Swami Sivasankariananda visited Los Angeles and gave Satsang. Swamiji explained Swami Sivananda’s words on surrendering to the Divine Will. She illustrated with own experience on how Grace comes in when little ego is out of the way. It was very nice to have Swamiji with us, her presence uplifted our spirit. Yoga classes and Satsangs were well attended as LA weather gradually turning into summer season. Karma yogis were very dutifully and actively helping to care for the Centre, from teaching to registration, promotion and maintaining cleanliness. We had a impromptu teachers/Karma Yogi lunch with Swami Sivasankariananda. It was very nice to eat as a community, sharing each other’s yoga journey and keeping Satsanga. Sunday Guru Puja filled our hearts with Grace and Guru’s blessings.

In mid June we were very happy to have Yoga of Recovery’s Durga Leela with us for a couple of days. She spoke at a Sunday Satsang about Consciousness and Healing, demonstrating how our intention can bring natural healing if we learn to cultivate and harvest this resource. Durga also gave a much appreciated workshop on the root cause of our addictive behaviors. It was eye-opening for many students hearing it for the first time. What we truly seek is Life and Prana. By examining it closely we see the mistake of seeking externally in imbalanced manners, resulting in the trapping cycles of addictions. Durga taught us how to be free and healthy with the practice and aid of Yoga and Ayurveda. Everyone felt empowered and hopeful to continue on our paths of Recovery. To celebrate International Day of Yoga, we held a free outdoor yoga class and Satsang Sunday afternoon, after the graduation of Yoga Nidra Course. We had a beautiful, prana-full yoga class at a park by the marina, where boats park and the water is calm. During Satsang the sun was setting over the water as we meditated, chanted and watched the new Sivananda Yoga documentary on a projector. Karma yogis brought vegetarian sandwiches for snack after Satsang. Everyone served with much sweat and devotion for this event to unfold so smoothly. We are truly fortunate to have guidance of Guru, each other’s Satsanga and opportunities to serve and give. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! In early June several courses started including Yoga 4 and 7. Students appreciated the second part of the Raja Yoga workshop. We had also a well visited headstand workshop. Inscriptions for TTC Aluenda in August were coming with so far 43 enrolments including a small English group. As preparations for the new Centre brochure, a photo shoot was completed.

Mid June saw the celebration of the International Yoga day which took place in a public square. Despite the extreme Summer temperatures a large group of yogis from many schools joined for the yoga class and presentation. Vishnu, a long time teacher of the Centre, presented the event in coordination with the Embassy of India. A good group of enthusiastic volunteers supported with the booth and asana demo. The Centre continued the usual activity. We had a good Open House Day with 40 participants. Gopala travelled with Swami Sivadasananda to New York to support the International Yoga Day United Nations celebration. Our celebration of the International Yoga Day saw a number of free activities in the Centre, open to students from all yoga schools. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. Praying for everyone’s health and peace in our large Sivananda family. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. May Gurus blessings be with us always. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! Hari Om! Early June we started a back strengthening and flexibility course for students with back pathologies. For the course we did a gentle yoga and modified Sivananda sequence. We continued with the Beginners’ Course at the prison, with a bigger group attending than previous courses. The outside class with the young group was a small but still nice. Most of the Beginners’ courses started with a good attendance. Others programs also went well. We continued to work with the Consulate of India and other Yoga teachers in the city to organize the Yoga Day celebrations, 21st June.

We noticed this year’s winter in Montevideo is coming step by step. Students started to come more in the afternoon than in the night with the winter season. We continued with the prison yoga class. A small group attended with big difficulties to breathe but by the end of the class everyone was breathing pleasantly in Savasana. At the Centre we had a full classroom with old and young people. We hoped to attract more students to the Ecology and Yoga class with improved advertisements. We returned to regular Pooja which had been postponed. We had a new Karma Yogi helping in the garden and administration tasks. The International Day of Yoga was celebrated at the Centre on the 21st of June (in this hemisphere is when Winter is entering). We offered a Yoga class and Meditation. We also had a special moment to repeat Mantra for peace: Om Namo Narayanaya. It was a free activity and nice meeting which at the end, everyone got a delicious hot chocolate, prepared by Kanti Devi. The participants felt happy and thankful, they left with a smiling face. Others programs continued as usual. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! With the arrival of June the Montreal Centre was noticably full of energy. The weather was hot creating many very happy students. Two Yoga 1 courses began, with the groups being much smaller for the summer months. Gita left to do the Sadhana Intensive at the Camp. Uwe and Esha, accompanied by Subhir Dev on the Tablas, gave a double music concert which was attended by 35 students. Many of them were new to the Centre. It was a very diverse crowd indeed! We started our free summer Yoga in the Park classes, with 15 in attendance. Bhagirathi taught a deep relaxation workshop one Saturday afternoon, with 11 students attending. The weekend asana classes continued to be strong, maintaining an average of 15 students. Sundays were quiet in the mornings as the kids classes have stopped for the summer! We painted the big yoga hall upstairs, one weekend, just in time for the Sunday afternoon class! Manju arrived to do Durga Puja. There were around 45 in attendance and it was a very uplifting. We continued to prepare for the week long free programs being offered from 14-21 June as part of the Vishnudevananda 60 years celebrations. We noticed there was also a lot of interest and registrations this month. We look forward to meeting many new faces. By the grace of the Guru’s we are well, busy and serving. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. Special courses in the last weeks were an advanced asana workshop, a meditation course, a “Thought Power through Positive Thinking Course” and a “Yoga Extra-Gentle and Good for the Heart Course”. We also had a special program on Ayurvedic nutrition with Ayurveda Acharya S.K. Kamlesh from India: An interesting lecture about the healing power of herbs and spices, Ayurveda home remedies and the effects of nutrition on the mind and a big Ayurvedic cooking class. We celebrated the International Yoga Day with a free yoga class and a yoga-day-Satsang at the Centre. We also participated in the yoga day programs organized by the Indian embassy in Munich. Thanks to the air condition in our large yoga hall we can teach our yoga class in comfortable temperatures even on hot summer days. On the International Yoga Day, 21st June, we offered a special free yoga class for everybody and a special satsang in which we talked about 60 years Sivananda Yoga worldwide. We also participated in a panel discussion about “How to integrate yoga in daily life” in the “Museum of the 5 Continents”. The main event for the International Yoga Day organized by the Indian embassy – in which we also had participated. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya from Manhattan. With the arrival of June we started new courses and welcomed some visitors! As the weather quickly turned into summer, the garden was blooming! Mokshapriya and a few other Karma Yogis worked in the garden to get everything shipshape. We revived soil, planted new herbs and even some tomatoes! Great lessons in patience and perseverance were being learned as well as non-attachment to the fruits of our actions. 😉 We got a special visit all the way from Colombia – Satyadev and Nirmala! They settled right in as the weather was almost identical as their homeland. Satyadev taught a very full meditative advanced class!  Afterwards, both Satyadev and Nirmala graced us with a lovely Satsang. The main topic was “Yogis without Borders” and they accentuated that we are not the body – that the body is like a border, an illusory creation and we are to go beyond it! They also entertained us all with their stories from Colombia. We were grateful for their inspirational Satsang. In addition, our visiting karma yogi – Raani cooked delicious Indian dishes. We were highly spoiled and high in gratitude! All the staff were great- serving, loving, giving and purifying!

