Gurugram May 2016 | Preface
Blessed Self,
Om Namah Sivaya
We are slow and steadily moving into Spring 2016, noticing the transitions of some Ashrams shifting from high season to low while others shifting from low season to high. By the grace of Swamiji every Ashram is seeing a very successful year of spreading Swamiji’s teachings. Meanwhile, the Sivananda Centres continue to strive with lots of students arriving for classes, workshops and Satsangs. As the time goes it is becoming more and more evident that when we stick to the pure teachings from the original scriptures, as taught by Master and Swamiji, we are profoundly reaching and impacting many lives, with perfect timing. We are inspired to continue doing so in the future.
Yoga Camp/Headquarters is also happy to announce their new website will be launched soon as the preparation for the high season begins.
Pranams to all.
Temperaments are different in individuals, but all individuals have to aim at the attainment of a common goal, the achievement of a common purpose, the One common Consciousness Brahma. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Upcoming Courses
| May 03 – May 30/16 TTC – English Nassau, Bahamas www.sivananda.org/nassauMay 07 – Jun 04/16 TTC – English, Espaňol Grass Valley, CA, USA www.sivananda.org/yogafarmMay 08 – Jun 05/16 TTC – English Netala, Uttar Kashi, North India www.sivananda.org/uttarkash iMay 18 – Jun 15/16 May 28 – Jun 25/16 Jun 02 – Jun 29/16 Jun 02 – Jun 30/16 Jun 04 – Jul 02/16 Jun 12 – Jul 10/16 Jul 01 – Jul 29/16 Jul 01 – Jul 29/16 Jul 03 – Jul 31/16 Jul 03 – Jul 31/16 Jul 07 – Aug 04/16 |
Jul 09 – Aug 06/16 TTC – English Grass Valley, CA, USA www.sivananda.org/yogafarmJul 30 – Aug 28/16 TTC – English, Deutsch Reith, Tyrol, Austria www.sivananda.org/tyrol/enJul 31 – Aug 28/16 TTC – English Netala, Uttar Kashi, North India www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi Jul 31 – Aug 28/16 Aug 07 – Sep 04/16 Aug 15 – Sep 11/16 Sep 03 – Oct 01/16 Sep 03 – Oct 02/16 Sep 03 – Oct 02/16 Sep 03 – Oct 02/16 Sep 07 – Oct 05/16 Sep 24 – Oct 22/16 Sep 25 – Oct 23/16 |
Raja Yoga
From Discourse I: “Samadhi Pada- On Contemplations”
I.37. VEETA-RAAGA-VISHAYAM-VAA-CITTAM
‘… or by fixing the mind on one who has transcended human passions and attachments.’
Commentary:
Another highly regarded object of meditation is a saint or sage who has attained liberation. A picture of an inspiring soul, such as Swami Sivananda, Buddha or Jesus may be kept on the altar or other place of meditation. He may be focused on either visually or mentally.
I.38. SVAPNA-NINDRAA-JNAANAALAMBANAM VAA
‘…or (by meditating upon) knowledge gained in dreams or deep sleep’.
Commentary:
Many times the Truth is revealed by the superconscious during sleep. Usually this information is forgotten, and is only utilized by the subconscious. But if that knowledge is meditated upon consciously, great progress can be made upon the path.
Be calm. Be cheerful. Be courageous. Be self-controlled. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Bhagavad Gita Quote
Chapter II: Sankhya Yoga
(Krishna speaking to Arjuna)
II.15. That firm man whom, surely, these afflict not, O chief among men, to whom pleasure and pain are the same, is fit for attaining immortality.
COMMENTARY: ‘Dehadhyasa’ or identification of the Self with the body is the cause of pleasure and pain. The more you are able to identify yourself with the immortal, all-pervading Self, the less will you be affected by the pairs of opposites(‘Dvandvas’,
pleasure and pain, etc.) ‘Titiksha’ or the power of endurance develops the will-power.
Calm endurance in pleasure and pain, and heat and cold is one of the qualifications of an aspirant on the path of Jnana yoga. It is one of the Shatsampat or sixfold virtues. It is a condition of the right knowledge. Titiksha by itself cannot give you Moksha or liberation, but still, when coupled with discrimination and dispassion, it becomes a means to the attainment of Immortality or the knowledge of the Self.
Maintain always serenity under all conditions and circumstances. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Quick Links
Spiritual Calendar
| MAY 2016
03 Ekadasi JUNE 2016 01 Ekadasi. |
Glossary
KEVALA KUMBHAKA – Kevala: ‘only’. Kumbhaka: ‘breath retention’ or ‘cessation’
Kumbhaka is of two kinds – Sahita and Kevala. That which is coupled with inhalation and exhalation is termed Sahita. That which is devoid of these, is called Kevala (alone). When you get mastery in Sahita, then you can attempt this Kevala. When in due course of practice, the Kumbhaka subsists in many places without exhalation and inhalation and unconditioned by place, time and number—then that Kumbhaka is called absolute and pure (Kevala Kumbhaka), the fourth form of ‘Regulation of breath’. Such powers as that of roaming about in space unseen, follow this last form of Pranayama. In Vasishtha Samhita it is said: “When after giving up inhalation and exhalation, one holds his breath with ease, it is absolute Kumbhaka (Kevala).” In this Pranayama the breath is suddenly stopped without Puraka and Rechaka. The student can retain his breath as long as he likes through this Kumbhaka. He attains the state of Raja Yoga. Through Kevala Kumbhaka, the knowledge of Kundalini arises. Kundalini is aroused and the Sushumna is free from all sorts of obstacles. He attains perfection in Hatha Yoga. You can practice this Kumbhaka three times a day. He who knows Pranayama and Kevala is the real Yogi. What can he not accomplish in the three worlds, who has acquired success in this Kevala Kumbhaka? Glory, glory to such exalted souls. This Kumbhaka cures all diseases and promotes longevity.
God is watching all your thoughts and movements. – Sri Swami Sivananda