Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. In early September we had a  segment farewells, notably the departure of Prahlad, with his fatherly words of encouragement, and that of Swami Sivabhaktananda as he went for a tour in Latin America. Many guests remained for the Labour Day Long Weekend, before returning to a new season of work. The Camp seemed to be a different place as the summer season came to an end. The guests were finding a much quieter and serener place as the summer wound down. Nikhila taught a Sanskrit course, with students excited to learn how to pronounce and write this rich language. They enjoyed the course and joyfully took on the challenge of learning in such a short time. During Likhita Japa part of the course, people were inspired to write Om Namo Narayanaya, in Sanskrit. We also offered workshops on Raja yoga, took them on a walk in the trails, and gave asana coaching sessions. We had an Open House, which attracted 36 people. 4 people registered to the beginners course, starting on Tuesdays, while others said they will be visiting Sivananda Centres in their cities (mainly Ottawa and Montreal). During Sunday prayers, Chandrika introduced the Ramayana and continued the series for the coming few Sundays. A large group of staff maintained the energy at the Camp, going fully on with tasks of construction, painting of shrines, gates, Temples, bathhouses, steps, etc. Housekeeping team closed one of the bath houses, one of the dorms, the Annapurna building for the winter season.

Mid September started with a cooling breeze announcing the changing seasons. A few guests spent their week at the Camp, notably a lady and her niece who traveled from different corners of the planet to have quality time together. Luckily, the weather warmed up and we could go on walks in the trails and have yoga classes outdoor. Morning Satsangs featured a series of readings from Bliss Divine, talking about the purpose of Life, Sadhana, Freedom, etc. Everyone was invited to reflect on topics throughout the day and apply whenever possible. Guests expressed being intrigued by the difference in perspective about different topics, especially Freedom, which is highly perceived to be completely different. Evening Satsangs featured the Ramayana and the Story of Lord Ganesha. “Suddenly a whole new world opened up” said a guest when she heard all the stories. We had a Puja for Lord Siva at the Krishna Temple. Music and Kirtan filled the Temple with wonderful energy! A large group joined us for a hiking program. We hiked for hours one Saturday, enjoying the scent of the forest, the beauty of the changing colors as green merged with red in such beautiful scenes. The gardens supplied us everyday with new goodies: squash, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, etc. Tess and her daughter Brook made a delicious pizza using different herbs from the garden. We’re so lucky to be able to enjoy the South Indian food, made by Unni. The Beginners Course started in French. A good 10 people group enjoyed the teachings of Jnana Dev, assisted by Emmanuelle. The students were happy to join the Siva Puja, “I did not know such a thing even existed! And I’m so glad it’s close to home!” said one student, filled with wonder at the end of the Puja. On the staff side, maintenance work was ongoing mostly at the Subramanya Temple, in Samadhi Estate and Annapurna building. A new cabin was under construction by the Staff Cabins. Overall, the energy of the camp was sweet & flowing smoothly. We thank the Grace of the Gurus and pray it keeps flowing through all.  Om Shanti. Om + Prem.

http://www.sivananda.org/camp

Namah Sivaya to all. Early September was filled with high energy, with Master Sivananda’s birthday anniversary. We celebrated with morning Guru Puja, Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya chanting and a feast for brunch. Sept 8 was also a very auspicious day for marriage. Former SIH doctor, Dr. Sreelakshmi and therapist Gopika entered into wedlock on the same day. Excitement steadily gained momentum for Kerala’s major festival of Onam. Staff prepared Pookalam flower designs daily on the roadside. The agricultural paid staff offered an Onam meal in the Health Hut. Chinmaya Mission came to the Ashram with 200 school children to celebrate Onam with various activities. They enjoyed the Ashram’s natural, peaceful atmosphere. We appreciated their youthful energy. Preparations for the high season started with regular maintenance inspections. We bid farewell to Govinda ji after 6 months of sincere service. Rudra ji transferred to Madurai Centre. Sivadas ji returned to the Ashram. We welcomed new staff Kailash, Ojasvini, Sivakami and Arjun.

Around the middle of September a highlight was the panchayat (local authority) Onam procession. Tensions ran high as staff struggled to finish the float in time for the procession. In the end it was worth it. The setting was the dramatic scene of Narasimha devouring Hiranyakashipu in the presence of Prahlada, accentuated by recorded voices, sounds and bright flashing lights. King Bali and Vamana led the procession followed by staff, guests and paid staff ladies, immaculately dressed in Onam sarees. The street was lined with local people from the neighbouring village of Kalikad to Neyyar Dam eager to see the various displays and floats. As per last year Sivananda Ashram won the prize for best float. Dr Vishnu returned to the Ashram after a successful visit to the Yoga Camp in Canada. New staff Kalyani arrived from Toronto. Om. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/neyyardam

Om Namo Narayanaya – Greetings from Uttar Kashi. In early September Ganapathy Homa was conducted for both Ganesha Chaturthi as well as for the start of the Sadhana Intensive program.  Bhandara was provided to celebrate Master’s birthday.  Ninety sadhus were fed plus many local kids, as they came home from school.  The Sadhana Intensive students patiently took the test of serving food they were not allowed!  They stuck to their kitcheri with understanding. The program went well, although one student had an accident going for a bath in Maa Ganga, fracturing his ankle. The pain caused him to leave. May Swamiji and Master bless him with another opportunity later. With Swamiji and Master’s blessings, staff and teachers are also doing well. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/uttarkashi

Om Namo Narayanaya. Early September was in a celebratory mode with Ganesha Chathurthi with conduction of Ganapathi Homa to mark the celebrations during morning Satsang at Mahakali Temple and to appease Lord Ganesha to help remove all obstacles from our paths. We had a Guru Pooja to celebrate the birthday of Swami Sivananda. All the guests gathered at the Temple for the Pooja, seeking blessings of our Master Swami Sivananda. We also had special menu included in the brunch to share happiness and joy of the day. Saju left for Kerala to get a feel of Onam celebrations in the traditional Kerala way. We also had group karma yoga by the staff in order to paint the dormitory as part of preparations for the upcoming courses. It was also great fun for the staff to contribute their bit, in giving a newer and brighter shade to the dormitory walls while getting themselves also painted. Rest of the infrastructural modifications also continued, with the aim of getting completed soon. The yoga vacationers also had a happy and grand time letting themselves go in the serene surroundings of the Ashram.

Around the middle of September was a bit hot with afternoons getting warmer, compared to the previous weeks. Though the evening sky was crowded with rain clouds we never had any rainfall. We also got the whiff of Onam festival going on at Kerala as most our staffs went to their homes to celebrate Onam and were updating us on their celebration plans. At the Ashram we had a feast prepared, with payasam and other delicacies, much to the delight of our guests. They were given a short update on the legend behind Onam festivities. The rest of the staff carried on with their Painting Karma Yoga, as part of upcoming TTC preparations. The thatched roof work of the tea hut continued with the side walls left open to allow for good circulation of light and air.
There was a strike in Tamil Nadu one Friday, so the day off was postponed to the Saturday. A new Yoga Vacation batch began with considerable number of guests joining. Swami Shraddhananada left for Kerala to pay visit to another Ashram in Kollam. All our Keralite staff returned after spending a happy week with their families back home.
All at the Ashram thank the Gurus for gifting us with a joyous and wonderful month. With prayers and regards to all. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In early September we wound down from the last weekend of summer. We moved straight into the start of the September TTC.  The beginning of the week brought preparations for the arriving students. Shakti, director of the NY Centre, was with us for the month to teach the TTC practice class and assist in the How to Teach class. Students arrived just before the inauguration. We had 13 students taking the TTC, including Dharmini, a long time karma yogi. Classes started on the most auspicious day of Master Swami Sivananda’s birthday. To celebrate Master’s birthday, we had an early morning Puja outside on the barn platform. In conjunction with the Puja, our priest, Sankara Nambhoodri, perform a Ganapata Homa for the start of the TTC.  We welcomed over 25 guests for the Hiking weekend program.  Swami Paramananda took the hikers to the local state park, Lake Minnewaska, for a 5 mile hike through the majestic mountains. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, the first week of TTC ran smoothly, with students adjusting well to the new routine.

Around the middle of September we had the first TTC “day off”. The group took advantage of the time to study and rest, enjoying the sauna and beautiful weather.  Bharata, from South Florida, came up to join Srinivasan on the Climate Ride, a 300 mile bike ride from New York to Washington DC to raise money for our solar panel project.  Srinivasan and Bharata left for NYC to join the large group of riders. Bren Jacobson arrived for a weekend, and gave talks at the morning Satsangs on his time with Swami Vishnu as Swamijis’ pilot during the peace missions. Marilyn Rossner joined us, and she gave talks at the evening Satsangs, also with stories about her time with Swamiji.  It was an inspiring weekend, giving us a deeper look into the life of beloved Swamiji.  There were several birthday celebrations.  Shakti, the director of the NY Centre, celebrated her birthday, and Swami Paramananda and staff Parameshwara, celebrated their birthdays as well.  It was celebratory weekend to say the least, with laughter, joy and good will abound. We could feel Swami Vishnus’ presence and his blessings. By the grace of Master and Swamiji, staff are handling the influx of guests very well and continued to maintain strong in their Sadhana. Sending pranams to all. May the Blessings of Master and Swamiji grace all of our lives. Om.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September The Yoga Farm began to feel a touch of autumn in the air as we moved into this beautiful season of the Ashram. Staff remained very active in their Sadhana and looking after the many guests who arrived, seeking shelter in this peaceful oasis. We celebrated Master’s birthday with a wonderful program of Akhanda Kirtan, chanting of Master’s name, a video showing Master Sivananda in Rishikesh and lovely Guru Puja and Puja workshop, led by Swami Dharmananda. We were very inspired in our honoring of Guru. Guru’s grace was felt deeply by all. We thank William Surface for presenting the Beginner’s Jyotish course, introducing the fundamental knowledge of the Jyotish chart and its practical use for understanding karma. Lilamayi taught the Stress and Relaxation weekend workshops with a large group of guests appreciating very much the Yoga teachings on how to increase and balance prana, the power of positive thinking, and the techniques of meditation. Karuna devi taught a weekend Ayurveda Cooking workshops with lectures on health and diet.

Around the middle of September the Ashram was full house with the Food as Medicine course taught by Bharata Surya teaching Ayurveda principles with hands-on cooking workshops. We welcomed Dr. Siva from the California College of Ayurveda for his Yoga Nidra Certification course, which was fully attended. The course focused on the origins of Yoga Nidra and application for reducing stress and anxiety. Swami Jnaneswariananda taught the Meditation Weekend with students being introduced to the classical meditation techniques and practices. With Swami Vasishtananda away to India, the staff and seva students dedicated themselves to taking care of the Temples and shrines around the Ashram, performing daily Pujas and Arati. The Ashram weather was beautiful with leaves beginning to fall from the trees. Projects around the Ashram continued with finishing of the OM cabins, revamping of the greenhouse, and painting of the Brahma Vidya Hall. We all felt the grace of Master and Swamiji. Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Yoga Farm.

http://www.sivananda.org/farm

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early September, we enjoyed a very beautiful Ganesh Chaturthi Puja to celebrate Ganesha’s birthday. It was a delightful event with lots of sweets that Ganesha likes the most. September 8 was a beautiful day in the Ashram with uplifting vibrations for Sri Swami Sivananda’s birthday. In the evening we had a beautiful birthday Puja and celebration and everyone went to bed inspired and happy. We warmly welcomed Bahamian presenter Deshon Fox, the author of “Insights from the Middle Theory,” who gave workshops and shared the story of a sudden shift in consciousness he experienced and ways to have a balanced mind, balanced body and increased awareness in order to live an empowered life. Many good Satsangs and workshops were presented in September. Parvati Chaitanya spoke about “The Five Bhavas of Bhakti Yoga” and Minakshi Chaitanya presented “The Mind and Happiness.” Krishna Chaitanya led a kirtan night that was enjoyed by all. Other Satsang topics this month included: “Pratipaksha Bhavana – Think the Opposite” and “Renunciation” presented by Minakshi Chaitanya; “Japa – Repetition of the Divine Name or Mantra” presented by Parvati Chaitanya; and Krishna Chaitanya gave a talk about “Cultivating Virtues through the Spiritual Diary.” “The Joy of Right Living with the Yamas and Niyamas” was started by Satsangs on “The Practice of the Yamas or Restraints” by Swami Brahmananda, in which he captivated the audience with interesting and motivating teachings on how to purify the mind. He then continued with The Practice of the Niyamas or Observances.”

In the second half of September, Sivananda TTC graduate, Priscilla Jabouin (Satya) joined us for 5 days to share workshops on “Define You Define YOUR Purpose,” which included many ways to use yoga to live a good life filled with happiness. “The Joy of Sivananda Kirtan” then took place again this year for 3 days, led by Sivananda TTC graduate Jim Gelcer (Siva) and everyone indeed felt joyful over these days. Ram Vakkalanka returned to present “Inner Healing Through Nada Yoga: Sacred Sounds of the Sitar,” sharing stories and beautiful music as well as healing workshops based on his advanced studies in Nada Yoga. At the end of the month, several new Karma Yogis and guests participated in the 5-day course “Essentials of Sivananda Yoga 1” and received an introduction to the 5 Points of Yoga. They were very inspired to continue to practice and to learn more. We are expecting another rush of reservations in the month ahead as soon as we mail out our brochure. Om Shanti from all the staff in Nassau.

http://www.sivananda.org/nassau

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of September we were blessed with a program with Dr. Sanjay and Anjani Kulkarni on Ayurveda. Their vast experience in offered us an insightful series of afternoon lectures. Tips on improving health were given in terms of diet and lifestyle, easy to make home remedies from the kitchen pharmacy and how Ayurveda can guide a woman through all the stages in her life. We are very grateful for the knowledge that was shared so freely. 43 students arrived for the TTC. A mixed internationally oriented group tentatively took their first steps on the TTC journey. The vacation program was lovingly guided by Padmavati. Her years of experience proved a great asset to the Seminar House. We rounded the first week of with a beautiful lecture by Rajyashree Ramesh on Space and Emotion in Indian Dance. We started the second week with a sweet Ganesha Puja followed by an inspired Bharata Natyam dance performance by Rajyashree Ramesh. The evening cleared any hindrances for what would turn out to be several very eventful days. We thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of autumn, taking advantage of the exceptionally warm weather with classes outside and early morning silent walks on the dew covered hillsides. The guest classes and lectures Centred on the topic of breathing and vital energy and a step by step guidance in the Beginners Guide program at the weekend. The TTC has settled into the teaching rhythm and were faring well. Masters birthday was celebrated with an uplifting Puja. Highlight this week was the beginning of the Bhagavata Saptaha. We again are blessed to receive the profound teachings of the Srimad Bhagavatam and hear the soul-stirring music. In the 3rd week of TTC the students grew more and more confident and really came together as a group. They started practicing teaching each other and did the kriyas on Sunday morning. At the morning Satsangs Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Kailasananda held different lectures on ‘Inspirations for your Practice’. It gave us something to look forward to every morning.  We continued the seven day Bhagavata Saptaha journey. With each evening the divine love progressed, bringing us all closer to one another in a profound way. All were touched by the dedication of Sri Venugopal Goswami to teach us year after year. The priest, Yagneshwara Dixit, arrived to give a program on South Indian Temple Meditations. We had daily Pujas at the main altar in the Ganesha hall, uplifting the energy in the Ashram. Also a beautiful yantra Puja was performed with Vishnu Sahasranama. In the last week we introduced the vacationers into the 12 basic postures and their variations as preventive care for the entire back. The “Yoga Body Check” allowed them to reading their bodies as a yoga book and to opening one chapter after the other through the regularity in the practice. The TTCs opened up for the deeper teaching of yoga in the advanced Pranayama classes and the Vedanta philosophy lectures in the afternoon. The month ended with a heartful graduation ceremony and all students and staffs in high spirits. Summer season has come to an end with the end of the month. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/tyrol

Om Namah Sivaya. After a busy summer season, Swami Kailasananda, Swami Bhagavatananda, Ananta and Girija left to teach in TTCs in Austria, Poland and London. We started the beginning of the month with a “One week yoga retreat at reduced rate” which always attracted guests with different levels of practice, followed by a “Yoga and anatomy week: Asanas, muscles and posture”. It was a nice and sunny week at the Ashram. The guest had lectures and workshops on this topic, mainly concerning the benefits and the effects of the Asanas on the anatomy. On Friday of the same week we had a Teachers’ Training Preparation Weekend started. The weekend was really nice, the students had a good energy and they were very interested in the practice; almost all of them decided to do the next TTC! The Satsangs were mainly given by Swami Gopalananda and Kailas. Spiritual highlight of last week were the two Pujas on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi on Monday and Swami Sivananda’s birthday on Thursday.  The second week at the Ashram, we had a ‘Yoga Psychology’ and during the weekend we had ‘Yoga for the family’, with many children and their parents coming to the Ashram. The content of the lectures was based mainly on the ‘Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’. There was a nice exchange between the guests during the whole week. The third week we started the weekend of ‘Yoga for the family’ and 16 children and their parents arrived at the Ashram. Three teachers came also for the weekend to help with the kids activities: Mahalakshmi, Padmavati (Pierrette) and Padmavati (Juliette). During the weekend the kids had yoga classes, games, Satsangs with stories, kirtans, etc. The group of children was very nice, they enjoyed the Ashram and they want to come back soon and for a longer time. On Monday we had a staff asana workshop guided by Swami Gopalananda (Q&A’s) and on Thursday we had the staff svadhyaya also guided by Swami Gopalananda. We read some words from ‘the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’, talking more in detail about the 5 Kleshas. Few guests came for the “Yoga for the back” weekend taught by Kailas. The guests appreciated the workshops and yoga classes to improve the postural alignment, to increase the strength and flexibility of the back and got more knowledge about the back. Staff went to Paris for a day to participated to the special program with the Acharyas and Sri Venugopal Goswami. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/orleans