Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! At the beginning of the month Swami Gokulananda departed for Poland for teaching the TTC and ATTC Poland in Ustka. Swami Satyananda and Divya are taking care of the Centre for this month, supported by Swami Karunananda. This month`s highlights were Ganesha Chaturthi Pooja and Swami Sivananda Birthday Pooja. Some close students and teachers gathered for the early morning celebrations on Monday and Thursday, which spread a strong and loving energy in the Centre. Another highlight was a day seminar on active relaxation and stress reduction with many participants, most of them Sivananda teachers from northern Germany.They all showed high interest in the topic and enjoyed being in the energy of a Sivananda Centre again – which most of them are missing in their home town. This month also an asana special course on the spine, as well as a Bhakti Yoga course started with quite a number of students. In addition a headstand workshop took place and we had an Open House with some very interested young newcomers, which participated in the whole program. And at the end of the month there was a cooking workshop on Indian dishes. The menu was very tasty and inspired the students to take more care of a healthy and yogic diet. The weather still was remarkably warm, so the students were enjoying many classes on our asana platform. The work on the Centre brochure is also continued. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September Last week we celebrated the anniversary of our beloved Master Swami Sivananda, early in the morning. We were few, but as always it was a very inspiring moment. We started two Beginners’ courses. We continued with the study of “Bhagavad Gita”. We gave the workshop, “Conquest of Anger”. We were accompanied by Yamuna, from Colombia. She has been staff for 3 years in the Ashram Neyyar Dam.

Around the middle of September we started an introductory course to Sanskrit. We continued with our studies of the “Bhagavad Gita.” We gave a workshop on “Conquering Fear.” Swami Dayananda returned from the TTC Spain. The karma yogis all contributed to the Centre. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya. Early September was eventful. We welcomed Swami Sitaramananda, Swami Narayananda and Ananta Chaitanya to China. We did a Puja for the new Centre on Master Sivananda’s birthday to celebrate and pray. We focused on packing for TTC and set up the Satsang Hall, Yoga Hall at this beautiful Taoism monastery in Qianfo Mountain. Ganga, director of Ho Chi Minh Centre, also came to support the 2nd TTC in China. We are very happy to receive the 30 TTC students to learn and experience the yogic way toward real peace and happiness. May Guru’s grace be with us to share the teaching. Prem & Om to all.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. In early September we start a morning Beginners’ course, with a good number of students. We celebrated Vinayaka Chathurthy. Gopan and Sandhya came back from Canada. We celebrated Swamiji’s birthday on the 8^th of September. On the same day we did a Guru Pooja in the evening. The rest of the activities in the Centre carried on, as usual. Staff members performed their karma yoga activities efficiently and productively.

Around the middle of September we started evening Beginners’ course and a fast track Beginners’ course, with good number of students. The Centre’s construction work continued smoothly. The rest of the activities at the Centre carried on as usual. Staff members performed their karma yoga activities efficiently and productively. With Blessings of God and Masters, everything is fine here. Staff are well and wish you serenity and peace of mind. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September there was the Labor Day holiday. The Centre was closed for classes during the day but opened at 7pm for a special Satsang and Puja for Ganesha Chaturthi, which was attended by 15 people. Things picked up after Labor Day, with more people in Satsang and open classes and with registrations for new courses coming in. We had another special Puja for Master’s birthday. The Bhagavad Gita study class resumed after a 4-month hiatus, and one close student who has just moved to Costa Rica joined us via FaceTime. Swami Sankarananda, who was traveling across the country giving “From Fear to Peace” programs, stopped through Chicago Centre and gave a wonderful Satsang, which was particularly well attended and inspiring.

Around the middle of September two new combo courses started: Yoga & Meditation for Beginners, with 8 students and a Positive Thinking & Meditation course, with 12 students. Morning drop-in classes continued to be stronger. We received a good number of donations after starting a new appeal for fundraising for renovations on the original building at 1246 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Raghu Rama arrived to oversee the renovations, for which we are continuing to get estimates and gather at resources. Needed renovations include gutting the meditation room; repairing water damage, leaks, and plumbing; mold remediation; additional tuck pointing and masonry repair; and installing new drywall walls and ceiling, floor, and lighting. Arjuna arrived to look after the Centre for a few weeks while Swami Satyapremananda returned to the Ranch for a panchakarma treatment. Sunday evening’s Satsang was extra special with everyone enjoying the company of several of Swami Vishnu’s direct disciples together at the Centre, including Radha and Venugopala, both Chicago Centre’s long-time teachers and karma yogis. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with us all always. We are forever grateful for the guidance and protection of the Gurus. We send pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September it really quiet at DaLat Centre. We opened a new Yoga 1 class for beginners and took care of two residents. Now staff have more time for learning. We had a one hour training group every day. Sivashakti extended her stay in Chengdu for one month to support during TTC in China. Radhika visited her home for a break. Open classes and basic classes are filled of students although rainy weather in Da Lat. Positive energy pervades all Centre.

Around the middle of September we opened two Yoga for Beginners courses. All classes and courses were full. One Vietnamese resident came for one month residency program. Slowly more and more Vietnamese knew of proper traditional yoga and participate in yoga life positively. The teachings of Master and Swamiji were pervading in Vietnamese community. The asana outdoor workshop was very successful with many students joining with enthusiasm. Staff Daya went to the HCM Centre and then her home in Ha Noi. She finished 6 months of her staff life, with many things she learned, having experienced the peaceful way of life which she can apply to help her community later. Radhika came back after her one week visiting home with new energy. Narayani moved from HCM Centre to Da Lat to learn new knowledge. The energy of Guru pervades the  whole Da Lat Centre. Guru’s grace is always with us. Everything was good, by the Grace of Gurus. May Guru’s grace be with us to share the teaching. Om Namah Sivaya.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya. By Guru’s Grace and God’s will everything went very well at the Centre in September. In early September we have started the Beginners’ course at 10 am and 6:30 pm. On Wednesdays we conducted advanced classes both in the mornings and evenings. Students attended these classes with enthusiasm. All our open classes and other special classes continued very well. We celebrated Swami Sivananda-ji’s 129 birthday anniversary. That morning we did Maha Mritunjaya Havan in the morning which raised positive vibration inside everybody who attended. In the evening we organized a classical dance performance from our students dance academy. We then provided a nice dinner for everybody who attended the program. All of our staff members helped us in every way they could to make it a day filled with joy. We saw the unity among us and the strength that gave us.

Around the middle of September the Dwarka Centre’s activities ran just fine. We started the Beginners course 6 am and 4:00 pm. We conducted the advanced classes both in the morning and evening, with good numbers of enthusiastic students attending these classes. All our open classes and other special classes went very well. We started a weekend meditation course. With Gurus blessings and Gods grace all of us are doing well. We pray for all of you. Om Namo Narayanaya. Pranams.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Om Namo Narayanaya. With the blessings of the Masters we started September with the Celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi. The Priest performed Ganapati Homam, fire ritual, at 5:00am. Some students attended the program with staffs and Karma yogis. On the same day, we started two Beginners’ course, one at 10:00am and the other at 6:30pm. We also started a “Foundation to Meditation” course. On Sept 8th, Swami Sivananda’s birthday was celebrated by chanting Guru bhajans, Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya, and 108 Names of the Master. Nagaraj ji chanted the Names and read message from Swamiji’s book. Binoy and Sreevidya went to home for a month holiday. We conducted the Sunday Satsang as usual, which was motivating and energizing for all of us. With the grace of the Gurus everything is going well at the Centre.

Around the middle of September we started a beginners’ course at 6:30 am. We completed the 2 weekend Intensive Yoga-1. The ‘Foundation of Meditation” course continued. With the grace of the Gurus all the schedules at the Centre continued going well. We conducted the usual Satsangs to maintain the Centre’s energy and to uplift our spirits. With the Grace of the Masters everything is going well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. Staff arrived inspired and recharged from the Retreat house in Reith to prepare the reopening of the Centre which had a good start after the summer. Everyone was glad about the Centre being back to the full schedule. Satsangs and the outside classes at the United Nations Organization as well as the pensioners’ class which is held in cooperation with the City of Geneva which resumed with good groups of students. A highlight was the participation at the Yoga & Art festival with a free class on a Sunday morning with 28 students. Some of our teachers supported and participated in the event and brochures and postcards were actively distributed. It was nice to see the Geneva Yoga community practicing and celebrating Yoga. On the weekends we also had a TTC information with students ready to take the course and a workshop about Thought Control. On a Saturday we had a successful open day with half of the students signing up for beginners’ courses and four of them staying on for the TTC-information. The celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi and of Masters birthday with a Pujas brought many teachers as well as new students to the Centre. They came with beautiful flowers and Prasad and the altar is radiant and full of Prana. The renovation of the office was completed with new lights and a new printer being installed. A new teacher started to assist with teaching after taking the ATTC in Orleans in summer. Staff are focussing on the preparations for the upcoming special program and we are looking forward to welcome our guests. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September we celebrated Swami Sivananda’s birthday with a wonderful Puja with all staff and residents helping to set up and attending. Ganga went to China for TTC. We had workshops in Anatomy and Headstand, taught by Swami Pranavananda. We started a Yoga One course, with Sundaram. Narayani finished her Yoga Two course and then left for Dalat to help the Centre there. We continued to train the staff and outside teachers everyday with a one-hour workshop on how to teach asanas in English. With the Guru’s Grace, the Centre was running well with many students.

Around the middle of September we finished several courses (Y1 by Balarama, Y3 by Ganga and Sundaram, M2 by Swami Pranavananda, and Y2 by Hamsa) plus, started a meditation course with five students.  One Sunday we had a Nutrition Workshop, taught by TTC graduate Narayan (Nguyen Dinh Tu). We welcomed a new resident, Jonathan, from Hong Kong. He has practiced meditation for years, and now is very happy to learn how to do asanas and pranayama. Daya came from the Dalat Centre for one week to complete her six-month commitment as staff. We are all so happy and inspired by the Blessing of the Master and Guru. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September the TTC students had an auspicious first week of their course with devotional ceremonies celebrating Ganesha Chaturthi and the birthday of Swami Sivananda. Swami Kailasananda was with us for the first days of the course, inspiring staff and students with beautiful Satsangs, a meditative asana class and one of the main lectures. The construction company finalized the last details of the renovations which have resulted in beautifully crisp and clean changing rooms and entrance to the asana halls. The entrance stands out as a true Homage to the teachings of the Masters. Students and staff were eagerly anticipating the opening of the new space. Swami Keshavananda has been of much support assembling the new furniture and coordinating the renovations, as well as giving a well attended and much appreciated special program on Hatha Yoga in the Centre. We were happy to welcome Dr Nandakumar, director of the Indian cultural Centre Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for a weekend. He gave an inspiring talk on Ganesha, the first God and remover of Obstacles.

Around the middle of September the Centre was buzzing with activities with the second week of the TTC, running parallel to the regular Centre schedule. The program “Healthy Living with Ayurveda” with Dr Kulkarni included five inspiring evening lectures and an Ayurveda cooking workshop. Many students took the opportunity to get advice on their diet during personal consultations. We welcomed Padma, senior physiotherapist and Sivananda trained teacher, for a much appreciated evening program on anatomy in relation to the yoga practice. One Sunday evening Satsang featured the video “In the Name of Peace”. Many regular Centre students had never seen moving images of Swami Vishnudevananda and commented being very uplifted having discovered more about the life and teachings of Swamiji. Om Namah Sivaya.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya! In early September open classes carried on. The new Beginners’ class was developing well. Yoga 2 course concluded, with students feeling ready for open class, with sights on Yoga 3. Students and staff participated in Ganesha Puja followed by submersion of Ganeshas into Mother ocean. This was a purifying and elevating time for all. Staff was very glad to welcome Hamsa Chaitanya-ji back. We offered a Guru Puja and celebration of long-time Karma Yogi, Parameshwari’s birthday.

Around the middle of September we talked about meditation during Sunday Satsangs, learning about the nature of the mind and how to be detached during meditation. The Center prepared for Navaratri, by teaching Devi chants to new students Wednesday evenings. As usual, the community helped with Puja preparations and gathering Puja items. Staff polished all the murtis and plan to decorate for the festival. Staff Mirabai cleaned up the garden and now started a vegetable section at the staff residence. May Grace of the Guru continue to shelter and guide us. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The start of season brought many new visitors with well visited trial classes and many enrolments for beginners ‘courses.  We celebrated Swami Sivananda´s anniversary with a Puja led by South Indian priest Yagneshwara Dixit The energy of the whole Centre was uplifted. Many teachers came also to great Swami Dayananda and Chandra as they returned from TTC Aluenda. They offered an inspiring yoga class and Satsang with the topic “Yoga and Christianism”. The new TTC Aluenda graduates are coming regularly to the Centre and assisting in the normal classes. Students are very open to the teachings and we are happy to see many new faces and volunteers in this beginning of season. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September the Vinayaka Chathurathi was celebrated in Centre. We started a new Yoga Beginners’ course on Tuesdays at 6.30 Pm. On Gurus Day, Sat Guru Swami Sivanandas 129th Birthday was celebrated on 8th September with Madurai Centre students. Suresh ji, owner of Sarvana Hotel, offered 5 kg of sweets for all students as Prasad after Puja. Since people were busy with Ganesh Chathurthi festival outside of the Centre, there were less attendance in the ladies classes. Hiran reurned after a three week leave. We also welcomed Rudra from Neyyar Dam who will be with us for a few months. Sunil left for home and Onam. Everything else is fine and good in Centre, including staff.

Around the middle of September we started a new Yoga Beginners’ course in the morning 6 am. Vignesh joined staff for short time. One Saturday a special cleaning Karma Yoga was done by all staff. Sunday Satsang went well with few guests joining from outside. Everything was fine at the Centre, with gurus and gods grace. Pranams to one and all from Madurai Centre. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi!!

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya! In early September we started the week with Ganesha Chaturthi celebration. Some students and teachers came and participated in the Pooja, directed by Kanti Devi. We began two Yoga Beginners’ courses with a good turnout of students. On the same day we celebrated Swami Sivananda’s birthday. Kanti Devi prepared a delicious Prasad for the Master. Despite the weather instability, we received a good number of students in regular classes which we offer daily.

Mid September the Beginners Courses continued with lots of energy and good predisposition of the students to learn. We started many changes. Yamuna came from Buenos Aires Centre for a long time to help with classes and reception. She helped with karma yoga with much enthusiasm. We finished the rest of the Beginners’ courses. Chandra came back from Aluenda, Spain TTC. Lalita went to Chile for one month and a half. We had an Ordinary General Assembly one Thursday afternoon, where we presented our economic state and a report for fiscal commission. Chandra led the presentation and some teachers and students participated. The rest of the class continued normally. Thanks to God and Gurus, everything resulted perfectly. Om Shanti!!

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montreal Centre! With the sun shining and days still warm, early September was wonderful in Montreal! Yoga 1 & 2 intensive on Tuesdays and Thursdays started with 6 eager students. Swami Shivabhaktananda came to the Centre along with Manju (the priest) and Ashram staff to celebrate Master Sivananda’s birthday. The Puja was beautiful with lively chanting from the over 62 students in attendance. Kids classes started on Sundays, with 6 old timers returning with excitement and enthusiasm. It was one of the quietest kids classes at the Centre! Gita returned from the Ashram, having graduated from ATTC. The students and teachers were surprised and happy to see her. Open classes continue to be full, with many students buying the 1/2 price membership and renewing their yearly passes. We continued the free class at the park till the end of the month, as the weather appears to be good till then. The bright yellow walls of the Centre continued to intrigue passers by and grab attention. With many of the old teachers returning from their summer vacations and new teachers joining us, the Centre is full of life.

Around the middle of September we remained enjoying beautiful and warm weather in Montreal. The students were happy to walk or bike to the yoga classes. The Centre was full of life with many of the old students renewing their member card, which is half price for the month of September. We also have many new students becoming members and are very happy with the classes. We welcomed Trijana from Japan, staff at the Yoga Camp here to spend a week with us. She is a great karma yogi. She is been a great support for a deep cleaning at the Centre. We had Satsang, with Narayani who gave a nice talk about ”Spiritual Progress”.  We introduced a yoga class in Spanish for the Hispanic group in Montreal. We had a joyful kid’s yoga class with 5 old timers and 3 new kids. Each week with close with our uplifting Sunday prayers with Uma from the Yoga Camp who gave us a nice Satsang and talk about ”Yoga in my Life”. The students were very happy to hear her experiences with Swami Vishnudevananda. We are ever grateful for Master and Swamiji’s grace. Pranams to all!

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. Mid-September we started a new open course with the title “Yoga for Body, Mind and Soul”. The course will be every Friday from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. Its emphasis is on an integral yoga experience and it combines a short theory with detailed asana- and pranayama-training finishing with a meditation part. Another special course of the last weeks was our “Thought Power and Positive Thinking Course”. We also had a cooking-course „Autumn-Kitchen“ and an Open House for newcomers. Our two lunch-time classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 – 1 o´clock started again after a short summer break. We are looking forward to special programs (asanas and Satsangs) with yoga-acharya Swami Sivadasananda on the weekend 8/9 October and with a South-Indian priest (Pujas during Navaratri) from 1 – 11 October. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya! In early September the nation celebrated the Labor Day weekend in which the Centre was closed. We re-opened the Tuesday afternoon and welcomed Chandrika, a returning karma yogi who came from the Ranch to help out for a few weeks while Rukmini is away. We are also glad to have Bhavani back, as well as Girija, who has now joined our staff. On September 7th, Arjuna led the workshop “Asanas: Postures of Stillness and Joy.” There was a group of about 15 practitioners who were able to deepen their practice and explore the effect of the conscious practice of the 12 Sivananda Yoga postures. Arjuna also led Satsang that evening on the topic of “Five Things My Guru Taught Me.” Arjuna shared some of his personal stories about his time with his guru. There were about 40 people. It was very well received. Everyone laughed and enjoyed the night. Saturday September 10th was our Open House. Those new to the Centre got an overview of the Sivananda philosophy, asana practice and meditation, along with a vegetarian lunch. The staff enjoyed the help of karma yogis who welcomed the newcomers. With there being a 10% discount on membership, we welcomed new members as well as those purchasing new class passes.

Around the middle of September the Centre was busy with the start of a new sections of Yoga 1, Yoga 2, Introduction to Meditation, and Positive Thinking courses, in addition to regularly scheduled classes. We were well supported by outside karma yogis and teachers who have been coming to cover the desk, do housekeeping and other daily chores. Krishnapriya, the massage therapist of the Ashram came to join us to lead a special Satsang, sharing her deep knowledge and passion for healthy living and for discovery of the alchemy of flavors in food. She also gave a Basics of LifeFood workshop, where attendees learned techniques, watched demos, tasted the food and learned to make a rich enzyme diet. We also welcomed Srinivasan and Bharata who came to stay overnight as they were joining the NYC-DC Climate ride challenge starting on September 17. All the Staff is well and send their pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. A month of Celebrations. Bhakti was in the air with many visits of Swami Kailasananda, a week visit of the South Indian priest Yagneswara and a special program with the Acharyas. For Krishnajayanti, we had a little Puja during the week and a big Puja on Sunday performed by Yagnesvara and accompanied by the beautiful music of Swami Vairagyananda who happened to be there. During the stay of the priest, he performed a Siva Puja, a Divine Mother’s Puja,  the chanting of the Lalita Sahasrananma and of the Mahisasura Mardini stotra. We had also a little Puja for a staff birthday. This month we had also beautiful Pujas for Ganesha Chaturthi and the Master’s birthday. There was a festive atmosphere with Ganesha’s and the Master’s loving energy accompanying all of us. Swami Kailasananda gave an inspiring 3 day program. Over than 90 people were there for a beautiful  Surrender workshop given by her.  Swamiji gave also an uplifting Satsang on the topic of pranayama. There was also did also  a mantra initiation and a  peaceful and meditative Integral class with 50 students.

The Masters sent two new staffs who are already in tune with the rhythm of the Centre and precious help is coming from everywhere. There  was a yoga for the eyes workshop with a group of 20 motivated people. A Mantra course started as well as a  Positive thinking and Meditation course. The  Ayurveda Acharyas, Mr and Mrs Kulkarni came for a week course. The students appreciated the lectures and the workshops, specially the practical cooking class on the last day. There was a beautiful yellow butterfly flying in the Main Hall during the asana classes. This month we  had two successful Open houses and many new students coming on the regular days and for the trial classes. There was a festive mood with the preparations for the special program with the Acharyas and the storms of people  who visiting the house in the last Open house. On the 22th, we had an uplifting day with the presence of the Acharyas and the beginning of the special program, “the essence of life”.  The Masters sent many cheerful karma yogis to support the Centre with the preparations. Swami Kailasananda gave an inspiring lecture on how to increase our will power and memory. Kailas came from Orleans to give a class on the topic “asanas to increase vitality”. Sri Venu Gopal Goswami gave beautiful and inspiring discourse on how to connect with the soul and the true sense of life. Everyone appreciated the discourse and the music. 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 early September we offered a reduced summer schedule. We had a very nice celebration for Masters Birthday with a new teachers participating, bringing lots of flowers Prasad, fruits and being very grateful for the experience of TTC that changed their lives. The new teachers already started assisting. Sushila went back to London to finish her masters after 2 months serving at the Centre and in Bracciano during the TTC.

Around the middle of September students were getting back to the Centre after the long holidays. We added new early morning classes to our schedule and the students are very happy about it. We focused mainly on advertising the ‘’Weekend Open House’’ which was actually very successful with all the classes full to capacity, some classes we had to used our two rooms. We got many registrations for the upcoming courses. We held the biggest Satsang ever in the Centre. We thank Bhagirati from Montreal who helped us for almost 2 months and left back to Montreal. Pranams to all from Roma. Om Shanti.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. Early September started with a festive Puja for Ganesha Chaturthi. We honored Swami Sivananda with a birthday Puja. Staff visited nearby Muir Woods for a hike to recharge. We had a good turnout for an Open House. Fred Luskin brought a crowd to Sunday evening Satsang to hear about forgiveness. After speaking about the mind “weaving a tale of injustice,” he suggested “Centering into a place where you don’t want anyone else to suffer.” A Yoga 2 course began Sunday mornings.

Around the middle of September the Centre was packed with activities. We offered another very focussed Yantra Painting Workshop one Saturday, in preparation for Pieter Weltevrede’s visit in October. We hosted a classical Indian music concert with Ben Kunin on sarod and Rachel Unterseher on viola – an impressive duo! One Sunday we held a full-day retreat on Finding Balance, with participants from Google and Facebook offices. Karma Yogis bustled behind the scenes to keep it flowing smoothly. We started a Yoga 1 course, with seven students. Jai to the steady energy of the Gurus. Pranams to all from the new San Francisco Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya from Sao Paulo. In early September we had a visit from Swami Shivabhaktananda. He taught a Yoga class one Saturday and Sunday, finishing with a Satsang. One student from Porto Alegre and Sivani from Brasilia stayed in the Centre for some days and helped a lot with karma yoga.

Around the middle of September we finished a Yoga Beginners’ course, with 6 students. We had a kirtan workshop with Mohan Deva, a senior TTC, musician and devotee. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September we were very happy to welcome Sivakami from the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. Sivakami will be joining us as staff for several months. We also welcomed Ramya to continue with us as a resident of the Centre after a very short and successful trial period. On September the 8th we celebrated Master Sivananda’s 129th birthday with a beautiful morning Puja, which was very well attended by long time devotees. We were also blessed to have Swami Swaroopananda and Swami Prema Swaroopananda attend the Puja. We thoroughly enjoyed a teaching by Swamiji who reiterated to us the grand impact of Swami Sivananda’s mission as well as it’s effects on the global scale. We enjoyed hearing Swamiji talk about how the Master was able to influence the shift in humanity’s destiny towards a better and brighter future. We opened a new Meditation course with 18 students and Meditation 2 with 10 students. We also started a new Yoga 1 course with 12 students and a Positive Thinking course with 13. It was peaceful in the Centre, allowing the staff to take extra times to rest, practice and rejuvenate.

Mid September we were very excited to receive the link to the new website. After long and detailed work on its characterization, design & coding, it is now working beautifully and we will soon start to upload content on to it. We held a very successful Urban Hatha Yoga Retreat with Swami Shambhudevananda. 30 people participated and everyone was much elevated by the long and in-depth asana & pranayama practices. Two introduction classes were also held, one for Meditation Course and a second one for Guided Imagery & Positive Thinking. Both classes were well attended. Pranams to all the Sivananda Family from the Tel Aviv Centre.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September we cerebrated Ganesha Chaturti by performing Ganesha Puja, with Swami Sitaramananda and Ananta Chaitanya. They left for China next morning, after completing all programs in Japan. We were so grateful for providing us spiritual guidance and inspiration. A new YOGA 1 course by Sivakami Masako, a long-term teacher at Tokyo Centre, started on Saturdays, with 10 students. The following day, we had a trial class with 8 students attending.

Around the middle of September we started a new YOGA 1 course with 9 students enrolling. The teacher for this course is Bhakti, an outside teacher at present, who will be moving in as a resident member of staff for 3 months from the end of this month. Swami Cetanananda, from Kyoto, gave a 3-day lecture on the Bhagavad Gita from the 17th to 19th, a Japanese national holiday. The topic for the lecture was “Karma Yoga & Jnana yoga”. It was attended by 27 dedicated students on day 1. Chandrika Hiromi who had been working at the mountaintop area of Mt. Fuji throughout the summer returned to the Centre, staying here for a short period of time. She is leaving Japan in early October to support the TTC in Thailand. Om and Prem to all the Sivananda family. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September morning Yoga 1 Beginners’ course started this week. Regular classes continue with good attendance. Staff marked Swami Sivananda’s birthday with a morning Puja and Satsang. Prahlad returned from the Yoga Camp Ashram where he spent the last three months. He led Sunday Satsang, attended by many close students and teachers. We focused on promoting all different Fall 2016 programs at the Centre.

Around the middle of September another Beginners’ Yoga course started. A group of students eager to learn about meditation practice, started the Meditation 1 course.
September always brings young people back to the Centre and so, after the summer break, Yoga for Younger Children started on Saturday mornings, as well as Yoga for Teens. We celebrated Radha’s birthday with meal lovingly prepared by Prahlad and a delicious chocolate cake. We also wished Radha a happy journey to Europe where she will spend one month waiting for her visa in order to be able to return to Canada.
Nikhila visited for few days from Montreal Centre and along with other staff attended wedding of Upasana, a close teacher of the Centre, that was marked by lovely ceremony performed by a priest from one of Toronto Temples. Pranams to all.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. In early September we had conducted a special Ganapathy Homa on the auspicious occasion of Ganesha Chathurthy. We distributed Prasad to the students. Ladies Beginners’ batch also started on the same day. All other classes went well. A special Pooja was conducted to celebrate Swami Sivananda’s birthday. All were in a celebratory mood. People were getting ready to celebrate Onam which is the harvest festival of Kerala. Still people found time to do their regular practice. We, too, celebrated Onam at the Centre. The Staff Members & Karma Yogis arranged a beautiful floral decoration on the floor which is called ‘Pookkalam’ in Malayalam. In the afternoon we had arranged a feast for all the teachers & the staff members. Sri. Nataraj ji & Smt. Kalyaniji also celebrated Onam with us. Around 35 people attended the function. We had also distributed uniforms to the teachers.

Around the middle of September, due to Onam, there were no classes on the 14^th, 15^th, & 16^th. Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pooja was conducted by our regular priest on Fridays. We had also conducted Ganapathy Homa as it was the first day of the new Malayalam month. Satsang were led by Sri. Rajesh. All other classes went well. Pranams to all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

Om Namah Sivaya. We had a good month with autumn coming and temperatures falling. The students came back after their vacation with renewed enthusiasm. In the Centre several higher Yoga courses were resumed, the trial classes on Thursday evenings had increased attendance and we had a very successful Open Day this month. Our regular chanting of the Bhagavadv Gita also started again, which takes place always before our evening Satsangs. We had a pranayama workshop explaining the intimate connection between breath – and thought – control, a cooking class called, “Proteins from Vegetarien Diet”. Also, we had a day-seminar with the title “The Deep Relaxation”. Spiritual highlights of the month were Ganesha Chaturthi, which was celebrated with a Puja and Master’s birthday, also celebrated with a Puja on the 8^th September. Please visit our Sivananda Yoga Centre when you happen to come to Vienna. Om Shanti. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. In September the new beginners courses started well. After summer break we restarted with seniors, pregnant and kids classes. We performed Pujas for Ganesha Chaturthi as well as for the Master`s Swami Sivananda birthday. During the celebrations many kirtans were chanted, and we listened to stories and messages from the Master`s books. Altar was full of prana with different flowers offered by students. We had an Open day with three different introductions into proper diet, into yoga and into meditation. Trial class was devided into two groups: one was given in lithuanian and one in english language as we had some students from Germany and Russia. Teachers who finished TTC in Lithuania recently started to give first classes on their own. Swami Vairagyananda came back from the Ashram In HQ inspired and recharged while Durga Devi left for TTC/ATTC in  Ustka to teach and to serve. Karma Yogis are giving good support to help us to run the Centre. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius