Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp, Sivananda Headquarters, Val Morin, Quebec, Canada

Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. This August was a great time to be at the Camp. It still was summer, but the peak of the season had passed and the Ashram was noticeably more peaceful. Still there were many programs going on and, apart from the TTC/ATTC courses, we had many guests coming for yoga vacation. ATTCs finished their first week and started going deeper into the practice and Vedanta. Most of the students got used to waking up early and following the schedule closely, making it is easier to enjoy. Teen Camp had a great time. Not only did they learn many different practical skills they will need later in their life, but they also had a complete experience of karma yoga and team work, rebuilding the Pond Platform and helping Narayani and Mario in the kitchen to prepare a Japanese feast for everyone in the Ashram. The Adapted Sivananda Course finished and students were happy to receive certificates on the night of their graduation and spread the teachings further. We had a Talent Show where everyone: ATTCs, guests, teens and staff, got together to express themselves and share this joyful moment with others. It was very inspiring to see how people always have something new to show, even though the Talent Show is a tradition for quite some time. Dr. Vishnu and the Ayurveda team were still busy with the Panchakarma program in August. The Ayurveda and Yoga Wellness Counselor Course began and students were were enthusiastic to start their training, led by Dr. Sonal Bhatt. August Satsangs were charged with good energy and chanting. There was also a karma yoga evening where we gathered to help around the garden and concluded with beautiful, as always, Sunday prayers Satsang. August was in a festive spirit with many birthdays celebrated. Staff and visitors alike were grateful to be in a wonderful place like this. We do our best to embrace Gurus’ grace and see Swami ji’s vision in everything we do.

Mid August rolled around and so did our mid season – the beginning of a new chapter was lingering in the air, as we are transition towards September. Mid August was a great time to be at the Camp, the weather was just perfect and the atmosphere was peaceful yet vibrant, with many activities taking place. We had a visit from schools from all across the Laurentians. Although we’ve been in touch with schools and students before, this time we had an opportunity to welcome 55 members of the board of directors and introduce them to our teachings and mission in the community, creating a base for future outreach projects. We were grateful to see positive reactions and feedback from them and looked forward to further collaboration. Apart from this event, our guest vacation program was steady with many guests interested in workshops and engaging within the Ashram’s daily life. The August ATTC finished their third week of the course and students were definitely benefiting from the practice, but also accumulating some tiredness from the strong pace after weeks of intense schedule. We celebrated Sri Krishna Jayanti with a beautiful Puja, plenty of prasad and chants until after midnight to honour the birth of Krishna and acknowledge divine love. Saraswati started a new family program – Stress Reduction: A Yogic Toolkit for Parents and Kids. It was encouraging to see families willing to deal with the issues by learning new skills to incorporate into their family dynamics. One Saturday evening we welcomed Ken Whiteley, who presented us with a beautiful concert, that made everyone joyful and full of divine thoughts. New students who came for the TTC Refresher Course introduced themselves and reminded us all of importance of reconnecting with our practice. We wished them a journey through the course filled with joy and curiosity, like it was the first, to discover the teachings and become aware of different aspects of the practice. Along with them, an Ayurveda Nutrition Course started the same day. We were happy to have Dr. Sonal Bhatt sharing this knowledge about healthy diet as one of the main points of yogic lifestyle. Still dispersed around the Camp and working on many projects, the Ashram staff were focused on bringing Sadhana into every aspect and every moment of day-to-day life. Vyasa and the maintenance crew were doing great service with many improvements done throughout the summer. Tireless karma yogis were helping around the Subramanya Temple. The guest program staff and reception were putting great effort to take care of the visitors. The kitchen staff were making sure everyone’s stomaches were full. The gardens were maintained, keeping them as magical as always. Hanuman kept the pool open. Office and translation staff gave background support and our senior staff gave everyone inspiration, guidance and kept it all going. It was really a blessing to be on this journey together as a community. May the Grace of Master and Swamiji bless us all!a

Sivananda Dhanwanthari Ashram, Neyyar Dam, Kerala, India

Namah Sivaya to all. All went well at the Dhanwanthari Ashram in August. We continued to experience bouts of monsoon, then mixed with warm weather. We welcomed both new Yoga Vacationers and 28 Sadhana Mandalam aspirants. Swami Janardanananda arrived early for Sadhana Mandalam. Both this and the new Yoga Vacation cycle were given an auspicious start with a beautiful Ganapati Homa. Sadhana Mandalam aspirants immediately fell into their routine of early morning pranayama practice, asana and theory classes and chanting in the Raja Rajeshwari Temple. Here they added great energy to the evening chanting of the Bhagavad Gita and Lalita Sahasranama. The new Yoga Vacationers began settling well into their schedule. Overall, the staff were in good spirits while working on their Sadhana.

Mid August was a time of Bhakti with a visit from Swami Saradananda of the Chinmaya International Foundation, Ernakulam District. In preparation for Krishna Jayanthi celebrations, he gave inspiring talks to Sadhana Mandalam, YV guests and staff on Sreemad Bhagavatam encouraging us to remember all the demons Sri Krishna destroyed are representations of all our negative traits and that Krishna is our own highest Self. He also gave a Satsang for the paid staff before they went home for the day and he finished his day by conducting a Lalitha Sahasranama Puja with a beautiful Yantra and the central lamp dressed as the Divine Mother all with the help of some students who accompanied him. The month’s highlight was of course Krishna Jayanthi. Voluntary staff, paid staff and students took turns chanting Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya all through the day. Paid staff and students were busy several hours in the afternoon making lots of prasad. The priests arrived in the afternoon to prepare the Yantra and pots for the Abhishekam at the Krishna Temple. By 8 pm everyone was at the Krishna Temple for Satsang with lots of joyful kirtan and mantra chanting and the story of Sri Krishna’s birth, ending with the distribution of all the prasad shortly after midnight. The next morning the priests continued their work by conducting anniversary Pujas with Abhishekam for all the shrines in the Ashram and by the lakeside, culminating with the main Abhishekam re-energizing of the Raja Rajeshwari Temple. Following this ceremony, more flower malas appeared for a surprise renewal of vows between Kalyani and Nataraj on the occasion of their 10th wedding anniversary. This was also celebrated with a big cake at lunchtime for everybody. The monthly free Ayurveda medical camp was held. We were happy to welcome Arathy back from her visit to home in Thailand. Needless to say, with so much devotion around, staff, guests and students were all doing well with the Grace of Master and Swamiji. The staff spirits were high as they progressed in their Sadhana. Om.

Sivananda Ashram, Netala, Uttarkashi, Himalayas, North India

Om Namo Narayanaya – Greetings from Uttar Kashi. May Swamiji and Master’s blessings be with all. Om.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Om Namo Narayanaya. Namaste from Madurai. August was spent in a festive mood of ushering in the birthday of Krishna, the most relatable incarnation of Lord Vishnu who literally lived the teachings of Bhagavad Gita. A staff karma yoga day cleaned the Temple and its surrounding areas in preparation for the night long festivities. Also staffs took an upper hand in the preparation of prasad, especially with Poha (flattened rice) believed to be a favourite of the Lord Krishna. The evening Satsang at the Temple was vibrant with energetic chanting and playing of musical instruments, complete with dancing and festivities. The Krishna Jayanthi celebrations culminated with a special Puja at 12 o’clock marking the birth of baby Krishna. Sending Prem and Om to all from our family of Guests, Students and Staff. With Master and Swamiji’s grace, we were very happy and grateful. Namaste. Om.

We would like to share a beautiful video about the Madurai Ashram which was recently completed. Please link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Rw6ZuvYJQ

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch Colony, Woodburne, NY, USA

In August we welcomed Swami Hridyananda from Bahamas who led inspiring Satsangs and workshops on the subjects of meditation, silence and how to Lead a Divine Life: Teachings from Swami Sivananda. Through workshops and Satsangs, participants explored how spiritual practices can inspire their life for quick and effective physical, mental, moral and spiritual evolution. A Beginners’ immersion week was led by Bhargavi introducing the 12 basic Sivananda asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques. This course instilled the discipline to create a home practice, improve flexibility and foster a greater ability to cope with stress and find inner happiness. We were happy to welcome Shi Fu, a nun from Taiwan. Shi fu completed the TTC in India with Swami Paramananda last year. She stayed at the Ranch Ashram to experience more of the Sivananda way of life, offering tea ceremonies for the staff throughout her stay. The TTC continued their study and practice and started chanting during the Satsangs.

Around mid August our Ashram priest, Sankara Ji, led a Homa at our Vana Durga Temple honoring Vishnu and Durga. Prayers were made to Divine Mother for blessings in the success of the TTC’s spiritual journey and completion of the course. For that evening’s Satsang a bonfire was made and bhajans were sung by TTC students and staff, including songs in many different languages. Vegan s’mores, popcorn and hot chocolate were served to the delight of all who attended. The night was wrapped up with Aarti at the Siva Temple underneath a night sky full of stars. We celebrated a festive and spirited Krishna Jayanti. The staff was busy throughout the day preparing prasad and decorating the Krishna Temple. Come the evening we celebrated Lord Krishna’s birthday with chanting and presenting a play, performed by our very talented TTC students and staff. Guests, staff, and students explored the practices of Bhakti Yoga, the path of love, and experienced its power to uplift hearts, minds, and spirits. Neeti, a long time staff member from our New York City Centre came and led a workshop on preparing prasad and Indian sweets. Guests were taken on a journey in the kitchen, learning the guidelines for preparing prasad for the cultivation of devotion and celebration. Om.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, California, USA

Om Namah Sivaya. In August we are very blessed to welcome back Swami Vasishtanandaji to the Ashram from his programs in Colombia. Hamsa Chaitanya taught the Positive Thinking course, with students learning about the power of thought and how to transform negative thoughts to positive in practice with the 4 Paths of Yoga. We wished Swami Adiparashaktiananda and Hamsa Chaitanya a wonderful journey as they join Swami Sitaramananda and staff on a Yatra to Uttarkashi and Gangotri. MahaLakshmi Chaitanya and Jagadamba began the 7-day Food as Medicine Certificate course, with daily lectures on Ayurveda and Health and daily hands-on cooking workshops, combined with daily asana practice and Satsang. The group was very inspired by the knowledge and practice in the beautiful healing environment of the Yoga Farm. Staff and karma yogis were doing well. WE give thanks to all staff and karma yogis for their hard work trimming the lavender flowers from the 1,700 lavender plants, as we prepare to make essential oil.

Around mid August Swami Vasishtanandaji led the beautiful Bhakti Yoga Retreat with daily teachings on Bhakti Yoga, including several Satsang talks. The students were very moved by Swamiji’s teachings and vast knowledge, bringing great joy to all. The week culminated with the Krishna Jayanthi celebration at the Krishna Temple, with devotees preparing many prasads to offer to Krishna, inspired kirtan chanting, a beautiful Puja and a reading by Swami Vasishtananda about Krishna’s life. Meanwhile, the 10-day Juice Fast with Manu Dawson carried on, with the juicers enjoying the daily gentle Yoga classes, daily talks with Manu, Satsangs and the healing energy of the Ashram. We thanked Dale Borglum for his weekend program on “Yoga and Deep Healing for Critical Illness”, sharing Yoga teachings as applied to end-of-life transition and how our Yoga practice is preparation to overcome fear and attachment at the end of life. We all feel the blessings of Master and Swamiji. Om.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Nassau, Bahamas

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In August we had the honour of hosting Swami Ishwarananda, who joined us from the Chinmaya Mission, to share teachings on practical Vedanta in a program entitled The Practical Message of the Upanishads. During these Satsangs, he spoke about ways to apply the deep teachings of Vedanta in a meaningful way throughout daily life. We also welcomed Dr. Rubin Naiman, who comes regularly to the Ashram to present lectures about sleep and dreams. Throughout this three-day program, Dr. Naiman offered introductory Satsangs, as well as workshops that allowed for a deeper exploration of this relevant topic. Carrie Grossman joined us and performed the first concert of the program Infinite Heart: The Path of Love. Her program continued into the following week. We heard from many staff members throughout the morning Satsangs. Jnaneshwari Chaitanya spoke about meditation. In order to answer the question “What does Swami Sivananda Teach?” Rukmini Chaitanya led an exploration into the life and teachings of Swami Sivananda through the lens of one of his close disciples. During a beautiful silent walk, Satsang attendees heard from Krishna Chaitanya about Swami Sivananda’s autobiographical-yet-instructive article How God Came Into My Life. Parvati Chaitanya began a program entitled The Lives of Saints: Touching Divinity. Workshop participants discovered ways to look at stressful situations as opportunities for growth, as well as how to reduce the stress response in the workshop series Yogic Tools for Stress Management. This series was taught by Pranava Chaitanya. New karma yogis and vacationers learned about Swami Vishnudevananda’s Five Points of Yoga from Iswara Chaitanya in the course Essentials of Yoga I. As they were establishing their foundations in the practice, the new karma yogis also began to establish their foundations in their respective departments. We wished them all the best as they begin their journey of Self-exploration through service!

Around mid August we celebrated Krishna Jayanti with a beautiful celebration that began at 8:00 in the evening and concluded after midnight. Throughout the evening, we sang chants dedicated to Lord Krishna and learned about his life and teachings through many stories, including watching clips from the beloved Little Krishna films. We would like to thank all of those who dedicated their time and talents to decorating the Temple, preparing offerings for prasad, and facilitating this auspicious event. Several guest presenters joined us to share their knowledge and music. Dr. Dale Buegel introduced the Ashram community to the practice of Samaya Tantra through stories about his time with his guru, as well as practical methods for balancing prana. Musicians Stuart Fuchs, Sarah Carlisle, and Ravi enthralled listeners in a series of uplifting concerts and workshops. They explored musical improvisation as a modality of spirituality, combining complex polyrhythms with the joyful tones of the ukulele and subtle thrumming of the upright bass to support poetic lyrics from several spiritual traditions. Following this immersion in bhakti, Dr. Vidisha Patel introduced the technique of HeartMath as a way to connect with and balance one’s emotions in order to live a more fulfilling and joyful life. Staff members had many teaching opportunities. Parvati Chaitanya taught the Essentials of Positive Thinking weekend course, which equipped participants with tools for empowered thinking. Pranava Chaitanya demonstrated the benefits of the Yogic diet through a series of morning Satsangs. Krishna Chaitanya brought to life the teachings of Swami Sivananda on navigating the spiritual path in How to Stay on the Spiritual Path. Bhargavi taught from Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda in two workshops: Yogic Tools for Overcoming Anger and Yogic Tools for Overcoming Fear. Finally, we bid a fond farewell to Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema Swaroopananda, Swami Hridyananda, Rukmini Chaitanya, Jnaneshwari Chaitanya, Kumari, who will return next season. We also wished safe travels to Swami Brahmananda, who will return to the Bahamas in a couple of weeks. We looked forward to seeing all of them in the Ashram again soon! May all continue to receive the blessings from Master and Swamiji. Om.

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat House, Reith or Mittersill, Tyrol, Austria

Om Namah Sivaya. August TTC ran smoothly with a diverse group of students. Swami Narayanananda and Swami Mangalananda joined us for the month to teach the main lectures and the Bhagavad Gita. Soon the motivated TTC students practiced their teaching skills and had their series of lectures on anatomy. They presented a very nice talent show also. Prema came from Taiwan to teach a further education course and gave valuable hints to take the asanas practice to the next level. The students appreciated Prema’s enthusiasm and great attention to detail. Then we had the seven day program “Yoga Summer Days”: the yoga classes focused on asanas and the fascia, and lectures on the many levels of the mind. We were blessed with a Bhagavata Saptaha program with Sri Venugopal Goswami and musicians which united the guests, the TTCs and the staff in unforgettable evenings filled with chanting, reflection and devotion. Swami Durgananda’s guiding presence throughout this special week was very uplifting and connected us to the blessings of Master and Swamiji. August was very inviting to go on several hikes in the surrounding mountains with the students. Ayurveda Acharyas Anjani and Sanjay Kulkarni from Pune, India, gave two lectures at evening Satsangs, introducing the main principles of Ayurveda. 12 students joined for the Further Education course, Ayurveda and the Heart. We had a special vacation program on concentration, meditation and how to practice at home. The priest, Yagneswara Dixit, was with us this month and performed daily Pujas at the main altar, immediately uplifting the energy. Satsangs were lively. We had readings from several chapters of Bliss Divine, sung the Sunday prayers and practiced tratak. Swami Sivadasananda presented a picture show of Swamijis flight over the Berlin wall, including news clippings and gave us a detailed explanation of these amazing events from first-hand. OM.

Sivananda Ashram Chateau du Yoga, Orleans, France

Om Namah Sivaya. We were blessed to have Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda, as well as Sri Venugopal Goswami and the musicians, as special guests this month, who came to visit for the highlight of the summer, our “Yoga Summer Festival”. They were accompanied by swamis and staff from other Centres also, who came to take part in and support the program. Swami Durgananda gave two most inspiring lectures on “Expanding our Inner Resources” and on “Memories of Swami Vishnudevananda”. Swami Sivadasananda gave several dynamic asana classes, each time focussing on a specific aspect of the practice, classes were highly appreciated by the students. The Bhagavata saptaha was a very joyful event, with high energy, the students participated enthusiastically. The final arati was the highlight with everyone dancing, it felt like a real ras lila!

We celebrated the Hanuman Temple anniversary: Hanuman looked radiant after a special abhishekam, fresh clothes and beautiful garland. The next day we celebrated the main Temple anniversary, the priests performed Pujas to all the shrines of the Temple from 6 to 12 noon, creating a very high atmosphere at the Temple. Then we had a Mahamrityunjaya Homa in the honour of Swami Durgananda’s birthday, followed by her birthday celebration at the Temple. The TTC tis month came to a happy ending with a joyful get-together in the tea-room! Most of the students took Mantra initiation and asked for a spiritual name. For the vacationers this month we offered a thorough introduction into meditation with all the aspects of getting mind-control. Prema gave a very well received certificate course on the topic of “Asanas – the foundations”; many Yoga teachers attended her course, which they highly enjoyed. The “Assumption Retreat” was blessed with very enjoyable weather for the Silent Walks into the wood close by. Then the Sadhana Intensive started with a pilgrimage through the Ashram to the various shrines, led by the priest. We are happy to have a large group of Sadhaks who are dedicated to go deeper into their pranayama. Mahati came mid-month to give a series of lectures and workshops on Ayurveda. She was staying in the Ashram till the end of the TTC to give private consultations. OM.

Sivananda Ashram Dà Lat, Vietnam

Om Namah Sivaya from DaLat Ashram. In August the TTC course concluded with students learning the final lessons in Yoga Philosophy and studying for their exam. We were happy to have 82 teachers graduate from the program. The graduation ceremony was followed by a delicious feast of Vietnamese specialities. Following the graduation we said farewell to the new Sivananda teachers and also many staff who joined us to help out for the course. At the same time as the TTC, the SYHET trainees continued teaching as part of their practicum study.

Around mid August we welcomed a large group of guests for a Beginners’ Yoga course. 19 students joined us for a step by step introduction to the classical Yoga practice. The group included a wide range of age and ability, teaching teams both morning and afternoon gave individual attention to make sure that participants got maximum benefit from their practice. With a break in the stormy weather participants were able to enjoy one outdoor evening Satsang with a bonfire. We welcomed a large group of guests for a weekend retreat with the theme of proper nutrition. TTC graduate Nirmala led workshops and a vegetarian cooking class. Participants left inspired to make positive changes in their lifestyle for the benefit of their health. For the final day of the retreat we were able to take an early morning walk up to the mountainside to watch a beautiful sunrise. Meanwhile on another continent, a Ganapati Homa was held in the Netala Ashram in the Himalayas, India. A Brahmacharya initiation ceremony was performed by Swami Sitaramananda where two Vietnamese staff took Brahmacharya vows and received new names: Daya Chaitanya (Durga from HCM Centre) and Priya Chaitanya (Dharmini from Dalat Ashram). Staff are well and inspired, thankful for Guru’s blessings. Om.

TTC ATTC Reports from other locations worldwide:

TTC Aluenda/ Spain: The course started with 44 inspired students with a good flow of energy. Swami Dayananda and Chandra arrived from South America. It was wonderful for the TTCs to have them as their teachers. We also had a small group of yoga vacationers for the Beginner’s program. Priest Yagneswara and Drs Kulkarni (Ayurveda) arrived. Later in August Swami Sivadasananda was in Aluenda. TTCs, teachers and guests enjoyed the dynamic programs, including the theatre play. The further training programs for teachers continued with Adapted Yoga (Gopala and Nadapriya), Next step in your asanas (Prema Arenas) and Yoga and Fascia (Swami Sivadasananda and Swami Dayananda). We also had a small group of yoga vacation for a program “Yoga and stress relief”. We celebrated a beautiful Krishna Jayanti Puja. Staff are well.

AAC/ATTC Lake Bracciano, Italy – We focused on moving to our temporary summer home near Lake Bracciano, just an hour from the Centre. Swamis Rajeshwarananda and Sankarananda, with the help of Karma Yogis, transformed Agroturismo Borgo Paoloa into an Ashram with the altars being placed in the meditation and asana rooms, pictures of Master and Swamiji in the rooms, kitchen cleaned and stocked with sattvic food, and shoe racks placed by the doors. We have used the location for many years as the site for our annual TTC in August. This year we are also holding an ATTC. We have a new building to accommodate the second set of lectures and asana classes, with walls mostly of glass to allow the sunlight and beautiful views in. Swami Jnaneswariananda arrived from the Yoga Farm on Friday and most students arrived Saturday afternoon. On Sunday we held 2 inauguration ceremonies with all three Swamis initiating 12 ATTC students and 18 TTC students. Most are Italian, but we also have students from France, Switzerland and England. We are happy to have senior teachers Lalitambika and Markandeya to assist with the asana teaching and Mangala to assist with translation, and other new and returning karma yogis. Happily, TTC graduate Anandi and her husband Renato have taken on the task of leading the cooking teams. One of the karma yogis decided take ATTC. We feel Master’s and Swamiji’s energy very strongly as we begin these courses.

The first week of the two courses went very smoothly with staff and students adjusting to their schedules. The classes are small enough for close and individualized teaching yet the morning and evening Satsangs have plenty of energy with everyone together. TTC have started their chanting, Gita, and Philosophy and ATTC have been introduced to Sanskrit, Raja Yoga and Vedanta with daily Anatomy and Physiology thrown in. With the hot weather the swimming pool has become one of the popular hang outs between classes. Karma yogis continue to arrive, spending their vacation time in service of the Masters. The Yoga Vacation program is going well with a few guest, they are enjoying very much their stay. We completed a third week of TTC and ATTC. Lessons on the pairs of opposites were learned as the hot dry weather became cool and wet. TTC continued teaching groups and Anatomy & Physiology classes. ATTC continued steadily with the early morning pranayama practice intensifying and pausing from Vedanta studies to hear the teachings of Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga. We had a beautiful celebration of Krishna Jayanti with a Puja and lots of chanting. Delicious prasads were offered and enjoyed by all. The students were very receptive to the devotional energy and the energy of the courses became calmer and quieter, especially for the TTC. Sixteen students received mantra initiation. Om.