During mid June the Centre was full with classes, courses and visitors… all happening at the same time! Satyadev and Nirmala taught their dharma course which saw a big turnout! Idlis and doshas were served for dinner by Raani, delicious! We started the outdoors meditation sessions at the Highline Park, a program we have been participating into for the past 3 years. A good amount of people showed up and Satyadev led everyone through the one hour very well. Starting with a little bit of stretching and basic one nostril breathing, he had everyone meditating through the multiple noises of NYC!  In the evening, we had the second day of the Dharma course and everyone shared their answers to some questions given out the first day.  Everyone was highly inspired by this course and we thank Satyadev and Nirmala for sharing their intuitive recommendations and knowledge. Raani left for India after 2 weeks of being here. It was a pleasure having her here, as she is a great Karma Yogi! We wished her all the best and await her next visit! Bhavani, from Germany, came for her weekly flower visit! This time she stayed with us for a whole week to help out with the Yoga Day. Satsang was once again with Satyadev and Nirmala. The topic was how to establish a home practice. It was an inspiring talk and we sent people off, ready to keep up with their Sadhana! We welcomed a new Karma Yogi, Prashanta. He will be staying with us for one month. He came from Hawaii where he is a chef and a studied botanist! He was a great addition to the New York Centre. We are very grateful! Satyadev, Nirmala, Neeti and Shakti had to go to the Ranch for preparation of The Yoga Day. Narayana, Mokshapriya, Prashanta and Bhavani were left to hold the fort down! They prepared for Swami Sivadasananda and Gopala’s arrival, setting up beds, flowers and goodies. The Ashram car came down from the Ranch with all our returning staff and guests, including Swami Sivadasananda and Gopala. Satsang that Sunday night was absolutely fantastic. Swami Sivadasananda led wonderfully, teaching us the Song Of Anandalahari as well as its meaning. We ended with an inspiring message from Sivananda and cookies for Prasad. Afterwards, Prashanta served us all a tasty dahl. Overall, the whole night was a big hit! We were all in high gratitude to be blessed to have Swami Sivadasanada visiting. 21^st of June and it was Yoga Day, the day to present a class at the United Nations! That morning, all staff woke up extra early to do our practice together. Swami Sivadasananda held the morning Satsang with a special request to shine all of the brass murtis on the altar and that’s what was done! We all chanted as we gave the murtis a makeover! The energy was high and the murtis are still feeling very happy as they sparkle! At the UN, Swami Sivadasananda held a very lovely class in just 20 minutes. We also had a table set up promoting Sivananda, many took interest and all were intrigued by our white and yellow attire! It was a great fun day spreading the message of union and peace! The 22^nd was also a very important day at the UN for us, as a panel discussion was held. Swami Sivadasananda spoke eloquently and everyone listened to him very attentively. Afterwards, we bid farewell to Swami Sivadasananda, his assistant Gopala, Swami Paramananda and Srinivasan. We feel very blessed and with great gratitude to have such inspiring guests. All the staff are well and the Centre is full of high prana and strong Karma Yoga spirit! We send you our pranams! Om.

Om Namah Sivaya. Summer arrived with sunshine and long days, giving joy and light to everybody. We had three special Satsangs this month; two inspiring Satsangs with Swami Kailasananda on a Wednesday and on a Saturday and a spontaneous and cheerful one with Swami Gopalananda on a Sunday. Swami Kailasananda gave a beautiful  Raja yoga program appreciated by everyone  with a series of three lectures and an inspiring Satsang. There was a fourth days kirtan course. Swami Kailasananda gave the first session and Shambhu the other three. This month there were workshops on the topics of concentration, headstand and yoga at home. A positive thinking course and two meditation courses started with little groups of motivated students. Sivakami enjoyed preparing and giving for the first time a Meditation course. There was a cooking class on a Saturday given by Gauri who had just came back from India 2 days before. Arjuna assisted her and a big team in the kitchen guided by Parameshwara prepared a full delicious meal for 50 people. The staff had some rehearsals of the play for the 60 anniversary creating a cheerful atmosphere. The Centre started to pack and prepare the house for the summer renovations done by the owner a good opportunity to put a dose of sattva in the house. Some carton boxes went already to the storage place, some others are waiting in the office. Life gave us a Joyful celebration of the Yoga Day on Sunday18th. Over than 230 people gathered by the Eiffel Tower to do an inspiring asana class with Swami Kailasananda. Kailas came from Orleans to do the asana demonstration. Over than twenty teachers were also there to do the demonstration. The sky was blue, the sun was shining beautifully and there was a peaceful mood. Back on the Centre, The house looked festive with lanterns and the mantra Om Namo Narayanaya in colorful papers. Swamiji gave a lecture on the topic of how to concentrate the mind, attended by 100 participants. After the lecture. Three asana classes were giving parallel to the chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya, which went on for two hours in the Meditation room. Swami Gopalananda arrived from London for the last part of the chanting. We ended the day with a Vishnu Puja leaded by the priest. At the end of the Puja we celebrated the birthday of the priest with the Mahamitryum Jaya Mantra, a letter of Swami Sivananda, a beautiful cake, gifts and a cheerful mood. After all the celebrations, Swami Kailasananda did a mantra initiation on the mantra of Siva. May The Teachings of the Masters’ and the spirit of Yoga remind in the hearts of everyone. The students were happy to have the new brochure online. The Masters keep sending help. Radika arrived to stay as staff and Ganapati came to support the Centre for a couple of weeks. Rukmini was here for a week assisting Swamiji with different projects, preparing delicious and healthy sweet for the staff and taking pictures of the Yoga day. There was a joyful mood in the Centre with a big family in the house. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. Summer arrived with sunshine and long days, giving joy and light to everybody. We had three special Satsangs this month; two inspiring Satsangs with Swami Kailasananda on a Wednesday and on a Saturday and a spontaneous and cheerful one with Swami Gopalananda on a Sunday. Swami Kailasananda gave a beautiful  Raja yoga program appreciated by everyone  with a series of three lectures and an inspiring Satsang. There was a fourth days kirtan course. Swami Kailasananda gave the first session and Shambhu the other three. This month there were workshops on the topics of concentration, headstand and yoga at home. A positive thinking course and two meditation courses started with little groups of motivated students. Sivakami enjoyed preparing and giving for the first time a Meditation course. There was a cooking class on a Saturday given by Gauri who had just came back from India 2 days before. Arjuna assisted her and a big team in the kitchen guided by Parameshwara prepared a full delicious meal for 50 people. The staff had some rehearsals of the play for the 60 anniversary creating a cheerful atmosphere. The Centre started to pack and prepare the house for the summer renovations done by the owner a good opportunity to put a dose of sattva in the house. Some carton boxes went already to the storage place, some others are waiting in the office. Life gave us a Joyful celebration of the Yoga Day on Sunday18th. Over than 230 people gathered by the Eiffel Tower to do an inspiring asana class with Swami Kailasananda. Kailas came from Orleans to do the asana demonstration. Over than twenty teachers were also there to do the demonstration. The sky was blue, the sun was shining beautifully and there was a peaceful mood. Back on the Centre, The house looked festive with lanterns and the mantra Om Namo Narayanaya in colorful papers. Swamiji gave a lecture on the topic of how to concentrate the mind, attended by 100 participants. After the lecture. Three asana classes were giving parallel to the chanting of Om Namo Narayanaya, which went on for two hours in the Meditation room. Swami Gopalananda arrived from London for the last part of the chanting. We ended the day with a Vishnu Puja leaded by the priest. At the end of the Puja we celebrated the birthday of the priest with the Mahamitryum Jaya Mantra, a letter of Swami Sivananda, a beautiful cake, gifts and a cheerful mood. After all the celebrations, Swami Kailasananda did a mantra initiation on the mantra of Siva. May The Teachings of the Masters’ and the spirit of Yoga remind in the hearts of everyone. The students were happy to have the new brochure online. The Masters keep sending help. Radika arrived to stay as staff and Ganapati came to support the Centre for a couple of weeks. Rukmini was here for a week assisting Swamiji with different projects, preparing delicious and healthy sweet for the staff and taking pictures of the Yoga day. There was a joyful mood in the Centre with a big family in the house. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

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

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. In June we celebrated the International Yoga Day with teachers and students from Rome and Abruzzo, a town near Rome. The program included a yoga class and a lecture. For many it was their first yoga class. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal afterwards, prepared by students from Abruzzo. It was a joyful celebration appreciated by everyone. Pranams and prayers for Peace to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early June saw Swami Sivasankari left to participate in the TTC Refresher at the Yoga Farm. She came back for Hasu Patel’s presentation on Quantum Theory of Spirituality and Music, which included science, information about chakras, and vocal exercises. All were fascinated at the balancing effect of sound. Gajananam joined us for Sunday Satsang and covered Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita on Bhakti Yoga. “Yoga masters don’t let the world disturb them, and don’t disturb the world.” A Yoga 4 course finished.

During mid June Atmaramadasa led a Wednesday evening Satsang, with guests in jubilant kirtan. Swami Sivasankariananda went from the Yoga Farm to the IAYT SYTAR Conference in Newport Beach. Two common themes were trauma and the growing senior population, especially the “oldest old.” Swami Sivasankari returned for Sunday evening Satsang at the Centre. Maheshwari taught the chair yoga class at the Rosa Parks Senior Centre, including some Cantonese words we have learned. Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Dharmananda, and five staff from the Yoga Farm drove to San Francisco on 20^th June for International Yoga Day on the 21^st. Festivities began at Grace Cathedral where we joined Yoga on the Labyrinth. Swami Sita closed the class leading a series of mantras, which reverberated powerfully through the space. Many students stayed afterwards for a Q&A with Swami Sita, grateful for clear, succinct, wise answers. The Yoga Day daytime programs included Satsang and an asana class in nearby Stern Grove park, a talk on Karma, Dharma and Relationships at the Center, a free vegetarian lunch, and another talk in the afternoon on Swami Vishnu’s mission. We were grateful to have Swami Sita with us. We are very inspired to carry Swamiji’s 60-year mission forward. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. With the arrival of June we held many activities in the celebration of 60 years of Sivananda Yoga throughout the World. The presence of Kanti Devi, Chandra, Swami Premananda, plus many students and visitors during Yoga classes, Satsangs, workshops raised the Prana and Prem. Om Shanti to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. During early June Sivakami and Sridevi focused a lot energy on promoting upcoming courses. Their efforts yielded instant fruits as two new Yoga 1 courses opened with 16 and 14 students. Yoga 2 started with 13 students and a Meditation course with 12 students. Bhargavi Chaitanya returned to the Centre after a two weeks visit to the Yoga Retreat. The staff enjoyed a peaceful weekend with plenty of time to rest, study and rejuvenate.

Mid June we welcomed Minakshi Chaitanya from the Yoga Retreat, who came for a flash visit of 30 hours to take care of some administrative issues. We welcomed Narayani from the Yoga Retreat. She will spend the next 3 months with us, fulfilling her Ashram’s Karma Yoga duties from the Tel-Aviv office as well as experiencing Centre’s life. A new Meditation course started, with 13 students, plus a well attended introduction class was held about the Positive Thinking course starting in a couple of weeks. The international Yoga Day was celebrated on the 21^st June. The Indian Embassy and the Tel-Aviv municipality arranged a special event of a huge yoga class of over 1500 people in the main square of the city. We were invited to take part in organizing and teaching this class which was a great success and was massively covered by the media. Pranams to the Sivananda family.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of June we had a meditation workshop, led by Shree, a Japanese vocalist, followed by an Indian classical music live event. Both programs were very successful with total of 46 people attending. The programs were organized by Parvati, a 2012 Neyyar dam TTC graduate, and many TTC graduates participated in the workshops, thanks to her commitment and effort. Saraswati who had been a staff at Yoga Camp and Toronto Centre for more than 3 years joined us for the Sunday evening Satsang. She has settled in Japan, found new work, and will be starting her service at Tokyo Centre on a regular basis. The Satsang was joined by many people enjoying a vibrant and lively Kirtan singing.

Mid June we had a trial class one Sunday, joined by 13 people. 8 of them signed up for our membership and 5 registered for Yoga 1 course. A Kirtan workshop was offered, with many regular students attending. They enjoyed chanting Kirtan songs, and also deepened their understandings on Yoga by learning the four classical paths of yoga with a specific focus on Bhakti Yoga. Chandrika returned back to Japan after her three-month service at Yoga Camp and Toronto Centre in Canada and she is now staying at Tokyo Centre for her short-period service. She taught an English Open class right after she arrived here. Mirabai gave a study session to staff on a regular basis and shared teaching skills with staff and some of the outside Karma Yogis. We celebrated the International Day of Yoga in 2017, providing asana classes for free of charge throughout the day, and conducting the Puja with a chanting of “Om Namo Narayanaya” 108 times. 75 people in total joined us for the programs. The Center was filled with uplifting and positive energy. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. With the arrival of June we started a Yoga 2 course. Mayavan taught a workshop on Mudras which generated a lot of interest among students which was very well received. Durairaj helped organize volunteers for the upcoming Yoga Day celebrations and Saraswati attended meetings to finalize our participation. Weather in Toronto continued to be hot and sunny, hence lots of people were attending morning Satsangs as days are brighter. All our new programs were added to our website. We worked on adding a registration section for summer courses. Prahlad travelled to yhe Yoga Camp Ashram to teach Sadhana Intensive and help prepare Ashram for summer season.

Mid June we started evening Yoga 2 courses. Durairaj taught Yoga for the Eyes, instructing students in exercises and relaxation to help improve eyesight. Most of the current courses concluded making way for a new group of courses starting at the end of June. We prepared to participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations on 25th June, with a group of teachers and close students. The ongoing yoga class at the Street Youth Shelter ended for the summer, scheduled to continue in the Fall. Several schools also contacted us to teach yoga classes in September. We celebrated Kanti’s birthday.  Chandrika left for Japan and Emanuelle came from the Ashram to help out for few weeks. We had lots of students for Sunday Satsangs as well as a steady group coming for our morning Satsangs. We participated in the International Yoga Day event in cooperation with Indian embassy in Toronto. It was a well attended event with over 5000 students participating. It was represented by several major yoga organizations . Our karma yogis and teachers did great work of representing our organization. We concluded the day by chanting the Serve, Love, Give… kirtan in order to summarize and convey our teachings, which everyone greatly enjoyed. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early June we had started a new batch on Monday evenings. One Thursday was a general strike in Trivandrum. Student attendance was less that day. The staff members were busy making all the arrangements for Yoga Day. Lalithasahasranama Pooja was conducted on Fridays. Satsang was led by Sri. Yashpal ji. In mid June a Beginners’ batch for ladies started on Mondays. Our Karma Yogi, Priyada went back to Thailand to pursue her career. We wished her good luck. We had conducted a Ganapathy Homa as it was the 1st day of the Malayalam month. On the same day Yashpal ji went home for a month. The staff members were busy making all the arrangements for the International Yoga Day. Arjun, a Karma Yogi from the Neyyar Dam Ashram joined the Centre. Satsang was led by Smt. Kalyani ji. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. Summer has arrived in Vienna but the activities at the Centre are continuing as usual: among others we had a Yoga 94 starting and a Yoga 56 as well. It is nice to see that the people like to stay together in the group and continue with their practice on their respective level. A few students also came for the chanting workshop at the beginning of the month to improve their chanting skills. We also had a Mantra workshop. Staffs took the opportunity to recharge at the Retreat House in Reith or at the rented venue for Yoga Vacation at Mittersill. On a Saturday we had a booth on an important esoteric fair for the whole day in downtown Vienna. We had plenty of opportunities to talk to the visitors and Karma Yogis took turns to show the asanas and Swami Gitananda was teaching a packed Sivananda yoga class for 150 students. On Sunday, 18 June, the staff were taking part in the International Yoga Day organized by the Indian Embassy. The venue was a big park quite close to the Centre and there were almost 500 people in attendance. The weather was nice and we were distributing many brochures and also many free class cards. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. Upon the arrival of June we started Y1, Y2 and Y4 courses. We held a workshop on Power of Positive Thinking. During the workshop we had lots of practice of concentration, positive thinking and meditation. Students were inspired to ask many questions and left the workshop after clearing many doubts and eager to stay more aware of their thought patterns. We had well attended Satsangs taking inspiration from the Master’s book, Bliss Divine. We received more inscriptions for the scheduled yoga vacations during July.

During mid June we continued our various courses and classes. Inscriptions for the Yoga 1 were coming in by phone and after the trial classes. We started with a Yoga 13 and a Beginners’ course. We finished with a Meditation course which was inspiring to teach as students were very attentive and interested in the topic. We were happy to have a good help and support of our close Karma Yogi, Surya, who lived at the Centre. For TTC in July in Lithuania we have now 39 students, from which 13 are Russian speaking. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius