Sivananda World News: The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Om Namah Sivaya! The Berlin Centre is open again. There is a daily yoga class in the interior of the Berlin Centre and, if the weather is fine, an additional hour in the garden on the platform. Courses and meditation evenings are currently paused. The yoga shop is also open again. Please register for all classes. The online program continues, unabated. We wish you inspiring yoga classes and look forward to your visit!

In August the last week of the summer vacation in Berlin and student numbers of the Centre open classes increased a little. The students are slowly getting used to the online booking system that was introduced a few weeks ago. Also the good weather inspired many students to come to our classes on the garden platform. The garden is indeed a blessing in the middle of a the city – for students and Staff as well. Karma Yogis slowly begin again to support the Centre in a reduced way but it is very helpful and appreciated by both sides. Satya came back from Reith recharged and Swami Annapurnananda left for Reith.

Because August’s weather was very good and warm, most of the classes were outside on the platform. Students enjoyed it very much. We did a Puja in the Centre for Ganesha Chaturthy. Due to the Social distancing rules we could only accept 8 people. It was all Centre teachers and we enjoyed the positive atmosphere and we all were grateful of being able to practice and celebrate together. Everybody brought flowers and the altar looked very beautiful. Each Satsang uplifted the energy in the whole Centre. Swami Annapurnananda came back from Reith. We also continued teaching online with students grateful for both. Best wishes for health and peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/berlin

Om Namah Sivaya. While waiting for the go ahead to reopen the South American Sivananda Centres and resume classes as normal, we are continuing yoga classes online. These classes are free, but we need to make a solidarity call to collaborate in the form of a donation or voluntary contribution that allows us to pay the rent, until the activity resumes. Any sum you can contribute will be grateful from the heart. You can contact us for any questions about practicing yoga at home through e-mail: [email protected]
or by calling 11 4804 7813. Continue your practice from your homes. For any queries do not hesitate to contact us. If changes or news arise, we will inform you. We salute you with a fervent desire for peace and health for all. We hope you are all well. Pranams. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/baires

Om Namah Sivaya from Chengdu. We prayed for more students, by Guru’s Grace. We also prayed the whole world will go through this crisis with blessings from Lord Siva and Gurus. May Guru’s Grace bless everyone. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivanandayogachina.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. Due to the unpredictability of the on-going COVID-19 situation nationally and locally we have had to change our opening dates. We request that you contact your local Centres and Ashrams directly for their latest update. We thank each and everyone involved in serving the public during these difficult times. We pray for good health for each soul in the Universe to live physically & mentally well. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. May all live under the grace of Master and Guru. Pranams. All our staffs are Happy & Healthy doing their Sadhanas. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madras

Om Namah Sivaya from the Chicago Centre. We are grateful to the Gurus for continuing to protect and inspire our Sadhana. We wish you awareness of Guru’s Grace. Join us online for courses, studies, Satsangs and yoga classes. Take good care! Om and Prem!

http://www.sivananda.org/chicago

Om Namah Sivaya from the beautiful DaLat Centre. In August, because of COVID-19, we were temporarily closed for two weeks in August. All the classes were taught online and our students enjoyed it. Our Fanpage had class livestream everyday. We opened a Breathing and Meditation class for students to practice every early morning. We did a Pranayama workshop online with 3 students. Satsang and staff Sadhana were strong and maintained the energy. We pray for Guru’s grace and blessings. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org

Om Namah Sivaya to all. Due to the unpredictability of the on-going COVID-19 situation nationally and locally we have had to change our opening dates. We request that you contact your local Centres and Ashrams directly for their latest update. Please stay connected – https://sivananda.org.in/dwarka/ The staff are well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/dwarka

Greetings from Sivananda Nataraja Centre. Due to the unpredictability of the on-going COVID-19 situation nationally and locally we have had to change our opening dates. We request that you contact your local Centres and Ashrams directly for their latest update. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Please stay connected – https://sivananda.org.in/delhi/ The staff are well at the Centre. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/delhi

Om Namah Sivaya. The Geneva Centre reopened with a special schedule of 1-3 open classes per day and adherence to necessary hygiene measures with a maximum of 10 participants per class or course. With best wishes for health and peace. Om Namah Sivaya. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/geneva

Om Namah Sivaya. The Ho Chi Minh Centre is open. In August the student count went down little due to the rainy season in Hochiminh city. Staff kept focus on serving and doing their Sadhana. We sat together to do Japa “Om Namo Narayanaya” one hour every day, praying Peace to the world. More new people joined Satsang, led by Daya Chaitanya, finding inspiration and chanting beautifully. With Guru’s blessing the Centre keeps good energy.

Swami Sitaramananda ji and Priya Chaitanya came for a short visit to meet with close students and teachers and lead a wonderful Satsang. The event was very well attended with 38 people. We had a limit of 30 people in the meditation room, but the close karma yogis agreed to attend the Satsang in the room adjacent and all enjoyed an inspiring lecture in which Swami Sita explained the many different Vedic Sciences such as Jyothisha, Vastu, Ayurveda, Vedanta, etc. She gave the importance of each branch of Vedic Knowledge in our daily lives and for gaining Self Knowledge. Staff member, Mangala, returned after serving the TTC in Dalat, Vietnam for one month. Staff Jagadamba and two residents Soma and Daya attended the Gentle Yoga Teachers Training Course in Dalat as well. We pray for everyone’s health and inspiration to keep practicing and teaching! May the Sivananda family worldwide be safe and continue the wonderful teachings, in all ways possible. Om.

https://sivanandayogavietnam.org/ho-chi-minh-center/

Om Namah Sivaya. The London Centre’s aim is to reopen on the 1st of September 2020. In the mean time, we continued to offer classes and Satsangs online.
https://sivanandalondon.org/class-schedule/
We will be updating our calendar with a new schedule of classes shortly. You can reserve your online yoga class via the MindBody app. For more information, please call us on +44 (0) 208 780 0160 or if would like to receive our daily newsletter. With best wishes for health and inner peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/london

Om Namo Narayanaya. In August our days were tuned to the online TTC course at the Yoga Farm. Swami Sivasankariananda taught chanting and two of the TTC afternoon asana classes per week (with Radha Chaitanya demonstrating), as well as, mentoring two TTC students. Most of the TTC students joined our morning Satsangs online, enjoying the chanting and the connection. A new Ayurveda connection, Sarah Otto-Combs, offered a talk on toxins in the body, titled “Why Am I So Tired?” With contagious enthusiasm, she made compelling arguments regarding self-care and eating organic foods. Two 10-years-olds joined our Art of Processing Emotions workshops, skillfully managing to depict even conflicting feelings in a harmonious manner. We started a new Yoga 1 and 2 course. We participated in the Asia Taste of TTC weekend, offering a Satsang on Bhakti Yoga. Our days and our hearts are full. (Number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County has risen to 214,197.)

We celebrated a joyful Ganesha Chaturthi with an online Puja attended by students, teachers and some of the online TTC group. Ayurveda expert and SYHET instructor Mahavidya (Mary Thompson) gave an extremely thorough presentation on Self Abhyanga online. No detail of the practice (or the towel and pipe maintenance) was left out! Students left ready to begin! Art of Processing Emotions afternoon workshops continued to bring deeper emotions to light and, with their expression, a healing process we were honored to witness. As August came to a close a Meditation 1 Course started and another 5-week Indian Classical Music series with Hasu Patel ended. The Instagram Pranayama Challenge was in its sixth 30 days. Sivadas was cleared by his eye surgeon to take TTC in October. Number of Covid-19 cases in Los Angeles County has risen to 233,777, thankfully the new cases are slowing. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/la

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! The Madrid Centre is open. We would like to thank all the support and solidarity received. It has been an unforgettable few months and soon we will be able to welcome you to what is more than ever, your home. The capacity of the room is limited to 15 people and you must book in advance. Check here our sanitary measures and protocols for responsible practice. Online classes will continue to be open and free throughout the summer. We are waiting for you from September 7 2020, if conditions permit, to enjoy face-to-face classes in our open spaces. With our best wishes for health and peace. We were grateful to Master and Swamiji for inspiring so many souls on their path. Pranams to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/madrid

Om Namah Sivaya to all. Due to the unpredictability of the on-going COVID-19 situation nationally and locally we have had to change our opening dates. We request that you contact your local Centres and Ashrams directly for their latest update. Free online Yoga classes, courses and programs are available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boost your immune system by practicing all paths of Yoga to feel healthier and stronger in both body and mind. We thank our Masters for all blessings and support bestowed. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/madurai

Om Namah Sivaya from the Montevideo Centre. The Montevideo Centre is open. Early August was exceptional – very hot (25 C), with morning fogs and then the sun shining at noon. Face-to-face classes continued and student attendance improved. Online programs continued with students from different parts of America. Satsangs were offered in Spanish with Portuguese translation. Kanti Devi shared the experiences of Swami Sivananda through his autobiography. It was very clear to see how Gurudev had to face different complex situations at the human and institutional level. His loving teaching is always focused on practice and why we are here. He pointed also the constant remembrance of God. Lalita, from Chile, taught the normal class and then a special class for beginners. Then we shared lunch that Kanti Devi prepared – delicious spinach “empanadas”. Satsang became very well received by having the visit of our brothers and sisters from Canada. Lalita Chaitanya from Montreal Centre, led one. She presented the subject through her experience in a very sweet and fresh manner, giving us the essence of Karma Yoga and the practical inspiration to carry it out. We already spread the new TTC online in Spanish that we will carry out with Madrid Sivananda Centre.

We continued with our classes at the Centre. Satsangs and spiritual celebrations we do online. We had a very nice Puja for Ganesha Chaturthi via Zoom. More than 120 people participated and everyone prepared at home delicious Prasad for Ganesha. Saraswati from Toronto was invited to lead Satsang. It was very beautiful to see and listen to her. Her talk was very practical and inspiring. The Toronto enter was very nice too. We translated into Spanish and Portuguese. We continued advertising for our next Spanish TTC Online. It will start in October. Regular programs continued at the Centre and online supported by the grace of the Masters. We prayed intensely for peace and harmony in this world. May the Grace of Gurudev and Swamiji be upon us all. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montevideo

Om Namah Sivaya and Greetings from the Montreal Centre! The Montreal Centre is open. Please RESERVE YOUR PLACE for each class.
· Pre-register for all classes, email us at [email protected] to reserve your spot.
· Only 15 spaces available per class.
· Drop-ins might be refused due to limited space.
Visit https://sivanandacanada.org/montreal/covid-19-regulations/ for more information. Pranams to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/montreal

Om Namah Sivaya. The Munich Centre is open again. We look forward to welcoming you personally during this very nice summer weather.

During August the student numbers slowly increased since our re-opening. Our “big” day was when we had two well attended Drop-In Classes and an evening Satsang with 10 participants. Because of the current social distancing regulations our yoga hall looked already well filled. We also taught an additional online class – an advanced class. We had a short visit from Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda who came for a couple of hours from the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House in Reith/Tyrol to Munich. We discussed a number of practical questions concerning the running of the Centre and received much guidance and inspiration. Swami Vasudevananda started a new round of the online course “Discover the Secrets of the Mind.” Maste’s book “Thought Power” was introduced. We performed the first public Puja on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi. Many student came bringing with them lots of beautiful flowers. The altar looked most wonderful after the Puja! We had the first Open House since the reopening of the Centre. It was quite small but the people who came were sincerely interested, either in Beginners’ Yoga courses or in taking the TTC. At the moment we teach two advanced courses and one beginners course, apart from the drop-in classes, which all booked very well and brought new energy and upliftment to the Centre. All are very grateful to stay connected to the teachings of the Masters. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/munich

Om Namah Sivaya from Manhattan. The Centre remains closed as we wait for the government directives to restart operations. We continued to teach classes and courses in conjunction with the Ranch and Chicago. We send our blessings for all to stay healthy, positive and strong in Sadhana! Join us online for courses, studies, Satsangs and yoga classes. May Gurudev’s blessings continue to light our path. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/ny

Om Namah Sivaya. With the Blessings of the Masters, the Paris’ Centre opened, then closed. The Centre looked very bright with more light coming from the new transparent panels on the roof. The workers finished the first part of the renovations in one day. A second team continued to work through August, therefore the Centre closed for two weeks. The online classes and the Om Namo Narayanaya chanting continued daily from Orleans and from Paris. Swami Nityananda went to Orleans. Vyasa and a couple of karma yogis took care of the Centre.

God gave us an active August with the reopening of the Centre. The plants went back to their places, the pictures back on the walls and the furniture back to the reception area.  It was a cheerful week with two extra courses every morning. The staff enjoyed teaching and welcoming the students in the reception. Omkari (Annie assisted the Yoga 1), Radha who came from Orleans was of good support for the Centre for few days. Sundari and Nadapriya from Spain were also of great support. Sivakami went away for some time or maybe for ever. We chanted The Om Tryambhakam for Sivakami’s safe journey. We will miss her.
The Centre received a new teacher. Parvati gave an open class. Both, the students and the teacher enjoyed the class. For the public evening Satsangs we had many kirtans and an inspiring words from Master Sivananda. We continued to read the Srimat Bhagavatan in the morning Satsangs. The staff had a couple of inspiring online Satsangs with Reith in the evenings. We had a beautiful Celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi with an uplifting Puja.
There were big Demonstrations in the streets of the ‘gillets jaunes’ and the soccer supporters. The police and the people were wearing masks. Some students expressed their fear of going out regarding the COVID. As usual, many French students register for the fire of yoga. The Centre has been like an oasis during the heat wave and the agitation in the world. May Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda continue to guide and to inspire all of us. With all our wishes for health and peace. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/paris

Greetings from Porto Alegre. In August we continued teaching online classes as the Centre was still closed. We recommend that you keep your personal practice, the practice of Yoga is an excellent ally to go through this period, where we need even more to keep the mind calm and the heart calm. Eat well, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep to keep your immunity strong. Any questions you have regarding the practices please contact us via email. Any changes will be communicated immediately via e-mail. We remain united! Wishing to all of you health and peace. May all live under Master’s and Guru’s grace. Om Shanti. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/portoalegre

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves. The Roma Centre is open, offering a space of peace for your yoga practice. We are happy to give you the opportunity to participate in the lessons, both live at the Roma Centre and online. There is a maximum of 9 people per class at the Centre. Make a reservation first. We ask you to send an email to [email protected] Important: book each lesson separately for each activity. You will receive the link corresponding to that activity. To book, write to: [email protected] with your name, telephone number and e-mail address.

The third week of the TTC Italy unfolded smoothly. A highlight was the joyful celebration of Krishna Jayanti with Puja, kirtan meditation, stories and Prasad. TTC’s and the yoga vacation group loved the kirtan as we are having wonderful Satsangs with lots of chanting. We had a yoga vacation program with a small group of keen students, some new to yoga. It was a very transformative and positive experience for those new students. Mahadev from Rimini gave a nice introduction to Ayurveda to the yoga vacation students. Share the new rules of behavior, be well and safe together. Sending Love and prana to all of you. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/rome

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. The San Francisco Sivananda Centre is permanently closed. Please visit the Yoga Farm Ashram and Los Angeles Centre for a list of online classes and courses.

http://www.sivananda.org/sanfrancisco

Om Namah Sivaya. Om Shanti Shanti to all the Sivananda family.
Centro Internacional Sivananda de Yoga e Vedanta Sao Paulo is temporarily closed. Om.

https://www.sivananda.org/saopaulo

Om Namah Sivaya. The Tel Aviv Centre was open briefly, but now closed. Meanwhile, in August the staff opened a new Thought Power course and the advanced Pranayama and Guided imagery courses ended. We celebrated the Krishna Jayanti in Mata Ashram with a beautiful and devotional Puja. It was the staff first visit to the Ashram in 8 months! The Ashram looked beautiful and we enjoyed spending time in nature, surrounded by the Jerusalem mountains. As all of the Centre’s activities are broadcasted online as well as onsite, we continued to look for ways to improve and upgrade the process and quality. We were blessed to get much support from karma yogis who are professional in the field.
One Sunday evening Satsang was led by Swami Shambhudevananda who read inspiring words on Japa from Sivananda’s daily reading. Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga 1, Kids yoga teacher training and Bhagavad Gita courses all finished. All the ongoing courses and classes were going very well and we were planning to open more courses in the upcoming weeks. We celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi with a beautiful Puja and felt strongly the energy of the Lord. On Sunday evening Swami Shambhudevananda led the Satsang and talked on the topic of Health. May the Master’s grace be with all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/telaviv

Om Namah Sivaya. The Tokyo Centre is open as well as Online. At the beginning of August we started a 20-day Pranayama Challenge, joined by 11 students. It has been going well so far, in which the students enjoy recharging Prana at a serene peaceful hour in the early morning. Mirabai gave a Sun Salutation workshop, with Sivakami as an assistant. The program was joined by TTC graduates too as a student to check the movements and positions in detail, turning into a good opportunity to review and learn the meanings or efficacy of it. The discourse on Non-Violence Communication for 3 weekly sessions, by Sonomi, a Japanese female who lives in India, was completed. Some practical techniques that will lead to Ahimsa were shared with us, by which we expect to be an aid for human relationships with increased tension due to the pandemic. We offered a trial class and most of the attendees signed up for our annual membership and joined us for the community as a new member.

We gave briefing sessions on upcoming TTCs, with good number of people attending, and some proceeded to registration right after the sessions. Pawan Mukta workshop by Yashashvin focused on subtle change of energy in movements of joints, etc. New Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 courses started, teaching a class online and at the Centre simultaneously. The 20-day Pranayama Challenge program was a success, in which the students enjoyed a new habit, which is to take the time to practice at cool hour in the early morning of the intensely hot summer in Japan. May Master and Swamiji’s grace be with all. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi. Om.

http://www.sivananda.jp

Om Namah Sivaya. In August we started preparing the Centre for reopening mid August by updating our registrations, making floor markers and signs, updating website information and going through all health required health measures. We called some of our teachers and students to let them know personally that we will slowly introduce in-person classes. We continued to teach all classes online as well as Bhagavad Gita and other courses. Mookambika returned from the Yoga Camp Ashram. One Saturday we went for a day trip to the lake. Nalini went to Montreal Centre and Ashram for couple of weeks.

We started teaching open classes at the Toronto Centre on the third week of August while following all health guidelines. Although many students are very cautious to take a class, they still stop by and make sure to express how happy they are that the Centre is open. We even had just newborn baby visit with his parents who are both Centre teachers. We continue to teach our online classes as well as we have a steady group of students who are happy to continue this way. Our teacher Maheswari started new Bhagavad Gita course with the group of students who have been studying with her throughout the summer. We have several new special workshops and courses prepared for September. The Staff continued with their regular Sadhana and karma yoga and were very disciplined with their schedule. We send Om Namo Narayanaya to everyone. Pranams. Love to all. Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/toronto

Om Namah Sivaya. Due to the unpredictability of the on-going COVID-19 situation nationally and locally we have had to change our opening dates. We request that you contact your local Centres and Ashrams directly for their latest update.Join us through online classes, courses and programs online. Sending Prem and Om to all from our family of guests and staffs. Our thoughts are with you all and we pray that you keep well and positive during these challenging times. Keep up your Sadhana and prayer for one and around in the planet. Praying for world health and peace – OM NAMO NARAYANAYA. Please stay connected. [email protected] Om.

http://www.sivananda.org/trivandrum

The Vienna Centre is open. Early August was hot and rather quiet and in spite of new students calling and showing interest. We had the impression that many people are on holiday. Staff spent time to contact students for an upcoming Beginners’ course for which we received a few registrations. One of our close teachers spent a weekend with us and left happy and recharged after participating in the weekly Puja and supporting us with reception and housekeeping. We were grateful for an inspiring Satsang about dynamic Sadhana. We had a meeting with the owner of the house to discuss the upcoming restructuring of the Centre. Some of our teachers and students came back inspired and recharged from a stay at the Retreat house in Reith. Karma yogis helped us with housekeeping and technical support and for the first time since the reopening of the Centre we had a class with all 12 places taken in the hall. We celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi with a joyful celebration and lovely Prasad, being connected online with Yagneswara who beautifully guided us through the Puja. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vienna

Om Namah Sivaya. The Vilnius Centre is open. In August classes, courses, and Satsangs continued as usual. Yoga 3 started with a good amount of motivated students. These days, people were looking for help, particularly interested in meditation. Almost every Satsang had one or two novices, plus we received letters and calls with questions about when meditation or even Vedanta courses will be organized. As TTC in Ustka, Poland has been canceled, the staff Durga Devi stayed at the Centre, so we plan to offer different seminars and courses starting from September. Courses Yoga 1 and Yoga 3, trial classes, open classes, Satsangs continued successfully. We had a very inspiring Satsang on Ganesha Chaturthi day with the special Prasad, many kirtans and stories explaining deep symbolism of Ganesha form. Probably the last week in August was the last blessed week that students could enjoy asana classes with kapalabhati practice on the garden platform. Health and Peace to all. OM.

http://www.sivananda.org/vilnius