Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! In May, a few number of courses started, among them a 4 week course on fascia and yoga, which is well attended. We had an Open House where a good number of participants came to get to know the Centre. Some of them were especially interested in information on the TTC courses. Many students supported the Centre with cooking, Centre projects and at the reception, and especially our garden project which made good progress. Some new flowers were planted and we started the redesign of the backyard. Satsangs were joyful and well attended.

Yoga Tour in Russia: Swami Gokulananda left the Centre to teach at two retreats in Russia, first in St. Petersburg and then in the vicinity of Krasnojarsk, Siberia. In St. Petersburg Durga Devi from the Vilnius Centre, Shankari from the Moscow Centre and Jnaneshvara, close teacher from Berlin joined for teaching. Each retreat lasted for five days. A good group of teachers and students from St. Petersburg and Moscow participated. They all adapted very well to the classical Ashram schedule. Everyone left happy and inspired and some mentioned taking TTC in the near future. After the successful retreat in St. Petersburg, Swami Gokulananda, Durga Devi (Vilnius) and Shankari (Moscow) went to Moscow and had a successful program in the local affiliated Sivananda Centre. Lectures on the next step in Sadhana, Asana Class and Puja were well attended, with many teachers present. After Moscow the teaching group flew to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. We had a well visited Satsang in a Sivananda student’s Yoga Centre in the city centre and a 4 day retreat outside the city in a beautiful location close to a nature reserve. Students tuned very well to the Ashram schedule and enjoyed Asana classes, Satsangs and lectures. We also did a small cooking workshop which was well received. Students were very grateful for all the information and inspiration and some are thinking to take TTC this year.

Meanwhile, later in May, in Berlin Centre, several higher level courses started, among them a meditation course with a good group of newcomers to meditation. Dr. Kamlesh arrived and we had 2 inspiring lectures on Ayurveda and a cooking course. There were still many people new to Ayurveda so both introductory lectures were very well received. A highlight was the Ayurveda cooking class. All dishes came out very delicious. Dr. Kamlesh gave detailed explanations. Students were happy and the atmosphere was joyful. Each week was concluded with well visited Satsangs on Sunday evening. Many Karma Yogis supported the Centre with cooking, cleaning and garden projects. Swami Gokulananda came back from the retreats in Russia. Swami Annpunananda left for Paris to support the upcoming special program. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. By Gods Grace and Masters’ blessings, all went well and smoothly in May. Last week we had a Yoga Festival with the presence of Kanti Devi, the director of the Sivananda Centres of South America. Many people came to the Festival. We had a beautiful concert of Indian music, workshops of Vedanta, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Mantras and Prayers, plus, special Hatha Yoga classes. We received Staff Member, Ganesha from Uruguay, with us for three months. We hope that all of you are well. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya from Chengdu. A highlight in May was a Sunday Open House. It was Mother’s Day, so in the morning, we had family yoga. There was a trial class in the afternoon, as usual. In the evening Satsang we discussed the topic of Meditation, Ambika read some paragraphs from Swami Vishnudevananda’s Meditation and Mantra. Because we did more promotion and some outreach, more students joined open classes. The Yoga Foundation course continued each week. On Nurses’ Day we did an activity with the Cancer Hospital of Sichuan Province with 13 nurses participating in the class. When one of the Centre’s students gave birth of her second child she asked for private class with Ambika for postpartum recovery. Staff were working hard and doing great. May guru’s grace enable each of us to pass on the light with purifying ourselves.

A mid-May highlight was the outreach teaching in a clinic setting. The Clinic mainly focused on treating special children. Saraswati, Janaki and Lakshmi went to the clinic to teach a one day course, based on the Five Points of Yoga, to the clinic’s medical workers. Students were so inspired after the course, they gained more knowledge about yoga and had a full experience of asanas, too. In the Centre, we had a vegetarian cooking workshop in the morning, intermediate class in the afternoon, and during the Satsang we also talked about food and six tastes of Ayurveda. Open classes went on well. The Staff was doing well and inspired to reach out more to the public. We were happy to send 6-7 students from China to take the ATTC at the Yoga Farm, with translation in chinese. We also promoted the upcoming Chinese TTC in Chengdu, this time in a large and new facility which belongs to a Chinese traditional medicine school, 40 minutes from Chengdu city. The course was taught in English by the Swamis, with Chinese translation. We are looking forward to welcome international students. All is well by Guru’s grace. May Master and Swamiji continue to bless all with inspiration for staying on their spiritual path. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. During the month of May we started a very well attended Beginners’ Yoga course 6 am on Mondays. Kalyani returned to Neyyar Dam after a week of meditation and chanting courses. Gopan and Sandhya traveled to Kerala for family health issues. We prayed for their wellness. Also, Hamsa left for Japan, hoping she can return to India soon. Priya arrived to stay with us for a couple days before returning to Japan. Many students from the Centre participated in the Headstand workshop. They found the clues to overcome the difficulties in their practices and the glimpse for the next steps.

Mid May, in Tamil Nadu state, the new month according to the local calendar started. We did Ganapathi Homa to invoke the qualities of strength, endurance and wisdom represented by Ganesha. With this energy, staff started the kriya practice, getting ready to demonstrate it for a weekend workshop. Some of the cleanses techniques were a challenge for them but after few attempts, there were cleaner and happier. Staff went to the beach for asana practice and flyers distribution. It was a beautiful full moon evening with many people around whose enjoyed the sun set along side the a graceful practice. Mahalakshmi, guided a kriya workshop. All the students tried every technique, despite their worries and fears. At the end, the students finished with big smiles and wet clothes. We had a special Satsang, led by Prahlada ji. Considering the young people attending, he read about Japa and explained it in a easy way, making the lecture enjoyable. Gopan and Sandhya came back from Kerala. Sangeetta, an outside karma yogi, returned to the Centre. Thanks to Master and Guruji, students and staff are well. Other staff members are doing well, thanks to Master’s and Swamiji’s Grace. Pranams! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. Blessings from Chicago, where Classes and courses continued as usual in May, including the following courses: Yoga 1, Yoga 2, and Yoga & Meditation. Open classes had regular attendance. Srinivasan-ji visited Chicago Centre, giving an inspiring and informative Saturday workshop entitled “Karma and Freedom” and leading a heartfelt Sunday Satsang. Sunday prayers were particularly uplifting. Now that the Centre has a proper business license, we began to plan a reorganization of the space so that classes and courses can be moved from the annex back to the main building.

As May continued Hamsa finished a Yoga 1 course, while Radhika continued Yoga 2 and Yoga & Meditation courses. Narayana visited us from the Ranch. Staff, teachers, and students enjoyed going around the city with Narayana to take new promotional photos for the Centre. He also lead Sunday Satsang on the topic of overcoming fear which drew several newcomers to the Centre. The photo shoot provided a huge boost of prana for the Centre and we are so very grateful to Narayana for sharing his time and talent with us. Regular classes and courses continued. Pranams and prem from sunny Chicago. We are grateful to the Gurus for continuing to protect and inspire our Sadhana. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya from the beautiful DaLat Centre. For the month of May the number of students increased. Detox workshops were organized. The students were very interested to join the workshops. As May continued we organized a TTC day. The students were very interested to join. Many people joined Satsang. Staff continue doing Sadhana daily, maintaining the good energy and positive attitude in the Centre. We give thanks for Guru’s grace. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By the guidance of the Gurus, the Centre ran efficiently and effortlessly in May with a new Beginners’ Yoga course at 6am and 4pm with good numbers of students. Prahlada ji visited to the Centre for few minutes, then left to Kailash colony Centre. His presence lifted staff energy and they felt motivated. A Pranayama workshop was conducted, to show students how to use the full capacity of the lungs and the purpose of doing pranayama. A Kriya workshop was organized with many students participating. They left their home happily. Our weekend satsangs were followed by delicious dinners.

Mid month we started a new Beginners’ Yoga course at 10 am & 6:30 pm with good numbers of students, where they will be learning twelve basic Asana and Pranayama for two weeks. Our outside teachers & regular karma yogis took care of cleaning part of the Centre. All staff appreciated their efforts. We started a meditation course with 16 students. They were looking forward to learning more about the basic techniques of meditation. The Satsangs were attended by a good numbers students followed by dinner, kids’ classes & trial classes. All the staff members were deep in their practice and doing their best to improve themselves and the Centre. The words of the Masters resonate with us all. We hope that everybody in the Sivananda family is healthy and happy. Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early May we started a Beginners’ Yoga 1 course at 6:30am. We started Foundation to Meditation course on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. We also started the weekend Beginners’ Yoga course on Saturday mornings at 10am. Prahlada ji arrived at the Centre to conduct a two day TTC refresher course. The refresher course started at 5:30am with an advanced pranayama, followed by a Ganapati Homa. The course continued throughout the day with asana and theory classes. The morning and evening Satsang was part of the program. We served sattvic meals twice a day and tea breaks. The course was attended by 45 Sivananda Yoga teachers and concluded with the certificate ceremony. The participants were very happy with the course. We will be continuing the program in the future.

Mid month we started with two Beginners’ Yoga course, one at 10am and another at 6:30pm. The BG study class was conducted on Thursdays. With the grace of the Masters, other courses continued as per scheduled including Satsangs, open classes, gentle yoga, kids yoga, Prenatal and a private session for two guests from Mexico. With the grace of the Masters, everything at the Centre is going well and we are doing fine. We send our Pranams and hope everyone is happy and peaceful. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. To begin May the main event, apart from all the open classes, courses and Satsangs, was the retreat on the Salève. We had a group of 13 people. We had 2 Yoga classes, a Satsang and a walk. As the weather was not so good, we did more Kirtan. It was inspiring! In the Centre renovations are going on inside and outside. We are installing a mobile wall in the staff room, so it can be made into two smaller rooms. This way we have space for special guests.

Mid month we started a course: Meditation and Positive Thinking. We had a 2 hours Asana workshop concentrating on deep stretching with leg raises and forward bends. The Yoga class in the park was cancelled as the weather was not good. Our Open House went well with a small group of newcomers joining for the free cooking course, trial class, Asana demonstration, etc. Some old students used the 10% reduction for classes and courses. Some of our teachers conducted classes at an event of the WHO named “Walk the Talk” about being healthy, sport, yoga, etc. OM NAMAH SIVAYA. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. For the month of May we had a meeting with Swami Sitaramananda ji and Ganga Chaitanya over the internet to plan for the upcoming staff traveling and changing positions, etc. Samadeva went to the Ashram for three weeks. We had a headstand workshop, taught by Devika, with help from all of the staff, with 18 people attending. We started two Beginners Yoga courses, with Devika teaching four people and Balarama and Priya teaching three people. We were very happy to get the first substantial rainfall in several months. The weather cooled down and the air was much cleaner, and so many more students came to practice hatha yoga. As usual, the city was very peaceful despite the huge population and much activity. The people highly appreciated the Yoga teaching.

In mid May we had a wonderful TTC information day, taught by Swami Pranavananda and Dharmini, who came from the Dalat Ashram for the event, with a total of 19 people attending. There were two sessions, one at 8 am and the other at 5 pm, both having a basic asana class, practice of meditation, introduction to the Masters, the Organization and the TTC, detailed information about TTC, testimonials from several TTC graduates who are teaching at the Centre, and questions. It was very inspiring to remember the high purpose of the TTC and see the participation of the teachers. On the same day we had a workshop on “12 Basic Posture Variations”, taught by Sandarac, with 16 students attending. We also started a Beginners’ Yoga course at 6 am also taught by Sundaram with nine students. We are happy to continue spreading the wisdom of Yoga follow the teachings of the Master and Guru. Pranams to the Sivananda Family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org/ho-chi-minh-center/

Om Namah Sivaya. During early May the London Centre had a beautiful continuation of the special program “Bhaja Govindam”, with a lecture from Swami Sivadasananda: “Serve, Love, Give, …” where he shared his experiences, an asana class with Swami Kailasananda and an evening with Santaji and accompanying musicians. Swami Ramapriyananda and Swami Sivadasananda taught asana classes with special topics, much appreciated by the students. Everyone worked nicely together and it felt like the spiritual family was growing and deepening the connections. We were deeply grateful to Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda to make this program happen and for the energy and guidance. On conclusion, everyone left and staff worked to tidy up and put things back into their place. We had a further training for teachers “Yoga and Pregnancy” with classes and workshops with Savitri and with an open and receptive group attending. Nine students came for the TTC Preparation Day. Some of them had already booked for a TTC, the others were positive and seriously interested. The Satsang, with Swami Vairagyananda, was about the goal of life . Later on, staff had a meeting to look into some of the Centre’s departments before her departure to HQ. The prana was high and the Centre felt lively and vibrant.

Mid May saw a Level 1 starting with a good group of students, as well as a Level 2. Teachers and Karma Yogis are inspired to support the Centre. Sita and Radha started to teach and assist with courses and classes after a longer pause. We waved good-bye to Swami Vairagyananda who safely left for HQ after months of dedicated service in London. Sitalakshmi started to support us at the reception in the evening on a daily basis during the week. We had a Saturday Open House Day with a nice group of mature and seriously interested students. Classes and workshops were much appreciated and they left happy and inspired. We also had a weekend Ayurveda program with Angela Hope-Murray with a harmonious and open group of 15 students which went very well. During the cooking class there was a nice atmosphere in the kitchen and everybody was excited to learn something new. A Satsang about “Saints” with senior and new students had everyone leaving happy. after the meal served after Satsang, nourished in body and soul. Staff were nicely working together, adding to the good support from Karma Yogis. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! During early May Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Dharmananda visited the Centre. Swami Sitaramananda lead ‘Yoga for Health’ course. The Centre was filled with students interested in the SYHET program, eager to learn more about its benefits and how to move forward in becoming a Sivananda Yoga Health Educator. The program was followed by a teachers’ meeting where Swamiji guided us along the path to becoming more tuned instruments of the Sivananda teachings. The program ‘Yoga for Peace of Mind’ included an inspiring talk by Swami Sitaramananda, an influential asana class by Swami Dharmananda and a full Satsang with Swami Sitaramananda. Satsang celebrated Mothers’ Day where Swamiji shared inspiring stories of Divine Mother and each attending shared one word to describe their birth mother. Hearts were opened and filled. Additional special guests attended Satsang where we listened to a beautiful Anna Purna, chanted by Pundit SamaVedula and Pundit ManiSharma and singing for the Divine Mother by Stephen Fiske. All felt uplifted and grateful for Swamiji’s presence. Swamijis and staff found many prospective buildings for the new LA Centre location, the best option is still to be determined. Open classes and three Beginners’ Yoga 1 courses carried on. Staff held a special Puja for Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s birthday. Students at the Centre, teachers and Karma Yogis alike joined together to maintain the Centre’s energy and contributed to the smooth flow of classes and programs. Surely we were greatly blessed.

Later in May the Kids Yoga Teacher Training Certification Course, taught by Ganga Chaitanya and Deviyani, was a great learning experience for all. One student brought her daughter and son to visit as we held a practice class. Teachers and kids alike enjoyed learning and playing together. Open Classes carried on and Yoga 1 courses graduated, ready for the next Yoga Immersion program. Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Dharmananda returned to Yoga Farm after an inspiring weekend. Ganga Chaitanya departed for Tokyo Centre and Shojiko Retreat Centre. Staff, along with many students, helped continue actively searching for our new Centre in L.A. May Guru guide us. May the Blessings of Master and Swamiji continue to light the way. By Guru’s Grace and our sincere efforts may we be instruments of Peace. Jai Gurudev! Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. Namaste. Courses are running smoothly. Classes are going well. 

Other everything is fine Gurus grace. We thank our Masters for all blessings and support bestowed. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In May there was a very good attendance of students. Chandra travelled to Porto Alegre a few days. The Satsang was directed by Kanti Devi. The regular programs continued along, supported by the grace of Masters.

Later in May courses on Meditation, plus a Beginners’ Yoga course continued. A couple of staff from Colombia arrived at the Centre. Kanti Devi traveled to the Yoga Festival in Buenos Aires. The meeting with the Organizing Committee of the International Day of Yoga went well, gathering a nice group of schools, working together since 2015. The regular programs continued normally. May all live under Master’s and Guru’s grace. With Prem and Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya and Greetings from the Montreal Centre! We had a very good month of May, with a lot of positive energy. We had the grace and blessings of Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Jnaneswariananda and Swami Narayanananda. Swami Sitaramananda led Satsang. She shared some of her experiences with Swami Vishnudevananda in celebration for the 60 years anniversary of the Montreal Centre. She also gave an inspiring talk on yoga for a healthy lifestyle. All the participants were grateful for the strong and loving energy she brought. We were very happy to welcome Kanti Devi. She gave a 3 day workshop on Vedanta, with 13 students. All the participants were very grateful for this course, since she approached it in a simple way and she gave very practical tools to apply in daily life. We had an uplifting Satsang with Kanti Devi and 53 participants. She shared some of her experiences with Swami Vishnudevananda. The Satsang was full prana and joy. We were very grateful for their uplifting visit. By the grace of the Masters and all the support of the community, everything ran well at the Centre this month. We feel our Guru’s grace guiding us. Pranams to all! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. A highlight of May was our 3-day Yoga Festival. We had lectures, asana workshops and inspiration from the yoga scriptures. One of the highlights of the festival was a lecture given by Swami Durgananda in which she reminded us about the importance of Yoga Sadhana. Swami Sivadasananda taught a number of asana workshops which were so well attended that we used also our reception area as an extension of the yoga hall in order to accommodate everybody. Additionally, Swamiji gave a special correction workshop for yoga teachers. In the evenings we had wisdom teachings from Bhagavat-Acharya Sri Venugopal Goswami accompanied by his Indian musicians as well as a nada-yoga concert. Many devoted students and karma yogis helped us to make the festival a big success! Regular Centre activities went well with the Vedanta course starting again since almost all the participants of the first course wanted to continue. On the last evening of our Yoga Festival we started with a lecture on the topic “Interest – Attention – Concentration” followed by an asana workshop with Swami Sivadasananda. The highlight of the evening were the wisdom teachings “The Harmony of Life” from Bhagavat-Acharya Sri Venugopal Goswami who was accompanied by his Indian musicians. A number of dedicated karma yogis helped us to bring the Centre back to normal after the Festival. Other news, we held an Open House. Many interested people came and used the opportunity to get to know the Centre and its different activities. We also started a “Thought Power and Positive Thinking” course with a group of very motivated participants. Gayatri left to go to the Ashram in Orleans to support the TTC there and Mirabai came from the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith / Tyrol / Austria to support us here in Munich. Staff are well and send their greetings to everybody! OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

 Om Namah Sivaya from Neuquen. Om Shanti and Prem to everyone. Om.

Om Namah Sivaya from New York City, where new sessions of Positive Thinking, Yoga 1, and Yoga 2 courses began in early May. A long time NY Centre teacher, Mukti Devi, led a Satsang and spoke on stress as it manifests physically, mentally, and spiritually. We were happy to welcome Bhavani for a short visit, as well as Narayana and Jagadambika, who offered a Kirtan Workshop one evening before heading to the Yoga Ranch. Swami Satyapremananda returned from a visit to Chicago Centre and the Yoga Farm. Twice monthly, Geeta led a Deaf Yoga class with a good group of regular students. Swami Satyapremananda led a Pranayama Workshop and at Sunday evening Satsang where she spoke on the expression “going the extra mile.”

By mid May new batches of Yoga 1, Yoga 2 and Meditation courses began. Several cold, rainy days were followed quite suddenly by warm, sunny weather that brought people out into the streets, parks, and riverfront. Classes grew a little quieter as the temperatures went up and the city was full of sounds and smells of summer. The Centre offered a special deal on a 3-month unlimited pass to encourage students to stay committed to practice during the summer months. We worked on finalizing programs for the rest of the year and prepared the July-December brochure. Bhagavad Gita study classes resumed after a long break, plus, we offered a Headstand Workshop. In 2019 we celebrate 55 years of the Centre in New York. Staff are doing well and sending our blessings from the New York City Centre. By Masters’ blessings and God’s Grace, all is running smoothly. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. During May the Main Hall received a fresh look with new lamps. The house looked festive with the beautiful decorations and the dose of sattwa put here and there for the special program. Saraswati gave a workshop on fascia to 14 inspired students. We had the last session of a nutrition course. Omkari gave a workshop on yoga and stress, well appreciated by 9 students. Swami Nityananda and Saraswati went to Orleans for a couple of days. Sivakami was in charge of the Centre. She gave the Satsang on a bank holiday from Teachings on Yoga Life. The Centre was uplifted by the presence of Swami Kailasananda who came to prepare the house for the program and to give two inspiring Satsangs. In between the preparations there was an Open House and two days of heavy rain. Many people came for the uplifting Satsang giving by Swami Kailasananda on the topics of Satsang and Meditation from Bliss Divine. Narayana and Ramdas arrived from Orleans with the sound system. They were of precious help to set everything. We celebrated Narayana’s birthday during the rush hour in the reception that day. During the week, The Masters sent many close karma yogis to support the Centre.

God blessed the Centre with an uplifting week with the special program, ‘A Celebration of Life’ with the European Acharyas and Sri Venugopal Goswami. The Masters sent precious karma yogi help and many participants to the inspiring lectures, the wonderful asana classes and the saptaha. The program was appreciated by all. Swami Durgananda gave a powerful lecture which brought joy and light to our path. The students were captivated by Swami Sivadasanandas’ asana classes and by the lecture on the topic of Mental Expansion by Hatha Yoga. Swami Kailasananda gave 4 inspiring lectures and a beautiful asana class. The evening program melted our hearts as our souls were dancing with joy and love. There are no words to express our gratitude to our Acharyas and to Sri Venugopal Goswami. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Greetings from Porto Alegre. Blessings and Peace to all of the Sivananda Family. In May Lalita arrived to Porto Alegre to stay some months at the Centre. The teachers were very pleased with the staff. Chandra came for a day to do some formalities then returned to Montevideo. We offered more activities, especially Beginners’ Yoga courses to increase the numbers of students. Regular activities worked normally, although with few students. The important thing is that we started the second group of Beginners’ Yoga of the month, with classes on Saturdays and Sundays, which was well received. We had several students interested in taking the course. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. We were happy to see that the students were very enthusiastic to advance in their practice so the Yoga 3 course was a full registration. We also started a Yoga 5 and Yoga 8 course. Swami Sankarananda gave a workshop on Sun Salutation one Saturday. We started a new meditation course for students who finished level 1 and 2, gathering a nice big group. We send pranams to all. May the Masters guide you and protect you to carry on their mission. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. The beginning of May was busy. Swami Sivasankariananda went to the Yoga Farm for the festive Shastapurthi celebrations of Swami Jnaneswariananda and Swami Narayanananda. The Centre hosted sitar maestro Partha Bose and Indranil Mallick on their 2019 tour from India. The Friday night concert was captivating. Saturday was Wellness Day with the theme Yoga for Trauma. A new connection, Lisa Danylchuk, LMFT, gave a very accessible talk and Swami Sivasankariananda taught a trauma sensitive yoga class afterwards for those interested. Sunday afternoon students focused nicely on Yantra Painting. We finished a Yoga 2 course and Pranayama course, and started a Yoga 3 course. We were thrilled to receive the first components of the new altar. Radharani carefully oiled the wood.

By mid May Rudrani taught a very successful Stress Relief weekend course at the Centre. The women participating were extremely grateful for her thoroughness and care. One woman immediately signed up for three individual sessions. We offered Yoga Nidra to support a current student going through chemotherapy. We offered a Dosa making workshop, with Anita. Attendees of the 10:30 asana class were thrilled to join us for a dosa lunch. Swami Sivasankariananda and Rudrani continued seeing students for Yoga Health Education sessions. We started a 5-session Pranayama Practice class. We enjoyed a quick visit from Swami Narayanananda on his way back to Asia. Sivapriya arrived with him and helped for two weeks at the SF Centre. We felt the Gurus’ blessings. May the Truth be spread far and wide. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya. In May we had the blessing to welcome Ishwari, returning to teach after her trip to India. She helped with house cleaning. Shankari played harmonium. The Open Doors Class in front of the Centre had a very good assistance. We started a new Beginners’ Yoga Course. May the Masters continue to maintain prana and harmony in the Sivananda Centre of Sao Paulo. Om Shanti Shanti to all the Sivananda family. Om.

https://www.sivananda.org/saopaulo

Om Namah Sivaya. During the month of May we had two major holidays in Israel, the Memorial day and the Independence day. Due to these events the Centre was closed for 3 days. The staff took advantage of this time to work on accounting and other projects. Sivakami Chaitanya left to the Yoga Retreat for a one month stay. She will participate in a Vedanta course and Swami Swaroopananda birthday celebration. Over the weekend we had an Open House, more than 100 people joinan evening Satsang we celebrated the birthday of Pranava Chaitanya with cake, gifts and inspiring message from Swami Sivananda.

Mid month a new Raja yoga, Integral yoga and Yoga 3 courses opened. We had introductory classes to the upcoming meditation and positive thinking courses. We celebrated the birthday of Pranava Chaitanya with a beautiful Puja. She received many gifts, birthday cards, cakes and inspiring message from Swami Sivananda. With the help of a dedicated karma yogi we did a deep cleaning of the garden and grounds around the Centre. We are feeling very blessed to receive so much help from close students and teachers with the many daily tasks such as cleaning and cooking. The weekend was quite, allowing the staff to practice and rest. One Satsang was on the topic of ‘Gratitude’. We have plenty of help and are feeling very grateful and blessed! Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. Early May new batches of Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses started, enrolled by 8 and 5 students respectively, at which they started their Sadhana. We offered a trial class with 8 people attending. 3 of them signed up for Yoga 1. Short term staff, Kumari, left for the Yoga Farm, having completed her 3-month service to the Tokyo Centre. She is expected to come back to the Centre as staff 3 months later.

By mid May a Vedanta philosophy study session using a textbook named “Ishwaraya Namah” was held. This session started a year ago, and good number of students have been learning Vedanta on a regular basis. We offered a trial class. The Beginners’ Yoga 1 course was completed. A Puja workshop was held in which we demonstrated how to prepare an altar and shared a simple procedure of Puja. Many students were interested in Bhakti yoga and their understanding of “4 Classical Paths of Yoga”. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early May Prahlad came back from the Yoga Camp Ashram. Anjaneya arrived from Ottawa to teach Chair Yoga course, attended by group of eight students. Our teachers’ meeting started with Puja, then a class taught by Prahlad, a meeting and lunch. Everyone was happy to spend some time together practising and discussing teaching guidelines.

The mid May long weekend in Toronto brought one sunny day which made everyone extremely happy. We immediately left to get plants an planted them in front of the Centre . We taught several kindergarten classes at our school program. Our classes were usually focused on older children and teens but it was a novelty and such joy to spend time with so many young children. Nalini and Mookambika continued to attend English classes, progressing nicely. They continued ongoing spring cleaning of the basement and kitchen, plus, working on advertising projects. Our upcoming yoga retreat attendance filled to capacity. Prahlad was in India on a whirlwind tour attending many Centres and Ashrams. We send Om Namo Narayanaya to everyone. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. With the blessings of God a Ladies’ Beginners’ Yoga batch started. All other classes continued smoothly. Yashodha, a karma yogi from Japan, joined the Centre. Yashpal ji and some of the staff members went to visit Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple for a couple of days. Prahlad ji visited us on his way to the Neyyar Dam Ashram. It was a pleasant surprise for us. A Beginners’ Yoga batch started on Monday mornings. We conducted a headstand workshop. A Ganapathy Homa was conducted since it was the first day of the new Malayalam month. Lalithasahasranama Poojas were held on Fridays. Satsang was led by Nataraj ji. Nataraj ji also conducted another teachers’ meeting to discuss the international yoga day program. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. Greetings to all from Vienna. With the blessing of Master and Swamiji May was very successful. A total of 9 courses started, among them a good Beginners’ Yoga course, a pranayama course and also a thought power course. We said 3 Om Trayambakham for Daya Devi who gave us a good support for the last weeks. She went back to Munich. Dr. Kamlesh gave a well attended intro talk on Ayurveda, plus, his famous cooking class. 20 people came to improve the use of spices and dhal as proper source for protein, etc.

Open classes and courses went on as usual mid May. 3 higher courses started, plus, people came for private classes. We had a Kirtan workshop. Our regular Open Day attracted a few newcomers with some students purchasing the class passes at a reduced price. Dr. Kamlesh left to Berlin. We thanked him for the nice program he gave in Vienna. With the help of Karma Yogis we started with smaller renovations of the Centre. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. In May Durga Devi continued the Russian tour with Swami Gokulananda, including the retreat in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. In the Centre, open classes, Beginners’ Yoga courses and Satsangs continued smoothly. We had a weekend workshop about Yoga and vital energy one Saturday morning. It contained theory and practical exercises. Teachers assisted in different departments, like reception, cooking, cleaning, facebook, statistics. Mahadev returned to the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House. His two weeks stay was very nice and useful for the Centre, teachers, and students. They reported they learned new things and have a vision of some things from the new angle. Thank You, Dear Mahadev.

Durga Devi came back from the Russian tour very much inspired by the sincerity in yoga and seeking spirituality of the students, who live so far away in Siberia, the middle of Russia. Our teacher, Atmadev, gave a very nice Saturday workshop – Yoga and a Healthy Back. All students learned many details about how to protect and strengthen the back in the asanas and SN. There were 5 young strong men amongst the students. Looking at the pictures with the plumb line taken they were a bit shocked to see their body alignment so clear. Everybody was inspired to practice asanas more. We had a big event in the downtown park of the city, organized by the Indian consulate, in light of the upcoming IYD. 70 students took part in this open air asana class. No one of them had been practicing Sivananda Yoga before. We distributed different leaflets and hoped to see some of them at the Vilnius Centre one day. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius