Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters.
At the beginning of April the Yoga Camp was inspired to host the EBM. We prepared the Ashram for the arrival of Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Kailasananda, Srinivasan, Prahlad, Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Jnaneshwarianana, Swami Narayananda, Swami Keshavananda, Swami Annapurnananda and Mahadev Chaitanya. First to arrive was Swami Kailasananda, who gave a workshop for the guests and staff on the ‘Power of Sound’ and led Satsang in the evening. She also gave Satsang at the Montreal Centre. Swami Sitaramananda and Swami Narayanananda arrived after TTC in Vietnam. Swami Durgananda, Swami Sivadasananda, Swami Keshavananda and Swami Annapurnananda arrived from Europe and Swami Jnaneshwariananda arrived late in the night as well. The brothers, Mahadev, Sukhadev and Ramdas picked up almost everyone from the airport. Srinivasan, Mahadev Chaitanya and Kamala Chaitanya drove up to the Ashram reaching safe and sound. We had few guests staying with us and 6 karma yogis who specially volunteered to help during the EBM and temple opening. They were a great help to Ben who was cooking for the EBM, helping in the kitchen and cleaning. We were blessed to be in the presence of everyone especially during Satsang, as they inspired us with their chanting, talks and stories of Swami Vishnu. Manjunath conducted abhishekam for Krishna to inaugurate the next few days of meeting. This was followed by the Brahmacharya initiation of Kamala from the Yoga Ranch. Saturday morning was also an auspicious day as we brought up the deities that spent the winter in the Krishna temple back to their home at the Subramanya Ayappa Temple. Few families attended the ceremony from the morning whilst also preparing a feast for lunch. EBM, guests and staff went up to the temple for Subramanya’s abhishekam which was followed by the feast. There were close to 40 devotees taking part in the celebration. It is a happy occasion when the devotees start coming to the temple, as they bring a lot of devotion and gratitude with them. The meeting ended in the afternoon on the Sunday. By 3.30pm everyone had already left, except for Swami Jnaneshwariananda who led Satsang in the night and left early Monday morning. The staff worked hard but are in deep gratitude of being in service to the guests and Swami Vishnu. We look forward to a busy week with Kumari’s certification courses, and some really warm weather!

During mid-April we enjoyed beautiful warm and sunny days. Kumari arrived to teach two certification courses. The first Teaching Yoga for Seniors from 13th-16th April was attended by 9 students.The second course Yoga Therapy for Back Care form 17 -19 was attended by 5 students. Their days were filled with workshops, asana classes and talks. They were all extremely happy with the course and guidance received from Kumari. The staff also benefited from having Kumari around as she is always kind and joyful. During the weekend we also had Alain conduct a drumming workshop, which was attended by 15 guests. His workshops are always popular as he is a very engaging and humble teacher. The guests all checked out on Sunday. Swami Shivabhaktananda left to Montreal on Sunday to spend a week there giving workshops and classes. There are a lot of projects up at the Subramanya temple that the maintenance crew are working on around the clock to have done before the crowd of devotees start to arrive. Staff are busy preparing the Ashram for spring and slowly summer. We are working on improving our current reservation system and continue to improve the new boutique system with the help of Premlee. The snow is almost gone and we can see all the work there is to do outside. We hope everyone is doing well. Pranams to all! Om Namo Narayanaya to all Sivananda Staff from the Yoga Camp.

Namah Sivaya to all. At the beginning of April the summer heat was relieved by a number of heavy downpours. Unfortunately the lightening also damaged our electronic equipment and internet system. Highlights included the cultural programme with Erode Rajamani Bhagavatar. The 7 member group lifted the mood with their powerful singing. On Friday we held the 58th Ayurveda Medical Camp with 1094 patients and 10 doctors attending. The camp continued despite the heavy rain. 25 students underwent mantra initiation at the Rajarajeshwari Temple with Swami Gayatriananda and Swami Rajeshwariananda.

During mid-April the final week of TTC was smooth going as students had settled into the rhythm of the course. Energy levels were further boosted with the advanced pranayama practice on Thursday. Highlights of the week were a talk on vedic mathematics by Sri Haridas, Lalita Sahasranama archana on Thursday evening and ccelebration of the Vishu New Year on Wednesday morning in the traditional way where staff and guests are led with their eyes closed first thing in the morning to the temple to witness the kanni display of auspicious objects. This is wonderful way to start the day and year. TTC graduation happened on Saturday with a standing ovation for Sandeep. Being his first TTC he did an admirable job of teaching Hatha Yoga. Two of our staff have received spiritual names; Rahul – Rama, Hashim – Surya. Narayan (Chris) has arrived to prepare for next weeks Fasting Detox Programme. Chika has returned to Japan but we hope to see her back in soon with a new visa. Narayan (Will) has returned to Canada. We thank him for his selfless service.. Pranams & Om Namah Sivaya from all staff at Neyyar Dam.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya – Greetings from Uttar Kashi. The next TTC of the high season is slated for May 10th. The Temple of Siva has been completed with the inaugural ceremonies in early May. We are looking forward to teaching vibrant groups of students this year. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. At the beginning of April we experienced atypical summer weather, with a pre-monsoon rainfall dousing the bitter heat in entire environment. The pleasant twist in climate brought by these April showers has pleased our guests making their program and Sadhana even enjoyable. Priest Sajith prepared a bulk quantity of food which was offered to the kaloothu Shakti temple and distributed the prasad to passersby. Saturday was a picnic day to Srirangam, a temple town famed for Sri Ranganathar Swamy shrine and to Sirumalai, an optimally cold hillock located 1600ft above sea level nick named by the locals as ‘little Kodaikanal’. It was a typical hillside village popular for its good yield of ‘malapazham’, a small yet expensive range of banana. As insisted by the villagers we were excited to trek through a steep rocky path uphill to find a Shiva temple at the summit. Pathway floor-level lamp shades were temporarily installed along the main pathway which was inspected by Ravi sir who came from Chennai to spend a couple of days and supervise in addition the landscaping works. Some interesting plans and proposals are in que which we might see it taking shape gradually. Also in this week we bid farewell to three of our karma yogis Daniela, In Soung Lee and Atmaram who were of good support all along. May Guru’s blessings be with them in their journey of life.

During mid-April it was festive time for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, marking the beginning of Tamil and Malayalam New Year. Both considered to be very auspicious and sentimental. Needless to say Monday was the day of planning the celebrations. The morning of Tuesday dawned with a Satsang in Sree Mahakali Temple owing to Tamil new year’s day and ended at dusk distributing tasteful prasad, tamarind rice and sundal (steamed seasoned chick peas) to passersby. The Vishu celebrations that followed next day was the most exiting. A Classical setup of lighted lamps -symbol of knowledge, grains and fruits – symbol of health and coins-symbol of wealth was made at the altar of Swami Vishnu hall. Since 4 am one by one staff and guests were guided to the hall blind folded only to open the eyes right on the altar to see the auspicious spread giving oneself a visually positive beginning of new year – traditionally referred to as “Vishu Kani “. This was followed by ‘kaineetam’ a combo of betel leaf, araknut and coins symbolically greeting prosperity. We also played fire crackers, sparkle sticks and flower pots. The guests were so thrilled to be a part of the celebrations. On Saturday night talent show was cheerful and entertaining. The week ended with Satsang and sunday prayers. Om shanti.All are well and conveying Pranams. OM.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! At the beginning of April it was time of movement and change. Srinivasan, Mahadev Chaitanya and Kamala headed up to the headquarters in Canada for the EBM. Shakti returned from Colombia to serve at the Ashram for a few months before returning to the New York Centre. The weekend was our busiest so far with over 60 guests arriving on Friday. We had a Native American sweat lodge on Saturday and a Permaculture program over the weekend. Both programs were well attended. Given the fact that is was our busiest weekend, and both Srinivasan and Mahadev Chaitanya were away, staff did an outstanding job holding the space and taking care of the guests. The staff really pulled together to keep things running smoothly. Shakti and Radha took turns leading the Satsangs and Jared and Bhakti, the Permaculture teachers, gave a presentation on Permaculture principles. By the blessings of Master and Swamiji, we have another Chaitanya on staff. During the EBM our staff Kamala took her vows of Brahmacharya and is now Kamala Chaitanya. We wish her all the best on her spiritual journey.

During mid-April the very first Prison Project TTC was inaugurated on Tuesday in Ottisville, New York. A team of five teachers, including Srinivasan and Mahadev Chaitanya, left the Ashram at 5:15 am to arrive in time for morning Satsang at the penitentiary where the initiation was conducted. There are 16 students in the course. This is the first ever Yoga TTC in a US federal penitentiary. The team did not arrive back to the Ashram until 8:30 pm. This schedule went on for the entire week, with a day off on Saturday, giving the teachers a much needed day of rest. The students are very grateful for the opportunity and are adapting nicely to the new routine. There was a cooking workshop this weekend taught by Nitya. We had a full house over the weekend and staff did a great job maintaining the Ashram and looking after the guests. Staff are all well, strong in their Sadhana and send their pranams.

Om Namah Sivaya! At the beginning of April the Yoga Farm welcomed springtime into the air and had many transitions in staff as well. Swami Pranavananda returned after 8 months in Asia. He will be at the Yoga Farm until at least the end of June before going back to Asia again. Swami Jnana has departed for a few weeks to go to HQ for the EBM and then to Chicago Centre. Swami Dharma departed to Nassau to assist Swami Sitaramananda and the Ashram there. The Food as Medicine course continued with Bharata teaching a hands-on approach to ayuredic cooking and all the Ashram enjoyed the delicious meals. We had 8 beginners for a 5-days course in which Karuna devi taught the 5 points for perfect health. We welcomed 16 guests for a 2 days intensive led by Ananta Chaitanya. The busy week came to a climax with a Sunday open house in which we welcomed 28 interested participants who took an Ashram tour, had a yoga class and stayed on for dinner. Many of them came from the local Sacramento city college and will be coming back again soon. We bid farewell to Kumara who was staff for 4 months and welcomed Keshava (Japanese) back to the Farm who was here for 6 months last year. With TTC quickly approaching, much energy has been put into spreading the word to help sign up last minute registrants. The grounds are looking better then ever led by our devoted Hanuman’ji who has been doing inspired karma yoga beautifying the lawns and grounds. We all feel the blessings of Master and Swamiji.

During mid-April we had two courses, the Meditation for Beginners course with Swami Pranavananda and the Ayurvedic Detoxification and Rejuvenation Retreat with Gita Devi. Both courses we very inspiring and uplifting for all those involved. On the weekend, Arun Deva came to give a weekend course on Emotional Intelligence. His talks were very deep with lots of wisdom coming through. The Ashram continues to prep for TTC with many projects continuing on the garden, grounds, and maintenance. We welcome back Swami Jnaneswariananda, Vaikunta and Chandika. We all felt the Guru’s blessings. Om Namah Sivaya to all blessed selves from the Yoga Farm.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. At the beginning of April the TTC graduation was on April 6th with 31 new yoga teachers. On April 9th we inaugurated a new group of TTC’s as well as our first ever April ATTC. The 10-day spring detox with Manu Dawson began April 8th with the students meeting in the newly transformed Annapurna house which offfers them a kitchen prep area and a large screened porch for meals and lectures. Joseph Goldstein gave a wonderful program entitled Wisdom and Compassion. Many courses ran this week including ‘Yoga and Positive Thinking for Kids’ with Kate Bartram Brown, Overcome Pain with Gentle Yoga taught by Neil Pearson and a 3-day Introduction to Meditation Weekend course.

During mid-April Swami Sitaramananda arrived to the Ashram this week after a lot of travelling in the past weeks. Swami Sita will teach the Raja Yoga in the current ATTC and offer other programs. ‘The Nature of Consciousness’ Symposium ran successfully this week. The symposium linked science and spirituality with talks by Peter Russell, Amit Goswami, Cassandra Vieten and Lothar Schafer. The ‘Ayurveda and Wellness counselor Certification’ course is taking place this week with Durga Leela and assisted by Swami Dharmananda and and Lila Mayi. We were happy to have Swami Shantananda return to the Ashram to teach a 3-day program on the 17th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Swami Dharmananda offered a ‘Meditation and the Mind’ intensive course. The TTC and ATTC students finished their second week of studies. Om Shanti from all the staff in Nassau.

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. End of March we held a Certificate Course Yoga and Stress Management with Swami Vidyananda and a Yoga Teachers’ Training Preparation weekend. Ram Navami was celebrated with Rama Kirtans and inspiring stories from the Ramayana. Beginning of April over 80 joyful yogis plus many Swamis and Staff arrived for the Easter Retreat. After everybody had settled in, Swami Sivadasananda started with the first asana workshop entitled Power of Asana and the packed hall enjoyed Swamijis light humour and insightful instructions. The highlight was Swami Durganandas lecture about the qualities of nature and the necessity to lift ones practice on a more subtle level. Everybody was inspired to continue with more introspection. Our Priest Sree Krishna did a beautiful Hanumans Jayanti Puja and a delicate Hanuman Yantra decorated with Ram Mantras became the Centre of concentration. After many mantras and devotional kirtans the hall was filled with a sweat atmosphere: Sigrid Siebert, a nutritionist from Germany, shared her excellent knowledge on health and diet generously in lectures and question and answer sessions. The Easter Retreat ended with guests leaving in good spirits and well recharged after having drawn new inspiration. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of April we had a certificate course on Ayurveda with Swami Bhagavatananda. Then we had a full house for our Easter Retreat, including many guests who came for the first time. Swami Kailasanandaji gave an inspiring Easter Satsang with guests chanting songs from various backgrounds, christian, jewish, latin, spanish and gospel. A further training for Sivananda Teachers of ‘How to Teach Yoga to Children’ with Ananta was held: for the first time it was a training for 3 days, with some extra topics, such as Meditation for children, Yoga in schools and a picture show with children doing Asanas. We also celebrated Hanuman Jayanti with a special Puja. Chandrika from Munich gave a certificate course on the topic of ‘How Yoga works’. Her power point presentations were clear and quite interesting, she mentioned many scientific facts on Yoga. Nirvani from Norway brought with her 15 students from her Yoga school who stayed with us for a week. Then on 17 April we were happy to welcome Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda for our first « STAFF REFRESHER ». For 3 weeks the Ashram will be closed for the public to host all the European swamis and most of the staff for group Sadhana until we open again for guests on 8 May. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans